Julia Yu Portfolio by Julia-Yu

Julia Yu DesignPortfolio

A rare flower that blooms most vibrantly amid the winter snows, Plum Blossoms

– known as méi huā or 梅花 in Chinese – are a herald of spring, symbolizing change and new beginnings, yet also strength and perseverance. Each year, new blossoms spring from rugged ancient branches, and in their vibrant colors and sweet smell, there is the promise of prosperity, hope, and good fortune.

Growing up across three continents, in Beijing, Paris, and the U.S., I always sought to deepen my roots yet still be open to every new adventure. Plum Blossoms symbolize my desire to bring beauty and meaning to my surroundings, and to design interiors that will always welcome and wow, no matter the country or season.

Julia Yu

Delray Beach, Florida

jkyu138@gmail.com 954-654-9087

www.linkedin.com/in/juliayu-fsu

Experience

Intern Interiors Studio

Cooper Carry, Atlanta, GA

Bachelor of Science, Interior Design Florida State University, 2026

Honors in the Major Senior Thesis Student Senior Research Assistant

Graduating Summa Cum Laude with Honors Distinction

University Honors Program Dual Honors Outstanding Senior Scholar Education

June 2025 - August 2025

• Contributed to commercial interior design projects from concept development through final presentation, working with Multi-Family, EDU/GOV, and Workplace Teams

• Assisted with space planning, material and furniture selection, and preparation of client deliverables and presentation boards

• Collaborated with design team in Interiors Studio to explore creative solutions aligned with project goals for multiple projects

Judging Panel Member Best of USA

Shaw Contract Design Awards, Fayetteville, GA

July 2025 - August 2025

• Served as first student judge for prestigious annual design awards contest in its 20th Anniversary edition

• Reviewed over 75 submissions in selecting top five U.S. projects in category 'Design That Does More’

• Worked with panel of national design professionals to evaluate applications per award guidelines

Skills

Design

Digital Modeling, Renderings, Project Presentations, Site Analysis, Precedent Studies, Conceptual Thinking, FF&E, Physical Modeling, Photography Software

Revit & Enscape, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator & InDesign, Microsoft Office, Google Suite

Serenity Peaks Outpatient Clinic

Team Project | Fourth Year | Duration: 14 Weeks | Location: Whitefish, Montana

Team Member: Ellie Stamatogiannakis

Skills: Revit, Enscape, Photoshop, Procreate

Project Size: 5,900 sq. ft.

Concept Statement

Serenity Peaks Outpatient Clinic will embody a tranquil and calming atmosphere, guided by the concept of floating summits. The space aims to evoke elevation and expansiveness, uplifting and empowering individuals while keeping them grounded in comfort and care. The concept will assist in supporting patient courage and strength while fostering their willingness to be open and relaxed. The interior will heavily focus on supportive design, honing in on the positive distractions and social support aspects of the theory. These elements will help create a sense of balance within the clinic, promoting a space where individuals feel they are top priority.

Light to Indicate

Exam Room White Light to Indicate Open Exam Room

ADA Braille

Roppe Rubber Wall Base

Wolf Gordon Vinyl Wallcovering

Wilsonart LVT Wilsonart White Oak Laminate

The staff yoga room of Serenity Peaks, called The Cloudline, is designed as a restorative retreat emphasizing human-centered wellness, forming both a visual and physical connection between the interior to Montana’s lanscape through the inclusion of natural light and type of materials used. The space embodies a sense of peace, cultivating a serene atmosphere, where staff can pause, recharge, and reconnect.

Roppe Ruber Flooring Color: Snow

Roppe Rubber Flooring Color: Camel

Amtica LVT Color: Verde

Designed to nurture connection, comfort, and rejuvenation among clinic providers, the staff lounge has dedicated areas for both food preparation and casual gathering. Serenity Peak’s concept of ‘Floating Summits’ is accentuated through an accent wall, with a tagline inspired by the clinic’s mission and mountain forms built from custom laminate. Acoustic needs are taken into consideration through wall to ceiling acoustic panels that improve noise reducation.

