Janet Little Portfolio

JL Janet Little

09429 Center Road New Knoxville, OH 45871 E: littlej4@miamioh.edu P: 567.204.2652.

Growing up in a small farm town, I quickly learned that I would have to venture outside of my bubble in order to fulfill my dreams. Throughout the years I have packed my Midwestern values with me, but I have pushed myself outside of my comfort zone through life’s adventures and travels.

Today I find fulfillment in taking a handful of ideas and making them into a unified story, product, or space. Studying Interior Architecture at Miami University has given me the opportunity to design both locally and internationally. Design allows me to utilize my creative abilities to make the visions of clients become a reality while drawing inspiration from photographs, magazines, nature, and my own life experiences. The journey of my adventures has been as valuable of experiences as the destinations.

Welcome to my story.

Los Angeles

Shanghai

Istanbul

New York City

Zurich

Boston

Los Angeles Capstone Studio

Rehabilitation & Counseling Center for Homeless Veterans

Roots: Project Description: Create a space of your choice that houses different uses for a group of complex specified users that is over 30,000 sq. ft. in size. The topic of choosing must be important to you.

Students will be expected to thoroughly research through scholarly journals and books.

Concept:

. rise, especially Homelessness is on the for veterans. A space of over 30,000 sq. ft. will incorporate temporary residential housing, rehabilitation, and career services. This will be successful through the incorporation of indoor gardens, which are proven to. reduce anxiety, elevate mood, and be therapeutic. These areas can act as meeting places to promote social interaction as well as teach horticulture (one of the most recommended professions for people with PTSD).

The site for Roots is in downtown Los Angeles, home to the largest population of homeless veterans in the United States. Within LA, is Culver City which is located less than five miles from Skid Row, home to over 17,000 homeless. Other reasons for choosing this location included the proximity to UCLA Medical and Psychiatric Hospitals as well as the VA.

Site Analysis & Sun Path Diagrams

Roots UCLA Medical Campus

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

To be budget conscious, I took advantage of the water pipes already in use for the yoga studio’s waterfall wall. A feature water wall is also in place in the hallway on the opposite side. Features like this element help to incorporate a green environment that is natural. Trickling water sounds have been proven to lessen severe anxiety and relieve stress in individuals with PTSD.

Having small gathering areas is important for the social interactions between occupants.

Engaging with others and having conversations with individuals who can empathize is necessary to overcome depression and create friendships. These areas are located outside of the occupants’ individual rooms, which are also lined with acoustical panels to keep noise from being disruptive.

A yoga studio is integrated into the design to help teach breathing techniques, meditation, and encourages physical activity. The built - in storage allows space for yoga mats and personal belongings. The waterfall wall contributes to the serenity of the space to promote relaxation.

Garden Inspiration

Handicapped Accessible Room Perspective with Dropped Ceiling Installation

Every room at Roots is handicapped accessible as well as private. While some facilities choose to house as many individuals as possible, I found that more individualized care is more likely to break the cycle of homelessness. Through research, I found that the homeless need a place to call their own in order to feel secure. Only after feeling safe and having a piece of ownership can individuals be treated for other mental and physical problems.

Shanghai Retail Studio

Flower Shop in Shanghai

Above the Seed:

Project Description: For an expat client, design a 400 sq. ft. flower shop in Shanghai , China that would be used by other Western expats and Chinese patrons. The client requests a modern aesthetic of “1930’s meets 2015.” Project will be completed in teams of three.

Concept:

Create an experience for the customer using the idea of floating from the direct translation of Shanghai, “Above the Sea”. This will be done through materiality, product displays, and programming of the flower shop.

Shanghai is a small port city bursting with historical contexts, yet continues to move toward the future. Today, it is the most populated city in China and is a metropolis of art, business, and architecture. The same love for old and new came into our concept of repurposing old materials to the aesthetics of a futuristic Shanghai. Modern, unorthodox forms contrast traditional geometrics.

The entrance includes a repurposed sliding door which is similar to that used in the old Shanghai fishing markets. Hanging terrariums create whimsical elements at different levels and make a futuristic sea for customers to enjoy.

Cut Flowers Commercial Flowers Bouquets Vases Display Work Station Cash Wrap Storage Office Space Bathroom

The use of refurbished wood is a historical reference to the fishing crates used in the port.

Textured walls add a modern aesthetic. Red ceramic vases cantilever over the flooring to create an illusion of floating.

Longitudinal Section Cut

Our space glorifies the transformation of Shanghai from a small fishing village to one of the largest port cities of the world. The forward focus of the city is a reflection of subtleties of the past. The space ensures customers feel the essence of Shanghai’s roots, while appreciating the developmental process of a cosmopolitan metropolis. Shanghai translates to “Above the Sea” so our group decided to name the flower shop “Above the Seed.” We mimic the form of a wave with different heights of vases utilizing transparent materials such as glass. The project was created by two architects and one interior designer (me).

