Sarah Zulfiqar-Portfolio

Sarah Zulfiqar

Interior Design Portfolio Virginia Tech

Hello!

My name is Sarah and I am currently a junior studying interior design at Virginia Tech with a minor in psychology. I have always had a deep appreciation for the little design details in everyday objects and nature. My passion for design stems from a desire to create a space where creativity blends with functionality to form experiences that people cherish.

When I get the chance to take a break from working in studio, I love going on long walks, painting and experimenting in the kitchen!

sarahzulfiqar@vt.edu

@creationsbysarahz

Sarah Zulfiqar

CONTENTS

01

SQUARE

Coworking Space

04-11

02

Revive

IDEC Competition

12-15

03

04

05

Kanwal

YMCA

Other

Retail Design

Commercial Remodel

Artistic works

16-21

22-25

26-29

Co-Working Office 410 S Jefferson Roanoke, VA 2023

Individual

Revit

Photoshop

Brand+ Prompt This project’s aim was to identify an existing problem in the workspace and design a solution to solve it. The problem I chose to solve is the lack of accommodations for remote workers with a focus on working parents who lack easy/immediate access to childcare.

Square is a tech-based E-commerce company whose goal is to help small businesses thrive and being inclusive to everyone.

The company’s guiding principles are simplicity and the effort to “empower outside and inside its walls”.

Concept The space uses two main design features: a children’s room and a grand sitting stair towards the entrance of the building. The mezzanine uses a curved edge to add a playfulness and allow the employees to feel connected to the second floor. The sitting staircase acts as an opportunity for conversation, thus, making employees feel welcome and accomodated.

Site The structure is located in downtown Roanoke and is next to numerous commerical spaces. There are windows facing north on the second floor and skylights on the roof. Limited natural light enters the space.

Parti • • • First iteration with wide sitting stairs

• 04

Curve implemented into room shapes

Final mezzanine shape

Dramatic Curve Curved walls for most rooms Curve adds “playfulness“ Sitting stairs relation with regular stairs

Full view

7

6

2

10

1

5

4

3

9

8

8

Level 1 Floorplan NTS

• •

Level 1 focuses on collaboration and interaction Space is open as soon as someone enters and has more collaborative spaces Public+open space

Grouping Space

Individual space

12

11

13

4

6

5

Level 2 Floorplan NTS

• •

Level 2 focuses on private spaces Children’s room is at the front of the mezzanine, combining it with the open aspect from the first floor.

Noise Distribution

Spaces 1 Reception 2 Cafeteria 3 Sitting Stairs 4 5 6 7 06

8 Flex Working Space 9 Large Meeting Room 10 Utility Room

Phone Booth

11 Children’s Space

Small Meeting Room

12 Private Offices

Project Room

13 Mother’s Room

Resource Room

Cloud Lights

Felt Panel Wall

Mounted car track

Playing Cubes

Abstracted logo pattern which lights up

Exploded axon showing main design features

07

Under the playhouse

Night view emphasizing stair lighting

08

Branding and accent wall

Physical model representation

Physical model representation

Physical model representation

09

2024

Group

Teammate: Hannah Goins

Revit

Photoshop

Brand+ Prompt Revive was our solution to the prompt of creating a space of respite for college students. Realizing that everyone struggles with mental health but deals with it differently, we used our research findings and designed a structure that allows everyone to find a space that works best for them. Survey research yielded that 3 elements had positive effects on student mental health: natural light, greenery, and comfortable furniture.

Concept The three spaces are separate yet connected and their sizes represent the transition from private to public space. Meditate is the most private with slats closer to the bottom since the act of meditating is closer to ground level. Reflect is a smaller group space and relax is the largest space with high ceilings to give a deeper sense of space.

Whether people need a space to be alone or work quietly, revive offers a wellness experience to suit everyone.

Role My main role was designing the shape of the spaces and their architectural composition .

Site The site is located in one of the smaller gardens of Virginia Tech’s Hahn Horticulture Garden. It is a central spot known for its beautiful plants and proximity to nature’s peacefulness.

