Sofia Acosta | Portfolio 2021

Portfolio.

WORKS BY SOFIA ACOSTA

Las Setas in Seville, Spain. Sketch, 2020.

SOFIA ACOSTA

EDUCATION

designer

2016  2021

MASTER OF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND PRODUCT DESIGN Kansas State University Degree in progress. Member of National Organization of Minority Architecture Students and Women in Design.

2020

SEMESTER ABROAD Elisava School of Design and Engineering Packaging design, graphic design, industrial design and food design in Barcelona, Spain.

CONTACT

EXPERIENCE svacosta@ksu.edu (913) 548 7416

2021 

Created content calendars, photograph all visual material, and meet with store managers to streamline branding.

studiobysofia.squarespace.com @sofiavacosta @studio.by.sofia

I am a fifth-year Interior Architecture and Product Design student at Kansas State University with a passion for humanity. The connections that art and architecture create between people all over the world inspires me to actively engage in the design community.

I value the exchange of culture and history that is facilitated through the shaping of spaces and the environment. I strive to learn, appreciate, and apply design in sustainable and responsible ways, and I hope to communicate these values through spaces, places, and products.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER The Pathfinder - Manhattan, Kansas

2020 

WEIGEL LIBRARY STUDENT ASSISTANT Kansas State University - Manhattan, Kansas Operated circulation desk, assisted patrons, and organized resources.

2020

INTERN DLR Group- Overland Park, Kansas Created diagrams and client presentations for K-12 Education Interiors team. Worked closely with client on an early childhood center.

2018  2020

BARISTA Arrow Coffee Company - Manhattan, Kansas Served specialty coffee to the Manhattan community.

Created various illustrations and graphic marketing tools.

SKILLS

2019

PROFESSIONAL

PERSONAL

motivated punctual innovative communicative adobe suite rhino revit

spanish french adaptable creative outgoing passionate inclusive

DESIGN THINKING STUDENT Kalu Yala Institute - San Miguel, Panama Sustainable design-build course in the jungle of Panama.

Designed and built seating devices with recycled lumber.

Installed sustainable water systems.

2018

INTERN Estructuras y Disenos- Bogota, Colombia Lighting design for post-operation corridors in the public hospital at Universidad La Sabana. Prepared presentations for client meetings. Entire internship in Spanish.

referrences available upon request.

Interiors.

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GRAMMARLY

Furniture.

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RESOURCE CENTER

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RESTLESS STOOL

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THE NEXT HUB

Experience.

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CHAT TER CHAIR

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VARIED

1.

Interiors.

The following projects capture the spirit of innovation and user comfort I value in interior design. Through trial and error, I have found that the spaces that resonate most with me are those that prioritize the exprience of the user.

Whether the project is educational, hospitality, retail, or office, I strive to understand the client or user’s journey through the space. This creates a partnership that can be reflected through the concept, and ultimately in the final product.

Rethinking the Office

My fifth-year capstone studio outlined a contemporary problem for us to solve: how does an office space opperate- safely and effectively- during a global pandemic?

Over the semester, my teammates and I worked to re-think the way the Grammarly office in Kyiv, Ukraine, originally designed by the Balbeck Bureau in 2017, functioned. The project tackles new safety regulations while maintaining a vibrant company culture.

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Teammates: Jacquelynn Ruwwe and Emily Block

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WHO IS GRAMMARLY?

VALUES & CULTURE

“From grammar and spelling to style and tone, Grammarly helps you eliminate errors and find the perfect words to express yourself.�

Ukranian culture is marked by social change, changing political ideology, and underground artistry. Citizens are used to change and are steadfast in their beliefs.

Grammarly is a web-based platform that makes English accessible. Employees are eager to aid communication globally.

Located on the 13th and 14th floor of a high rise in Sportyvna Square, the Grammarly office is in a hub of commercial activity.

13TH FLOOR EXISTING PLAN

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14TH FLOOR EXISTING PLAN

EXISTING DESIGN:

ENTRY

CAFE

LOUNGE

SUSPENSION BRIDGE

OPEN OFFICE

CONFERENCE

NAP ROOM

LIBRARY

LOUD ROOM

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PARTI DEVELOPMENT The existing suspension bridge, the priority on wellness, and the proximity to the Dneiper River influenced the “ebb and flow” parti.