Section Cut through Immediate Displays

Arrangement Types & Materiality

Perspective of Prearranged Flower and Vase Displays

Istanbul Summer Studio

Study Abroad

New York City

Retail Studio

Men’s Pop - Up Shop in the Meatpacking District

Bonobos: Project Description: Create a “pop-up-shop” in the Meatpacking district of New York City that communicates the Bonobos brand within a 1250 sq. ft. (25 ft. wide x 50. ft. long x 14 ft. tall) environment.

Designs must also convey the Bonobos graphics and signage. It must also have a digital element since Bonobos is an e-commerce store for men.

Concept:

I was inspired by a pair of Jimmy Choos trudging through meat sludge on the cobblestone streets of NYC. Combining a desirable product with undesirable elements creates a visual interest for customers. Design is influenced by the history of NYC’s meatpacking district. The Bonobos store is geared especially toward men who hate to shop- but love to look stylish.

Keeping with the company’s green initiative, construction is made from reused materials.

Locally found metal sheeting adorns the facade while referencing cutting platforms that meatpackers used to use for butchering. Reclaimed wood and exposed brick keep this space raw.

Material Diagram

Using sustainable materials allows for a decrease in construction cost, reducing dependence on imported, higher-cost alternatives.

Grid walls when combined with face-outs and signage act as a home for merchandise.

Walls are made from recycled metal scraps that are then fabricated into panels.

Panel fixtures are made from alusion, stabilized aluminum foam created from recycled metal. The skin is removed through a special blasting process, allowing an aluminum sponge to form.

While using a space that is raw, design decisions incorporate fit, technology, and sustainable materials. The store is the perfect experience for men with shopping made easy and fun through sarcastic slang, unique packaging, technology, and the clothes - or as we call it “the meat.�

Tables and platforms are created from plant-based agricultural wastes. These come from the cultivation of maize crops, providing natural fibers that are a sustainable resource for production.

Packaging inspiration comes from meatpackers wrapping in freezer paper as well as tying pork loins with string. Wrapping clothes like meat gives Bonobos consumers a fun experience and promotes the brand.

Bonobos is an online store, so incorporating digital elements was of high importance. If the line is too long, customers can make their orders online at the I-pad checkout.

Digital signage also plays an important role in the marketing and advertising of the Bonobos brand. This also allows for employees to spend more of their time with their customers instead of changing signage.

Bonobos Cash Wrap & I-pad Checkout

Zurich Furniture Studio

The Chair

3Legged: Project Description: Make a replication of a chair from a famous designer that inspires you or design your own chair. Chairs must be proportional, stable, and well crafted. Original designs and dimensioning will be crafted through AutoCad drawings.

Concept:

I created the MWC chair or the Minimal Wood Chair by Florian Hauswirth through a collection of photographs and my own CAD drawing proportions. The original inspiration of Hauswirth’s design was a wooden oar which is evident in the backrest. The chair includes three legs, one spanning the entire height of the chair that was cut using a router. Hauswirth is part of a design group called Postfossil where he is a furniture and product designer. .

Profile of MWC

Notched Connection

Through this project, I have a newfound appreciation and respect for furniture designers. Calculations have to be perfect as well as proportionate. Creating a chair is a trial in itself, but creating a chair that is usable is another matter. It took several mock - ups to get this chair to be stable enough to sit in.

Boston Corporate Studio

Rehabilitation & Counseling Center

Rafanelli Events: Project Description: Create a corporate office for the design firm of your choice given the provided floor plan. The office should be tailored to your company and should also take current corporate trends into account.

Concept:

I chose Rafanelli Events due to their reputable persona in the wedding design and coordinating industry.

Rafanelli relies heavily on the clientele for inspiration and then translates their needs into a personal vision. The layout focuses on using the clients as the central point in the design, allowing them to maximize interactions between clients and employees and further produce inspiration.

0' - 0 11/32"

Small Groups

IT

Material Library

Touchdowns

Men’s

Women’s

Waiting

1

Reception Coves

Coffee Bar

Marketing

Touchdowns

10' - 9"

Lobby

Workstations

Break Area

Conference Design Team

Large Conference

Lab

Huddles 1

A106

1

Level 9 1/8" = 1'-0"

Rafanelli Floor Plan

Creating Geometries in Floor Plan

Through research I found that small meeting rooms are more highly utilized than large conference rooms. Having more huddles allows for Rafanelli staff to meet with their clients or other employees in semi private settings.

