INTRODUCTION
UNDERGRADUATE
SENIOR THESIS THESIS
WORKPLACE DESIGNDESIGN
My name is Marielle Cassidy and I am a passionate, prospering Interior Designer. I recently graduated from Endicott College with my Masters degree in Interior Architecture in August, 2022 and my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Interior Design in the Spring of 2021.
Please know that I have attended an accredited college institutional program that focuses on Interior Design and Architecture from the first day of freshman year. That, coupled with my in-person internships and professional guidance, has sculpted me into an innovative, young creative. I have been commended on my presentation skills, narrative and my overall presence both in the office and in the classroom.
As a hard-working, self-motivated, organized and charismatic designer, I enjoy the entire design process; most especially the feeling I get when I have successfully created a powerful and compelling design presentation that is fully immersive for the viewer, starting from preliminary sketches and schematic design, all the way to the finished product. Fully immersive presentations are the result of in-depth user research, design strategy as well as space planning and collaborating with professors and peers for feedback. I am proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign and I enjoy experimenting above and beyond my educational requirements as I find myself making edits for personal fun with software to create a blend of life-like and hand-sketched renderings.
Throughout my portfolio, you will find the different areas of design I have thoroughly excelled in while achieving many great awards along the way. Some of my favorite areas to design have been my Masters Thesis Project focusing on designing learning environments for preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Undergraduate Senior Thesis Project, Educational Design, Retail Design as well as Restaurant + Bar Design.
I am extremely motivated to continue forward with the highest`quality of research, design ideas and presentations along with my continued passion and focus on innovative ideas. I look forward to offering a contemporary perspective on the community aspect of design while working to holistically improve the human experience within the built environment.
I am eagerly awaiting the continuation of my professional career in the industry as an Interior Designer/Interior Architect, while expanding my knowledge within the workplace and making connections with other professionals and colleagues along the way.
EDUCATION
ENDICOTT COLLEGE 2017-2022
MA In Interior Architecture AUG. 2022 BFA In Interior Architecture & Design Studies MAY 2021 Dean’s List
GPA: 4.0/4.0
FLORENCE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS FALL 2019 Study Abroad Program Florence, Italy
GPA: 3.5/4.0
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL 2013-2017
Diploma: June 2017 High Honor Roll GPA: 3.5/4.0
INTERNSHIPS
LDA ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS SUMMER 2019 + FALL 2020 Cambridge, MA
o Worked in Revit, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Bluebeam REVU and Microsoft Excel to create presentations, schedules and shcemes for clients
o Took on a major role in redesigning the interior’s studio: library of materials and samples
o Regular returns and sourcing trips to the Boston Design Center
o Visited sites, installations and helped prepare and engage in client meetings
INTERNSHIPS (cont.)
CREATIVE OFFICE PAVILION SUMMER 2018 Manchester, NH
o Worked in AutoCAD and Microsoft PowerPoint to create drawings and presentations for clients
o Organized fabric and vinyl samples in the fabric library.
AWARDS
Student Invitational Exhibition SPRING 2022 NASAD Art Display 2019 - PRESENT Endicott College Dean’s List 2018 - PRESENT Montserrat College of Art Design Display NOV. 2021 Endicott College Thesis Award Winner MAY 2021 Presidential Art Merit Scholarship 2017-2021
SKILLS Revit Enscape SketchUp AutoCAD Adobe Suite Hand Drafting Microsoft Office Bluebeam REVU Organization Independence Leadership Collaboration
CONTACT 978-960-9070 mcass436@mail.endicott.edu Endicott College Marielle (Elle) Cassidy @ellecassidydesigns @marielles.mood https://issuu.com/ellecass
ADA accessibility : designed so users in a wheelchair can use the space just as anyone else
Ergonomics and comfortability : space may be used and enjoyed properly by users
Universal design : anyone can use this space, collaborate, work and socialize acceptingly
Sustainable materials and environmentally friendly prcesses used throughout the design
Encourages users to think outside of the box within the space : surrounding space sparks inspiration
Unique and custom designs allows any user to stop, appreciate and use the space
Designed for any + all cultures : space could internationally and culturally be used by anyone
Space sparks creativity + curiosity within the user’s mind through color stimulants and unique materials
PROJECT DESCRIPTION :
Research thoroughly for one semester corresponding areas of interest, while thinking how an existing space can be better designed with an entirely new program. Create a physical project to show how the space comes to life and works towards solving a current issue.
