Katelyn Heilma
D E S I G N P O R T F O L I O
INTERIOR AND ARCHITECTURAL WORKS
EXPECTED GRADUATION: MARCH 2027
Designing with Empathy
Feeling seen, understood, and valued within an interior space is at the core of my design philosophy. Emphasizing empathy in design is my greatest source of motivation and passion. I am driven to design spaces that constantly evolve in their inclusivity and accessibility, and that thoughtfully support people of all identities and abilities.
With supporting people comes thoughtfully considering the environment, driving my commitment to sustainable design. I incorporate environmentally responsible strategies into every project I do, understanding that as a designer, the decisions I make have the opportunity to make significantly positive impacts on the world. With these missions in mind, I design curiously. Motivated by the question: “How will this design make someone’s life better?” and excited by the opportunity to learn from every client, project, and challenge that I work with, I constantly grow and evolve as a designer.
KATELYNN HEILMAN
Worked directly with Principal Designer & collaborated with a team of 6 Senior Designers.
Assisted in the preparation of construction documents, including detailed drawing sets and comprehensive Builder’s Schedules.
Attended site visits and resolved on-site design and execution challenges.
DMC Designs LLC, 2024-2025
katelynn.heilman@gmail.com
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
BFA, Interior Design
Linkedin.com/in/Katelynn-Heilman
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Collaborated with a team to design and launch an online news website aimed at guiding and engaging students in the School of Building Arts.
Interior Design Intern
EDUCATION
Minors: Architecture, Architectural History, & Preservation Design
Cumulative GPA: 3.8 | Dean's List: 2023-Present
Expected Graduation: March 2027
Kept up to date with current trends, industry standards, and news in order to effectively post, curate content, and contribute articles to the website and social media.
SCAD Blueprint, 2024- Present
Managed and strategized social media for the organization, including promotional materials for events and professional opportunities
PR & Brand Editor
Tracked analytics and increased follower count for the club’s social media
SKILLS
Softwares:
SketchUp, Revit, AutoCAD, Enscape, Adobe Photoshop (Adobe Certification), Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Suite, Procreate, Rendaire AI
Design:
Concept Development, Space Planning, Schematic Design, FF&E Sourcing, Construction Documents, Research, Hand Rendering, Public Speaking, Cross Collaboration, Physical Model Making
INVOLVEMENT
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Student Member, 2025 - Present
SCAD Interior Design Organization, 2025- Present
Collaborated with a team of 8 to coordinate design events and oversee overall designs. Performed in high-intensity work environments and learned how to effectively manage client needs.
Social Media Manager
Art of Hospitality, 2023
Design and Social Media Intern
Selected Works
0 1 : M O N A R C H Luxury Hospitality Design
3 : M Y W A Y
Retreat & Wellness Center
End Residential Design
01: MONARCH
L U X U R Y H O S P I T A L I T Y D E S I G N
Software: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape, Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, Rendair
Individual Project - 10 weeks - 5,500 sqft - Fall 2025
Monarch aims to explore how light and color can be translated into a fine dining experience.
Through the use of private and semi-private dining spaces, paired with a focus on natural progression through space, Monarch addresses the intricacies of guests' sensory experiences and the journey of Michelin Star dining.
The Project Brief:
Staying true to the client’s brand identity and mission statement, create a fresh design for their new Michelin Star restaurant.
The Site:
5000 Jack Brack Rd, St Cloud, FL 34771
1 Level - 5,500 sq ft
The Client:
Sven Wassmer
Current Restaurant: “Memories - Bad Raguz”
Distinctions: 3 Michelin Stars, Michelin Green Star
“Our cuisine evokes memories of childhood discoveries, of the great outdoors, of a sense of wonder. But it also helps to make unknown connections and create new memories. ”
-Sven Wassmer
Client Needs:
Feelings of:
Clarity, Nostalgia, and brand alignment
Emphsis on:
Organization, inclusivity, and guest experience
User Needs:
Feelings of:
Sanctuary, hope, safety, calm, and refresh
Emphsis on:
Connection, nature, inclusivity, and choice
How does the design honor these needs?
Biophilic Design
Emphasizes client’s connection to nature and a “down-to-earth” tasting palette. Considers user ’ s need for relaxation and refresh.
