Slaughter, Sydney

I am a very sensible person when it comes to prioritizing my time. Since I am very involved in lots of things outside of school, I have to be on top of a very organized schedule. I have many great friendships that I care deeply for and tend to, but I make time for things I am passionate about as well. I have a very hard time saying no to things, so I participate in quite a few things making it hard to balance my schedule sometimes. I am confident personally and socially, making it easy for me to put myself out there and try new things whenever I see something I would never think of doing in my life. With that, I let my creative side show often. As an Interior Design student, I love being creative and thinking conceptually. Problem solving, when it’s not my own problem, is something I would consider myself to be pretty good at.

Do you have any plans after this semester?

My plans are to have a restful winter break and work on earning an internship for the summer of 2024.

What type of designer would you like to be?

I would like to be a designer involved in hospitality or high -end residential design.

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

Outside of technical problems, I ran into issues with managing all of the challenging classes of 3rd year.

What kind of place would you like to design next?

Something that has to do with retail design

What do you think makes a good workplace?

A balance of areas of collaboration and amenities with private spaces.

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

Designing based on the precedent and the criteria you are given.

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?

That I am capable of approaching the design process from another way and that there is always things you can do to better a project

Would you like to share anything with future students of this studio? Be resilient and trust where your design decisions take you.

PROJECT STATEMENT:

This project is located in Dallas, Texas, and is to be a workplace for an architecture and design firm. The building is located in the design district of Dallas, and is surrounded by an abundance of showrooms, up-scale restaurants, and even the AT&T stadium. NEXT is a company that has employees with a variety of personalities. Some need quiet, concentrated places to work, others thrive off of social stimulation. Creating social and private areas is a critical part of developing schematics for this project. The client’s goals of this project are to develop an environment that is healthy for not only its employees but for its guests and clients. Having a work environment that is comfortable for everyone not only optimizes performance but also provides a safe place to share ideas and create freely. In addition, the idea of a hybrid workforce is a growing concept. A workplace that incorporates this needs to be equipped with proper technology. Technology is also an incentive for Gen Z to become employees at a firm that utilizes devices like smart whiteboards, content-sharing solutions, and other types of the latest high-tech systems. Research says that by 2025, millennials will make up three-quarters of all workers, with more employees from Gen Z being thrown in the mix. This implies that companies are looking towards the future, which means that modular systems and flexible working space are ideal for two generations that work best in collaboration and require frequent feedback.

DESIGN CONCEPT STATEMENT:

The design concept of this project is Playful Professionalism, which will entail a variety of strategies to maximize the experience of being in the office. The design intention of this project is for the employees to thrive in an environment that does not feel like work. The Fixed to Fluid spaces will ensure creativity by incorporating repetition of contour lines, custom built-ins and bookcases that reflect the brand, and have a balance of playfulness and professionalism. Open + Enclosed spaces will promote collaboration by providing a variety of seating, spaces with access to a plethora of natural light, as well as biophilia. This office will customize digital and physical media braiding through the employee’s passion for design, visual connections, supportive seating that provides comfort, and establishing a hierarchy between social and private spaces. Lastly, the Me + We areas will embrace the culture of the company by the zoning of spaces through materials, standing desks, and the adjacency of leaders and their employees.

The circular ceiling elements in this collaboration space add a sense of playful luxury to this Architecture and Design firm. The sunlight reflects off these rings and creates plays of light through the office.

The stage in the work lounge is derived from a concept model that was built early in the process of creating a concept for this office. The playful installation transfered to the work lounge in a positive way, allowing for team meetings, public speakers, and its employees to use this space in a flexible way.

Steelcase - Elmosoft Saddle

Recycled Rubber

Steelcase - Remix

Linen Beige

Steelcase - Remix Sky Blue Oak

FibreWorks

Sisal Rug

Acoustic Slat Wood

Panels

Walnut

C&A Floorcoverings

Intersection-Aztec

Benjamin Moore

Hemlock Blue

Benjamin Moore

Adirondack Green

Benjamin Moore

Trinket

Benjamin Moore

Saffron

Benjamin Moore

Mountain Peak White

Designtex

Saffron

Bedrosians

Terracotta

Acoustic Solutions

This acoustic paneling installed on the ceiling helps reduce noise in busy areas like workstations where there are 15-30 people in one space at a time, while adding visual interest. This carpet is durable to protect against the high foot traffic while still providing an acoustic solution to this busy space.

Designtex Chamois Oak Acoustic Panels Felt Right Cashmere Tarkett Nowhaus

Bolon Acoustic Flooring in Arise

This acoustic flooring helps prevent the double height ceiling to produce an abundance of noise traveling through this office. In addition, it is a durable finish to protect against the high foot traffic.

Steelcase Fabrics

The use of soft materials, like fabric, always provide noise control and are especially important in areas like the reception.