My name is Alaina Vettraino and I am a third-year Interior Design student at Virginia Tech. From a young age, I have always loved being in charge of the space around me, not only for the visual appeal but for the positive impact on people’s experiences and the community as a whole. As a designer, I’m captivated by the potential each space holds and the overall transformation.
Outside of design, I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family, sewing, shopping, and being outdoors.
Norfolk Designs
Design Office
Norfolk Designs admires Norfolk’s rich history by integrating traditional and contemporary design elements blended with modern design. This concept focuses on creating a forward-thinking space with a formality and grandeur layout and a strong focus on a positive work environment. This concept also creates a space that offers a refreshing escape from the urban energy, emphasizing sustainability and balance. This concept integrates eco-friendly practices and plants to bring a touch of nature indoors. Creating a calming space with soft, natural lighting, and soothing colors.
Site Analysis
Located at 400 Granby St, Norfolk, VA, Assembly is a four story Classical Revival building located in downtown Norfolk, VA, that was constructed in 1910 as an exposition hall, Fergus Reid Building. In 2021, Work Program Architects recreated the space with a goal, ‘designed to connect’, to provide access to world-class amenities to support the growing communities of innovators. The lobby and first floor are open to the public with a variety of seating styles and custom acoustic artwork.
Mission Statement
Norfolk Designs fosters a collaborative and community-oriented environment with many ideas bouncing around. They are strong on sustainability to minimize environmental impact, promoting responsible design. Lastly, the projects at this firm will vary, but they will focus on retail spaces, with clients ranging from local businesses to retail chains. This proposal will enhance the brand because it will highlight their dedication to innovative and community-focused retail spaces through sustainable practices, creativity, and adaptability to create unique and impactful retail spaces.
Parti Diagram
Process Work
Exploded Axon
Fourth Floor Plan (NTS)
Annotations
Roof Floor Plan (NTS)
Section Cut A (NTS)
Section Cut B (NTS)
My research informed my overall design as I found that it is crucial for fostering a sense of community and collaboration to lead to a more productive and positive work environment.
My main space planning decision was to create an open layout with flexible workstations, communal areas, and quiet zones to encourage collaboration and interaction while also providing focused work. With the open layout, I incorporated the use natural light and biophilic design elements to enhance the employee well-being.
My design incorporates eco-friendly materials and natural lighting to minimize environmental impact to create a healthier work environment.
The layout archives balance by distributing furniture and decor evenly across the space. Contrast is utilized by paring different materials and colors throughout the space. Movement is facilitated by the layout of walkways and placement of furniture, enhancing functionality and ease of navigation.
My color decision include dark green; tranquility and renewal, Sage green; soft and soothing, dark blue; stability and reliability, and taupes; versatile and sophistication.
My lighting decisions include maximizing natural light to increase the mood and productivity of the employees, while saving energy. I also included task lighting to provide focus for the desk use, and ambient lighting to highlight specific areas within the office.
To create acoustical comfort in my space, I incorporated designated quite zone in the back of the office and created collaboration rooms in different areas to contain and manage the noise. The collaboration areas I added carpet flooring to dampen the noise and absorb sound.
Materials
Cream Polyester Marble
Neutral Corian Green Polyester
Black Aluminum Antique Brass
Blue Polypropylene Planked Oak
Steelcase Steelcase
Steelcase Steelcase Steelcase
Steelcase Steelcase
Evening perspective of the large presentation room located on the fourth floor
Fourth floor perspective of the open office layout looking into the cafe and private huddle room
Circula Side Table
Viccarbe Table Round
Steelcase
Perspective of the counter space in the cafe on the fourth floor
Perspective of the three private offices and open huddle room, located on the roof
Recuperate
The Space In-Between Spaces: Creating A Biomimicry Spatial Experience
For this project, the concept of biomimicry was used to inspire the space. My biomimicry source of inspiration was the Venus Fly Trap, as they are known for maintaining their energy. To prevent the plant from wasting its energy, the trap will only shut when the trichomes are touched multiple times. I created my space to have a natural earthy feel so it is not too overwhelming for the users. The location I chose to create my space is a hall between an office and restrooms, which allows you to take a quick break from your work by socializing with others or taking time to yourself. My overall space is based on the quote; "Become more aware of what's really worth your energy.".
Space Planning
PATIENCE - CONNECTION - PERSISTENCE
The spatial plan for this "space between spaces" aims to create a tranquil area within the office where employees can take short breaks and relax before returning to their tasks. Drawing inspiration from the Venus fly trap, the design incorporates floating shelves that mimic the plant's trichomes, adding a subtle touch of nature and minimal movement to the space. These shelves serve as functional storage and a visual reminder of the natural world, promoting a sense of calm and focus. Overall, this thoughtfully designed space provides employees with a much-needed respite from their work, allowing them to recharge and return to their tasks with renewed energy and focus. The space combines functionality and natural beauty by integrating elements inspired by the Venus fly trap, making it an ideal spot for recuperation and rejuvenation.
Color Justification
Using green and brown in an office space can create a balanced and productive environment. Green, reminiscent of nature, promotes calmness and reduces stress, enhancing focus and concentration. Brown adds warmth and stability, making the space feel inviting and grounded. Together, these colors foster a harmonious atmosphere that supports both well-being and efficiency.
2D Sketches
Axon
Steelcase
Honeydew
Polyester
Chalk Polyester
Fawn Cypress
Steelcase
Steelcase
Steelcase
Ash Corian
Steelcase
Antique Brass
Perspective of the seating area on the back side of the feature wall
Willow Lounge Chair
Copa Bar Stool
Captain Flint Floor Lamp
Steelcase
Steelcase
Steelcase
Perspective of the front of the feature wall, showing the high top seating
Paradox Pages
IDEC Student Design Competition 2024-25
Completed with Ellie Sabath, Elizabeth Berman, & Katia Bass
A place of intergenerational communities and activities. This space should support the development of children and young adults, as well as the health and well-being of elders. The design must address people’s physical and psychological needs across the age and ability spectrum while providing opportunities for meaningful engagement. Key requirements include a gathering space that can comfortably accommodate up to 15 people for communal activities such as workshops, social gatherings, and group exercises, and a small gathering space for more intimate interactions, promoting deeper connections. Adequate storage is essential to keep the area organized and accessible, along with a designated space for an under-counter refrigerator to support food-related activities.
te Analysis
ocated in Fresno, California, a vibrant city located in nter is strategically placed in a neighborhood with a h hesion. Connected to an elderly home fostering inter periences.
Design Concept
of adults in California lack basic prose literacy skills
40% of California's 3rd graders, 50% 59%
28.4% of 7th graders, 11th graders met or exceeded their grade-level standards in English language arts/literacy in 2021
Inspired by the interconnectedness of puzzle pieces forming a cohesive whole, th offers a space where individuals of all ages can come together to connect, learn, and boost cognitive health, nurture comm nit spirit nd forge end ring friendships r
Parti Diagram
Material Board
User Experience
Paradox Pages features a variety of comfortable seating for individuals and small groups to read and relax. There are areas dedicate to a hands-on experience for games and puzzles and a technology hub for the use of audiobooks, encouraging interaction and fun for all ages. Book clubs and storytelling sessions are regularly scheduled events that bring together different generations to discuss books and share stories. Intergenerational Programs, are activities designed to foster connections between younger and older visitors, such as mentorship programs, game nights, and collaborative projects.
Some benefits of puzzles and games include; improved memory, lower stress levels, delay dementia and Alzheimer’s, and better your problem solving skills
