Interior Design Portfolio - Cara Sutton

CARA SUTTON

CS

Interior Design Portfolio

http://linkedin.com/in/cara-sutton-a8b62b16a

Junior Interior Designer with over five years of experience delivering comprehensive design solutions within a multidisciplinary architectural firm A graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Christopher C Gibbs College of Architecture, I specialize in creating human-centered environments that balance aesthetics, functionality, and user experience. My expertise spans a diverse range of sectors, including commercial, residential, workplace, community, charity, retail, hospitality, and municipal, where I have worked on projects from conceptual development through construction documentation and implementation. Known for bridging architecture and interior design through technical coordination and collaboration, I am passionate about delivering innovative design solutions that meet both client goals and budget constraints. I am actively pursuing NCIDQ certification and WELL AP accreditation to continue advancing excellence in the built environment.

RESUME

C O N T A C T

+1 405.312.7498

cara.sutton@outlook.com

linkedin.com/in/cara-suttona8b62b16a

E D U C A T I O N

BACHELOR OF INTERIOR DESIGN

University of Oklahoma

2016 - 2020

K E Y S K I L L S

Full-Scope Design (Concept CDs)

Finish, Furniture, + Lighting Selection

Project Interviews

Sustainable Design Consideration

Project Coordination + Consultant Coordination

Client Engagement + Presentations

Intern Mentorship + Team Collaboration

C E R T I F I

A T I O N S

NCIDQ | Expected April 2026

WELL AP | Expected 2026

F F I L I A T I O N S

Member (pending renewal) | American Society of Interior Designers

Member (pending renewal) | Oklahoma Interior Design Coalition

Member (pending renewal) | Commercial Real Estate for Women

A W A R D S + R E C O G N I T I O N

Carnegie x Metropolis Changemaker Experience – National

recognition for design professionals demonstrating innovation, leadership, and forward-thinking design practices.

EVENT CATERER & MIXOLOGIST

Interurban

2015-2020

Awards: Employee of the Year 2016 + 2018

Led front-of-house restaurant operations during peak service, training and mentoring new staff.

Served as part of the in-house catering team for private events of 50–200+ guests, coordinating setup, service flow, and breakdown.

Maintained exceptional guest satisfaction through attentive service, adaptability, and problem-solving in fast-paced environments.

P R O F I L E

Junior Interior Designer with over five years of post-degree experience at a leading Oklahoma City architectural firm and a Bachelor of Interior Design from the University of Oklahoma’s Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. Skilled in contributing to projects from concept through construction across commercial, residential, workplace, community, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and municipal sectors. Approaches design with a strong focus on human experience, blending aesthetics with functionality. Known for effective interdisciplinary coordination, contributing to major project pursuits, and supporting the development of emerging designers.

E X P E R I E N C E

Bockus Payne Architecture

2020 - Present JUNIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER

Lead and support projects across multiple sectors including commercial, custom residential, workplace, corporate, community, municipal, banking, worship, education, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and senior care. Manage the full design process from schematic concepts through construction documentation, including preparing contracts, selecting materials/finishes/lighting, and coordinating furniture procurement. Apply biophilic and wellness-focused design principles to create environments that enhance connection, productivity, and overall well-being while supporting sustainable practices.

Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure cohesive, code-compliant, and high-performing design solutions.

Selected for project interview teams on multiple major project pursuits, contributing design expertise and visuals to secure firm wins. Mentor student interns during seasonal programs, providing guidance on design workflows, professional practices, and industry standards

FINANCIAL RETAIL

PAGES 5-8

PAGES 10-14

COMMUNITY

PAGES 15-24

HOSPITALITY

PAGES 25-28

RESIDENTIAL PRESS

PAGES 29-32

FURNITURE & MATERIAL

PALETTES

PAGES 33-38

PAGES 39-46

PHOTOGRAPHY

PAGES 47-50

…..FINANCIAL.

The Oklahoma Federal Credit Union was designed as a modern, light-filled workspace that supports staff efficiency and well-being while maintaining a strong visual connection to the community it serves. The two-story building features extensive curtain wall glazing that floods the interior with natural light and offers striking views of the workspace from the exterior, where client-facing bank lanes provide drive-up service. Inside, the design emphasizes clean lines, openness, and balance through a refined material palette of warm wood, stone, and black metal accents. Thoughtfully placed lighting fixtures serve both functional and aesthetic roles, highlighting architectural details and creating moments of visual rhythm throughout the space. The result is a professional yet inviting environment that reflects the institution’s values of transparency, stability, and modern progress, redefining what a financial workplace can feel like.

…..RETAIL.

