s a r a h s wa i m design portfolio
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morikami
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royal
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MUGGED
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shiflet wet ter
hospitality design, fall 2014
furniture design + build, fall 2014
restaurant design, spring 2013
corporate design, fall 2013
27 thesis
process
religious architecture design, fall 2014
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505design
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resume
internship, retail design, summer 2013
morikami wellness center The challenge: to design a wellness center for the Japanese-inspired
Morikami Museum and Gardens in Delray Beach, FL, along with a custom reception desk and lighting element.
The solution: a wellness center
that takes inspiration from a coral reef, encouraging constant reflection and emphasis on one’s own body as an anchor for health. The building provides a sense of protection and inter-connectedness while providing spaces of solitude. Separate “zones� are introduced to create a journey that one will go through to achieve the highest level of awareness of wellness and techniques for a healthy lifestyle.
Programs: Revit, Adobe Suite
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The main functions in the wellness center are within three large bands or The parti represents order in the middle
“zones” of the building, each separated
of chaos. Large, simple shapes hide what
by a “ma” space. A large design drive
appears to be a maze, while providing
is to embrace interruptions. The user
reveals. The lines beneath represent the
cannot know the simplicity of “simple”
irregular nature of Japanese aesthetics
without experiencing complexity. The
which becomes a great juxtaposition to
zones will show the complexity, while
the regulating lines.
the “MA” spaces will be simplistic.
parti
zoning “ma”
baths spa
hotel reception
The embraced interruptions will be manifested in materiality, light, and tectonics. This blends with the Japanese notion of “MA,” which is embracing a moment of pause, almost like a break in music or a crack in concrete. The “MA” spaces in the wellness center puncture the building as large glass atriums and bring the outdoors in.
“ma”
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Materiality for the wellness center is very simple and natural due to its Japanese inspiration. By creating an environment that is more calm and subdued without much simulation, visitors are able to avoid
Using built-in casework creates a more
distractions and focus on their journey
intimate, rectilinear space, along with
towards wellness. Slate, board-formed
added plantings and a skylight to let
concrete, and planks of wood reinforce the
in daylight. A short glass panel allows
linear theme of the concept while neutral
visitors to see the plants in the adjacent
carpets and plantings are added to provide
room, creating a sense of community
warmth and an extra layer of texture.
while maximizing privacy.
materiality
treatment rooms
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Only the necessities are provided to encourage visitors to spend most of the time outdoors in the garden or at the other amenities in the building. The rooms have their own custom baths which look out into the wooded area of the site. The glowing ceiling gives a feeling of warmth and relates back to the coral reef inspiration which provides reveals and layers of light overhead.
hotel rooms Before entering the hotel lobby, one must pass through the “MA� space [right]. This interruption in path encourages reflection, attention to detail, and celebration of the journey. Crossing through this atrium space, you see the opening in the ceiling and feel the sun shine on you as you wander.
the interruption
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royal The challenge: to design and build a chair
The solution: a chair designed to be
the new, feminine wing-back lounge
chair with modern materials: walnut, plywood, steel, and neutral upholstery. A chair with a shorter seat height and smaller overall proportions makes the ideal chair for the 10th percentile designer while remaining comfortable for a variety of users.
Programs: Rhino, 3DS Max, Plasma
Cutter, CNC Router
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Before sketching, I had someone take a picture of me sitting in a comfortable position in a couch. I printed that off, and began sketching over it to drive
Eight sheets of bending plywood
form and proportions. This drove me
comprise the seat and back shell of the
to design two separate shells for the
chair. Four of the layers are covered
two main parts of contact. After weeks
up by upholstery, while the other four
of sketching and designing, a quarter-
are exposed with walnut veneer on
scale model was made of the chair to
the bottom side. These two shells are
ensure stability and proportions were
attached by a hidden steel plate (in
adequate. This process also prepared
between the two plywood pieces) which
me for the building of the full-size chair.
is then secured to the chair legs.
process
design
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mugged The challenge: to design, name,
and brand an American fare restaurant within an existing building footprint to begin in Ohio but branch out into other states.
The solution: a fun, inviting
restaurant that serves all food and drink inside of America’s favorite cup: a mug. A neutral restaurant environment with minimal pops of color allows the bright mugs to stand out across the restaurant.
Programs: Revit, 3DS Max, Adobe
Suite
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The experience and interaction that guests have at Mugged can largely impact the likelihood of their return.