Parti

12

MEDITATE

REFLECT

RELAX

Site analysis showing the green surrounding

3

2 1

Floorplan

Spaces 1 Meditate 14

2 Reflect

3 Relax

Sloping roof adds a spatial depth and allows the space to feel more open and comfortable

Polyethelene/flexible plastic

Wooden Slat Panels

Built-in leather seating

Exploded Axonometric

15

2023

Individual

Sketchup

Photoshop

Brand+ Prompt This project aimed to create a retail design based on a concept inspired by research.

Kanwal means lotus in languages across South Asia and it is a clothing and accessories store which celebrated the similarities of all cultures across South Asia. Lotus symbolizes rebirth and unity, making it a central symbol in South Asia.

Concept The flower used in the model has seven petals, representing the 7 countries that make up South Asia and repeats in colors that are common in the flags of the region. Each space has a modernized approach to a cusped arch and acts as a gateway into the category following it. There is a lotus pattern abstracted on the floor.

The mezzanine spot acts as a central point where one can observe how similar the cultures are and gain a deeper appreciation for the talents and crafts of South Asia.

Site The structure is located in downtown Chicago, a lively and diverse district which is very populated, making it a perfect spot for a store that wants to celebrate diversity and similarity.

Parti+ Diagrams

Blue-Mezzanine Red- First Floor 16

Playing with natural angles, each parti used the angles to define the two spaces.

Abstracting a traditional arch form in South Asia

Perspective from stairs

7 6

3

1

4

5

2

First Floor Plan

Spaces 1

Window Display

4

Cashier

7

Fitting Rooms

2

Jewlery Display

5

Clothing Section

8

Handicraft Display

3

Seating area

6

Storage

9

Manager Office

9

8

10

Mezzanine Floorplan 18

10

Mezzanine Seating

Dropped ceiling

Metal Laser cut Panel

Abstracted Islamic Arch- metal+ steel

Floor pattern with curves of a lotus

19

Section 1 Pendant Lighting

Section 2

20

Wide arch opening

Glass Display

South Asia Wall Art

Cashier/reception area

Mezzanine Perspective

21

2023

Group

Sketchup

Teammates: Vera Gliga, Yaju Maharjan

Enscape

Photoshop

Brand+ Prompt The YMCA focuses on fostering an inclusive community space which makes everyone feel welcome. The purpose of this project was to design a welcome center and a coomunity kitchen for the Blacksburg YMCA which combines elements from the organization’s mission and the surrounding areas.

Concept Welcome Center is a “hub for diverse communities of newcomers and immigrants (including youth, families, and seniors).” We focused on the idea that the YMCA is a space where everyone comes together; all people have different roots that lead to the same destination.

Role My main role was designing the private office spaces as well as the space planning for the reception area.

Site Taking inspiration from the surrounding area and focusing on what the New River Valley (NRV) is known for, we took inspiration from the natural beauties of the NRV. The area is known for the breathtaking hikes which have beautiful greenery. The map also inspired one of the interactive wall elements in our space.

Parti+Diagrams

Initial space planning- looking at proximity of the two spaces

22

Implementing organice shapes to add a more “welcoming aspect”

Final diagrams- built in seating, creating a space that is easy to move around in.

Welcome Center branding

2

3

4

5

1

Rendered by Vera and I

Floorplan

Spaces

Rendered by Vera and I

Section 1

24

1

Reception

4

Connecting Hallway

2

Small Offices

5

Commercial Kitchen

3

Meeting room

Minimalistic blue tiling for backsplash

Walk-in fridge and freezer

Wayfinding similar to lobby area

Rendered by Yaju

Office Perspective

25

Artistic Works Painting

Badshahi Mosque

Watercolor 18”x 24” Exploring patterns and colors in Badhsahi Mosque.

Pockets of Growth Acrylic on canvas 12” x 36” Flower symbolism 26

Arabic Calligraphy Acrylic on canvas 12” x 24” Flower symbolism

Badshahi Mosque

Watercolor 8.5” x 11” Line and watercolor study 27

Graphic Representation

Figure Field Graphic Design Creating movement with black and white Small Axon Yaju Maharjan and Sarah Zulfiqar

Office Axon Graphic Design Adobe Illustrator 28

Office Axon Graphic Design Adobe Illustrator

Circles on Squares Marker on Paper 18”x 24” Abstracting Grids 29

THANK YOU!