Outdated Portfolio - Kate Rudini

Kate Rudini

INTERIOR DESIGN PORTFOLIO

Interior design, 2D & 3D designs, artwork.

INTRODUCTION

When I first entered college, I had no background or experience in art or design , and I worried I might not measure up in the demanding of interior design. Yet, despite these doubts, I felt drawn to this major for a deeply personal reason: I had experienced firsthand interior spaces affect us both physically and mentally. I noticed that well-designed environments could uplift, inspire, and support success, while poorly designed spaces seemed to amplify challenges and negative emotions. This realization sparked a desire to create spaces that empower others, enhance well-being, and bring happiness.

immersed myself in classes and lectures, I discovered that interior design is not just about aesthetics, it has the potential to shape world around us in profound ways. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that design carries a responsibility to minimize its environmental impact. I am deeply passionate about sustainability and the role interior design can play in reducing carbon footprints. selecting eco-friendly materials, optimizing energy efficiency, and implementing innovative design solutions, I strive to create spaces contribute to a healthier planet.

Another critical aspect of my work is universal design, creating environments that are inclusive, accessible, and adaptable for people of abilities and ages. I believe that everyone deserves to experience spaces that are both functional and beautiful, and I aim to ensure designs meet these standards.

While the journey has been long and challenging, I take immense pride in being part of the Interior Design program. I would describe design style as bold and adaptive. I challenge myself with a different design style every project to build a well rounded skillset. I’ve become a vocal advocate for redefining misconceptions, interior design is far more than “pillow fluffing!” I feel empowered to experiment, innovate, and grow. I truly believe I’ve found my place, one that allows me to make a meaningful impact on individuals, society, and the environment. Interior design has given me the tools and the confidence to craft spaces that are not only beautiful but sustainable, inclusive, and transformative. I hope to leave a positive and lasting footprint on the world through my designs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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2

NEXT LA Law Office

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Passage Nepal Hospitality

4

Origin Daily Center

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Studio Kate Adaptive Reuse

NAHB Custom Home

6 Other Works

01. NEXT LA LAW OFFICE

RE-FRAMING LAW

INDIVIDUAL SR. 2025

PROJECT BRIEF PROJECT GOALS

The Steelcase NEXT 2025–26 competition challenged students to envision the future of work through innovative, human centered design. Set in Los Angeles, the prompt called for a workplace that responds to rapidly evolving professional needs, emerging technologies, and new expectations for flexibility, well being, and collaboration. The competition emphasized creating environments that not only support productivity, but also cultivate connection, purpose, and a strong sense of place.

My proposal reimagines the contemporary office by exploring how spatial planning, interior systems, and materiality can shape meaningful interactions and empower individuals throughout the workday. The design prioritizes adaptability, sustainability, and holistic user experience, resulting in a workplace that evolves with its occupants and reflects the vibrant cultural landscape of Los Angeles.

Frame legacy and future growth

Strengthen connection and community 1 4 3 2

An adaptable, multi-modal workplace

Enhance well being through sensory design

5 Sustainability and long term resilience

RESEARCH

L O C A T I O N

Primary work and collaboration areas are placed along the north and east sides to capture soft, consistent daylight and exterior views. The west side is buffered with enclosed rooms to reduce glare and heat. Light shelves, reflective ceilings, and interior glass WILL help distribute daylight deeper into the space for a brighter, more balanced environment.

PRIMARY WORK AND COLLABORATION AREAS ARE PLACED ALONG THE NORTH AND EAST SIDES TO CAPTURE SOFT, CONSISTENT DAYLIGHT AND EXTERIOR VIEWS THE WEST SIDE IS BUFFERED WITH ENCLOSED ROOMS TO REDUCE GLARE AND HEAT LIGHT SHELVES, REFLECTIVE CEILINGS, AND INTERIOR GLASS WILL HELP DISTRIBUTE DAYLIGHT DEEPER INTO THE SPACE FOR A BRIGHTER, MORE BALANCED ENVIRONMENT

THE SURROUNDING SITE IS NOT VERY WALKABLE OR VISUALLY ENGAGING, RELYING MOSTLY ON VEHICULAR TRANSPORTATION RATHER THAN PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT WITH FEW NATURAL OR RECREATIONAL ELEMENTS, THE AREA OFFERS LIMITED STIMULATION. THE INTERIOR DESIGN RESPONDS BY CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT ENCOURAGES ACTIVITY AND EXPLORATION THROUGH VARIED CIRCULATION ROUTES, PROMOTING MOVEMENT AND WELLBEING WITHIN THE SPACE.

