“
My design ethic is HUMAN + HEALTH CENTERED, recognizing + designing around natural ways to elevate culture + context.
”
-Leah Branstetter
LEAH ANN BRANSTETTER Life LAB Design Portfolio
THESIS + HEALTHCARE KITCHEN + REMODEL HOTEL + RESTAURANT RETAIL + BAR HAND DRAWINGS + MORE
“
as a design thinker, i approach the process as a way of abstractly solving problems that are not yet known to the user.
�
THESIS + HEALTHCARE
ELEVATION 12 After Care Recovery + Holistic Health Community Center
PPRROOBBLLEEMM There Limited is currently continuing limited education, continuing Limited continuing education, education community + community support, or support positive for community support, or positive outlets peoplefor looking people toinachieve sobriety. + outlets for people in sobriety. maintain long lasting sobriety.
SOLUTION
GOAL
Community A spacious center Center focused focused on on healing healing the the mind mind & + body, addiction management, management + + 24/7 24/7 community community support. support.
Create Consistent a consistent areaarea of fellowship of fellowship where Place of safety safety + surrender + surrender can Inspirational happen // on Supportive an inspired // Involved + supported level.
Treating the entire being, creates a solid foundation for lasting change.
BODY:
Addictions cause physical health conditions. By introducing exercise, relaxation techniques techniques,+and proper nutrition, this program helps establish + & strengthen strengthen the the whole whole body. body.
MIND:
Chemical imbalances + stressful experiences cause mental fatigue and + confusion. confusion.Gaining Gaining strength strength in in this this area area treats treats thethe underlying underlying cause cause + teaches + teaches safe safe coping coping mechanisms. mechanisms.
SPIRIT:
Having spiritual strength helps overcome long-term addiction. Finding balance in this area is recommended by Alcoholics Anonymous + sets up all individuals to realize their core purpose. purspose.
Elevation 12 is a new + innovative health care space, where the focus is on
S E L F h e a lt h c ar e. By finding true balance + awareness in a supporting space, you are able to elevate your life to a new, restorative level.
23 Million Americans suffer from alcohol + drug addiction.
A.A. MEETING ROOM RESEARCH
PRE-DESIGN
PRE-DESIGN
By designing for proper balance between energy centers, colors, elements, + lifestyle themes, a space easily becomes more friendly, adaptable + cohesive. This Feng Shui bauga map displays the overall layout design.
FENG SHUI PLAN
COFFEE LOUNGE
MUSIC+ ART LAB
MEETING LAB RESTROOMS
GARDEN LAB
HEALTH LAB
THE NOURISH BAR COFFEE LAB
RESTAURANT CULINARY LAB
BUSINESS LAB INCUBATOR KITCHEN ENTRY FLOOR PLAN - FIRST STORY
OXYGEN BAR ART LAB
MEETING LAB HEALTH LAB
YOGA LAB FLOOR PLAN - SECOND STORY
LAB The word LAB is used to describe spaces in the floor plan. By illustrating each area as a “ laboratory,” users are free to know this isn’t just another community center, but a place for observation, investigation + optimal health exploration. SECOND FLOOR AREA DISPLAYED
PRE DESIGN COLLAGES
MEETING LAB Our brain’s circuitry comes pre-wired with an emotional attachment to rounded forms.
Consistently used, common A.A. meeting rooms are dull, dingy + closed off. The rounded re-design of this vital space creates feelings of comfort, unity + an overall secure sense of well-being.
Located in the area of reputation + social life, the Meeting LAB inspires people to let go of past personalities while embracing new connections with others.
CULINARY LAB
Located in the area of helpful people + travel, the Culinary LAB is a place to connect with others, create new friendships + provide inspiration to get out into the world.
A space to eat well + heal the body through food, the Culinary LAB is designed to educate + inspire the community with cooking classes + health workshops.
17.4% of cooks + chefs are current illicit drug users, making this space a great place to channel their passions into positive energy.
Living plants provide a stress relieving quality, as well as better concentration + memory.
GARDEN LAB This community area acts as a gathering space + garden. The patio offers seating for small groups + the platform doors open to make a larger gallery space or stage.
Located in the area of children + creativity, families are welcome to gather during public hours. The Spun Chairs offer a fun way to connect with others, inspiring interaction + learning to let go.
YOGA LAB
Located on the cusp of health + self cultivation, the Yoga LAB is a space to find peace + stillness in the body/mind connection.
Yoga + meditation are a great way to realize the true self + fill the void addicts develop over the course of their addiction. It helps build life force + revitalize the nervous system.
Yoga helps correct body imbalances, clear the mind + strengthen the spirit. This integrative practice provides the ultimate threefold treatment.
“
by focusing on merging participation between client + designer, there becomes an active engagement in wellbeing for everyone.
�
KITCHEN + REMODEL
KITCHEN + REMODEL Title NKBA Historical Residential Home SUB HEADLINE
CLIENT PROBLEM Michael and Jolene Matthews are Limited continuing+education, a young, professional newlywed community support,purchased or positive couple . They recently outlets for people in sobriety. a 19th century federal style row home in a northern U.S. city.