ISSUES AT HAND:
Recent Growth in Autism Diagnoses
In 2019, 1 in 36 children under the age of 4 were diagnosed with Autism in New Jersey
Preschool Children
The most common age range for an official diagnosis first educational environment
Difficulty Within the Typical School Children with Autism struggle with sensory dysfunctions, comprehension + overall functioning
DESIGN SOLUTIONS:
o Sensory Sensitive Design Approach :
Offers a minimalistic design that eliminates “extra” stimulation that would be present in atypical school
o Neuro-typical Design Approach : Designed with the intent of maximizing stimulation, tactile simulations, social connection + mimics real-world scenarios
o Blended Design Approach :
Incorpor ation of each design approach in which can be altered depending on the student’s current state of mind and stimulation requirements
THESIS
STATEMENT :
Young children with sensory dysfunctions struggle greatly on a day-to-day basis, within a typical school environment. While interior architecture can enhance the learning experience for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within the early childhood educational setting with a design solution that will include a blended mixture of designed spaces to ensure a plethora of options and choices for students. This will create an ideal Preschool environment with several sensory design elements that will allow young students with Autism to have hands-on learning experiences to flourish within their own body and within the learning environment as a whole.
SOFTWARE + SKILLS :
o Model built in Revit
o Rendered in Enscape + Adobe Photoshop
o Built a 3D scale model; used Revit, 3D printer + foam core to cut pieces to then glue and pin pieces together
CONCEPTUAL PARTI
RESEARCH SUMMARY
Sensory Sensitive Approach
Offers a very minimalistic design that eliminates “extra” stimulation that would present in a typical school
RESEARCH / DESIGN ICONS
Acoustics
Materials + design decisions will allow for an overall quieter atmosphere
Spatial Sequencing
Wayfinding and paths of travel are straightforward + clear
Escape Space
Sensory Sensitive spaces : retreat space, subdued aesthetic, hypersensitive children requiring minimal stimulation
Compartmentalization
Repetition within materiality + layout offers a sense of expectation, pattern + spatial awareness
Transitions
In between spaces are clearly marked and have a plethora of seating, light and safety features
Sensory Zoning
Neuro-typical spaces stimulation space, a realistic design, hyposensitive children requiring extra stimulation
Safety
Materials vital sustainable quality to provide the greatest amount of benefits in withstanding longevity + impact on user health
User Control
Space is controllable, by offering a variety of acoustic, tactile and visual experiences within each space
As the human skin acts as the first layer of defense and protection, it works 24/7 to regulate sensory input into the body. Just as the goal of Aspects is to create a variety of sensory experiences in which each child will interpret differently, just as the skin does. While skin differs immensely from person to person, so does the type of Autism that each user portrays. While this preschool will be a safe haven for those with physical and psychological differences in terms of permeability, specifically thinking about minimum vs. maximum acoustic connections + trespass, light connections + trespass, materials ‘bleeding’ from space to space, temperature fluctuations + differences, the overall conceptual design will permeate light, sounds and relationships between different areas of the school. Skin is an everyday space in which individuals need to work and understand themselves in order to function. This is a concept that the Aspects environment will exhibit through materiality, lines, colors and feelings.
INSPIRATION
Neuro-typical Approach
Intent of maximizing stimulation, tactile simulations, social connection + mimicking realworld scenarios
PROJECT DATA + EXISTING SITE INFO
Level 1 : 50,000 sq ft. 2 : 28,000 sq ft.
PROGRAMMING + CIRCULATION DIAGRAMS
A S P E C T S D E V E L O P M E N T A L P R E S C H O O L
PROJECT DESCRIPTION :
Research thoroughly for one semester corresponding areas of interest, while thinking how an existing space can be better designed with an entirely new program. Create a physical project to show how the space comes to life and works towards solving a current issue.
ISSUES AT HAND:
Recent Growth in Autism Diagnoses In 2019, 1 in 36 children under the age of 4 were diagnosed with Autism in New Jersey
Preschool Children The most common age range for an official diagnosis first educational environment
Difficulty Within the Typical School
Children with Autism struggle with sensory dysfunctions, comprehension + overall functioning Program -
DESIGN SOLUTIONS:
o Sensory Sensitive Design Approach :
Offers a minimalistic design that eliminates “extra” stimulation that would be present in atypical school
o Neuro-typical Design Approach : Designed with the intent of maximizing stimulation, tactile simulations, social connection + mimics real-world scenarios
o Blended Design Approach :
Incorpor ation of each design approach in which can be altered depending on the student’s current state of mind and stimulation requirements
THESIS
STATEMENT :
Young children with sensory dysfunctions struggle greatly on a day-to-day basis, within a typical school environment. While interior architecture can enhance the learning experience for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within the early childhood educational setting with a design solution that will include a blended mixture of designed spaces to ensure a plethora of options and choices for students. This will create an ideal Preschool environment with several sensory design elements that will allow young students with Autism to have hands-on learning experiences to flourish within their own body and within the learning environment as a whole.
