This document discusses design concepts and projects from various scales and typologies including residential, corporate, hospitality, and educational design. It provides an overview of the design process from conceptualization to final products. A variety of rendering and drafting skills are displayed through perspectives, plans, elevations, and other drawings of different projects. The projects showcase modern, funky, and traditional design styles.

1. He rn d o n
Jessica
Good design is measured by the experience. The human mind is an incredible and powerful entity, so easily affected by its surroundings. All five senses
must be satisfied to create such an experience.
In art, expressionism is a style which places emphasis on the expression of emotional and psychological content. In essence, expressionism in design is
the ultimate tool which awakens the emotional and psychological senses, and so creates the complete design experience.
Design philosophy

2. Sketching
&
R
e
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d
e
r
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thumbnail sketches
Design Process
Co n c e p t Conceptualizing
D e s i g n

3. Finished Product
Arc h i t e c t ’s
o ff i c e
It is important to learn how to quickly
jot ideas and conceptual images down on
paper. Here, I show the process of taking
a few key words and developing an idea in
my head to creating multiple thumbnail
sketches. These sketches helped me to
visualize different options before I jumped
into creating a full-sized perspective. Once
I found the viewpoint I liked, I was able to
easily draft the beginnings of this fully detailed
image of an architect’s office.
Modern style, simplicity, hard lines,
and clean materials make up the office entry.
Entourage adds character to the scene, as
the viewer imagines they are sitting on the
Barcelona Chair, anxiously awaiting their
interview with the company.
C o m e t o L i f e

4. Sketching
&
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d
e
r
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black & white preliminary rendering
Te x t u r e
Style Scenery
A r c h i t e c t u r e
Co n c e p t

5. final color rendering
Mo d e r n
c o n t e m p o r a ry
r e s i d e n c e
Working with a partner, we created
drawings from a different perspective - outside
looking in. From a 3D model, we brought to
life a perspective view of the space, choosing
the style of design and considering ways to
create a story from our drawings. Black &
white rendering techniques comprised the
preliminary drawing.
The second time around I was guided
toward a bold and unconventional move;
pushing the image of the balcony even further
off the page sets the focus toward the perks of
living in such a place - the amazing view. This
rendering possesses complete character with
bold lines, texture and materials, entourage,
and Photoshop enhancements.
Modern Contemporary
D e s i g n

6. Sketching
&
R
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d
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r
i
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3d model
interior perspective
front elevation
3D Modeling
Hand Drafting
Is a a c Be l l
Ho u s e
For this traditional residential project, I studied the Victorian Shingle style in great depth.
From specific architectural and interior details that characterized the style to picking furniture, fixtures,
and textiles, I completed the interior design in focus areas of this historic home. Intense research allowed
me to familiarize myself with the style down to the most intricate details that made up the interior and
exterior of this beautiful home.
My drawings show personal hand drafting skills and the black and white stages of the interior
perspective, the hall near the original fireplace. The final product of this project included a culmination
of spot rendered and hand-drafted floor plans, exterior elevation, details and rendered perspectives on
a large vellum poster. My very first architectural model displayed just one example of my attention to
detail, a skill that I am always striving to perfect.
Co n c e p t
S h a d o w s

7. Materials
De ta i l e d
Re n d e r i n g s
Being passionate and skilled at realistic rendering techniques gives me great flexibility,
and fun, with my drawings. Here, I have displayed various rendering skills, such as reverse
grisailles (top left) and the study of shadows and highlights (bottom left). I closely study
materials, their colors and characteristics, to render them as accurately as possible in my
drawings. The granite counter tops (above) illustrate such attention to detail, in addition
to creating dimension with glossy highlights.
Further, I am always enthusiastic in team projects about learning new rendering
or drafting skills. I’ve studied the Tuscan style (above right) to design a front elevation,
complete with warm colors, natural textures, and even tapping into exterior architectural
elements which were out of my realm of knowledge.
H i g h l i g h t s

9. Residential
D
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n
First floor plan
Co n c e p t F u n k y
Chic Unique
M o d e r n