The surrounding site is not very walkable or visually engaging, relying mostly on vehicular transportation rather than pedestrian movement. With few natural or recreational elements, the area offers limited stimulation. The interior design responds by creating an environment that encourages activity and exploration through varied circulation routes , promoting movement and well-being within the space.

OFFICE IMPACT ON HEALTH

Research shows that working in an office causes severe health issues. In response, wildcard spaces were developed as dedicated areas that encourage movement, stretching, and mindfulness throughout the day. These spaces, along with active circulation paths, aim to counteract sedentary behavior and promote physical and mental well-being within the workplace.

THE WORLD IS LOSING COLOR

Across consumer products and interiors, achromatic palettes dominate. In autos, white/gray/ black account for ~70%+ of cars worldwide. In interior paint, expert and consumer surveys show neutrals (especially warm whites and grays) are most preferred. In workplace guidance, leading firms warn that over-neutral environments dull stimulation and recommend varied color schemes. innovation be portrayed as grey.

CONCEPT

The Next Frame concept reframes what a law office can represent by linking legacy, perspective, well-being, and innovation through the act of framing. The design positions every employee, past, present, and future, as part of a continuous narrative. Each person becomes within the frame, a living piece of the firm’s evolving story.

Framing also establishes focus and meaning. as artwork gains importance when it is framed and displayed, spatial frames throughout the design emphasize focal points and moments of value. Views are intentionally framed to guide perspective, celebrate transparency, and connect people to purpose.

Color reframes legacy and innovation. design and technology have grown increasingly neutral and grey, The Next Frame rejects the fear of boldness. Innovation is not quiet; it is confident, expressive, and visible. This interior uses vibrant, saturated color to symbolize that mindset, showing that Steelcase’s systems, furniture, and materials reinforce this statement by embedding flexibility, adaptability, and bold color into the workplace, proving that innovation should be framed boldly, not muted.

LAW:

LAWYERS “FRAME” NARRATIVES TO PERSUADE JUDGES AND JURIES.

DESIGN:

DESIGNING STORIES SPATIALLY BY FRAMING VIEWS + SHAPING EXPERIENCES.

LA:

THE WORLD CAPITAL OF FRAMING STORYS THROUGH FILM + MEDIA.

SKETCHES + PLANNING

BUBBLE DIAGRAM

Planning also prioritized adjacencies, grouping related teams while maintaining fluid connections across departments, reframing both the spatial and physical health of the workplace.

CIRCULATION DIAGRAM

The circulation paths create guide movement, visibility, throughout the office. Offshoot encourage walking and active while intersecting frames points for collaboration

create frames that and connection Offshoot routes active circulation, become focal and wellness.

IDEATION SKETCHES

PLANS

The floor plan and meeting all client and wellness zones circulation, and coordinated that a highly compressed

reflected ceiling plan were carefully developed to accommodate a tight program while requirements. Every square foot was used with purpose, allowing work, collaboration, zones to fit seamlessly within the constraints. Intentional spatial organization, strategic coordinated ceiling elements ensure that the layout feels cohesive and intuitive, proving compressed footprint can still deliver clarity, functionality, and meaningful user experience.

PRIVATE OFFICE LAYOUTS

WALL FACING I

Designed for users who prefer visual calm, with storage placed opposite the desk to reduce clutter and create a focused atmosphere.

HALLWAY FACING

Ideal for users who thrive on collaboration and visibility, facing the corridor to encourage connection and interaction.

WALL FACING II

For those who value efficiency and privacy , placing storage and workspace on the same wall for quick, convenient access.

RECEPTION

The reception frames the window to emphasize light, transparency, and connection from the moment of entry. The counter accommodates both seated and standing interaction for ADA accessibility, encouraging comfortable and inclusive communication. Integrated monitors display firm information and branding, while the warm wood tones and clean geometry establish a professional yet inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for the spaces beyond.

WORK CAFE

The work café uses reflective materials such as chrome and high gloss acrylic to extend and amplify natural light throughout the space. These reflections allow users to see themselves as living parts of the frame while simultaneously seeing others within it, emphasizing shared presence and connection. The mirrored surfaces create depth, awareness, and interaction, turning the café into both a social hub and a spatial reflection of the firm’s collaborative, forward-thinking culture. The work café seating blends comfort and professionalism through a mix of soft lounge seating and fixed hard seating, allowing users to choose between relaxation and focused work.