Team rooms consist of two to three occupants per room and takes advantage of limited space.

Modern but comfortable furnishings give an updated look through bright colors.

Inspiration

Coffee Brasserie

Rafanelli

Upon entering Rafanelli, clients and employees can enjoy the coffee brasserie at the central point of the office. Tall bar stools and granite countertops evoke the feeling of a brewery instead of a workplace. Tables and chairs in groups of four allows for informal meetings and casual conversations. The dropped ceiling creates a more intimate setting. Opaque panels separate the brasserie from workstations and act as a sound barrier.

Roof 126' - 0"

Level 9 112' - 0"

1

Section 1 3/16" = 1'-0"

Brasserie and Workstation Section Cut

Case Study Map

Adjacency Maps Guest Seating

Humor

Reception

Luxurious

Work Stations

Whimsical

Event Study: Wedding

Inspiration Room Huddles

Candle Flute

Lighting

Hanging Elements

Conference

Tent Canopies

Touchdowns

Tall Floral Arrangements

Whimsical

Table Numbers

aphics

Humor

e e

Place Card Setup

Architecture in Table Numbers

Whimsical

Camp Harbor View

Tie-Dye Ink Linens

Humor

Cake Linens

Plateware

Service Food

Candlelight Linens

Venue

nt Study: Private Neon Feathers Florals Light Sabers in Florals

Bathroom Decor

Cookie Shapes

Whimsical

Dance Floor Graphics

Humor Luxurious

avors

Entertainment: Arcade Games

Humor

Whimsical

1980’s Party Candles

Videogame Cookies

Vases Customization Dance Floor Shape Linens

Luxurious

Lighting Floral Colors

Chandeliers

Furniture

ance Floor Graphics

Wine glasses

Kristin & Tom

Luxurious

Radio Centerpieces

Milk Glass

Architecture in Menus

ording

Cassette Tape Table #’s

Draping Florals

Chuppah

Luxurious

Lighting Glassware

Plateware

Service

String Quartet

Hallway Perspective

Lobby & Waiting Area Perspective

Janet Little

JL

09429 Center Road New Knoxville, OH 45871 E: littlej4@miamioh.edu P: 567.204.2652.

SPECIALTIES Conceptual Design

Space

Planning

Adobe

Creative Suite

EDUCATION

Miami University Oxford, Ohio 2008 - 2013 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design CIDA accredited Conceptual design focus selected from competitive portfolio-based admission Minor of Family Relationships and Childhood Development

Yeditepe University Istanbul, Turkey 2013 Immersed in Turkish culture for eight weeks while studying architecture and interior design through hands on experience in design studio Created, wrote, and edited personal travel blog Collaborated with Turkish design students to create design process for theater in city-center of Kadikoy Generated drawings of landscape and architecture through watercolor and pencil renderings EXPERIENCE

Champlin Architecture Cincinnati, Ohio 2013 Interior Design Internship Coordinated all meetings and luncheons and acted as a communicator between sales representatives and designers Created finish boards for designers and clients primarily for branded environments in the healthcare and corporate sectors Concept Development through sketching, BIM, and Adobe Creative Suite Developed space planning and floor plans through AutoCAD

I i C C i

mmersed in Turkish culture for eight weeks while studying architecture and nterior design through hands on experience in design studio reated, wrote, and edited personal travel blog ollaborated with Turkish design students to create design process for theater n city-center of Kadikoy

Champlin Architecture Cincinnati, Ohio 2013 Interior Design Internship C oordinated all meetings and luncheons and acted as a communicator between sales representatives and designers C reated finish boards for designers and clients primarily for branded e nvironments in the healthcare and corporate sectors PROGRAMS Adobe Creative Suite 5 AutoCAD Revit SketchUp Drafting Sketching Hand & Digital Rendering Woodworking Microsoft Office SPECIALIZED COURSEWORK Design - Build Furniture Studio 2012 2 - Dimensional Art Studio 2009 3 - Dimensional Art Studio 2009 Drawing I Studio 2009 Drawing II Studio 2009 Graphic Design 2009 INVOLVEMENT Student Advisory Council School of Architecture 2012 - 2013 Planned Fall and Spring Exhibit Shows IIDA International Interior Design Association 2009 - 2013 Traveled to Seattle, Chicago, & Grand Rapids for design firms Professor Selection Committee Interior Design 2013 Gymnastics Coach Miami University Recreation 2013 Trained twenty - five youth Alpha Rho Chi Isidorus Chapter 2011 - 2012 Alpha Omicron Pi Omega Chapter 2009 - 2012 KAA Kids Across America 2009 Camp Counselor for inner - city youth