I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and now attend the University of Arkansas’ Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design for my undergraduate design studies. My knowledge has been shaped by my formal education and life experiences, including a study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, where I deepened my understanding of furniture design and craftsmanship. From design school to summers working in Oregon to immersing myself in Danish design culture, I’ve gained a broader perspective on how design influences the built environment.
As a third-year student, I have found great joy in designing smaller-scale public spaces, particularly focusing on materiality and its impact on the people who experience those spaces. My creative strength shines through in my love for digital renderings, using my skills in Revit, Enscape, and the Adobe Suite. Creating eye-catching renderings and cohesive orthographic drawings and diagrams is a method I use to effectively communicate the vision behind my projects. I am extremely detail-oriented, always considering the small elements that truly elevate a project, as I admire the significance of those details in my own experience of spaces.
hepp haus
project brief:
Hepp Haus, located in Paderborn, Germany, is more than just a senior living community—it’s a vibrant hub designed for interaction among older adults. What sets this facility apart is its unique layout, incorporating public spaces alongside private amenities to encourage both community engagement and personal relaxation. At the heart of Hepp Haus is a public market, an auditorium, and a library, all open to both residents and the general public. This thoughtful integration allows residents to interact with visitors, creating a sense of community and keeping them connected with the broader world. Beyond the public areas, Hepp Haus provides residents with a range of private amenities, including a luxurious penthouse restaurant, a fitness center, an outdoor courtyard and rooftop garden, an art room, and several intimate gathering spaces throughout the building.
Overall, Hepp Haus offers a positive environment where residents can enjoy both social interaction and private relaxation, with amenities and design features that cater to their specific needs. The combination of public engagement and private comfort makes Hepp Haus a truly innovative and welcoming senior living community.
community auditorium located on the second floor.
hepp haus
location paderborn, germany building type multi-family housing area 135,000 sq. ft.
year 2024, semester 4
community and interaction
Hepp Haus is organized around two spatial hubs: the public community hub and the residential community hub. Programmatic elements flow around these centers, creating a seamless balance between public and private spaces. This layout embraces a resident-focused community that encourages interaction with the public and other residents while maintaining safe, personal spaces for residents.
hepp haus
Hepp Haus is located in Paderborn, Germany, a quaint town known for its blend of historic charm and modern revitalization. Originally built as a monastery and later used as a hospital, the building merges old and new architecture, creating an opportunity to highlight this contrast. Set along a creek and surrounded by local businesses, the site offers a unique mix of nature and community, making it a promising space for thoughtful design.
user description
Jim Young, 90, is the heart of Hepp Haus, a senior living community where he thrives as a photographer and friend. He starts his day with black coffee and a good book or newspaper, then roams the grounds capturing nature’s beauty. During mealtimes, Jim shares stories and photos with his friends, enjoying the company. Despite his social lifestyle, he cherishes his quiet sanctuary—a room where he develops photos and finds peace. Hepp Haus gives Jim the perfect balance of community and personal space, allowing him to stay active while having a place to call his own. initial concept sketches
hepp haus
materiality
The design of Hepp Haus emphasizes comfort and safety, with materials and furniture tailored to meet the needs of older adults. The predominant use of concrete and wood creates a calm and soothing environment, while accents of greens and blues through furniture and textiles bring warmth and character to the spaces. The carefully chosen furniture features sturdy armrests, firm cushions, non-porous materials (in some furniture), and lightweight qualities—ensuring durability, easy maintenance, and ease of use for the elderly.
hallway gathering space.
hallway view.
residence front porch.
hepp haus
The single-unit design emphasizes accessibility and universal design principles by minimizing barriers. It incorporates minimal doors and avoids overhead cabinetry to eliminate the need for reaching above head level. Cabinet pulls are included where necessary to assist those with limited dexterity. Additionally, the space maximizes natural light and uses various overhead lighting options to support aging eyes and improve visibility.
single residence section
Hepp Haus Senior Living features 33 residential units, offering a mix of single and double layouts to accommodate varying resident needs. Each space is designed with universal design principles and in full compliance with accessibility codes. The open floor plan of the single residence allows for easy navigation with a walker or wheelchair, enhancing mobility.
studioNELLE
location fayetteville, arkansas
building type retail space, historic renovation
area 8,500 sq. ft.
year 2023, semester 3
the main communicating stair leads to the gift shop where a variety of prints and other products are sold.
design approach
Studio Nelle is a thoughtfully designed and inclusive art gallery that aims to celebrate the artistic diversity of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The emphasis on community engagement and creating an accessible environment is vital to the function of Studio Nelle. The incorporation of American contemporary art, local Northwest Arkansas artwork, a continuous media room production, and a multi-use studio space create a dynamic experience for visitors.
