A Design Portfolio
Megan RenĂŠe H e s s
“Design is an opportunity to continue telling the story, not just to sum everything up.� - Tate Linden
index: Commercial Design Affordable Housing Public Library Landor
Hospitality Design Nick’s Bar and Grill
Residential Design Media Room
TL Interiors JFM CAN AM South Lourdes Medical Center
Photography Study Abroad Nature & Landscapes
design statement: My passion for interior design is what motivates me to create timeless spaces that leave a lasting impression. I believe the power of design can not only change the way a space feels and looks, but it can also have an effect on the people using the space as well. Through inspiration, I strive to create a space that is functional, comforting, and beautiful. I am dedicated to making a space have an impact through its personality and stor y. Tate Linden said, “Design is an opportunity to continue telling the stor y, not just to sum ever ything up.� My goal as an interior designer is to use this concept and allow the space to continue telling its stor y.
Commercial Design
Affordable Housing
about the project:
Objective - Gather, analyze, and synthesize necessary information and research findings to conceptualize a design solution and solve complex programming issues under code constraints. - Conduct site and building analysis applying sustainability theories and historic preservation. - Understand the concepts, principles and theories of sustainability as they pertain to sustainable communities, building practices, systems, materials and occupants. - Demonstrate knowledge of sustainable practices, LEED guidelines, and indoor air quality principles. - Make product and system selections that provide a healthy environment for the user, with low environmental impact. - Conceptualize the site based on the proper regulations for mixed-use developments.
What is it?
- “Affordable housing is housing that is appropriate for the needs of a range of very low to moderate income households and priced so that these households are also able to meet other basic living costs such as food, clothing, transport, medical care and education. As a rule of thumb, housing is usually considered affordable if it costs less than 30 percent of gross household income.”
Importance:
- “The development of affordable housing increases spending and employment in the surrounding economy, acts as an important source of revenue for local governments, and reduces the likelihood of foreclosure and its associated costs.”
Case Study Example:
Multi-Generational Affordable Housing - San Francisco, CA - Located along the district’s main business strip, a park, and a health center, this housing facility has the accommodations for 116 rental units for seniors and 124 family townhomes.
Qualities: - Gives a sense of place for residents - Incorporates the historically African-American population of the neighborhood - A courtyard gives a sense of community - LEED NC Registered - Uses storm-water management, solar arrays (heat domestic water and light the common spaces), and provides healthty interiors through the use of materials
Concept Statement Collaboration, contribution, and creativity are all pieces of the puzzle in creating a connected living environment. Located in New Haven, CT, Sentiero will feature many amenities in order to create an affordable, sustainable, and connected community. Some of these amenities include a restaurant with rooftop seating, a rooftop garden, a local food market, a central botanical garden, and lounge areas within the interior of the development. The mission of Sentiero is to make each individual feel as though they are part of the puzzle, making the community a whole. The location was home to many Italian and Polish immigrants in the 1920s. This history, along with the concept of connectivity inspired the name Sentiero, which means pathways in Italian. Winding pathways connect the residents to the environment by leading them through native botanical gardens, around water and trees, over bridges, and to one another. Sentiero is a place where crossing paths is common and residents feel part of the community.