SOFTWARE + SKILLS :
o Model built in Revit
o Rendered in Enscape + Adobe Photoshop
o Built a 3D scale model; used Revit, 3D printer + foam core to cut pieces to then glue and pin pieces together
Diffused
Softer
SENSORY SENSITIVE CLASSROOM
Focus
NEURO-TYPICAL CLASSROOM
Less acoustic consideration
Circadian daylight
Focus play, motor skills, Darker palette with Floor windows with dark-toned shades hard hyposensitive breakout cornerMaster’s
PROJECT DESCRIPTION :
Research thoroughly for one semester corresponding areas of interest, while thinking how an existing space can be better designed with an entirely new program. Create a physical project to show how the space comes to life and works towards solving a current issue.
ISSUES AT HAND:
Recent Growth in Autism Diagnoses
In 2019, 1 in 36 children under the age of 4 were diagnosed with Autism in New Jersey
Preschool Children The most common age range for an official diagnosis first educational environment
Difficulty Within the Typical School
Children with Autism struggle with sensory dysfunctions, comprehension + overall functioning
DESIGN SOLUTIONS:
o Sensory Sensitive Design Approach :
Offers a minimalistic design that eliminates “extra” stimulation that would be present in atypical school
o Neuro-typical Design Approach : Designed with the intent of maximizing stimulation, tactile simulations, social connection + mimics real-world scenarios
o Blended Design Approach : Incorpor ation of each design approach in which can be altered depending on the student’s current state of mind and stimulation requirements
THESIS STATEMENT :
Young children with sensory dysfunctions struggle greatly on a day-to-day basis, within a typical school environment. While interior architecture can enhance the learning experience for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within the early childhood educational setting with a design solution that will include a blended mixture of designed spaces to ensure a plethora of options and choices for students. This will create an ideal Preschool environment with several sensory design elements that will allow young students with Autism to have hands-on learning experiences to flourish within their own body and within the learning environment as a whole.
SOFTWARE + SKILLS :
o Model built in Revit
o Rendered in Enscape + Adobe Photoshop
o Built a 3D scale model; used Revit, 3D printer + foam core to cut pieces to then glue and pin pieces together
Felt, acoustic ceiling baffles with varying colors
BLENDED CLASSROOM
Mixed focus on sensory + environmental learning
Clerestory + large windows
Medium-toned Mecho shades to create lighting variations
Blended use of hard + soft seating for more or less stimulation
BREAKOUT ROOMS SENSORY ROOMS
Quiet rooms, FloorTime rooms, Swing rooms + Stimulation rooms
Different types of private sensory rooms for different experiences + stimulation
Felt ceiling baffles to increase acoustic reverberation in Sensory Sensitive Quiet rooms
Differences in materials, interior/exterior views, acoustic considerations + curvilinear forms
Slide + stairway connection options for circulation
Important in a really large volume / “overwhelming
Bachelor’s Program Spring 2021: Awarded: 2021 Thesis Award
PROJECT DESCRIPTION :
Research thoroughly for one semester corresponding areas of interest, while thinking how an existing space can be better designed with an entirely new program. Create a physical project to show how the space comes to life and works towards solving a current issue.
ISSUES AT HAND:
o Mental health and well-being of Gen-z entering the workplace (post graduation stress + anxiety)
o Gentrification -> affordability of housing for young adults
o Not enough places and ways to bring people together after college
o Spending more time thinking about the “next step” rather than own well-being
DESIGN SOLUTIONS:
o Universal design + therapeutic elements
o Easy transitional space between college + work
o Community: having people nearby with similar interests
o Programs and panels for networking
o New take on urban living -> all-inclusive building
CONCEPT
STATEMENT :
29.5 Is a Generation-Z inclusive Lifestyle Center that will help recent college graduates succeed through the transition into the real world. Key design solutions include: sustainable design, form + function theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory, mental health-inclusive design, historic preservation and post Covid-19 design solutions. Several universal + therapeutic design methods as well as the “long term hotel” system will ease this difficult transition time. With the stress, anxiety and mental health controversies that are common after graduation, 29.5 will minimize these pressures for a smooth progression into the working world.