The strategic design elements, such as slanted walls, angled entrances, and built-in elements, add a playful and intriguing dimension to the space. The use of local southern yellow pine plywood gallery walls not only adds a distinct aesthetic but also helps create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Studio Nelle is more than just a traditional art gallery; it is a hub for encouraging creativity, connecting the Fayetteville community, and hosting a variety of artistic events. This community building makes art easily accessible to everyone and provides a platform for diverse forms of expression.
sun orientation
location in NWA
studioNELLE
spatial organization
The existing historic wood stud structure created a complex grid system, making it difficult for designing larger, open gallery spaces. To address this, a proposed grid of slanted lines was introduced, strategically arranging the walls to integrate with the existing columns. This solution maintains the integrity of the structure while allowing the galleries to feel spacious and immersive.
material selection
• existing brick
• pre-cast concrete
• grade-a plywood
• acrylic panels
• textiles
physical model composed of chipboard and mat board, done at 3/16” = 1’-0” scale.
second floor community art studio.
Located in the heart of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Studio Nelle highlights local artists and supports a creative community. The second-floor media room features Two Lizards (2020) by Meriem Bennani and Orian Barki, a film using animated lizards to reflect the uncertainty of the early pandemic. The gallery also showcases Taylor Loftin’s Heartwork, a mixed media installation that turns personal stories into art. Visitors can explore the space with a handheld museum guide, which provides an informative pamphlet to enhance their experience.
north facing transverse section scale 3/16”=1’-0”
plywood wall detail:
studioNELLE
The northwest arkansas gallery is featuring artist Taylor Loftin and his series “Heartwork”. This installation highlights moments from his past and childhood.
temporary gallery
Located in the northwest corner of the second floor, this gallery space is flexible and can be arranged in different ways to suit each exhibition. The reinforced plywood walls provide a sturdy surface, making it easy to securely hang and rearrange artwork as needed.
second floor media room, featuring short film, 2 lizards.
hej! chair
During six weeks in Copenhagen, I immersed myself in a Scandinavian furniture design studio, collaborating with renowned Danish designers to create the “Hej” chair. This experience deepened my appreciation for human-scale design and enriched my interior design practice with a hands-on understanding of materiality and precision.
location copenhagen, denmark material ash wood size 43cm x 45cm x 70cm year 2024, summer
the “hej” chair is a stylish and unique piece crafted for social settings. Its sleek lines and clean curves not only enhance any space but also invite conversation and interaction with its classy design. Perfect for creating dynamic and eye-catching environments.
hej! chair
An ongoing collection of sketchbook drawings covering interesting interior compositions, furniture, detailed concepts of furniture joinery, and many other things I came across during my journey through Sweden and Denmark.
Early in the design process, we paused to explore Sweden and Denmark, visiting furniture showrooms, interiors with custom pieces, and a Swedish wood manufacturer. This handson experience, from largescale production to smaller client projects, deepened my understanding of Scandinavian design that displays simplicity, craftsmanship, and timeless success.
hej! chair
preliminary sketches
analytical drawings were done after refining my design based on insights from my Scandinavian tour, I finalized my concepts and began creating detailed working drawings. Using full-scale analytical drawings, I mapped out each wood piece, joinery domino, and curve radius, allowing me to generate precise and flexible cut lists.
the woodshop process began by selecting ash wood and plywood, rough-cutting each piece, and refining them to their final dimensions using a jointer and planer. I then meticulously assembled the chair by gluing, cutting domino joints for secure connections, and finishing with extensive sanding before applying a soap finish to enhance the natural grain.
joinery
hej! chair
The diagram displays the composition of the frames and joinery that come together to form the complete chair.
the brook
NEXT is an independent, global creative advertising agency headquatered in NYC, and soon opening a new office in Chicago, IL. This workplace design will aim to create an innovative environment . Adidas, NEXT ad agencies star client, is known for pushing boundaries with its timeless and versatile product line, making it an ideal brand to inspire a branded workplace that reflects its culture. The design will focus on fostering strong client connections, prioritizing employee well-being, and creating a sense of community and comfort. Key goals include enhancing productivity with versatile spaces, providing a welcoming visitor experience, supporting hybrid teams, and balancing collaborative and private areas to accommodate diverse work styles. Adaptable, multiuse designs will ensure the workspace remains functional and relevant as needs evolve.
