Riya Nawani Interior Design Portfolio University of Cincinnati B.S. Interior Design 2016
DWDW - Restaurant & Bar design Deadbolt is part of an upcoming hipster neighborhood of Chicago. The client preferred a simple design and he hoped the changes would better showcase the space’s energy and create a new generation of regulars who may come to trust the Deadbolt as their neighborhood hangout. But he also wanted to make the old-timers happy and to invite them to take a gander at the changes. Our design found a middle ground between old and new. The original tin ceiling and brick walls were restored keeping the historic look alive while new fabrics, finishes and lighting freshened up the design with a more contemporary feel. I worked with the designers at DWDW to plan and create the look and feel of this space from start to end.
This page depicts a shop drawing I did on REVIT for furniture vendors. It explains the dimensioning, design and detailing of the seating booths for the bar.
These are images of Deadbolt after our design was implemented. The rustic feel of the space was carried forward and added on to through our designs. The tin ceilings, the old timey lighting and color scheme were all done keeping this concept in mind.
Metaphors - Residential design Pune, India I worked on multiple residential projects at metaphors as well as on interior addition to a shopping mall. This project was a high end 5 BHK apartment building named Maya. The sample flat I worked on used abstract display of furniture and dramatic lighting to showcase the space. All furniture was custom designed at Metaphors factory which was a process I was involved in as well. Partition location
Detail
Plan
Sectional Elevation Backlit rendering as display
Bungalow residence project with metaphors. Project was for interior of existing bungalow with only senior designer and me. I carried out all drawings to hand over to respective carpenters, electricians, kitchen developers etc. and ensure construction was carried out as per design intent. Constant interaction with clients for approval of design and materials was also part of this.
Examples of space planning, furniture and panelling details as well as beginning to end process images are displayed on these pages. All furniture was custom designed and constructed, for the most part, on site as per my drawings.
Outsourced renderer
Hnedak Bobo Group - Casino and Hotel design Memphis, TN HBG is a Hospitality focused firm. In my two Internship terms with HBG I worked primarily on the schematic design and construction documentation phases of a casino. This Mexican restaurant was another venue I took through construction documentation phase. Ensuring all the finishes, details, specifications and drawing were completed and in order was my task.
On the right side is a quick study I did on SketchUp for the tequila display feature of the restaurant. I worked on selection, specification and pricing of all materials in this restaurant. I also worked on the copper and platinum entry nodes of the Casino. 3D views created by outsourced renderers.
Restrooms
I was handed four venues to take through interior construction documentation phase in my second internship term at HBG. The restrooms were one of these venues. Specification of finishes, toilet accessories, pricing, some design development and documentation coordination were some of my related responsibilities.
Elevations done in AutoCAD and rendering done in Photoshop. 3D views created by outsourced renderers.
Center Bar
Food Court
During Schematic design phase I assisted in material and furniture selection and finish development in all venues of the casino. I worked with various designers on different venues and put together presentation material boards related to the casinos finishes. 3D renderings by outsourced renderers.
Cage
Emplyoee Center
The views and corresponding finishes you see on this page are a few examples of the material and furniture selections and finish boards I worked on. I also handled specification, pricing and furniture & lighting detail drawings for the venues. Employee Center rendering done by other HBG employee.
Climb - senior year capstone project
Freedom Center Site Plan
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center was established as an icon of consciousness of the history of African American slavery as well as slavery in the modern world. Today, it faces economic challenges, brought about by lack of local involvement, that threatens its existence. With the ongoing urban revolution throughout Cincinnati, particularly in Over The Rhine and the Banks, comes a major demographic change. The emerging demographic of the Banks needs to be identified and then designed sensitively for, in order to revitalise the use of the Freedom Center. Designing thoughtfully for the community will gain it’s desired and much needed attention and will give them a constant reason to be drawn to the Freedom center, which will in turn allow the center to continue promoting their campaign for freedom. Trend 1 Cafes / workplaces
Ground Floor
First Floor
As Cincinnati’s urban renaissance continues, several sectors of the local economy have seen rapid growth. In cities where these and other small businesses and sole proprietorships flourish, a by product is an increasingly large workforce that works remotely, not necessarily tied to an office space, but more prone to coffee shops or home offices.39 And with the proliferation of this new segment of the workforce, co-working spaces are on the rise. Coffee shops throughout the U.S. generate $11 billion per year. Coffee shops have become such a part of modern culture.