Designed as a flexible point of connection within the staff area, the serenity stop touchdown space supports both informal collaboration and purposeful engagement, providing a welcoming setting for vendors and partners to share new products, insights, and innovations with staff, while also serving as a convenient spot for quick conversations.

Reflected Ceiling Plan 12"x 48" ACT with Wood Textured Acoustic Fiberboard Covering Gypsum Board

Serenity Peaks Outpatient Clinic

*REFER TO MEP SCHEDULE FOR ALL OTHER LIFE SAFETY ELEMENTS

*ALL DESKS, TABLES, COUNTERS, AND WORK SURFACES EQUIPPED WITH ADJUSTABLE TASK LIGHTING, TYP.

*ALL LIGHTING COLOR AND QUALITY IS NEUTRAL WHITE AND HAS CRI > 80, TYP. UNO (CRI > 90 FOR EXAM ROOMS, TYP.) (WARM WHITE FOR RESTROOMS, TYP.)

*ALL WINDOWS EQUIPPED WITH SMART ROLLER SHADES THAT AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST TO THE CHANGE IN LIGHTING ALL YEAR ROUND, TYP.

Lighting Along Ceiling and Wall Transition, TYP

TYP

Ceiling-Height Cabinets, TYP

Upper Cabinets

Wood Slat Curved Panels

Glove Compartment for Easy Access to Promote Sanitary Practices

Undercabinet Task Lighting

Sharps Disposal Indicated by Red Laminate Strip

ADA Counter Approach

Mobile Provider Seating and Table to Allow Flexibility and Easy Viewing

Comfortable and Flexible Caregiver Seating and Side Table

Diagnostic Equipment: Thermometer, Blood Pressure, Otoscope Placed on HPL Panel

Textured Vinyl Wallcoverig to Promote Positive Distractions

4” Rubber Wall Base

Roppe

Dark Matter Cofffee Office

Individual Project | Third Year | Duration: 10 Weeks | Location: Chicago, Illinois

Skills: Revit, Enscape, Photoshop

Project Size: 16,000 sq. ft.

Concept Statement

The pulse of the wind in Chicago paired with the explosive work of the city’s street artists guides the concept of pulsing explosion. Focusing on the gentle breeze always flowing in the city and its juxtaposition with the harsh qualities of raw art to reinforce the essential character of the workplace, the architectural and interior elements express the play of light and shadow that complement the horizontal movement through space. Bold color palettes and curvilinear forms will be used to symbolize the pulse of the Windy City and the desire of the client to create an explosive atmosphere.

The team meeting room serves as a collaborative gathering space for individuals to work on projects together, with flexible tables, soft seating, rolling whiteboards, and an extensive hospitality counter.

Meetings, video conferences, and lectures all might occur in the presentation room. Dark Matter Coffee’s art is featured on the back wall and the layered lighting strategy adds a sense of dynamism to the space. The inset ceiling baffles are covered with warm brown acoustical felt.

When first entering the workplace, individuals are encouraged to relax on the curved modular sofa under the tree lamp with acoustic leaves, or on the special case good product with warm and neutral wood finishes by the stairs. The street art of Dark Matter is found on the wall to the left of the reception desk and the sense of pulse is emulated through the wave-shaped acooustic ceiling baffles.

This art studio serves as both an educational space for those who want to learn how to create work like the street artists, as well as a design space for the artists who are commissioned to design the new coffee bag for Dark Matter. To spark creativity and feature the bold color palette of the concept, a bright blue marble countertop sits on top of the cabinets.

Design Statement

The design solution achieves the pulsing explosion concept through the pervasive presence of a bold and unique color palette, showcasing the push back on the convention and safe blueprint of industry standards.

Every month, Dark Matter showcases a new bag designed by street artists. This stemmed from the creative spark of the owner who wanted the outside of the bag to match the inside in terms of excitement, individuality, and integrity. The only direction the artists are given is what the coffee tastes like, and from there, they are free to run wild.

This is where art and coffee meet.

The bold colors of the design are seen fitting into one fabric piece, which serves as the backing and seat for each individual workstation chair. To assist in the aspect of privacy, acoustic panels divide each desk.