DESIRES
CONCEPT
The Matthews’ desire an open concept kitchen + requested an open dining area with seating for six people. They want to bring back the old world charm in it’s classic frame.
A transitional design, full of warmth + vitality, this plan creates a juxtaposition between warm + cool materials which give an upbeat spirit to this historical home.
Moving the porch door to the South wall provides more full length wall space as well as creating an open + expansive view as you enter the room. Brick was exposed on the East wall, providing a dramatic backdrop for the dining area. Arches were removed to open up the visual height in the space.
Since the kitchen is a go-to work area for all tasks, each area in the room has its own
f u n c t i o n + u n i q u e p ur po s e. An open layout keeps family + friends connected while preparing meals + visiting with one another.
PULL OUT PANTRY WORK TRIANGLE BAKING CENTER
EXTENSION TABLE FOLD OUT COFFEE PENINSULA EAT-IN WORKSPACE DOG FEEDING STATION
The color
orange stimulates appetite; Perfect for an eat-in kitchen.
MECHANICAL PLAN
EXPOSED BRICK
ACCENT LIGHTING
WALL COLOR
EAST ELEVATION
EAST ELEVATION
The union of cabinets on the East wall provides a practical + space saving option for l i v i n g and dining. With a customized dog feeding s tation, eat-in workspace, breakfas t penins ula, + electronics s tation, t h e r e i s ample storage provided for this new family. The area also invites guests to congregate on polar sides of the room.
WEST ELEVATION
WEST ELEVATION
SOAPSTONE COUNTERTOP
SOAPSTONE COUNTER
GLASS TILE BACKSPLACH
TEAL ISLAND CABINETS
PORCELAIN FLOOR
KITCHEN SKETCH
WALL CABINET COLOR
ISLAND CABINET COLOR
“
My design concept is about story-telling + creating a narrative for people to discover + journey through.
�
HOTEL + RESTAURANT
SESSILE Title Hotel + Restaurant Lounge SUB HEADLINE
LOCATION PROBLEM
Set in the country of Wales, outdoor activity + bikeeducation, riding are Limited continuing a way of life. Sessile becomes the community support, or positive go-to destination for in adventure outlets for people sobriety. enthusiants. It sits at the end of The Taff Trail, a famous bike ride through the mountains.
CONCEPT
TEAMWORK
An adventure worthy hotel hub, this space brings together the unique elements of the country + surrounding lands. Natural elements are brought indoors to warm + excite the guests.
This project was in collaboration with students in the culinary arts program. The hotel + restaurant were designed to showcase the provided menu + restaurant ideas of the culinary team.
Sessile was awarded Best Concept +Design at the Winter 2012 Art Institute of San Diego Portfolio Show. Completed in collaboration with Regan Hebert+ Alyssa Daly.
Model Making was a main element in the design presentation. These images show the restaurant portion of the design.
Sessile was named after the oak tree commonly found on Wale’s forest trails, but also means “fixed to one place,” like the
G RA N I T E + STO NE formations surrounding the natural area.
FINISHED FLOOR PLAN
FURNITURE FLOOR PLAN
By using
stone slabs to divide dining sections, patrons get a sense of
STONE WALLS
solitude + intimacy while connecting with nature.
ENTRY PAINT COLOR
BOOTH UPHOLSTERY
DINING ROOM VIEW
PORCELAIN FLOORING
The Bike Bar features
CONCRETE ACCENTS
clear panel fireplaces + large glass windows to connect the indoor warmth with the coolness of the outside breeze.
BAR TOP STONE
FIRE PLACE
PORCELAIN FLOORING
BIKE BAR VIEW
FRONT ENTRY
THE BIKE BAR DINING LOUNGE
RETAIL STORE
HOTEL CHECK IN CONCIERGE
DOUBLE SIDED COMMERCIAL KITCHEN
RESTROOMS COFFEE LOUNGE
RESTAURANT GROUP DINING
RESTAURANT ENTRY ELEVATORS
RESTAURANT SINGLE DINING
AREA DISPLAYED IN MODEL RESTAURANT OVERVIEW
RESTAURANT ENTRTY
“
I DESIGN TO INSPIRE LIVES TOWARD A JOURNEY OF TRUER LIVING; HELPING USERS DEFINE THEIR CORE PURPOSE THROUGH COMFORtING SPACES.
”
RETAIL + BAR
Malt matisse Title Sundae Bar + Retail Store SUB HEADLINE
PCRLOI EBNL TE M Paper Source Inc. in San Clemente, Limited continuing education, California, desired to merge their community support, or positive paper goods store with an outlets for people in sobriety. old fashioned ice cream bar .
INSPIRATION
CONCEPT
Influenced by Fauvist artist, Matisse, bold colors + patterns come to life to establish a playful space fit for the old, young + young at heart.
Malt Matisse is a fun loving sundae bar, creating a tempting appetite for all things sweet. A wonderous place to be inspired + shop for all of your party planning needs.