Commercial Design - Affordable Housing Site Analysis
AutoCAD Floor Plan and Site Plan
Hand Rendered Site Plan
Preferred Locations (7 Points) Access to Quality Transit (3 Points) Bicycle Facilities (1 Point) Housing and Jobs Proximity (3 Points) Site Design for Habitat or Wetland and Water Body Conservation (1 Point) Walkable Streets (7 Points) Mixed-use Neighborhoods (1 Point) Housing Types and Affordability (7 Points) Transit Facilities (1 Point) Transportation Demand Management (1 Point) Access to Civic and Public Spaces (1 Point) Access to Recreation Facilities (1 Point) Visitability and Universal Design (1 Point) Community Outreach and Involvement (2 Points) Local Food Production (1 Point) Tree-Lined and Shaded Streetscapes (1 Point) Optimize Building Energy/Performance (2 Points) Indoor Water Use Reduction (1 Point) Outdoor Water Use Reduction (2 Points) Building Reuse (1 Point) Minimized Site Disturbance (1 Point) Rainwater Management (3 Points) Heat Island Reduction (1 Point) Renewable Energy Production (3 Points) District Heating and Cooling (2 Points) Infrastructure Energy Efficiency (1 Point) Wastewater Management (2 Points) Recycled and Reused Infrastructure (1 Point) Solid Waste Management (1 Point) Light Pollution Reduction (1 Point) LEED Accredited Professional (1 Point)
Total Points Received 62 Points
Commercial Design - Affordable Housing
LEED Credits
Red Oak Tree
Apple Tree
Paper Birch Tree
Other: Maple Tree White Wood Aster Wood Lily Hydrangea Daffodil Cinnamon Fern Pervious Pavers
Exterior Perspective
Turfstone
Commercial Design - Affordable Housing
Pervious Concrete
Main Lobby Perspective
Perspective of Rooftop Restaurant Seating
Commercial Design - Affordable Housing Perspective of a Typical Bedroom
Perspective of Kitchen, Dining Area, and Living Room
“Design is all about an open mind, and recognizing the beauty in opportunities beyond what you’d normally think to incorporate.� - Anonymous
Public Library
about the project:
Objective - Conduct site and building analysis combining physical and environmental conditions. - Conduct extensive code searches and apply code requirements in programming. - Gather, analyze, and synthesize case studies that identify innovative design strategies and solutions. - Develop an understanding of acoustic principles through exploration and application. - Utilize post-occupancy evaluation techniques. - Conduct third place observation through various methods of research.
Geographics:
“The city of Savannah sits in eastern Georgia along the Savannah River, not far from the South Carolina border. Savannah is both a gateway to seaside attractions as well as a destination in itself. Savannah is renowned for its grand architecture and plethora of historic sites.”
About the Building:
- Location: 102 East Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401 - Built in 1951 - Started as low-income housing for veterans - Restored in the early 2000s; kept original windows and doors - First apartment building in Georgia to have central air conditioning - Total Floors: 12 plus a mechanical room - There are 24 columns placed around the perimeter - The building has a prominent central core
Library Trends:
- Creating Community Icons - Attracting Attention and Stimulating Interest from the Outside - Wayfinding as a Journey - Moveable Furniture - Visual Impact - Bright Accent Colors - Dynamic - Interactive Environments - Wide Variety of Areas: Children’s, Cafe, Internet, Study, Meeting, and Lounge - Bluring Lines Between the Outside and Inside
Concept Statement The library is not only a recognized icon, but a destination for the entire community. Inside the building, individuals have the opportunity to choose a specific space designed for his or her own needs. Lounge areas will be featured in order to bring people together, creating hubs within the library itself. The interior furnishings and bright colors are a reflection of the dynamic character and distinguished surroundings of Savannah, Georgia. By emphasizing the connection between indoors and outdoors, a bright and welcoming atmosphere will foster creativity and productivity.
Inspiration T-Pin Board to create an overall experience within the library.
Through rapid prototyping, a model was built in order to represent the concept between connecting the inside and outside through the use of ceiling clouds. Perforations were made in the outdoor one to allow light to penetrate through and create interesting shadows. The inside features colored triangles to add more dimension and visual interest. The railing of the exterior lounge area features massive triangular cutouts in a seven foot tall structure.
Goals - Fuel passion for reading through the use of building a community around books. - Provide organized areas for various users through the use of flexibility. - Expand access to information by improving technology. - Establish the library as a community icon/focal point by creating an inviting space. - Discover new methods and improvements for learning by better understanding the users within the space. - Create a universally friendly environment through innovation.
