Wanqi Zhao Interior Design Portfolio

SELECTED WORKS 2021-24

INTERIOR DESIGN PORTFOLIO

ABOUT ME

Hello! My name is Wanqi (Ivy) Zhao. I am an interior design student currently studying at Pratt Institute. I am highly creative, detailoriented with a strong for design and bringing ideas to life. I am a quick learner and work well in team-oriented environment. I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to the profession through innovative design projects.

This portfolio includes selected projects that I have completed in the past three years, which demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of interior design. Hope you enjoy it.

Find Me At :

Wanqizhao01@gmail.com (929) 400- 5888

Brooklyn, New York

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49-52

43-48

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27-34

35-42 9-18

01 Urban Dwelling

This two-story residence is designed to meet the needs of a family of four. The open-concept layout, including the living, kitchen, and dining areas, promotes family interaction and fosters a sense of togetherness, while also allowing for individual privacy.

The clients, who hail from Brazil, a country renowned for its natural beauty, sought to bring elements of the outdoors into their home. A central courtyard was integrated and provides ample natural light and ventilation. Maintaining a connection with nature creates a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

The chosen color palette of beige, orange, brown, and green evokes a sense of serenity and reminiscent of a forest, while the use of warm and natural materials such as wood and stone contribute to the classic and elegant ambiance of the residence.

TYPE: Residential Project

LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY

YEAR: 2022

A reading zone has been incorporated into the design, located adjacent to the dining room and equipped with built-in bookshelves.

The dining area is filled with warm, natural materials such as wood and rattan to enhance the interior ambiance. The wall covering is a visual representation of the beauty of the rainforest, imparting a sense of being in nature and contributing to a calming atmosphere.

The central courtyard, with its expansive windows, serves to bring an abundance of natural light into the home and cultivate a peaceful atmosphere. An outdoor seating area is designed, allowing the clients to spend leisure time outside, take in the weather, and get fresh air. The courtyard also serves to visually connect the various spaces within the home, including the kitchen, dining, and living areas.

02 Life On Water

This project explores the evolving relationship between humans and water and how humans can adapt to rising sea levels. This non-land based coastal habitat is an innovative affordable housing solution in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Located in the Florida Keys, a coastal environment prone to flooding, the habitat extends from an existing dock at Mangrove Marina into the waters of Tavernier. It consists of 16 floating housing units, creatively repurposing salvaged rainwater tanks for their construction as a commitment to sustainability and adaptive reuse.

The interior space features a serene palette highlighted by the warmth of integrated wood elements. Embracing simplicity, the design focuses on providing the essentials, allowing residents to infuse their own personality over time. White tones expand the space, complemented by hints of blue reminiscent of the surrounding water and sky, evoking the tranquility of the unique living environment.

TYPE: Residential Project

LOCATION: Tavernier, Florida

YEAR: 2023

Floor Plan

1. Entry

2. Mechanical Room

3. Multipurpose Space

4. Bedroom 1

5. Living Room

6. Bedroom 2

7. Bathroom 1

8. Storage Room

9. Bathroom 2

10. Bedroom 3

11. Dining Room

12. Kitchen

13. Pantry

The floor plan is strategically organized around a central axis, where all social activities – living, dining, and cooking areas –are aligned to foster family interaction. The open layout removes barriers, maintaining visual connectivity and encouraging constant engagement across these shared spaces.

A key feature of the kitchen is the long L-shaped island, which fosters interaction between the kitchen and living areas, making cooking a more inclusive experience.

The dining area is thoughtfully designed with banquet seating that features a cushioned back for comfort and is seamlessly integrated with built-in storage. Additionally, the dining area’s layout is specifically arranged to allow diners to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding waters, thereby enhancing the dining experience with every meal.

The bedroom designs prioritize efficient use of space incorporating floor storage, closets and expansive dressers to ensure ample room for personal belongings. Each layout, from twin and bunk beds to the master queen, is thoughtfully arranged to maximize comfort and functionality within the home’s intimate setting.