Spatial Diversity
The opportunity to choose from private, semi-private, and public dining spaces gives users access to customization and is inclusive to all needs.
Experience Design
The design should match the intricacy behind the 5 course dining experience. In a Michelin star restaurant, users will feel luxury translated through intentional spatial sequencing, guiding users to flow through the space in a natural and way.
The Concept: Design Development:
“Flight of Light”
Flight of Light is a journey through the simplicity of the natural world. Moving through the space is light, refreshing, and hopeful. Like a Monarch Butterfly, guests will feel an encouraged freedom to choose the dining and sensory experience they desire, and gain the opportunity to connect with the people and environment around them.
Design Sketch
Exploration of circulation and spatial sequencing as supports of concept and schematic design.
Schematic
2 g g p
A custom reception desk, built from solid marble, serves as a focal point in the space and effectively guides guests, providing a simple wayfinding experience.
3 Brightly colored ceiling tiles reflect natural and ambient light, supporting the bright daytime ambiance even into later dining hours.
Main Dining
1
Cove booths allow for inclusivity and intimacy. Guests are afforded a sense of security and sens sensitivity while still being open and connected the entirety of the dining space.
2
Custom light pendants provide warm and adjus lighting for semi-private spaces. Mimicking natu light and taking the form of a flight of butterflie motifs of biophilic design continue to enhance guests' experience.
B o o t h S e a t i n g
C o n c e p t S k e t c h e s
Private Dining
Custom-designed fluted bar complements the organic shapes of the space and creates a clear space separation between staff processes and guest experience.
Reflective and colorful wall tiles create an interactive experience for guests, enhancing the luxurious feel of the space.
1 2
Light rods allow for an adjustable guest experience by giving choice of luminance and tone to users.
Flooring transitions emphasize a hierarchy of space while still remaining accessible for all guests.
E l e v a t i o n o f p r i v a t e
d i n i n g s p a c e
02 SANCTUM
A R T I S T R E T R E A T & W E L L N E S S C E N T E R
Software: SketchUp, AutoCAD, Enscape, Procreate
Individual Project - 7 weeks - 1,300 sqft - Fall 2025
Sanctum is an exploratory creation and retreat space inspired by the works and creative process of artist Georgia Okeefe.
By emphasizing the key steps of creativity, guest artists who collaborate in the space are naturally guided through the adjoining rooms and subsequently experience a mindful wellness journey.
The Project Brief:
Selecting an artist, design a public art studio space that honors their creative process
Site in Context:
Abiquiu, New Mexico
Location of Okeefe’s
permanent residence
Distinct architecture and design styles, emphasizing the surrounding landscape
The Artist:
Georgia
O’Keeffe
1887-1986
American painter, referred to as “The Mother of American Modernism.”
Distinct blend of abstractism and naturalism in her works
Despite her works hosting bright colors, O’Keeffe felt most creative in simple and neutral spaces, surrounded by nature
Concept Statement
Sanctum is a home for creative healing, exploration, and rejuvenation. An accessible wellness journey for artists, the space uses vernacular design to seamlessly interact with the surrounding landscape and create an intentionally simple transformational environment.
S I M P L I S T I C
Physical architectural concept studies
Floor Plan
User Journey
The architecture and spatial sequence guide the user’s journey through this space. Sanctum honors the artistic process. Users first enter to meditate and get into a creative mindset, transition into creation itself, and then reflect on their creative endeavors.
Architectural design development
Physical models and architectural concept sketching informed development of the user journey and spatial process. Architecture informs design.
Creation Space
c r e a t i v e r e l e a s e
1 2
I n t e g r a t i o n o f t a s k - b a s e d w o r k s p a c e s , e v e n i n a n a r t
s t u d i o , i s i m p e r a t i v e t o t h e s u c c e s s a n d c o m f o r t o f u s e r s .
I n t h e c r e a t i o n s p a c e , a r e a s o f l e i s u r e , c o n t e m p l a t i o n ,
f o c u s , & c o l l a b o r a t i o n a r e a l l r e p r e s e n t e d .