Second Floor
Trend 2 Health programs
Yoga studio + Climbing gym
A recent study by Natural Marketing Institute says that 77% Americans 18 and up take personal responsibility for their health40. But gyms, might not be their favorite. Major millennial fitness trends include themed activities, group activities, tracking progress with tech and making exercise a game.41 Outdoor Industry Association estimated 33% urban demographic enjoys investing in outdoor market, even if it is a replication of outdoor activities. Climbing gyms are rising in popularity even in non-traditional areas like the south and Midwest.
design process
ceiling
option
s
taking inspiration from the banks
en floor break op
plate
The design process through my capstone project can be seen here. A lot of ideas were sketched roughly in and over plans. Final inspiration of the form of Climb came from inspiration through the surrounding are of The Freedom Center known as the banks. The undulating landscape and river drove the form of Climb.
RCP
Cafe Plan
Gym Plan
A
Entry perspective
D
Cafe Seating Area
G
Cafe Elevation
B
Cafe & Booth
E
Back Bar
H
Booth Elevation
C
Entrance & Cafe
F
Retail
As you enter Climb you see the rock climbing wall that breaks through the floor plate and extends over the first two floors of the Freedom center. The cafe offers a series of healthy snacks, meals and drinks encouraging the user to eat healthy and take care of themselves and their body. The second floor hosts a gym which further builds on the health aspect of Climb.
Design Principles Refer to icons through renderings to see implementation of design principles
Connect Connecting the community to Climb is essential. This factor is mostly embedded in the program of the space. Climb addresses the fact that todays generations getting more and more health conscious by the day. Research shows that millenials are more likely to participate in activities if there are opportunities to meet people. Providing health conscious foods and shakes, activity spaces and spaces for them to be able to come together in groups is what will attract the users into climb.
Involve “People don’t buy what you do, they buy WHY you do it.� All products in the space will be trade free which will be advertised and promoted. Millenials are motivated buy the story and the passion behind a cause. Small notions throughout the center will constantly remind the user of the bigger purpose, what the Freedom centers bigger cause is, and how they are contributing to it. These notions can be seen in the coffee cups sold, the signage through the cafe, the backs of seating will have images of todays heroes etc.
a.
Give Millennials are known to be a civic generation. If they feel passionate about something they do hesitate in donating or in volunteering. They can be in micro ways such as buying local or trade free products or in macro ways such as involving themselves in community actives. They however want this to be hassle free, they might not actively seek out these opportunities but when presented the opportunity they will grab it.
a. As you enter the cafe bar it on your left. Orders can be placed here. Shakes are made on a bicycle powered blender encouraging users to be active. Materials used are cork floor tiles, wood slats, concrete tiles and touches of greenery. b. Section through both floors of climb depicting the rock climbing wall extending over both levels.
b.
c.
c. View from alternate/gym entrance. Bar stools are inspired by healthy living. View of rock climbing wall is visible throughout the space. Backs of built in seating are embossed with images of people fighting against modern day slavery. d. Retail space sells environmentally and socially conscious products.
d.
Kiz Kulesi Hookah Lounge Situated by the Bosphorus river is the Kiz Kulesi Hookah lounge. Its aim? To create a bridge between traditional and contemporary Istanbul through its design style. It creates opportunity for social interaction by indulging in a traditional Turkish tradition, Hookah, while enjoying live entertainment. The uniqueness of Istanbul is its existence across both, Europe and Asia. The lounge aims to create a bridge between cultures.
Site Plan
Concept illustration
Plan highlighting lighting concept This location is in proximity to a ferry terminal, public toilet, parking lot and the monument of Kiz Kulesi. As one sits there, one can see the sun set upon the great horizon of Ottoman monuments across the river. My design proposal is to insert a canopy system over a part of public stairs where hookah and traditional sweets will be served. A stage on the water provides a platform for live entertainment.
The slim tall concrete structure and gradient colored lighting design creates a contemporary and exciting environment for the hookah lounge. Traditional Turkish lamps, hookahs and turkish seating is used but all with a contemporary touches.