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ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY Using the suspension bridge as a datum, the new space is organized in a radial pattern. The progression into the space marks three distinct sections, guided by research published by Forbes.

Forbes estimates that 20% of employees will permanently work from home. The current office seats 150 employees, leaving us with 120 to accomodate.

PARTIAL DAY 25% Employees work morning or afternoon, transitioning over their lunch breaks.

PARTIAL WEEK 25%

FULL TIME

Employees work in the office Monday through Wednesday or Wednesday through Friday.

Employees who prefer face-to-face work will have a safe, flexible, and collaborative space.

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13TH FLOOR PLAN KEY ELEMENTS: Wardrobe- an entrance threshold.

A radical welcome to a serene environment.

Nurse Station- an addition that aims to soothe health anxiety. A private space to retreat away from other employees.

Sanitation

C-Suite Sanitation- a private restroom to greet Grammarly CEO, Brad Hoover. The space serves as a touchdown after long international flights.

Station

Suspension Bridge- key feature maintained from original design.

14TH FLOOR PLAN KEY ELEMENTS: Entry- elevator access was added to make the office more accessible.

Kitchen- the preparation space for both grab n’ go areas lives on the second floor, removed from heavy circulation.

Sanitation

Phone Booths- a place to take calls or individual Zoom meetings.

Cardio Room- since leaving the home is difficult during COVID-19, including exercise in the work place is a valued ammenity.

Nap Rooms- whimsical and beneficial; maintained from original design.

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INTEGRATING GREENERY Biophilia has been proven to lower stress and anxiety in the workplace, while bringing color and life into a stale environment.

A large feature greenwall transforms the atrium space into a living, breathing atmosphere. The greenery is placed near restrooms to begin to tie hygiene to moments of pause or refresh.

an office experience in a pandemic...

What can a physical space provide in a time when refuge seems safest? How can we motivate employees to engage with others?

FOSTER COMMUNITY

PROMOTE WELLNESS

Community requires collaboration and moral support. The new office will merge the virtual space with physical connection.

Elaborate the language of worklife balance. Motivated employees grow from a supportive environment.

PRIORITIZE SAFETY

ADAPT EASILY

Organization strategies will provide multiple ways to engage physically while preserving employee health and safety.

Desks, lounges, eating spaces, and multi-purpose areas will flex and mold to fit the needs of all users.

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PARTIAL DAY OFFICE AIRY | PROTECTED | COMMUNAL This area is furnished with the Steelcase Flex desking system. It provides operable shielding from others and the flexibility to rearrange the space given changing COVID-19 safety precautions.

Operable louvers allow for plenty of daylight to penetrate, while protecting users from light glare. Carts are using for temporary storage as employees change desks daily.

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PARTIAL DAY CIRCULATION The placement of this office space is strategic; employees are able to leave excess clothing in the wardrobe, and move into the nearest workspace.

Temperature checks are available at the nurse station window to ensure minimal COVID-19 exposure.

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PRIVATE WORK NOOKS RETREAT | RECHARGE | BREATHE

BREAKOUT SPACE

WELLNESS ZONE

ESCAPE | DE-ESCALATE | SOCIALIZE

DE-STRESS | DISTRACT | RE-FOCUS

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PARTIAL WEEK OFFICE OWNERSHIP | BASE | CALMING The partial week office features a clustered desk organization so employees can easily communicate exposures to their desk mates.

A fixed bookcase helps to divide the room based on work teams without blocking visual lines. The shelving serves for storage when employees are working remotely.

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FIRST FLOOR GRAB N’ GO ENERGIZE | SOCIALIZE | REFRESH

NURSE’S WINDOW SAFETY | ASSURANCE | PRIVACY

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PARTIAL WEEK CIRCULATION The placement of this office considers the technological challenges that come with remote working.

Employess enter, place their excess belongings in the wardrobe, and have an opportunity to stop by the IT desk to recieve tech care while they are in office.

sketch by Jacquelynn Ruwwe

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FULL TIME OFFICE PERSONAL | COMFORTING | PRIVATE This space works to help employees feel comfortable, even in an uncertain time. The Flex desk provides customizable protection, while supporting a clustered organization.