TOWN HALL

The town hall is designed for flexibility, supporting collaboration, teaching, and large-scale presentations. Equipped with the Steelcase board system, a projector can be displayed on any of three walls, allowing the space to easily adapt to different orientations and uses. Additional screens on wheels provide mobility and connection when the town hall opens to merge with the work café, extending its functionality into a larger social zone. The layouts shown highlight the versatility of the furniture in different scenarios, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on adaptable, future-ready design.

BRANDING WALL

As one of the most open areas on the floor, this space highlights the brand and its people. The branding wall honors past employees, frames current staff as part of the present, and leaves empty frames to symbolize room for future growth. Chrome workstation panels reflect light, while fabric interiors absorb sound, creating a balanced environment that supports identity, performance, and collaboration.

Framed Experiences Across the Workplace

These perspectives capture how the framing concept shapes daily work life, using color, light, and intentional geometry to highlight moments of focus, collaboration, and connection. Each space reflects the project’s Los Angeles context through warmth, vibrancy, and movement, creating a workplace that supports clarity, community, and future growth.

MULTI-PURPOSE PODS

The multipurpose pods address the growing health concerns tied to office environments by encouraging movement, mindfulness, and restorative breaks. Each pod supports activities like stretching, yoga, meditation, and prayer, offering employees space to care for their physical and mental wellbeing. The design also acknowledges the recent rise in individuals turning to faith and personal reflection, providing inclusive spaces that accommodate diverse spiritual and wellness practices.

This custom-designed system ensures functionality, respect, and accountability within the multipurpose pods. When entering, users must remove their footwear and place it in the “capsule locker.” From the outside, the presence of shoes signals that the pod is occupied, creating a clear and respectful indicator for others. This simple mechanism discourages inappropriate use and fosters shared responsibility, as the visible footwear provides a subtle reminder of community awareness and proper behavior.

M U L T I - P U R P O S E P O D S

, RESPECT, AND ACCOUNTABILITY WITHIN REMOVE THEIR FOOTWEAR AND PLACE IT ESENCE OF SHOES SIGNALS THAT THE POD INDICATOR FOR OTHERS. THIS SIMPLE TERS SHARED RESPONSIBILITY, AS THE OF COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND PROPER BEHAVIOR.

02. PASSAGE NEPAL HOSPITALITY

PARTNER JR. 2025

PROJECT BRIEF PROJECT GOALS

For this project, we could choose any global location, and my partner and I selected Butwal, Nepal to study a new culture and fully immerse ourselves in its social and spiritual context. This assignment functioned as a healthcare-adjacent design challenge , as the building was intended to sit near a hospital and serve as a hub for travelers coming from rural areas for medical care.

We designed both a hotel floor and a community floor, creating spaces for rest, gathering, and support. Because the project required a religious or contemplative space, we developed an inclusive multi-faith room inspired by mandala geometry, emphasizing balance, healing, and cultural sensitivity. The overall design blends hospitality, community programming, and wellness-focused environments to meet the needs of diverse visitors while honoring Nepal’s rich traditions. 1

4 3 2 5

Nature-Led Healing Accessibility

Home and Familiarity

Sensory Design

Cultural + Local Craft

RESEARCH

ATTENTION RESTORATION THEORY (ART)

Attention Restoration Theory (ART) supports the idea that nature replenishes mental energy and enhances attentiveness. By designing spaces that allow people to disconnect from stress and reconnect with nature, ART encourages productivity, calm, and mental clarity in healthcare and hospitality environments.

NEPAL FAMILY

In Nepalese culture, making. When a together, offering as essential for healing,

This strong family that can meet the extended periods.

Once at the hospital, lack the space be emotionally responsibilities like

01. Affordable accommodations

02. Communal

03. Counseling services

FAMILY VALUES

culture, family plays a central role in caregiving and health-related decisiona loved one is hospitalized, it is common for multiple family members to travel offering emotional support and participating in care. Being close to the patient is seen healing, comfort, and dignity.

family presence makes it vital to provide accommodations and support services the needs of entire families, especially when they must stay far from home for periods.

hospital, Most rural families cannot afford hotels, and existing hospital waiting areas and resources to support them during long stays. These extended visits can and financially draining, especially when caregivers must leave behind other like farming, childcare, or work.