Revit Floor Plan of Indoor/Outdoor Lounge Areas PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Perspective of the Outdoor Lounge Area looking towards the Indoor Lounge Area
Stair #1
Commercial Design - Public Library
UP
MECHANICAL
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Area of Refuge
Perspective of the Indoor Lounge Area looking towards the Outdoor Lounge Area
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
UP
Revit Floor Plan of Reference and Technology Space
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Perspective of the Reference and Technology Space
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
UP
UP
Revit Floor Plan of Teen Space, Collaboration Space, and Reading Space
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Perspective of the Teen Space
DOWN
Commercial Design - Public Library Perspective of a Collaboration Space
Perspective of a Reading Space
“Innovation is often the ability to reach into the past and bring back what is good, what is beautiful, what is useful, what is lasting.� - Sister Parish
Landor
about the project:
Objective - Address the programmatic needs of the company using innovative design. - Conduct site and building analysis based on proposed location. - Establish wellness as a central theme of the design solution. - Define, research, and identify issues relating to wellness in the office environment in order to propose the issues that are being addressed in the design solution. - Develop an understanding of all building constraints and codes. - Utilize Herman Miller as the primary source of both systems and free-standing furniture.
Geographics:
“Austin, Texas is an evolving expression of New Urbanism, the creation of pedestrian-friendly communities, where residents can enjoy easy access to recreation, shops, cafes, galleries, and nightlife.�
Case Study:
Thermal Comfort in the Workplace Six Basic Factors of Thermal Comfort: - Environmental Factors Air Temperature Radiant Temperature Air Velocity Humidity - Personal Factors Clothing Insulation Metabolic Heat Controlling Thermal Comfort - Heating Hot air based systems Water based central heating systems Combined heat and ventilation systems - Air Movement Small personal fans Larger oscillating fans Ceiling fans - Air Conditioning Small to large units - Evaporative Cooling Produce a moderate reduction in air temperature and increase humidity - Thermal Insulation Some materials act as barriers, which slow heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter
Concept Statement Austin, Texas will house the new location of Landor Associates, a leading graphic and branding design firm. Shared collaborative spaces, semiprivate meeting rooms, and non-hierarchal individual work stations will all be incorporated into the new office. The new innovative work environment will address thermal comfort in order to increase productivity and motivation amongst co-workers. Austin, Texas is a very unique and hip city, which will be reflected in the new innovated office design. Through a mixture of vibrant color, various materials to create texture and organic shapes, the Landor Associates office will be as unique as the city that accommodates it.
Sustainability Analysis Rendering
Green Roof - A green roof will provide extra insulation for the building - keeping it cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. Also, it provides an additional recreational space for employees.
Windows - By using existing louver windows, natural daylighting will be let into the space. When windows are opened, natural breezes will provide fresh air to the employees.
Solar Panels - Solar panels convert light energy from the sun to provide the building with electricity. Roller Shades - This shading will reduce solar heat gain, UV penetration, and glare, while preserving the view to the outdoors. Sun Angle Calculations - Summer Solstice: 83.1831° - Winter Solstice: 36.2831°
Inspiration A model was inspired by the principles and elements of design taken from the painting by Georgia O’Keefe. Through the use of various materials, bold color, and organic/natural shapes, a unique form was created to be the inspiration for the new innovative office space for Landor in Austin, Texas. The curves inspired the shape of the mezzanine, the translucency of the velum inspired the overall translucency throughout the office space, and the bold color inspired wall and material colors.
Hand Rendering of Georgia O’Keefe’s - Red Canna
Balance, Unity, Space, Line, Shape, and Color
Contour Line
Final Model Created
Space, Unity, Variety, Space, and Color
PRESENTATION SPACE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BEVERAGE/SNACK AREA C5 C2 C4
TYP. OF 6
BRAND ENVIRONMENT DESIGN TEAM
BRAND IDENTITY DESIGN TEAM
TYP. OF 2
RECEPTION AREA
C1 C3
TYP. OF 30
C7 C1
TYP. OF 20
C4
TYP. OF 2
EXECUTIVE BEVERAGE BAR
C4
PRODUCTION TEAM
CORPORATE IDENTITY DESIGN TEAM
C5
C1
TYP. OF 2
C6
TYP. OF 5
WOMEN'S ADA RESTROOM
STORAGE ROOM
JANITOR'S CLOSET
MEN'S ADA RESTROOM
BRAINSTORMING AREA
LARGE PRODUCTION WORK AREA
BREAK ROOM
MECHANICAL ROOM
Floor Plan of Main Level
BRAINSTORMING AREA
BEVERAGE/SNACK AREA AND BREAK ROOM C6
TYP. OF 4
C2 C1
C1
TYP. OF 8
CONFERENCE ROOM
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
TYP. OF 8
CONFERENCE ROOM
PRODUCTION MANAGER
C1
OPEN TO BELOW
OPEN TO BELOW
TYP. OF 4
CORPORATE IDENTITY MANAGER
C4
TYP. OF 2
C1 C1
TYP. OF 2
BRAND ENVIRONMENT DESIGN MANAGER
FINANCE DIRECTOR AND ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT C4
BRAND IDENTITY MANAGER
TYP. OF 2
C5
Floor Plan of Mezzanine Level
TYP. OF 4
Commercial Design - Landor
CLIENT MANAGER
Perspective of reception area and stairs leading up to the Mezzanine level
Commercial Design - Landor
Translucent materials will allow the natural lighting to move through the space creating a sense of unity. The interior will reflect the organic nature of the surrounding area of the office. A warm analogous color scheme will be used throughout to give another sense of unity, but in a varied manner. Through this use of color, workers will have a sense of warmth in the office, without the heat of a Texas summer. Natural cool breezes, shaded areas, and temperature controls will all help to create a comfortable work environment.