This office includes a full curtain wall that overlooks the atrium, giving a fresh feeling to a full day’s work.

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FULL TIME CIRCULATION These employees use the office most often. They will get to experience a nested and secure environment that welcomes them daily.

The second floor placement allows for a second threshold to be experienced as they arrive onto “the cliff,� or the meandering suspension bridge.

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LIBRARY AND PHONE SPACE PRIVATE | COMFORTING | SUPPORTIVE

SECOND FLOOR GRAB N’ GO PREPARATION | WELCOMING | HOMEY

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mural inspired by the Dneiper River of Kyiv.

EXISTING AUDTIORIUM SPACE The learning stair combines the function of these two spaces.

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Guests circulate along the Southern end of the office. This allows for selective energy costs after work hours.

EXISTING EAST STAIR

MULTIPURPOSE ROOM Open tables for remote work breaks or to serve as an extension of the common area fill the workshop.

The learning stairs serve as a classroom for the after-hours English courses that will be taught as part of the Grammarly master plan.

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SANITATION CART FRESH | CLEAN | COMMON A mobile hand-washing station was designed to allow for easy access to hygiene. This can be placed in conference rooms or circulation paths by maintenance employees.

1.

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2.

3.

1. Water Tank Access- Through a hinge detail, the cart opens up to reveal a drainage tray for the planter, a clean water tank, and a dirty water tank.

In order to eliminate the need to lift heavy water tanks in and out of the cart, nozzles are provided. The clean tank nozzle is on top, to be filled with a hose in a janitor closet, and the dirty water nozzle is on the bottom, to be emptied into a mop drain.

2. Integrated Planter and Handle- Merging greenery and sanitation was a key component of the project. The handle pivots allowing for a smaller footprint for easier group storage.

3. Recognizable Details- The faucet and sink basin are simple and resemble any bathroom sink.

we

nn Ruw

ely y Jacqu sketch b

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IT GENIUS BAR Just beyond the entry, reception, and wardrobe is the IT Genius Bar. Here, partial day or week staff can be helped with any technology related difficulties.

The counter allows for minimal interaction with IT workers, while creating an approachable help center for all Grammarly workers.

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WARDROBE

EXISTING WARDROBE

Having somewhere to leave “outdoor clothing� is an important part of Ukrainian lifestyle.

The team wanted to re-envision the wardrobe in a warmer, lively way.

Functional, but utilitarian. The rigid railing and space division feels cold and gym-like in the otherwise warm and homey office.

The curvature of the wardrobe allows for inclusive coat racks and clear circulation.

A soft push into the office creates a threshold vastly different from a daily commute.

Employees recognize the moment they step into the productive, collaborative, and fresh space.

The wardrobe lives across from reception and houses a convenient mail drop.

THANK YOU FOR VISITING GRAMMARLY! ALL EXISTING PHOTOGRAPHY AND DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED BY THE BALBECK BUREAU.

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The Head & The Hearth

The Head and the Hearth is a drop-in homeless shelter designed to serve Kansas City adolescents. This demographic faces unique struggles as they search for identity and a stable environment simultaneously. The design helps these individuals flourish into their potential by providing all the necessary resources in an intimate and supportive space.

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DEMOGRAPHICS 16 to 24 year olds subject to foster care often members of LGBTQ+ need health education drive for success career searching desire for pride

LOCATION- KANSAS CITY, MO The resource center is placed strategically to provide users optimal services for success on Cleaver II Boulevard and Troost Avenue. The center is near planned parenthood, job opportunities, a large university, bus stops, and a DMV.

“we repeat what we don’t repair.”

The center stops the cyclical nature of homelessness by addressing it at it’s inception; helping the affected youths.

PARTI & CONCEPT DESIGN The parti stems from the seperation of a fruit’s shell; the idea that something tough simply protects what lies within, which is often sweet and fruitful. Recognizing young adults are the rich fruit of society is a necessary shift in the attitude toward homelessness.

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KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS

ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY

backpack storage| a place to hold belongings safely and give pride to possessions.