The dining room is a neutral space with
A wall of mugs is seen in the entry as
a pop of bright, coral red. The space
an ever-changing display; visitors are
plan provides separation between
encouraged to bring a mug and swap
each “room� to make each feel more
with one on the wall.
intimate and unique.
interaction
environment
To brand the restaurant, the “u” shaped mug is used in various ways, from the entry statement to the business cards. Coasters are designed to look like a saucer plate and gift cards feature a variety of mug shapes. Pictures are displayed of guests around the world with their “Mugged” mug.
branding
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shiflet wet ter The challenge: to design a law firm with a studio partner and create a
book to include design intent, process, typicals, and specifications.
The solution: an entertainment law
firm in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, designed in conjunction with Aaron Bisch. We have revitalized a historic building, highlighting its classical architecture while bringing in modern materials and furnishings. We have respected the high priority of security and have celebrated public spaces such as the lobby, conference rooms, and break out areas.
Programs: Revit, Adobe Suite
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The space plan (60,000 sqft) was designed with a center, public core. Private offices and conference rooms are on either side. The plan reflects the modernity previously described by creating more open work spaces and creating less of a hierarchy between employees. The partners remain along the perimeter of the office, but there is circulation against the glass.
space plan
partner paralegal cafe / library assistant
associate
work rooms
co
library
recep break out
ore
ption
work rooms
library
conference / break out
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Furniture and materials specified for Shiflet Wetter follow a very simple, neutral palette, allowing the classical architectural details and users to stand out in the space. Some remain traditional while others explore more modern lines and manufacturing techniques, bridging the gap between
The “wave� is a designed sculpture/
tradition and trend which we found to
furniture piece that makes a statement
be prevalent in Nashville as well as law
upon entry to the office while being a
firm design.
functional table, chair, or serving surface.
specifications
installations
The conference rooms, on the south side of the core, open out to breakout spaces [right] which can serve a variety of purposes. Varied seating and surfaces can easily accomodate a small group of people or a larger inpromptu meeting. Filzfelt panels are provided along the perimeter of conference room walls to allow privacy when needed while contributing to the acoustical properties of the space.
break out
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thesis process The challenge: to rebrand and
design the interiors for Cornerstone Family Worship in Tonganoxie, KS, to be specified for their new building coming in 2015. Specifications will be made to meet the client’s tight budget.
CURRENT BUILDING
The process: fall of 2014 included the programming for the project,
while the design phase began the spring semester of 2015. I produced a programming book, continually being updated, including the research of Cornerstone Family Worship, main goals and objectives, site analysis, design theories and trends, precedent studies, design considerations, spatial
USERS
requirements, and more.
Programs: Revit, Sketchup, Rhino,
Adobe Suite
CASE STUDY
PROPOSED NEW BUILDING
PROPOSED NEW SITE
CASE STUDY
PRECEDENT
PRECEDENT new church
congregational church
tonganoxie methodist church
cornerstone existing space
west haven baptist church
PRECEDENT
SITE CONTEXT sacred heart church
tonganoxie christian church
SITE ANALYSIS
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The new building has potential to be a kickstarter for new construction or renovations throughout the city. Its proximity to the high school across the street, as well as its adjacency to residential homes and commercial buildings, provides great opportunities and challenges for good design and community involvement.
site context
0.5 miles
new church
^N
The beginning of Spring 2015 started with concept development, or
The chosen concept can influence
“generative intent.� A concept was
the design of spaces in an abstract
taken from John 15:4, focusing on the
way. Connections and details become
spiritual growth of a church/individual
celebrated, while there is an obvious
as it relates to the metaphor of a vine
core or center to the tertiary spaces.
and branches. The model made of felt
Forms and spaces become more
shows the connection to the vine and
organic to emulate the metaphor of
the breaking away from it, revealing its
the vine, as well as a large connection
inner darkness.
between the indoors and outdoors.
generative intent
design drivers
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Analysis was done of the space plan given from the architect of record. Main zones were found from the function that each space supports. The users will move through a social zone (entry, gathering space, coffee bar) into an intellectual zone (classrooms) and finally to the spiritual zone (the sanctuary). Typicals are being developed to show how the spaces can function in a variety of ways for various events.
program
greet.
eat. drink.
support.
move.
gather.
learn.
Schematic design was presented in February of 2015, with two overall schemes following the generative intent. 3D views, elevations, sections, and plans were explored to begin designing interior spaces. Materiality and furnishings are developing to follow the working branding scheme.
schematic design
work.
worship.