WHY BUTWAL. NEPAL?

Butwal is a rapidly growing city in northeastern Nepal, strategically located at the intersection of the Terai plains and the hilly regions. It serves as a gateway between remote areas and major cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Lalitpur, where specialized medical care is typically centralized.

and clean accommodations close by Hospital

Communal kitchens and laundry

Counseling and emotional support

04. Culturally appropriate spaces for quiet reflection

05. Childcare and play areas

06. Assistance navigating the healthcare system

Families from the northeastern rural regions of Nepal often have to travel extremely long distances across rough, mountainous terrain to access advanced healthcare. Nepal’s challenging geography and limited transportation options further increase the time, cost, and stress involved in reaching care.

Placing this hospitality suite project in Butwal will help reduce travel time for families, expand access to medical support, and take advantage of the city’s growing infrastructure and future development plans, including new transit connections and hospital expansions.

CONCEPT

The Mandala is a spiritual image depicting the relationship between the individual, spiritual, and natural world through a series of interwoven and symmetrical geometric patterns. Mandalas range from spiritual pieces to more contemporary designs and are often created in a mindful setting, grounding the artist in the present, easing anxiety and stress, and connecting every aspect of life; showing that life does not end after death and that everything is connected. Mandalas are symmetrical and have a radial pattern, showcasing bright colors and textures, geometric shapes, and sometimes imagery of people or deities.

In Nepal, there are deep roots of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs which is where the mandala originates from, and serves as a symbol of ritual and mindfulness to the modern day. Implementing the mandala into an interior space would include circular and radial forms, symmetry, varying colors and textures, the creation of a focal point, inclusion of nature, attention to mindful building codes (ART, WELL, ADA), and attention to auditory features such as water movement or acoustic paneling. A space based on the ideas a mandala promotes will be spiritually healing and comfortable, intricately detailed to look at, and layered, while creating harmony throughout the entire space through relation to a central focal point.

SPECIFIC MANDALA INSPIRATION

MANDALA CREATION

“To draw the lines of a mandala is to trace the contours of the self.”

The act is quiet yet revealing, an intimate ritual of self-discovery. Each geometric layer reflects the identities we construct. As patterns spiral outward, the center fades, much like our core selves buried beneath thought and expectation. But the mandala draws us inward. In creating it, we peel back layers, returning to the raw, unfiltered self. Reflecting this rawness, Passage’s interior will minimize synthetic materials, lighting, and practices to honor authenticity.

SAND MANDALA

“The Art of Impermanence.”

The Tibetan Sand Mandala is created to be destroyed. Monks spend days forming it from colored sand, only to sweep it away. This ritual reveals that beauty lives in the process, not in permanence. Each act is meaningful, connecting us to the universe through intention and impermanence. Inspired by this journey, the space is designed to offer unique experiences depending on time of day for every guest by shaping light, honoring presence, and embracing choice.

MANTRA MANDALA

“Centered in Repetition, Moved by Intention.”

The mantra mandala, one of the earliest forms, originates from Buddhist and Hindu traditions and features written prayers radiating from the center. Through repetition, it supports meditative chanting and rhythmic flow. This formula informs the spatial design, where repeated forms and circular movement guide guests inward. Like a mantra, the space invites reflection, stillness, and a sense of spiritual continuity.

1 2 3 4

MANDALA IN NATURE

“Layering the Built + Natural Environments.”

Forms found within nature often mimic the form of the mandala with repetitive radial patterns, such as in the structure of a cell or rings of a tree. The representation of nature within the mandala is significant, highlighting ties between humanity and the natural world. The project will emphasize this connection by blending the indoors and outdoors, making it feel as one.

SKETCHES + PLANNING

SKETCHES + IDEATION

DESIGNING WITH EARTHQUAKES:

BRANDING + NATURAL DISASTER STRATEGY

The selected materials reflect Nepal’s palette of locally available resources. Brick, mud plaster, and timber are local, sourced from the Kathmandu Valley and rural regions. Concrete and tile offer structural strength and hygiene, essential in a seismic zone and healing environment. Locally dyed concrete mimics the warmth of terracotta while maintaining durability. These materials form a layered, grounded palette that mirrors the mandala: rooted in place, balanced in form, and symbolic of wholeness and healing.