PRE DESIGN INSPIRATION IMAGES
EXTERIOR MATERIALS
This unique store + lounge brings in the salty air,
c o n t ra s t i n g yo u r s w eet s i d e + providing an inviting space for local families to hang out.
Porthole windows advance a nautical vibe from the outside in, while the dashing colors demonstrate the treats waiting inside.
FACADE
OFFICE
A fun dining + shopping space increases foot traffic for both businesses, creating more prosperity for this small community.
RETAIL SPACE
CASHIER CANDY WALL
RESTROOMS
ENTRY
FURNITURE PLAN
SUNDAE BAR DINE-IN SEATING
KITCHEN PRODUCT DISPLAYS
WINDOW SEATING
Colossal oragami fish hang high over the store, inviting wonderous conversation + inspiration.
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN
GUMMY BEAR CHANDALIER
BAR PENDANT LIGHITNG
HANGING DECORATIVE FISH
DINING CHAIRS
DISPLAY CABINETRY
BOOTH UPHOLSTERY
BAR STOOLS
3 FORM CHROMA PANELLING BAR ELEVATION
WALL MOUNTED CANDY DISPENSER RETAIL STORAGE DISPLAY
ARTWORK SAMPLE
SOUTH ELEVATION
NORTH ELEVATION
“
I believe in design as a lifestyle; always striving to improve + enhance full environments to their greatest potential .
�
HAND DRAWINGS + MORE
additional WORK Hand Sketches + Other Drawings
HO AN PR BD LEM Drafting, sketching + observational Limited continuing education, drawing are foundational great community support, ortopositive design for thinking + concept outlets people in sobriety. development.
COMPUTER With a strong focus on AutoCAD + construction documents, this section includes additional drafting projects.
MY MISSION I work to analyze each design problem as a whole; creating the best solution with a focus on improved lifestyle cultivation.
THIS PAGE ABOVE LEFT: PRISMA COLOR MARKERS ABOVE RIGHT: WATERCOLOR PENCILS LEFT: WATERCOLOR PENCILS + MARKER
OPPOSITE PAGE FAR LEFT: CHARCOAL SKETCH MIDDLE: PRISMA COLOR MARKERS RIGHT: GRAPHITE PENCIL
The
Cosmo Club features a formal yet comfortable dining
atmosphere suited for working adults, small business meetings + catching up with old associates.
HAND DRAFTED FLOOR PLAN
FURNITURE + LIGHTING SELECTIONS
HAND DRAFTED ELEVATIONS
Revive Therapy Center creates a
supportive healing environment focused on a metamorphic
experience through the use of physical therapy. FLOOR PLAN
REFLECTED CEILING PLAN
PRE-DESIGN
Leah Branstetter leah.branstetter@gmail.com 619-804-6455
EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
DANILO NESOVIC DESIGNER + BUILDER, KITCHEN + BATH DESIGN ASSISTANT
The Art Institute of Las Vegas
San Diego : July 2013 - October 2013
Oct. 2009 - June 2012
- Assist with client consultations; In-Home pre-design
Bachelor of Science In Interior Design
- Assist designer with creating drawings sets + specifications
CIDA Accredited
- Cabinetry design, layout + product ordering - Maintain website + social media marketing
The Art Institute of California, San Diego Oct. 2012 - Dec. 2014 Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
LA-Z-BOY, DESIGN ASSISTANT
CIDA Accredited
San Diego : October 2012 - July 2013 - Contribute to store sales goals
SKILLS
- Assist designer to achieve established In-Home program sales, space plans + design selections - Support design related functions in store + maintain customized portfolio
AUTOCAD
- Accurately complete order information, collect deposits + fees; keep orderly customer records
PHOTOSHOP ILLUSTRATOR IN DESIGN
GLOBAL VIEWS, SHOWROOM ASSISTANT MANAGER
ACROBAT
Las Vegas : June 2011 - January 2012
MICROSOFT WORD
- Assist manager with company buyers, store owners + designers
EXCEL
- Prepare showroom for Market Week; maintenance + upkeep
OUTLOOK
- Organize sales orders, purchase orders, hold orders + client information
POWERPOINT
- Achieve sales goals; update clients on order status + stock availability
SKETCHUP SPACE PLANNING CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
WORLD MARKET CENTER, ASID DESIGN ASSISTANT
HAND DRAFTING + SKETCHING
Las Vegas : February 2011- December 2011
MODEL MAKING
- Assist designer with client solutions; art, accessory, fabric + lighting specifications
VISUAL MERCHANDISING
- Assist designer with showroom design + planning; create construction documents
CUSTOMER SERVICE
- Organize + create visual boards for client review
CLIENT COMMUNICATION
- Vendor management; orders, follow-up phone calls + emails
MAC + PC
With a Bachelors Degree in Interior Design, as well as training and certification in yoga + health coaching, Leah considers her niche to be full lifestyle design. She strives to blend the world of interior design + self health care, creating optimal environments for people to live elevated lives.
leah.branstetter@gmail.com