Expanding the concept of enhancing family interactions and community bonds, the community design features a main circular dock connecting to the existing infrastructure at Mangrove Marina. This space acts as a communal hub for residents, cultivating a strong and interconnected community.

03 Kidult Cafe

Kidult Café is a family-owned bakery café that doubles as a cozy gathering spot for locals in the heart of Brooklyn, NY.

Kidult Café embraces the spirit of inclusivity, as reflected in their name—a fusion of “kid” and “adult,” symbolizing a space where individuals of all ages are welcome. With a focus on hospitality, the café prioritizes the comfort and experience of its customers above all else. Kidult Café offers a variety of seating options suitable for groups of all sizes, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect spot to relax. In addition, the café provides a selection of board games, providing patrons with an engaging entertainment option while enjoying delicious bakery treats.

In crafting the interior, materials and colors have been carefully selected. Vibrant and playful hues dominate the palette, creating an atmosphere that brings joy to the space, complementing the culinary offerings of the café.

TYPE: Hospitality Project

LOCATION: Brooklyn, New York

YEAR: 2023

1. Entry

2. Cashier

3. Kitchen

4. ADA Restroom

5. Restroom

6. Janitor’s Closet

7. Board Game Room

First Floor Plan

Cellar Plan

Lighting Selections

1) Lightology- Origo Pendant 2) WAC Lighting- Oculux 3.5” Polycarbonate Downlight Round 3) Vakkerlight- Lola Pendant Lamp 4) &Tradition- Flower Pot VP8- Mustard 5) The Future Perfect- Donut by Alex Chay 6) &Tradition- Topan VP6- Vermilion Red Furniture Selections

7) Little Pea Shop- Rainbow Kids Step Stool 8) Here Now- Judy Laptop Table 9) Hightower- Hari Chair- Upholstered- With Arms

10) West Coast Industries- Bolk Dining Table- Square 30x30 11) Here Now- Nave Stool

Finish Selections

1) Clé Pavimenti- Paradiso White Octagon, Charcoal bouchon 2) Mosaic Factory- Terrazzo Wild- Customization 3) Concrete Collaborative- Strands- Alex Proba x Aurora Mix 4) Fireclay Tile- White Wash- 2x8 5) Flutto- Oak Mini Ridge Flexible Wood Panel 6) Cemento- Levanzo Cream Terrazzo 7) Shaw Contract- Scenery 5A255- Outlook 00171 8) Daltile- Diablo Red Square 9) Wilsonart- Asian Sand- 7952K-18 10) Mandarin Stone- Hoxton Peach Gloss Porcelain 11) Backdrop- Turini- Bright Multi 12) Carnegie- Sonota9 13) Carnegie- Sonota8 14) Fireclay Tile- 3x3 Straight Set Sheeted; Grout 360- Bright orange Grout 15) Interface- LVT- Northern Grain- Natural Stain 16) Acoufelt- Solid- Almond- AL55

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The entrance area features a long bench seating along the wall with small side tables attached to the bench to rest food and drinks.

On the opposite side, a tiered seating is designed to immediately captivate attention upon entering the café. Its curved shape naturally guides the flow of movement, directing customers towards the ordering counter.

To further define this area, carpet flooring is used, following the curve of the seating and seamlessly tying the space together.

The large glass window allows customers a clear view into the bakery kitchen and fosters a strong connection between the staff and customers.

The pink and orange hues in the upholstery sconces, along with the colorful curvy wallpaper, create a lively and inviting atmosphere.

upholstery and wall curvy lines of the atmosphere.

Carrying through the playfulness, a vibrant yellow staircase with curved motifs serves as a focal point, guiding customers to the board game space.

04 Green Kitchen

Food has the power to connect people.

Green Kitchen is an adpative reuse project, transforming an old tram depot in Copenhagen into a community center — a place for people to come together and share their love of food. The communal kitchen, fully equipped with modern appliances, is the ultimate destination to expand culinary skills, experiment with new recipes or share old favorites with others. A variety of cooking classes and family workshops are offered on a daily basis.