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505design internship Summer 2013 Boulder, CO Experiences: range from a wide variety
of material and finishes specifications
to producing presentation documents to drawing details of built-ins.
Programs: AutoCAD, Sketchup, Adobe Suite
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505Design was designing upgrades for
The sheets below were sent to 3Form
West 7th, an outdoor shopping area in
for pricing of a custom lighting element
Fort Worth, TX. Its character is to match
in one of West 7th’s dark parking
that of the town: very young, hip, artsy,
garages. This walkway connects the
and vibrant. I did a variety of work on
main shopping street to a main street
this project, including furniture plans,
running through the town. This lighting
pot (planter) studies, parklet ideation,
solution brings character and life to an
production of presentation documents,
otherwise forgotten, but used, space.
and more.
proposed parking garage fixture
west 7th
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BOULDER: 2520 Broadway Boulder, CO 8030
CHARLOTTE 508 West Fifth S Charlotte, NC 28
SAN FRANC 47 Kearny Stree San Francisco, C
39300 W Twelve Suite 180 Farmington Hills
KID’S
Springfiel PROJECT
Vornado R OWNER
JPRA / 50
505 DESIGN
ORIGINAL ISSU REVISIONS:
Sponsor Logo Location - View 1 :: OPTION B
Sponso View 1 :
These drawings expressing visua intended for con engineering, fab
505Design designed the interior of this renovated mall in Springfield, VA. I helped specify furnishings and materials for the kids library, as well as the production of documents to send to renderers detailing the finishes and feel of the space (with the help of the interiors team). I also edited and detailed the built-in bookcase under the stairwell. Images below are after its installation in the fall of 2014.
springfield town center Springfield Town Center [springfieldtwnctr]. (2014, October). “Children’s Library - Bring the kids!! #SpringfieldTownCenter #BehindTheScenes.” Instagram.
Springfield Town Center [springfieldtwnctr]. (2014, October). “Children’s Library - #BehindTheScenes #SpringfieldTownCenter.” Instagram.
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assorted projects 1:
Garden project model, Fall 2010
2: Graphite rendering, Fall 2011
3: IIDA Color + Couture, Fall 2014,
People’s Choice and Judge’s Pick
4: Stair design, Fall 2011
5: Marker rendering, Fall 2011
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6: Lighting installation, Spring 2013
7: Finger joint edge detail, Spring 2013 8: Acrylic rendering, Fall 2011
9: Concrete exploration, Fall 2012
10: Sketch of design for IIDA Color +
Couture, Fall 2014
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sarah swaim 913.209.7193 sarahmswaim@gmail.com issuu.com/smswaim
e d u c at i o n Kansas State University: Manhattan, KS Master in Interior Architecture and Product Design Expected Graduation: May 2015 Centro Studi: Orvieto, Italy Study Abroad (Spring 2014)
internship experience Populous: Kansas City, MO Interiors Intern (Summer 2014 + Winter 2015) Experience: Construction documents // space planning
// production of presentation documents // presentation material boards // FF+E selections
505Design: Boulder, CO Design Intern (Summer 2013) Experience: FF+E selections // details of casework // ideation of custom elements // space planning
Sabatini Architects: Lawrence, KS Volunteer Internship (Summer 2010) Experience: Organization of materials library // AutoCAD editing
skills Revit 2014 // AutoCAD 2013 // 3DS Max Design 2013 // Rhino 4.0 // Sketchup // Adobe Creative Suite 6.0 // Model Building // Hand Drafting // Woodworking // Photography
h o n o r s // a c t i v i t i e s LandscapeForms Xtreme LA Design Charette (2014) Deans List (2010-2014) APDesign Ambassador (2013-present) Graduate Works Book IAPD Department Coordinator (2015) IIDA’s Color + Couture (2013, 2014) Judge’s Pick and People’s Choice Awards, IIDA Color + Couture (2014) Design work used for IAPD promotional material (2014) Chosen to present at the University Graduate Research Symposium (2013) Abstract selected for the EDRA New Orleans Conference (2014) IIDA Mid-America Chapter: Student Member National Society of Collegiate Scholars Member Christian Challenge: Student Member State of Kansas Scholarship Palmquist Architecture & Design Scholarship Sahni Family Scholarship 360 Architecture Scholarship
additional work experience Kansas State University: Manhattan, KS Graduate Teaching Assistant (Fall 2014) History of Furniture
Kansas State University: Manhattan, KS Lunch & Learn Planner (Fall 2013) Olive Garden: Manhattan, KS Host (May 2012 - May 2013)
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