The warm, social living area sits in the center of the center so that users can relax when they feel comfortable. The helpful staff and resources line the living area, providing thresholds of help before independence. The living areas reveal themselves as users circulate.

creative studio| expression and art therapy help in self-discovery and healing. the space serves as a community center for workshops. conference room| a safe place to speak with family or foster care officials.

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outdoor yoga

seating plaza pet area

pet area

shower bay

primary living

donation closet

TROOST AVE

towel room

restroom bay lockers

secondary living laundry room

reception

FLOOR PLAN 40

break room

conference

art studio

CLEAVER II BLVD

CIRCULATION

PERSONAL TO SOCIAL

primary secondary

personal social

SUPPORT SPACES

SERVICE CORE

The services of the building are embedded into the core, nourishing the users while providing a sense of comfort.

The entrance and exit to both the shelter and its reflection garden exist in a diagonal relationship, as if the shell of the building is beginning to open to provide opportunity.

Circulation provides a gradual integration into the “soft� portions of the space. Relationships and trust with staff and other users is earned through the gradual progression to the shared spaces.

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SECONDARY LIVING AREA SUBTLE | ORIENTING | OPEN The secondary living space acts as a stopping place jsut past reception. It allows users to take a moment to acclimate.

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LAUNDRY ROOM

OUTDOOR YOGA STUDIO

PRIVATE | VISIBLE | SUPPORTIVE

QUIET | REFLECTIVE | COMMUNAL

PRIMARY LIVING AREA ENTERTAINING | CONNECTING The living room and the reflection garden provide users with a place to relax and feel ownership of the environment, something not available to the homeless population. By locating these social spaces near the rear of the building, users have increased privacy.

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INSTRUCTOR DESK & STORAGE SUPPORTING | LISTENING | GUIDING The open instructor area is inviting for users to the space to seek assistance. The space invites conversation and casual communication, making it a non-threating place to earn staff trust.

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ART STUDIO & WORKSHOP INDEPENDENT | PROUD | SOCIAL The studio is equipped with several work postures, storage, supply caddies, and tactile surfaces. Amenities encourage users to participate in art of any medium, providing a therapeutic hobby.

EAST-WEST SECTION

NORTH-SOUTH SECTION

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Steelcase NEXT Hub

The NEXT Hub is an education environment that supports students, mentors, and professionals by providing them the opportunity to dive deeper into learning through networking, collaboration, and traditional lecture courses. Their potential for success is maximized in this environment because the users take ownership of their education and build on their curiosity. The design is located in Washingtion DC, as a response to the brief created by Steelcase for the annual student competition.

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DEMOGRAPHICS Learners of all ages Teachers and Educators Professional Mentors Makers and Artists

LOCATION- WASHINGTON D.C. Washington D.C. is full of culture, ambition, and curiosity. The space encompasses this through a lens of nature and comfort.

APPLYING NATURE Biophilia, or the exposure to nature, is a critical part in the NEXT Hub design. The natural materials and colors, coupled with the organic and weaving forms in the space, guide users through their learning journey.

identifying the new way to learn...

As societal trends evolve, so do learning styles and pedagogies. Incoporating them into new spaces is invaluable.

CONCEPT INSPIRATION

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The design alludes to the growth of the lily pad- the first floor nourishes users of all ages by providing collaboration and networking zones, similar to the busy marine life that interacts with the roots of the lily pad. The second floor provides open areas for discovery, so students may blossom into their full potential.

The NEXT Hub captures Steelcase’s spirit to revolutionize education by creating supportive spaces. By integrating a variety of space type, the Hub has something for every kind of learner, regardless of age.

public

alone

together

private

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ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY The NEXT Hub is used by community members of all ages. The design welcomes them by providing a space that embraces students at every stage of educational growth, and encourages it to continue.

STAGES OF GROWTH Like in nature, people have stages of growth. The NEXT Hub design embraces these varying needs and gives users the support to build strong educational roots.

