Chastain, Emily

My name is Emily Chastain, and I am an interior architecture student. Being in studio classes can at times be trying and challenging. However, days are easier when everyone is considerate of each other and shows kindness. I can endure the hard moments when there is a sincere atmosphere in the studio environment, and this is done by relying on one another. I believe there is purpose in the work I create, and I honor the dedication I put in. I enjoy having others appreciate and recognize my design choices. With my designs, the goal is to create spaces that are idealistic and attainable. I am faithful to who I am and the work I create.

Do you have any plans after this semester?

Go home to Dallas, Texas for semester break.

What type of designer would you like to be?

I would like to start in commercial design and dp space planning and floor plans. I enjoy figuring out large facilities so maybe senior living, hotels, airports.

Can you tell me about any problems you ran into in the studio or outside?

Feeling a lack of inspiration mid-way when the project is long.

What kind of place would you like to design next?

I would like to work on doing a hotel.

What do you think makes a good workplace?

I think the amount of private vs sharable space as an employee influences if its a good workplace. As well as employee amenities and work culture.

Can you tell me what evidence-based design means to you?

Having a concept/ideas that is based on fact, research, and reason.

Compared to previous semesters, the semester may be challenging in many ways, but you may be able to see your accomplishments. Reviewing your accomplishments, what did you learn from this studio?

I learned more about code in workplaces, influences of workplace environment, space planning, and how to accurately put together construction documents.

Would you like to share anything with future students of this studio?

NA

NEXT is a global architecture and interior design firm adding a new office location in the design district of Dallas, TX. This office willhouse 46 total employees with 6 employee visitors on occasion. A variety of workspaces will be incorporated throughout the space which will encourage the principles of me + we, fixed to fluid, open + enclosed, and braiding physical + digital. This office will be in a pre-existing building, located on the 3rd floor, and occupying 11,000 sq ft. Both private offices, enclosed workspaces, collaborative workspaces, and other amenities will create a work environment that encourages technology and creativity to push toward success. Within the NEXT offices, the main goals are inclusivity and the use of technology. Through these things, success is to be reached. To achieve these goals the objectives are to create a variety of workspaces that can adhere to all employees, as well as create versatile spaces where technology can be utilized.

The concept of the NEXT office is EMBRACE. For the NEXT office community, to embrace a new location (Dallas), embrace a new work environemnt (Victory Commons), lastly to embrance any other life circumstances. Wooden elements featured on the ceiling plane will create an environment of embrace, by enclosing the space in an intimate way. Incorporating lighting elements inspired from The Bank of America building Located in downtown Dallas is an omage to the city.