T h e p r i m a r y s t u d i o s p a c e i s l o c a t e d i n a c u r v e d w i n d o w
p a n e , f u r t h e r a l l o w i n g a r t i s t s t o s t e p i n t o t h e l a n d s c a p e
s u r r o u n d i n g t h e m a n d c r e a t e a l o n g s i d e n a t u r e .
A n i n t e n t i o n a l s i m p l i c i t y o f m a t e r i a l i t y r e f l e c t s t h e
s i m p l e s h a p e s a n d t e x t u r e s o f N e w M e x i c o ’ s l a n d s c a p e ; t h e
s p a c e a c t s a s a c o n t i n u a t i o n o f t h e n a t u r a l w o r l d a n d a i m s
t o n o t t a k e a w a y f r o m t h e o r g a n i c i n s p i r a t i o n .
Meditation Space
A m i n d f u l a p p r o a c h
C u s t o m - d e s i g n e d g r a s s c l o t h
c u r t a i n s a l l o w f o r p r i v a c y
a l o n g s i d e c o n n e c t i o n . U s e r s
c a n s t i l l f e e l l i k e i n d i v i d u a l s
w h i l e a l s o s h a r i n g c o m m u n i t y
s p a c e s .
1 2 3
T h e w a t e r f o u n t a i n p r o v i d e s a n
a u d i t o r y a n d v i s u a l a m b i a n c e ,
c r e a t i n g a s e n s o r y e x p e r i e n c e
t h a t a l l o w s g u e s t s t o t r u l y
t r a n s p o r t t h e m s e l f i n t o t h e
n a t u r a l s p a c e .
T h e c i r c u l a r
s k y l i g h t a c t s
a s a c o n n e c t i o n
p o i n t b e t w e e n t h e
i n t e r i o r a n d
e x t e r i o r , b l e n d i n g
t h e n a t u r a l w o r l d
w i t h t h e c r e a t i v e
p r o c e s s . U s e r s a r e
i n t r o d u c e d t o a
m i n d f u l
c o n s i d e r a t i o n o f
n a t u r e b e f o r e f u l l y
i m m e r s i n g
t h e m s e l v e s i n t o
t h e s p a c e .
03 MY WAY
H I G H E N D R E S I D E N T I A L D E S I G N
Renderings: Hand Renderings, Watercolor, & Procreate
Individual Project - 10 weeks - 1,800 sqft - Spring 2025
My Way is a deep exploration of spatial sequencing as it relates to concept.
This home emphasizes the significance of the individual's journey through the space, celebrating movement and experience with a combination of powerful color, light, and pattern.
The Project Brief:
Design a high-end primary residence for a famous musician.
The Site:
223 NW 23rd Street, Miami, FL
1 level, 1,800 square feet
The Musician
Frank Sinatra 1915-1998
“The Voice” Renowned vocal performer, jazz style music
Famously eccentric in style, passionate colors, and unique patterns
Concept Statement
The Sinatra Home is a journey through the stages of living. As you move through, the space moves with you and presents fluidity and choice. No matter which room you enter, there will always be a choice in where you go next; you are never stuck or left without the opportunity of motion. A visual and spatial reflection of a journey through life and music, this home celebrates the themes of love, luxury, triumph, and passion as they flow together to create a home to be experienced your way.
Foyer
T h e B e s t i s Y e t t o C o m e
This space aims to allude to the fierce colors and textures ahead, while still remaining a calm and neutral welcome into the space.
Living Room
F l y M e t o T h e M o o n
The heart of the home, the living room, provides a semi-private conversation pit in order to foster intimacy and connection in the space. The darktoned colors also allow for the space to be relaxing, while still contributing to the eccentric ambiance of the home.
Private Study
A l l o f M e
The study sees extreme privacy and exclusion, which allows the rich colors and intricate textures to be reserved only for the main resident in a unique and personal way.
Primary Suite
N o t h i n g B u t t h e B e s t
The primary bedroom, similar to the private study, presents lively and bright colors as an ode to the personality of the main resident of the space. This space, only for him, affords excitement and intrigue while still co est and recharge.
Katelynn Heilman
KATELYNN.HEILMAN@GMAIL.COM
WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/IN/KATELYNNHEILMAN