SOFTWARE + SKILLS :
o Model built in Revit
o Rendered in Autodesk Cloud + Adobe Photoshop
o Built a 3D scale model; used Revit, 3D printer
+ foam core to cut pieces to then glue and pin pieces together
LIFESTYLE CENTER
CONCEPT : Lunar Phases Of The Moon
STACKING AXON :
DESIGN ICON KEY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
ASTROLOGY
FORM + FUNCTION THEORY
Overall
Eco-friendly
MENTAL
Ease
New
CONNECTIVE
Can
INITIAL SKETCHES :
Antimicrobial glass dividers
Allows for privacy + sanitation
Enclosed booth holds 1-4 guests
6’ distance from other tables and barrels
Way finding: numbered booths on floor decal
Large ventilated windows for air circulation
Master’s Spring
PROJECT DESCRIPTION :
Focus on the systems and processes active in the development and design of urban landscapes with an emphasis on understanding the interaction between attributes of the larger site context and objectives for the specific site under consideration. Develop and refine analysis and research skills at various scales of inquiry and expand understanding of principles of landscape and urban design.
INSPIRATION
SKETCHES
CHALLENGE :
Consider the existing site + surrounding elements within downtown Salem, Massachusetts. After researching existing infrastructure and population considerations, develop a proposal for a park area with a hypothetical building mass and function. Using ideas of paths, hierarchy, landmarks, etc. will be very important within design decisions.
CONCEPT STATEMENT :
‘The Box’ will serve as a free, public space located in the heart of downtown Salem, Massachusetts. The space will offer a variety of rotating popup farmer’s markets, outdoor lounge seating, playground equipment, and other outdoor environments that the community can immerse themselves in. ‘The Box’ will be a lively spot, a destination for locals and tourists! Introducing some of these elements to the downtown area will bring people a sense of connection to their surroundings, as well as offer a touch-down space that is free, fun and flexible! + :
ENTRANCE
NORTH SECTION Underground ParkingMaster’s Spring
É C O L E
PROJECT DESCRIPTION :
In a group of three, design a secondary school in Senegal Africa for 400 students; with 10 classrooms, a multi-purpose space, offices, latrines or bathrooms, a covered courtyard, an open courtyard. Consider the hot and dry climate, the exiting plot of land and how the design will serve the entire existing community.
CHALLENGE :
While considering existing landscape, local residents, sun and wind direction and temperature affects, design a school that is realistic to this population in terms of budget and materiality. It will be crucial to use Earth construction and local materials, while incorporating the idea of modularity and sustainability at all times. As one of three group members, I was able to help with schematics, building design, and most prominently produced the renderings and board layout.
PROJECT STATEMENT :
The École Communautaire will not only create a blend of educational and communal facilities, but the design will facilitate these relationships through the amenities offered. “It takes a whole village to raise a child” and the importance of integrating the entire community into this project will drive the design decisions. The project will incorporate spaces that do not currently exist within the Senegal community such as a communal well water source, a local farm stand, a medical facility, multipurpose space and the secondary education facility. The École Communautaire will be completely green through its use of local, sustainable construction materials such as bamboo, timber and rammed earth. These construction techniques can help inform users and the community about the importance of environmental conservation. The design will help the students and the community come together through the inclusive design decisions, use of sustainable materials, and use of the educational facilities.
SOFTWARE + SKILLS :
Classroom Section Diagrams
Ventilation
Cool air enters the classroom through perforated brick walls, clarestory windows and window shutters. Warm air is then expelled through the vertical bamboo beams
OMM U N AUT RE
Programming
Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5
As rain falls, it is guided down a series of angled roofs that extend to all angles. This water is collected through a continuous gutter system to then be stored in a water tank
Water Collection Sunlight
Direct African sunlight illuminates the classroom through clarestory windows, verical bamboo beams as well as the door and shuttered windows
Market Classroom
Roof: Will enable the cooling air to circulate through the interior inexpensive and appealing from exterior, while also easily adapts to the climate conditions in South Africa
Truss: Local wood, extremely strong and durable for structural purposes.