Low-VOC adhesives and sealants, along with nontoxic finishes on timber and tile, minimize off-gassing and chemical exposure. The use of local materials like brick and mud not only lowers embodied carbon but also limits the introduction of synthetic compounds, supporting a cleaner, healthier interior environment.

A S S A G E

https://youtu.be/M-ycWLPzrYE?si=sjfLcOclfttvaIs5

PLANS

LVL 1 Analysis

This floor is designed as an immersive sensory experience where users are guided through space by subtle cues tied to the 6 senses: touch, smell, sound, sight, movement, and perception. Every element is curated to influence how people move and feel without them even realizing it. The mandalainspired layout centers around the atrium, creating balance and rhythm throughout. It is not just a floor plan, it is a journey shaped by perception.

LVL 2 Analysis

This hotel suite level is designed for extended stays, grounded in cultural familiarity and spatial balance. At the center, the open courtyard reflects the heart of a mandala, with all rooms and experiences radiating outward in quiet harmony. Multipurpose pods offer space for yoga, prayer, or reflection, echoing traditional Nepalese home practices such as setting up an altar.

ELEVATIONS + SECTION

Perception, the sixth sense, is the mind’s ability to find meaning beyond what we physically see. This design treats perception as an intentional tool, shaped differently for children and adults.

In the playroom, simple geometric shapes support early recognition and playful learning. In the chapel, two mandalas (one geometric, one organic) are placed on separate walls. When viewed together, they align to form a unified whole, creating a moment of clarity that reveals itself only through presence and perspective.

This layered experience makes the chapel a space of discovery, not just stillness, where perception completes the design.

This balcony courtyard mimics the feeling of being outdoors without breaking the existing exterior walls. Rooted in the structure of the mandala and traditional Nepalese homes, it connects the first floor, the current level, and the sky through an open skylight. Light, material, and circulation create a communal environment that humanizes the building and strengthens the bond between people, place, and the natural world.

BALCONY

The atrium anchors the project as where radial paths, light, and natural Centered around a single tree, the quiet compass for reflection, healing, Raw materials and shifting shadows dissolve between built form and nature, passage that unifies the physical and every season.

as a living mandala, natural elements converge. the space becomes a healing, and movement. dissolve the boundary creating a timeless and the spiritual across

The library is a key transitional point in the journey of the space, serving as a route to the atrium, family room, and reception. Its design reinforces the meaning of passage and contributes to experiential design, where users are directly confronted to engage with the built

The chapel rendering captures a quiet, contemplative space light, material, and proportion. Framed views, filtered sunlight, textures guide visitors toward reflection and inward connection. religious icons, the design invites personal meaning, allowing every experience a sense of spiritual openness rooted in balance and

The chapel’s mandalas replace traditional icons with a universal geometry that anyone can connect to, creating a personal and comforting experience shaped by light and movement.

03. ORIGIN DAILY CENTER

INDIVIDUAL JR. 2025

PROJECT BRIEF PROJECT GOALS

The 2025 ASID Indiana Student Competition asked students to design The Daily Center, a supportive community environment that promotes wellness, stability, and dignity for individuals experiencing housing insecurity. The project required a multifunctional interior that meets essential daily needs such as nutrition, hygiene, rest, counseling, learning, and community engagement within a space that feels welcoming and accessible.

The design positions the center as a place of empowerment. Intuitive circulation, safety, and universal design guide the spatial layout, allowing visitors to move comfortably and confidently. Warm materials, biophilic elements, and sensory sensitive zones create a calming atmosphere that supports mental and emotional well being. Areas dedicated to community connection and personal growth strengthen the center’s mission of building confidence and stability.

Through thoughtful programming and human centered design , the project envisions a compassionate public environment that honors identity, supports resilience, and helps transform daily support into long term opportunity.

1

Community Identity and Landmark

3 2 5

Sustainability

Support Education & Personal Development

4

Flexibility & Longevity

Create a Safe Environment

RESEARCH

Research revealed the need for a space that supports recovery, self sufficiency, and community connection in Indianapolis. Economic and housing disparities reinforced the importance of stability, dignity, and trauma informed design. Principles from HOK and Gensler shaped strategies such as clear sight lines, controlled access, and biophilic elements to create a safe and healing environment.