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10TH FLOOR 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 9| 10| 11| 12| 13|

administration mother’s room childcare learning commons collaboration cafe private learning commons computer lab virtual reality area conference room faculty offices learning commons semi-private commons faculty lounge

STEMS NETWORKING GATHERING COLLABORATING

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11TH FLOOR 1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8|

makerspace tutoring center in-between space seminar in-between space active in-between space active learning classroom seminar rooms multipurpose classroom

BLOSSOMS APPLYING SHARING DEVELOPING

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MONUMENTAL STAIR & COFFEE BAR EXPANSIVE | SOCIAL | ENERGIZING The centralized coffee bar acts as the main “lily pad” of the design. It brings students and mentors together to relax and enjoy a snack while providing a space for networking. It sets a social tone that encourages users to interact before breaking off into various working environments.

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QUIET WORK AREA This nook provides a transition from social circulation to quiet work zones. The space provides visual connection to busier spaces.

It is a great place for casual touchdowns.

Soft lighting aids technology use.

FACULTY REST AREA The Potomac River motif leads faculty all the way back to their private break space. High top tables provide planning areas while lower conference tables provide gathering and eating areas.

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FACULTY OFFICES & OPEN CONFERENCE ROOM The faculty offices serve as the filter space between public areas and the faculty lounge.

It invites students to approach the faculty while still establishing a professional zone.

The conference room embraces this professional environment for team meetings.

WAITING AREA Across from the faculty offices, this space allows for a rest spot. It supports those waiting, and those who need to de-escalate or collect thoughts and belongings following a meeting. The greenery begins to energize the users as the move through the space.

EXPLORATION

EXPLORATION

FILTER SPACE 57

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2

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INTERACTIVE SPACES 1| multipurpose room Seats 50 to 60 students. The room is designed to accomodate one large lecture or two smaller leacture groups.

2| makerspace storage wall The curved wal draws the focus towards the building tables. Carts support user needs and allow them to gather various materials as needed.

3| makerspace work stations Bar height tables line the windows that face towards the city. The views and large work surfaces support curiosity and play.

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4| tutoring nodes Supports one-on-one and group tutoring alike. Steelcase “Airy� units provide efficient and flexible provacy while enclosing the collaborative space.

5| childcare center The childcare is located directly below the makerspace as an allusion to the childlike wonder that comes with making.

6| group working areas Seats 20 to 30 students or 8 to 10 students.. Roller tables are supported with rolling chairs.Some individual writing surfaces are provided to accomodate various learning styles.

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2.

Product.

Through exploration of materials in workshop classes and a deep dive into the consumer market during my study abroad, I have come to love the detail in product design. Even more so than interior design, this field interacts seamlessly with the user.

I appreciate the care and compassion that product design demands. It is our job to create objects that comfort and support a user. In this way, the empathy required by design becomes apparent in a tangible way.

Restless Stool The Restless Stool was a three week project to re-introduce students to the workshop envrionment. The brief required students to dive into an unfamiliar production technique.

Using vacuum-forming and bendy-ply, I created a stool that embraced the long, undulating grains of the birch plywood.

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FORM MEETS FUNCTION LIGHTWEIGHT | MINIMAL | DYNAMIC The stool’s form makes it easy to carry in two ways; it is ergonomic and simple to raise and the negative space makes the stool lightweight.

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PROFILE LINEAR | EMBRACING The subtle profile makes it easy to place the stool in any environment. From the side, the stool asserts itself with a wider appearance.

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Chatter Chair This nine week project started with one simple idea: to create a timeless “heirloom.� Through exploration and ideation, I arrived at the idea of creating a piece that captured the current era.

With the state of pandemic, it was easy to identify socializing, or the lack thereof, as a sign of the times. The ritual of coffee- drinking, laughing, interviewing, meeting, reading- has been put on a pause.

This chair embodies all the casual aspects of the cafe experience in a singular item, allowing for it to be placed outside or replace bulky lounge furniture.

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LAYERING SOFT | STRONG Curved forms signal a functional point in the chair. The back support is rounded and laced with a soft leather, playing with the linear joint of the plywood.

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IDENTIFYING SUPPORT POSTURAL | FLEXIBLE | SIMPLE An upright posture is ideal for eating and drinking. Providing a side table for a coffee and pastry optimize the eating and chatting experience.

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CHATTER CHAIR COME SIT, IN THIS SPACE SAVING CAFE SEAT

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Throughout the semester, exploration provided plenty of information.