Usually used in African roofing systems for stability + sustainability
ertical Beams: Locally sourced material. One of the most sustainable materials available due to its abundance in nature. Very durable, and is also strong
Deconstruction Axon Iron Timber Bamboo Bamboo
ontal Beams: Made from a locally sourced material. One of the most sustainable materials available due to its abundance in nature. Very durable, and is also strong
Rammed Earth
Walls: Mud bricks: mix of soil with small amounts of cement + water: creates a mixture that is formed into blocks, compressed with a hand operated machine, and left to dry for 21 days.
Rammed Earth
Floor: Technique of pressing the soil down. Local soil: quickest and easiest way to complete structure in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Medical Center Multipurpose Room Market Storage Storage Office Teacher’s Room Classroom Classroom Classroom ClassroomPROJECT DESCRIPTION :
Re-design the Montserrat College of Art School in Beverly, MA. The school is currently looking for actual design advice so we met with the clients in-person prior to design for an initial site visit; followed by a presentation of my final project to the school.
CHALLENGE :
Start with the school library space and integrate technology, printing space and quiet hangout spaces. Continue this concept into the entire 38,000 sq. ft building while including immersive learning areas as well as a steady conceptual ‘element’ throughout.
CONCEPT STATEMENT :
Using overriding geometry, structure and gridlike patterns, the space defines the experience and function that is facilitated through the built environment. The scale of geometry varies from space to space as well as the lighting, patterns and mix of natural materials. These design elements then come together in a familiar, understood way to create clear way finding, a sense of order and can truly make the user experience the space in a unique and personal way.
DESIGN SOLUTION:
Design an art school with the idea of connection and repetition in mind through the classrooms, studios, the cafe, faculty spaces, as well as the immersive learning environments including: a meditation room, a 3D surrounding theater, a VR lounge a digital art gallery as well as a large communicating stair to connect all 4 floors in an interactive way.
SOFTWARE + SKILLS :
o Model built in Revit
o Rendered in Autodesk Cloud + Adobe Photoshop
o Built a 3D conceptual model with foam core and pins
INITIAL DESIGN SKETCHES :
Custom Collaborative Conceptual Axonometric Diagram: First Floor StairDigital Art Gallery Atrium / Collaborative Stairs
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION :
Design a corporate, co-working space for anyone who chooses to work here remotely. This two-story building will include private work spaces, collaborative team-building spaces as well as cafe areas and public areas for socialization.
CHALLENGE :
Develop a concept to aid the design process that can be used and understood easily by anyone who may enter and use the space. Incorporate needs of those in a daily workplace environment.
CONCEPT STATEMENT :
Precision is compromised of sleek lines, angles and measurements. This was put into the design for the urban co-working loft through a decal which is used as a way finding tool throughout the space.
DESIGN SOLUTION:
Using line work and precision, this way finding element has been incorporated on the floors, walls and ceiling to allow the user who that space is designed for and the purpose within.
SOFTWARE + SKILLS :
o Model built in Revit
o Rendered in Autodesk Cloud + Adobe Photoshop
CUSTOM LOGO DESIGN
PRELIMINARY SKETCHES
VIEW OF CAFE
STACKING AXONOMETRICPROJECT DESCRIPTION :
Paired with a graphic design student who posed as my client; who had previously rebranded a monthly subscription box service.
CHALLENGE :
Take this brand and design a pop-up shop located in the Seaport District in Boston, MA. Use sustainable design elements, universal design elements and add a way to make the space interactive where products can be tested.
CONCEPT STATEMENT :
As a monthly subscription box company, War Paint encompasses the concept of a makeup palette through the brand customization of each makeup box. The surprise factor inside of each palette and box, the compact-ness, organization and colors of the store, but most importantly the experimental purpose of the pop-up shop and of the palette itself.
DESIGN SOLUTION:
Orange and purple are the main colors chosen by my partner, for War Paint; a monthly subscription box to test makeup, hair and skin products. In the space, users can see each monthly box on display in a custom “makeup palette” display fixture. There are also three vanities where “War Paint Night” takes place, where users are instructed on how to use the products correctly, what works best for them or create a specific makeup look.
SOFTWARE + SKILLS :
o Model built in Revit
o Rendered in Autodesk Cloud + Adobe Photoshop
o Built a 3D scale model (1” = 1’-0” scale) used AutoCAD, foam core, 3D printer and water jet machine to cut pieces to then glue and pin together
Marielle (Elle) Cassidy
https://issuu.com/ellecass
@ellecassidydesigns
@mariellesmood