A workplace study discovered during research emphasized the importance of an area for neurodivergent individuals that highlighted sensory inclusion that catered to the human senses. The sesnse of touch is highly valued in the space, with choice of upholstery and wall coverings that provide stimulation. The sense of sight is also taken into consideration through the multiple lighting options.

One of the two speciality rooms featured in the office design for Dark Matter Coffee is the nature retreat. This space was influenced by a typology study from the design research that found that having greenery within a workplace would increase productivity and improve individual health and wellbeing. This area acts as another zone where individuals can step away and take a break if feeling overwhelmed and it will foster a sense of balance among employees, helping ground them if they ever feel lost in the commotion of the office.

Team Project | Third Year | Duration: 4 Weeks | Location: Chicago, Illinois

Team Member: Peyton Kimble

Skills: Revit, Enscape, Photoshop

Project Size: 4,350 sq. ft.

Concept Statement

The presence of community and desire for peace is embodied in Agora Market’s grocery store of the future and serves as an international link, connecting the background, traditions, and cuisine of various countries to the residents of Chicago. The design’s concept of global table will be emphasized through the inclusion of curvilinear lines, diverse patterns, and largescale spaces that remain interconnected through materiality. A calming, Mediterraneaninspired color palette will be used to promote clients’ reflections on their own culture and its connection with other cultures around the world. Just as tile mosaics come together to form beautiful, interconnected patterns, Agora believes in offering spaces for connections and cultural exchanges; a gathering place where neighbors connect and flavors flourish.

Level 1 of the market welcomes visitors into the diverse world of international cuisine through bright colors and bold patterns, using curvilinear lines to guide visitors around a central planter.

The long, interactive wall features an AI chef utilizing facial recognition technology to call out to visitors by name and recommend new dishes and recipes, or offer cooking advice. This cutting-edge technology is used throughout the store to identify visitor preferences that provide the most enticing recommendations according to their shopping history.

The Agora Market app serves as a digital guide for all visitors to the store. Facial recognition systems in the store will recognize when a visitor enters, and send them a notification to view their orders, place an order, book an experience in the Immersion Pod, or provide recommendations for classes and recipes based on what the person views in store. Customers can also view a live feed of Agora’s robots packing their order, allowing transparency and assuring guests of the market’s cleanliness and freshness.

The large “Global Table” dining space allows visitors to gather and eat a freshly made meal or to commune with others. Behind it, the Learning Kitchen features three large islands for cooking classes, while a produce display provides items sourced from a new country each month. An overlook with curvilinear glass railings takes advantage of the market’s double volume space.

Catalyst for Change

Team Project | Third Year | Duration: 4 Weeks | Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Skills: Revit, Enscape, Photoshop, Procreate Team Member: Ellie Stamatogiannakis

Project Size: 2,130 sq. ft.

Concept Statement

The redesign of FSU’s Strozier Library will create a space that fosters the concept of catalyst. To cultivate an interior that is reactive to change but does not waver in its symbolic nature within the campus community, the new design will implement improved wayfinding, enhanced comfort levels, and offer different lighting types. The past and present compositions will help to serve as a guide for the new design of Strozier.

The group study area features dimmable pendant lighting over circular tables enclosed with wood slat screens to allow privacy while still encouraging the collaborative nature of the space. The high-top tables provide a different type of seating for users, increasing comfort of the space and allowing patrons to move around more freely. The high tops also do not require a large footprint, ideal for maximization.

The view of the student lounge highlights eye-catching features including the dropped wooden ceiling and organic bench seating around the columns. The bookshelf holds Strozier’s popular literature for students who need to take a break from studying. The ceiling pendants offer a respit from the troffer lights and create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The carpet delineation can be seen with FSU’s signature garnet and gold colors and the furniture offers comfortable seating.