EDMOND GENESIS

The Genesis of Edmond showroom and service department was designed to reflect the brand’s identity of modern luxury and precision through a refined, hospitality-inspired experience. The space pairs high-end automotive presentation with a boutique atmosphere, inviting customers to engage with the Genesis brand in an environment that feels elevated yet approachable. A restrained material palette of rich wood, supple leather, and sleek black and metallic accents establishes a sense of sophistication and craftsmanship consistent with the vehicles on display. Clean lines, layered lighting, and tailored detailing emphasize form and finish, while creating visual continuity between the showroom and service areas. The result is a cohesive, high-performance interior that embodies innovation, elegance, and the artistry of design mirroring the values that define the Genesis brand.

RED COYOTE

Red Coyote Running in Norman, Oklahoma, was designed to blend retail, community, and movement into one cohesive, experience-driven space. The store’s design supports Red Coyote’s mission to foster an inclusive running community by integrating flexible, event-oriented features such as an overhead garage door that opens to create an indoor-outdoor atmosphere during group runs and community events. A material palette of polished and dyed concrete, wood tambour, wood decking, black accents, and touches of the brand’s signature red, combined with exposed structural and mechanical elements, creates a refined yet industrial aesthetic that embodies the brand’s energetic identity. The interior layout accommodates both retail and performance-based services, including activewear displays, running fuel stations, and a treadmill area where staff conduct gait analyses to ensure proper footwear fit and support. Functional, adaptable, and rooted in community, the design captures the spirit of movement and connection that defines the Red Coyote brand.

…..COMMUNITY.

ROSE HOME

Rose Home is a 6,750-square-foot residential environment dedicated to supporting expecting mothers through safety, restoration, and community engagement The project features eight residential suites including two ADA-compliant units alongside shared spaces for counseling, education, play, and spiritual reflection, fostering residents’ physical, emotional, and personal growth The design emphasizes warmth and serenity through an open-concept layout, abundant natural light, and a calming palette of bright whites, warm woods, and soft pastels. Locally sourced brick and wood-look LVT flooring reinforce sustainability and regional character, while custom millwork and biophilic elements in the chapel and communal areas enhance functionality and connection to nature. Thoughtfully designed with empathy and purpose, Rose Home exemplifies how interior environments can nurture healing, empowerment, and long-term well-being for vulnerable communities

ROSE HOME

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE

The Ronald McDonald House Charities – Oklahoma City residence is a three-story residential facility provides a comforting, home-like environment for families of children receiving nearby medical care. The first floor accommodates administrative offices, a communal kitchen, and a suite of amenities including a toy shop, game room, and activity room while upper floors feature guest rooms and suites designed for privacy and restoration, along with a salon and meditation room. Drawing inspiration from the timeless warmth of Palm Springs modernism, the interiors showcase curved architectural forms, natural wood materials, and a bright, sunlit palette that evokes optimism and ease. Thoughtful spatial planning and sensory-rich materials balance functionality with emotional support, reinforcing the organization’s mission of keeping families close during challenging times. The result is a restorative, welcoming retreat that fosters both connection and calm.

ronald mcdonald house

…..HOSPITALITY.

y Mayfair Village, this 2,000 square foot luxury nail salon reimagines self care th g y pp The design celebrates its natural surroundings while embracing a contemporary aesthetic, incorporating warm wood tones, soft whites, and patterns inspired by florals and animals. Biophilic elements such as organic shapes and natural materials bring a sense of calm and harmony to the space, supporting the salon’s mission to create an inviting, restorative environment for its clientele. Guests are welcomed by a custom reception desk and curated polish display, leading to rows of manicure and pedicure stations with private treatment rooms beyond. The material palette of porcelain tile, quartz, custom wallpapers, and accents of earthy greens and deep reds reinforces the connection to nature while ensuring both beauty and durability. The result is a tranquil, contemporary retreat that sets a new standard for luxury nail care in Oklahoma City.

…..RESIDENTIAL.

Located in Oklahoma City, this 8,000-square-foot custom contemporary residence was designed to emphasize light, materiality, and a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living. The home features a chef’s kitchen, expansive living and entertaining spaces, and a large patio and pool that extend the interior experience into the surrounding landscape. Architectural moments such as a glass cube element and corner floor-toceiling glazing create transparency, frame views, and allow natural light to permeate the interior. A restrained material palette of stone and white oak brings warmth, texture, and balance to the home’s clean, modern lines. Designed to support both everyday living and large-scale entertaining, the residence blends modern luxury with comfort, resulting in a refined yet inviting environment.

& MATERIAL PALETtES.

MAPS4 wOODSON PARK YOUTH CENTER

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB NORTHEAST

VILLA OPAL

…..PHOTOGRAPHY.

PHOTOGRAPHY

…..THANK YOU.