Commercial Design - Landor Perspective of work areas on main level
Perspective of brainstorm area on Mezzanine level
Hospitality Design
Nick’s Bar and Grill
about the project:
Nick’s Luncheonette Rennovation Nick’s Luncheonette in West Haven, CT is looking to expand into a Bar and Grill. The design incorporates an open floor plan for both the restaurant and bar areas. ADA compliance was met along with various seating arrangements placed strategically in order to create a universally accessible Bar and Grill.
Hospitality Design - Nick’s Bar and Grill Hand Drawn Floor Plan of Nick’s Bar and Grill
Hand Drawn Stair Section
Hospitality Design - Nick’s Bar and Grill
Hand Drawn Floor Plan of Stairs
Hospitality Design - Nick’s Bar and Grill Hand Drawn Bar Section
Hand Drawn ADA Bathroom Floor Plan
Hand Drawn ADA Bathroom Elevations
Residential Design
Media Room
about the project: Concept Statement The design for the media room incorporated custom built floor to ceiling cabinets on either side of the stone fireplace. A custom built bay window seat adds both aesthetic appeal and functionality to the space. Throughout the room, crown molding adds a unique touch to the overall contemporary space.
Hand Drawn Media Room Reflected Ceiling Plan
Residential Design - Media Room
Hand Drawn Media Room Floor Plan
Residential Design - Media Room Hand Drawn North Wall Elevation
Hand Drawn South Wall Elevation
Residential Design - Media Room Hand Drawn East Wall Elevation
Hand Drawn West Wall Elevation
TL Interiors
All projects, photos, and other materials are owned by TL Interiors, LLC.
JFM CAN AM South
about the project:
JFM CAN AM South A local real estate company - JFM - has a project in South Carolina that TL Interiors has been a part of for approximately 2 years. JFM asked TL Interiors to come up with a design for the employee courtyard. Water features, canopies, tables with umbrellas, and exterior lighting all coordinate to create an inviting outdoor space for employees.
Courtyard Floor Plan Design Drawn on SoftPlan : Not to Scale
Commercial Design - JFM CAN AM South
Water Feature Elevation A : Not to Scale
Water Feature Section C-1 : Not to Scale Water Feature Section D-1 : Not to Scale
“Interior Design is the ability to transform an ordinary space into a beautiful, well-designed and functional environment.� - Anonymous
Lourdes Medical Center
about the project:
Lourdes Medical Center Lourdes Hospital is looking to expand to another location in the Binghamton, NY area. TL Interiors reviewed the scope of work and building program requirements to come up with a functional medical center layout.
Commercial Design - Lourdes Medical Center First Floor Plan Drawn in SoftPlan : Not to Scale
Second Floor Plan Drawn in SoftPlan : Not to Scale
Photography
Study Abroad
Photography - Study Abroad
Photography - Study Abroad
Photography - Study Abroad
“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” - Jonathan Swift
Nature & Landscapes
Photography - Nature & Landscapes
Photography - Nature & Landscapes
“Change the way you see things, and the things you see will change.” - Wayne Dyer
Megan Renée H e s s