Case studies on community driven projects demonstrated the value of sustainability, adaptive reuse, and flexible programming . Community research in Wanamaker highlighted a deep connection to gardening, inspiring the cultural garden concept as both a practical tool and a symbol of resilience and identity.

These insights guided a design that transforms green spaces into healing environments where individuals can reconnect with nature and rebuild a sense of belonging.

DEMOGRAPHICS

These demographic insights highlight the community’s racial composition, household income distribution, and employment levels. Understanding these patterns helped shape a design approach that is equitable, responsive, and aligned with the needs and realities of the local population.

RACE & ETHNICITY

CONCEPT

The Cultural Garden celebrates the diverse immigrant communities that have shaped Indianapolis, drawing inspiration from the universal necessity of vegetables, an accessible and nourishing staple across all cultures. Just as each major geographical region has significant vegetables that reflect its traditions, this space metaphorically blends them, much like a rich vegetable soup, symbolizing the city’s cultural diversity. The design incorporates varied forms, layered textures, and a vibrant yet balanced color palette to represent the distinct contributions of different cultures while maintaining a cohesive and inviting environment. Communal spaces serve as gathering points where people can connect, share, and grow together, reinforcing the idea that a thriving community, like a well-planned garden, is built on both individuality and unity. Inspired by the structured nature of gardens, the space is divided into three key phases: Root, representing stability and a strong foundation, expressed through durable materials like tile and preserved architectural elements; Grow, symbolizing collaboration and progress, conveyed through linear yet complex forms; and Flourish, reflecting shared success through intricate, beautiful design elements.

Color plays a fundamental role in reinforcing the garden metaphor and enhancing the user experience. Extensive research guided the selection of colors, ensuring they support both function and emotion. Certain spaces and vegetables alike need different levels of light to thrive, which is aligned in the design through location and color. By integrating these elements, the Cultural Garden becomes a living reflection of cultural connection, growth, and shared community.

EVERY CONTINENTS FAVORITE VEGETABLE

BRANDING + SHEMATIC

The word Origin emphasizes beginnings, ancestry, and cultural roots

Origin is a universal concept that resonates across cultures and languages, making it inclusive and representative of a diverse audience.

At just one word, it’s concise and simple to use in marketing materials, signage, and conversations.

“Origin” is not tied to trends or fads, giving it a timeless quality that can grow with the brand.

The word connects to growth, beginnings, and the natural world, making it ideal for the cultural garden concept.

SUPERGRAPHIC

BUBBLE + BLOCKING DIAGRAMS

PLANS

The furniture plan of the daily center is thoughtfully designed to enhance the experience for both occupants and staff. A combination of built-in and flexible furniture creates a sense of structure while maintaining adaptability. This strategic balance not only optimizes the space but also prioritizes user safety by eliminating scattered chairs that could pose tripping hazards or obstruct clearances. 1 2 Microwave & Mini fridge Printer 3 Movable Screen with TV & Info Board

4 Shelving for Books & Games 5 Folding Table 6 Washers

CEILING PLAN

This lighting plan focuses on functionality, safety, and sustainability .

High-CRI lighting improves visual comfort, while egress and motionsupport wayfinding Strategic placement and acoustic pendants enhance illumination and sound quality. Natural light, air-improving plants, and energyefficient controls create a healthier, more sustainable environment.

- All Ceilings 10’ Unless Noted

- All Ceilings ACT Unless Noted

- All Lights are LED

- All Lights are Motion Sensor

RECEPTION

The reception introduces the Cultural Garden concept through warm materials, organic forms, and greenery that reflect community roots and growth. The Origin logo acts as a welcoming landmark, while the soft, open layout provides a sense of safety and dignity for visitors entering the center.

The Resource Center offers a variety of amenities that support personal growth and daily stability. Computer stations, flexible seating, and trellis inspired partitions create spaces for learning, focus, and community connection. Soft colors and natural light reinforce the Cultural Garden concept, making the room a calm and encouraging environment where visitors can build skills, access resources, and work toward long term goals.

DINING ROOM

This design embodies Root, Grow, Flourish: grounded elements with durable materials anchor the space, climbing forms create movement, and lush greenery and suspended forms draw the eye upward, ensuring a dynamic and immersive visual journey.