Mechanisms, hinges, and joinery taught me an important lesson: SIMPLE IS BETTER.

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3.

Experience.

Over the Summer of 2020, I completed an internship with DLR Group at their Overland Park office. This was a special experience for me; working remotely showed me the value of collaboration in a whole new perspective.

The previous year, I was lucky to be awarded a scholarship to attend a design-build course at the Kalu Yala Institute, a sustainable town in Panama. Community members strive to create meaningful solutions to climate-related issues.

I have made it a goal to capitalize on the communal aspect of the design field; Learning by doing, listening, and engaging. I love the artistic nature that our field offers, and finding ways to explore that keeps me inspired.

PHOTO BY DLR GROUP

DLR GROUP OVERLAND PARK | 2020 K-12 INTERIORS The subtle profile makes it easy to place the stool in any environment. From the side, the stool asserts itself with a wider appearance.

“Elevating the human experience through design.”

MENTORS Due to COVID-19, the majority of firm employees were working from their homes. Stacy Davis was kind enough to open her home office to me, so I worked with her in-person.

This provided a unique, but incredible, experience for me as a student. I was able to work one-on-one with the person in charge of interior design, which allowed me to ask questions and be involved with many facets of design. I was able to participate in: Kevin Greischar

Stacy Davis

SCHEMATIC DESIGN FURNITURE PACKAGES CLIENT MEETINGS REGIONAL CONFERENCES DESIGN CHARET TES My experience taught me how to communicate with team members and the value of experience, especially during a pandemic.

Gretchen Holy

Ian Kilpatrick

I worked with many of the employees, but these four were my main contacts through the Summer. Stacy Davis was my official interior design mentor for the duration of the internship.

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NORTH KANSAS CITY EARLY CHILDHOOD

LEE’S SUMMIT MIDDLE SCHOOL

DIAGRAMS | PROPERTY OF DLR GROUP

LEARNING PODS | PROPERTY OF DLR GROUP

I created diagrams to communicate pod functions design by Stacy Davis and Ian Kilpatrick. These were displayed at district funding events. I also participated in the FF&E package.

These renderings were created to share an applied materials palette with clients. Images were completed in one week, under direction of employees in Houston and Overland Park offices.

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Panamanian Bench AN EXPLORATION IN SUSTAINABILITY AND COMFORT

So... what exactly do you build in the middle of the jungle?

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Coming from a program that focuses a large amount of time on furniture design and fabrication, improving the very limited seating options seemed like the right plan.

Working at Kalu Yala was incredibly eye-opening. The rustic “rig it up” attitude was startling at first, but allowed me to view design through a new lens.

The chairs on the right show the single most used chair on site. It is light enough to move out of the rain at a moment’s notice, but not comfortable for lounging. Additionally, the wood and leather construction is not optimal for Panama’s heavy rain season.

Making it work is not just optional at Kalu Yalafunction is everything. The iterative process was challenging, as there are no such thing as study models in the jungle. Changing the proposal from week to week forced me to carefully consider each design choice.

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THE FINAL PRODUCT The iterative process was extremely different in such a rustic setting. All cuts were made with a circular saw and a midar saw. Hinges and joints were strategically placed to take minimal weight as the choices for connections were limited and the most subject to water damage.

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The warm wood greets the user as they open the back rest to reveal a much more comfortable seating option than the precious chairs. The bench can store in two seperate places; the wood board remains flatand out of the rain, and the cynderblocks can be stacked anywhere.

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AN ADVENTURE IN PERSONAL BRANDING Studio by Sofia began... well, forever ago. But officially, I launched a website and online store in 2019. I knew I’d always had a passion for all the bits and bobs I made on the side, and I realized that if I was going to be a designer, maybe I should prioritize the way I shared what I was pursuing with friends, family, and potential clients / customers.

LOGO DEVELOPMENT

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After a semester of graphic design, packaging design, and branding design in Barcelona, I decided it was time to take a stab at designing my own brand. Logo, color way, social media...

The Whole Thing.

So, here it is. My heart project. Or, more honestly, all the “other” things I like to make.

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Thank you, I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!