By drawing inspiration from Adidas’ legacy of innovation and bold design, the workplace will embody the brand’s dynamic spirit while supporting the advertising company in achieving its goals, ultimately creating a space that advances connection, well-being, and success.
location chicago, illinois
building type commercial office building area 16,000 sq. ft.
year 2024, semester 5
the brook
the grid
To translate my concept of “candid,” inspired by Next’s star client, Adidas, I began by using the existing building grid to organize the programmatic elements of the space. A micro-grid within this existing framework further organizes all furniture and spatial elements. This grid system has enabled me to define solid spaces that naturally shape the voids around them.
NEXT advertising agencies chicago location candid transparent honest adaptable
spatial logic
While the spatial organization is structured and derived from a set of rules, it still allows for countless possibilities in circulation, creating an infinite number of paths through the office. This layout fosters unplanned employee interactions and encounters, which embody the straightforward and honest qualities that will drive the vibrancy and authenticity of this workspace
“the brook” draws inspiration from the natural, winding path of a creek, similar to how people might move through the workplace. This design encourages an easy flow and casual encounters as employees make their way through the space.
the brook
coffee bar and waiting area
stair and skylight
Encased in light-filtering, greenhouse-style acrylic panels, the client presentation room offers a versatile space where clients can enjoy refreshments at the hospitality counter before their meeting begins. The room is equipped with linen pin-up boards for displaying physical presentation materials, as well as a digital monitor for employee presentations. Centrally located within the office, this space highlights the importance of clients to the organization. The transparent panels not only allow light to flow through but also symbolize transparency and trust, reflecting the values of the company.
the brook
The workstations provide a versatile work zone, giving employees their own accessible workspace where coworkers can join them at their desks or view their screens. Alongside individual spaces, adjacent team meeting rooms offer comfortable seating for collaborative idea generation. This area is multifunctional, with movable curtain partitions that can open up to create a larger, shared team space as needed.
huddle space
The two private office layouts are designed to prioritize productivity with collaborative seating, ergonomic furniture, and muted material palettes. They offer ample pin-up space, whiteboards for breakout sessions, and counter space for teamwork. Full-height glass doors maintain sight lines to the director’s team while ensuring privacy. Lighting is also thoughtfully integrated, with a mix of natural, task, and ambient lighting that allows the director to adjust according to their work preferences.
the brook 04
The multifunctional café serves as both a workspace and lounge, offering employees a place to enjoy lunch or take a break. With café-style seating, it provides an alternative to their desks while keeping them connected to colleagues.
The furniture selection emphasizes ergonomic comfort while incorporating home-like forms, materials, and textiles to create a welcoming, familiar atmosphere. This blend fosters a sense of home, encouraging employees to spend more time in the office by making the space feel inviting and comfortable.
The material palette in this workspace highlights high-quality, durable materials that reflect Adidas’s craftsmanship. Pine cladding, exposed concrete, and tilework were chosen to convey authenticity and longevity, while keeping the existing concrete structure honors Fulton Market’s industrial roots, adding a raw, unpolished feel. Inspired by materials found in Adidas footwear, finishes like canvas, metal, and other shoe elements are included in the design.
CEILING MOUNTED CURTAIN TRACK
The Adidas pop-up space features an eye-catching foliage installation with shoes displayed on mirrored platforms nestled within the greenery. Semi-circular coves formed by micro chain-link curtain partitions create a gardenlike maze, offering an immersive, contemplative break from the workspace. The foliage, combined with greenhouse materials beneath the skylight, highlights Adidas’s commitment to transparency and craftsmanship.
The pop-up space also features recycled suede and leather shopping bags crafted from leftover materials in Adidas’s shoe manufacturing process. These sustainable bags highlight Adidas’s commitment to reducing waste and repurposing materials, further aligning the brand with environmentally conscious practices.
adidas pop up experience located on the seventh floor