10. casework elevation
living room perspective
Bro o k
Re s i d e n c e
This modern residence overlooks great views from the hills in San
Francisco. The dark, rich tones mix with bright, funky styles and a splash of
modern white to make up the space. Warm wood flooring and plush carpet
soften the hard coldness of the concrete, slate and stainless steel. This home
makes great use of its unique shape, using every square inch wisely, beautifully, and
comfortably. The design fit my client’s style accurately, making this a successful
addition to my work. Rich rendering skills, hand drafting skills, and a touch of
Photoshop should also be noted in this project.
Balance
Texture
S t y l e

11. Residential
D
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kitchen elevation
F u n k y
Chic
Co n c e p t Unique
M o d e r n

12. Balance
Texture
dining room elevation
De f i n i n g
Spa c e s
Adjacent spaces, the kitchen and dining
areas, make up the center of the first floor. While
keeping the floor very open, I was able to create
a visual separation for these areas through raising
them a level, giving the living area its own identity.
Further, the orientation and elevated level of the
kitchen allows my client the unobstructed view
that she loved so much. The dining area sets
across the kitchen with a clear path leading from
the front door to the other side at the living
area.
Ratherthanfightingtheangledarchitecture
of the first floor, I created a uniquely shaped
kitchen layout that would accentuate the angles.
I also wanted to keep the hand rendered quality
of all my drawings, with necessary Photoshop
enhancements. The bold use of color was
characteristic of my client’s style.
S t y l e

13. Residential
D
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second floor plan
Co n c e p t F u n k y
Chic Unique
M o d e r n

14. office elevation
bedroom perspective
Pu b l i c v s .
Pr i vat e Spa c e s
An important design decision includes, of course, the issue of public versus private space.
While the first floor is more public, as the client usually hosts small dinner parties and has guests
over, the second level is reserved for her private use. Her master bedroom is entirely private, as
well as luxuriously open toward the large window that spans the room and into part of the open
bath. Though privacy is important, the client also wished for her things to be clean and organized in
such a way that she could keep a very open feel. The contemporary style accentuated such a clean,
open style.
Balance
Texture
S t y l e

15. Energetic
Expressive
Co n c e p t
Corporate
D
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Gap Inc. headquarters floorplan
S t y l i s h
C a s u a l

16. Innovative
lobby perspective cafe perspective
flooring selections
Ga p In c .
Freedom, to express your own personal style;
this is the philosophy of Gap Inc. The corporate
office represents cool, confident, and casual styles,
in a space that encourages energy and innovation
in our stylish world. Colorful and Casual materials
highlight the sleek and modern surfaces to cater to
each and every individual.
This proved to be one of my biggest individual projects. The process included researching the company and
creating a program for each and every space required - after defining the users, from the receptionist to the CEO
of the company. The programming process allowed me to efficiently space plan this large building. One of the skills
I am most proud of within this project was a good space plan.
C o n f i de n t

17. Corporate
D
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Reflected ceiling plan
Energetic
Expressive
S t y l i s h
Co n c e p t
C a s u a l

18. Architectural elevation of open workstation rooms
Dr a f t i n g Sk i l l s
This corporate project required me to not only create design solutions on an aesthetic level, but
also to gain experience in creating a full set of construction documents. These documents included a complete
title page, dimension plan, furniture plan with furniture schedule, finish plan with detailed finish legend for the
entire space, reflected ceiling plan with lighting legend, and elevations of focus areas. I am featuring my reflected
ceiling plan, as I spent a great deal of time and research on creating an interesting and functional lighting and
ceiling design. The elevation above also illustrates the complexity of some of the ceiling systems, which I greatly
enjoyed creating. As can be seen, this project displays both my ability to create a design that speaks to the
client and my ability to create detailed technical drawings within a large corporate building.
materials & furniture
Innovative
C o n f i de n t

19. Hospitality
D
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proposed event setup - plan view
structure plan
Inviting
Sushi Bar
Co n c e p t N i g h t L i f e
F r e s h

20. Contemporary
uni floor plan
Un i
This New sushi restaurant and bar attracts a fresh, hip
crowd with a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional
Japanese style. Dark woods, shoji screens, and tatami mats
create a rich calming effect while guests dine on floor cushions
in the private rooms.
Geometry and organics fuse together through the choice of
materials and fixtures. When night life comes alive, the bars begin to glow
in orange alabaster and the clean white bar tops contrast the dark
wood flooring below. With a full height water wall, stone fireplaces, large
windows, and plenty of exciting features, Uni guests are never left with
a dull view as they satisfy their appetites and enjoy a few cocktails with
friends.
uni material boards
H i p