The interior design features calming white and green elements, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for all. The cafe, library, meeting room, playground suit everyone’s need. Whether someone is looking to cook, eat, study, read, or simply meet new people, this is always a perfect place to go.

TYPE: Community Project

LOCATION: Copenhagen, Denmark

YEAR: 2023

The closed kitchen prevents noises, smell and fumes permeating through the entire community center. This helps maintain a better air quality and create a better experience for everyone.

Having both bar table and regular dining table in the dining area offers great flexibility. People can choose to sit side by side or face to face based on their preference.

The two working counters provide ample space for cooking and food preparation, and can accommodate multiple people at once. The lower counter for kids encourages children to participate in cooking workshops and learn valuable culinary skills.

The study space and library in the Green Kitchen community center offer a peaceful and inspiring environment for people to study and work.

05 Library For Banned Books

This project renovates the existing branch of the Brooklyn Public Library located in East Brooklyn/Cypress Hills. In addition to the existing programs, a collection of banned books and exhibition space have been added. BPL, as the fifth largest public library system in the U.S., supports the freedom to read and aims to provide an opportunity for the community to access banned contents. Books considered as inappropriate or controversial and removed from public libraries are brought back to the community.

The collection focuses on the themes of racial injustice and police brutality towards African Americans in an effort to raise awareness and contribute to the ongoing discussions and movements towards positive change. Adding these books serves as a step towards protecting the rights of the community.

TYPE: Educational Project

LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY

YEAR: 2022

Section A-A

Section B-B

Section C-C

The first exhibition helps people understand what banned book is. They will have a chance to hear from the authors whose books are banned and understand their situations.

Upon entering the banned book collection area, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of why the Brooklyn Public Library supports the freedom to read through the provision of banned books and how it benefits the local community.

The second exhibition focuses on educating the public about police brutality and racial injustice towards African Americans, showcasing specific instances of fatal police violence and sharing the stories of the victims.

Finally, a collection of six selected books, novels based on real-life experiences, is provided. These works have been banned for their anti-police themes.

06 The Cave

The studio environment can be stressful for many students. The atelierbased program is known for bringing students together and encouraging camaraderie, but it requires them to compete against each other which can be detrimental to their development.

In this project, our class collectively designed the Cave, an installation where students can spend time alone and relax. The entrance of the Cave is defined by the use of transparent materials that admit soft and diffused light, while the interior progressively becomes darker and darker. At the end of the Cave, students can escape from the chaos and distractions of the studio, and enjoy a peaceful and nurturing environment for their well-being and creativity.

TYPE: Installation Project

LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY

YEAR: 2021

INT- 202-04 Design Studio

Cardboard connects to each other through joinery techniques. Then, trace paper, vellum paper and insulation paper are inserted into the slots and draped, creating a variety of depth.

INT- 202-04 Design Studio

07 The Unison

The Unison Chair is a wood chair crafted for maximum productivity and use. It is made of 2 wood panels that perform as structural elements and 13 wood strips designed for posture and ergonomics. Complementing the organic form, each of the 13 wood strip maintain a different orientation and rotation for ultimate back support that follows the curvature of the spine. An additional 8 strips at the bottom provide stability. The panels and strips work in unison to provide a functional and comfortable seating experience.

TYPE: Furniture Design

YEAR: 2022

08

Mermaid’s Chair

The “Mermaid’s Chair” is a furniture piece entirely handcrafted in Copenhagen. It is made of a wood veneer shell cut into a sea shell like shape and a metal base, painted white to achieve a clean unified look. The chair’s back features a cut out design adorned with three strings of glass beads transitioning from white to deep ocean blue with a captivating gradient effect. This chair draws inspiration from the tale of the Little Mermaid and the country’s rich maritime heritage, encapsulating the city’s deep connection to the sea.

TYPE: Furniture Design

YEAR: 2023