Charrette

Light of Valinor

Team Project | Third Year | Duration: 4 Days | Location: Orlando, Florida

Team Members: Hattaway Butler, Merrell Colado, Emma Stevens

Skills: Revit, Photoshop, Procreate

Project Size: Undisclosed

The project is organized by Florida State University’s Department of Interior Architecture and Design as an in-house design Charrette, in which students in Furniture Design, Studio 3, and Studio 5 are invited to participate in the kick-off and design process. The annual IAD Charrette experience assembles groups of sophomore, junior, and senior students into newly acquainted teams, challenging them to work together over a 96-hour period to generate rich graphic solutions to a fantastical design scenario problem. In 2025, the students were tasked with creating a theme park attraction based around an Amazon Prime or Netflix series or movie. This new entertainment venue, housed at Universal Studios, should foster an unrivaled visitor experience, whether it be a ride, an immersive adventure, or a combination. The Charrette builds community and collaboration among students and offers the opportunity to work among differing skill levels. The project requires a thoughtout entry, waiting cue, experience, and exit and experiments with the use of AI, as it is a fast developing aspect in the design world.

Take flight and soar on the majestic wings of the Great Eagles in this immersive 3D simulation hybrid ride. Journey through the enchanting realms of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, where innovative technology, art, sculpture, and the magic of Middle-Earth unite to deliver an unforgettable adventure. Always remember that “It is not strength that overcomes darkness, but light.”

The Elven Realms: Light of the Valinor, you are entrusted with an urgent mission: to deliver the last fruit of the golden Laurelin tree and the last flower of the silver Telperion tree to the elven sanctuary of Rivendell. While Sauron aims to envelope the world in darkness, these relics hold the power to rekindle hope and light. But beware, Sauron’s shadow grows ever stronger, and danger is around every corner. Facing harsh landscapes to merciless enemies, your courage and resilience will be needed more than ever. The fate of Middle-Earth is in your hands. The light of Valinor shines within you — do not let it fade.

Team Project | Fourth Year | Duration: 4 Weeks | Location: Madagascar, Africa Skills: Revit, Enscape, Procreate Team Members: Savanna Kennedy, Peyton Kimble, Kate

Project Size: 540 sq. ft.

Wankelman

Olo Nala

Magalese “People Forest”

Concept Statement

Rooted in OloNala, which signifies the belief that for one to flourish, the other must also thrive; you cannot have healthy forests without strong communities, and vice versa. This mobile clinic system applies Evidence-Based Design to foster healing through connection, adaptability, and place. Each unit draws from native ecology: the Baobab for grounded stability, Ravinala for renewal and dignity, and Chameleon for adaptability and emotional balance. Natural materials, biophilic color palettes, and soft, rhythmic lighting reduce stress and enhance well-being. Guided by research on environmental psychology and restorative design, these clinics transform healthcare delivery into an experience of belonging, bringing evidencerooted healing, cultural resonance, and human connection to underserved communities.

Toliara Province

Madagascar,Africa

This area is characterized by its arid, semi-desert landscape, especially the “spiny forests,” and is home to the indigenous Mahafaly and Antandroy peoples.

Groups like the native Mahafaly and Antandroy peoples face significant healthcare challenges due to their isolation from major city centers. Madagascar’s decentralized healthcare system creates significant problems for these local governments such as a lack of resources, healthcare staff, and medications, preventing many from receiving adequate medical care (Generis Global Legal Services, 2024). As a result, high infant mortality rates, the persistence of infectious diseases including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and malnutrition are the most critical concerns.

The Primary Care waiting area welcomes patients with a hand-rendered baobab mural that anchors the space, seamlessly extending into the floor, symbolizing being rooted in care. Natural light from skylights brightens the wood reception desk and sand-textured rubber flooring, creating a calm environment that reflects the balance between healing, nature, and community.

Primary Care Baobab Tree

Key Plan

1.Infection Zone: dedicated side of the bus to provide the option for quarantine

2. Sterile Zone: safe and clean side of the bus that serves as a sanitary area

3. Small Lab: provides a place for tests to take place and for samples to be run

4. Water Tank: necessary in the desert climate to have accessible filtered water

Ravinala

The employee work space features workstations for two providers, PPE storage, and a small lab space for collecting samples through the pass through window from the accessible restroom.

The kitchen is outfitted with a refrigeration unit, food preparation counter, and dry storage cabinets to help serve local communities. The windows open to an exterior service counter, providing easy access for meal distribution and patient outreach.