21. Hospitality
D
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sushi bar front view
table for two
Co n c e p t Inviting
Sushi Bar
N i g h t L i f e
F r e s h

22. bar and backlit display
table settings
Pro j e c t
Much pride went into this
exciting project. Working with a
team consisting of three interior
designers, two graphic designers,
and four culinary arts students, I
was proud to experience such an
interactive and near-real world
project.
As Project Manager, I
was able to utilize my leadership
abilities to design and direct
the Crossing Palettes Event. I
greatly enjoyed putting together
construction drawings for the sushi
bar, presenting the designs to the
planning committee, and creating
a strong professional relationship
with a local furniture dealer.
The project was a great
success, thanks to team work,
strong planning, and a desire to
produce the best quality designs
we possibly could. The fusion of
different creative styles and minds
made this real-life prototype of Uni
something for us all to be proud
of.
Contemporary
H i p

23. Thesis
D
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floor plan
Passion
Co n c e p t Identifying a Problem
R e s e a r c h

24. Conceptualizing
Pl ay s c h o o l
Where has Childhood Gone?
Has today’s society in America redefined the
meaning of childhood? We now live in a consumer
society, where the meanings of “fun” and “play” have
become more technological and rigid. For example,
many children today know more about computers,
electronics, video games, and text messaging than the
generations before them. Think back and remember
the days when you were young; when parents were
not afraid to let their kids play in the neighborhood
until dinner time; Mom would always say, “check in at
5”; children could ride their bikes in the trails, go on
hikes in the mountains, climb trees, anything!
But the problem with life today is that it has become
so overly structured in such a way that separates
children from nature. In addition, fear for the safety
of our kids and the overpowering existence of the
media inhibit more hands-on play and that essentially
robs children of opportunities to grow, interact, and
learn through nature.
P r o g r a m m i n g
Programmatic Diagrams concept sketches

25. Thesis
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space plan diagram
Play is Essential
Co n c e p t Imagination
g r o w t h
Public spaces “Parent/Community Spaces”:
- lobby, parent lounge, galleries, meeting
rooms, auditorium
Education spaces “Toddlers”:
- education and play areas for
ages 2-3, incl. toddler restrooms
and sleep room
Education spaces “Preschool 1”:
- education and play areas for ages
3-4, incl. restrooms, and shared
kitchen, cafe and laundry room
Education spaces “Preschool 2”:
- education and play areas for ages 4-5,
incl. restrooms, and shared kitchen,
cafe and laundry room
After School Program ages 6-8:
- homework rooms, lounge areas, art,
music, cafe, play, restrooms
Outdoor Terraces “Integrate Play &
Learning in Nature”:
- one dedicated to each age group
Admin. spaces “Heart of the School”:
- offices, meeting rooms, staff lounge,
restrooms, relaxation lounge

26. Play in Nature
Pl ay &
Nat u r e
Play is considered the core essential to Human Life. Many studies and popular teaching philosophies show that
play is essential to children’s growth and development. It is through play, and subsequently through nature,
that children are educated. When children play, they are not only having fun, but more importantly they are
enhancing their physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. In addition, it promotes brain development,
enhances self-esteem, fosters critical thinking, and gives children the personal strength to master their
world. Play involves interaction, imagination, and experience of the world around them. These are just a
fraction of the many ways for children to grow through playing.
I believe that only in nature do all the five senses work at the same time. It is critical that children have
the ability to use all their senses because it provides a complete experience and enhances their growth
and development. But again, we are raising a generation where parents are afraid to let their children go
outside unsupervised, even in the safest places. The problem is is children today are raised indoors - looking
at screens, be it television, computer, cell phone – and this inhibits play and prevents all of the senses from
working at the same time.
d e v e l o p m e n t
view of building from front

27. Thesis
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Fresh Perspective
Co n c e p t Education
exterior building elevation
I n h i b i t i n g