Elevation highlighting daytime lighting concept
Inspiration from travel studio to Istanbul
The pathway domes were highlighted to make way finding easy. Each canopy unit had a colored acrylic piece between its tops so that in the daytime colored light would filter through and lighting design concept would carry on during the day.
ELYSIUM The isle of paradise where mortals favored by the gods of Olympus are welcomed.
Elysium Elysium is a hospitality project catering to the ‘high rollers’ of casinos. In groups of three’s our studio worked towards coming up with quick design ideas for the lobby of the Monte Carlo Casino. We had to work with the existing floor plan and structure. Our project combined traditional and contemporary styles. Interior programming and rendering on photoshop were my biggest contributions to this project.
Dionysiac Bar
As one steps into the lobby one is transported to a different realm. The natural light, the fountain, the greek architecture and furniture makes one feel like they have entered a palace of the gods, an ethereal space. Elegance was the quality we were trying to reflect in this space. Mood boards and part of the collage style 3D view rendering were my responsibility.
Aphrodisia Spa
Aphrodisia Spa is inspired by the Goddess Aphrodite, Goddess of youth and beauty. This space is meant to look youthful and elegant; a very feminine space. Material selections try to enforce that feeling. The base 3D view was modeled in Rhino. Collage style rendering is done in Photoshop.
Response
Response Workplace of the Future Competition for Metropolis magazine. This project was geared towards research on future trends and we predicted one aspect of the future of the workplace would be like.
WHAT THE PROBLEM IS.
WHAT THE SOLUTION IS.
With a large and ever increasing population of business travelers comes the need to better public/ transit workplaces available. Currently not much importance is given to the technological ameneties in public transits, but I predict that that will soon change.
UNDERSTANDING THE SYSTEM.
HOW IT RESPONDS.
‘Response’ comprises of three different technologies that pays attention to creating an efficient and healthy work environment for people working in transit. These technologies respond to technological needs in a healthy and instinctive manner.
PUTTING IT INTO PERSPECTIVE.
The system responds to human proximity by sensing thermal heat, this draws passers by in and encourages use of the system. These graphics show how this system is designed to work and respond.
Four week workplace of the future project for office of 2020. Project done in a group of four. Alvarium is a collapsible office space that allows for multiple uses of a space. It could be an office space in the day and an art gallery or yoga studio at night!
Each pod is attached to a ceiling grid tile which can then be moved mechanically allowing for the different combinations of workspaces. They can be either singular units or group pods, depending on the users needs. Each pod is collapsible and can be folded up into the ceiling. Separate hexagonal “phone booth� rooms are also present for additional privacy when needed.
Riya Nawani INTERIOR DESIGN | CLASS OF 2016
Work Experience
Depa Interiors- Dubai Spring 2015 Worked on Hospitality project in Dubai for post design interior construction phase for W hotel in Palm Jumeriah. Was involved in building of mock up hotel rooms. Also worked on Burj Vista residential tower. Metaphors Design - India Spring 2015 Residential and commercial design. Design execution of residential bungalow & sample flat for luxury apartments, furniture design and interior renovation of shopping mall Hnedak Bobo Group - Memphis, USA Summer 2014 & Fall 2013 Interior documentation for four complete venues of a casino. Design and lighting studies in multiple venues. Assisted in material selection all venues of casino. Created material boards for multiple client presentations. Space layouts, interior documentation and specifications for hotel guest rooms. HLW - New York, USA Spring 2013 Design studies, space diagrams and construction documentation on REVIT. Worked on pharmaceutical company, restaurant project and assisted in YouTube office design competition.
Education
University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Bachelor of Science in Interior Design Class of 2016
Professional Skills
SketchUp, Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, AutoCAD, Spexx, Shaderlight, REVIT, Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Fluent in English & Hindi.
Activities
Alpha Rho Chi Architecture Fraternity Professional mixers with professors involving discussions about design and its challenges, design critiques, community service events and organised fund-raisers Spring 2012-present
Volunteer
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer at construction sites. Have assisted in building interiors of residences. Involved in cutting of materials, installing kitchens and painting. 2011 - present University of Cincinnati International Ambassador 2012 - 2013 Teach for India Painted cafe and office walls to help set up their new office in Pune. Summer 2012