28. Bring Back Childhood
Th e s i s
Stat e m e n t
Educational and community facilities must refocus their designs to reflect and cater to natural ways of human development. Such spaces must promote learning with a fresh perspective, enhance flexibility and
collaboration, and give children the freedom to play – unrestricted and unregimented. It is time to bring back the old meaning of “childhood”, where children were encouraged to explore, play in the woods, experience
different species of plants and insects, ride bicycles, climb trees, and stomp through puddles.
I believe that today’s society has structured life in such a way that separates children from nature. The growing trends in technology paired with increasing fears for the safety of our children are inhibiting their abilities to use all their
senses in an open and unregimented educational environment. By translating a popular “play-based” philosophy into educational design, I will bring back the true meaning of “childhood” and will continue to enhance the physical,
emotional, and cognitive growth of our children.
R e g i m e n t e d
building section

29. Thesis
D
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Parent Interaction
Co n c e p t Welcoming
F u n
gallery enlarged floor plan

30. Appreciate the Arts
Ga l l e ry
This privately owned preschool and after school program employs such
progressive philosophies as I have previously mentioned. It has a strong
appreciation for the arts and sciences, the surrounding environment, and
it strongly promotes play and the use of all senses.
The project also reaches out to the community as more than just a school.
Here, parenting workshops are provided, to teach the parents that they
are the first and most influential educators in their childrens’ lives.
A welcoming Parent Lounge can be seen from the front lobby, encouraging
parents to learn about their child’s development and to stay and participate
in daily activities. The galleries are available to hold special events, such as
art exhibits, child performances, and more.
E d u c a t i o n a l
gallery exhibit room elevation
parent lounge perspective

31. Thesis
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Nature
Co n c e p t Interactive Spaces
gallery nature room perspective

32. Community & Pride
Ga l l e ry
The gallery Nature Room is the second phase of the galleries. Here, a more playful and interactive
atmosphere invites people of all ages to play, experience nature, and use all their senses. The room
includes a tree feature with playful tree trunks that double as seating, tree trunk tunnels, cork stools
and various seating options throughout.
A custom trellis of three parts, each differing in height and width, give guests a playful sense of
where they are in space as it expands and contracts around them. This sense is the lesser known
Proprioceptive sense. All other senses can be satisfied within this space as they experience the vast
room of fun, flexible, and interactive features.
A l l t h e S e n s e s
gallery nature room elevation

33. Thesis
D
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s
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n
Flexibility
Co n c e p t Team Teaching
C o n t r o l
education enlarged floor plan

34. Freedom
Ed u c at i o n &
Pl ay
These spaces were designed with flexibility as a major consideration, utilizing open
plans, visually divided only with clustering of spaces and movable storage. This
flexibility supports any learning opportunity that may arise, and it also encourages
team teaching.
Visual separations also give the teachers open plans for child safety considerations,
yet private enough to give children a sense of comfort and control over their
environment.
E n v i r o n m e n t
classroom, reading area elevation music & movement room
reading area perspective

35. Thesis
D
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Open Design
Co n c e p t Dedicated Spaces
V i e w o f t
active play perspective

36. Child Safety
Ed u c at i o n &
Pl ay
Each cluster of areas is dedicated to give children a well-rounded variety of activities that cater to
their growth and development. These include dramatic play areas, active play areas, arts, music &
movement, reading, math and other skills.
This also allows for a complete use of all senses while learning and/or playing. Full height windows add
to the ambiance of nature and its beauty.
Other design solutions include giving a “child’s scale” to their surroundings. Ceiling features bring the
high ceilings down and keep noise levels at minimum, in addition to creating less overwhelming spaces.
Lower heights accomodate the small size of preschoolers.
f t h e O u t doo r s
play area, cafe elevation
cafe, kitchen perspective

37. Thesis
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All the Senses
Co n c e p t Free Play
I n t e g r a t e L
terrace enlarged floor plan

38. Appreciating Nature
Ou t doo r
Te r r a c e
This outdoor space was added to the design in
the hopes of extending the learning experience
to the natural environment. Throwing away
the traditional methods of teaching students
in a box, this space speaks to the philosophy
“integration of play and learning.”
Children are free to play, get messy with water
and crafts, plant flowers or vegetables in the
garden, and interact with one another at their
own pace. On nice days, teachers can take the
children through the trails and trees that make
up the property.
e L e a r n i n g & P l a y
outdoor terrace elevation
terrace perspective