Adjacent to the reception, The flex space includes mailboxes for security. Furthermore, adjustable ADA-compliant tables with built-in outlets aid accessibility, while a panel system allows vertical expansion. Low-VOC paints, natural materials, and plants improve indoor air quality. Colors are bold and varied, but subdued with a light blue painted exposed ceiling paint and wood to maintain calmness.

04. STUDIO KATE DESIGN FIRM

INDIVIDUAL JR. 2024

PROJECT BRIEF PROJECT GOALS

This project reimagines an aging industrial building in Austin, Texas as the new home for Studio Kate Design Firm. Drawing inspiration from the structural clarity and environmental harmony of the Pennybacker Bridge, the design blends strength with openness, allowing nature and light to flow through the space rather than be shut out by it.

The two story building includes a reception area, conference room, collaborative studio, private office, resource library, break area, and a compact on site apartment. These functions come together as a connected ecosystem where work, creativity, and rest coexist. The design softens the industrial frame through biophilic elements, daylight, warm materials, and strategic airflow, transforming what was once rigid and utilitarian into a breathable, human centered environment.

Adaptive reuse principles guided every decision, enabling the project to support sustainability, flexibility, and long term resilience. Proper lighting, organized storage, and modular work areas enhance daily workflow, while accessible circulation ensures every part of the building is intuitive and safe. The result is a balanced, future focused workspace that reflects both the discipline and creativity of a modern design firm, a place where structure meets nature and where designers can thrive.

1

3 2

Adaptive Reuse with Purpose

Life–Work–Play Integration

Structure and Nature Harmony

4

5

Biophilic Wellness

Material and Lighting Impact

PROBLEM

The Disconnect Between Empty Industrial Spaces and Human Potential

Research revealed the need for a space that supports recovery, self sufficiency, and community connection in Indianapolis. Economic and housing disparities reinforced the importance of stability, dignity, and trauma informed design. Principles from HOK and Gensler shaped strategies such as clear sight lines, controlled access, and biophilic elements to create a safe and healing environment.

Case studies on community driven projects demonstrated the value of sustainability, adaptive reuse, and flexible programming . Community research in Wanamaker highlighted a deep connection to gardening, inspiring the cultural garden concept as both a practical tool and a symbol of resilience and identity.

These insights guided a design that transforms green spaces into healing environments where individuals can reconnect with nature and rebuild a sense of belonging.

RESEARCH

01. The Office Vacancy Crisis

02. ART: Importance of Biophilia Post-COVID

P R O B L E M : T H E D I S C O N N E C T

As of late 2024, U.S. office vacancy rates reached about 19.7 percent, leaving a major surplus of unused commercial space. This challenge also presents an opportunity for innovative reuse. Converting vacant offices and incorporating mixed use residential units can help address housing shortages and revitalize urban centers.

B E T W E E N E M P T Y I N D U S T R I A L

Biophilia has become increasingly important in the post COVID workplace. Access to natural light, greenery, and organic materials supports wellness, reduces stress, and improves overall productivity. Integrating biophilic strategies creates healthier and more engaging environments that

03. Reimagining the Workplace as a “Live-Work-Play” Community

Live work play communities combine residential, commercial, and social spaces into one connected environment. They reduce commute times, encourage interaction, and support a healthier balance between work and life. Chicago’s Fulton Market exemplifies this shift. Once industrial, it has become one of the city’s most desirable mixed-use districts, attracting professionals seeking an integrated lifestyle. Its success demonstrates the strong demand and lasting appeal of LWP environments. This project brings that same energy into a single adaptive reuse building. By integrating living, working, and communal spaces under one roof, it creates a micro live work play ecosystem that enhances well-being, creativity, and everyday connection.

ork play s into te inter o s Fult rial are orhood e hubs t and r ion high appeal oject b dding liv s a mic more d ction wh ffice vacancies, particularly in aging industrial buildings that no longer reflect how e spaces often feel rigid, isolating, and disconnected from both human needs and buildings can be transformed with the right perspective into immersive, biophilic etween structure and nature. Through light, greenery, and openness, the design nd emotional wellness without gutting its industrial structure. orld, people crave interaction, flexibility, and environments that prioritize mental merging adaptive reuse with human-centered design, offering a future where ned but redefined, following “Live-Work-Play” priciples.

S P A C E S A N D H U M A N P O T E N T I A L

CONCEPT

Bridging Work, Nature & Well-being

Inspired by Austin TX s Pennybacker Bridge, this design firm explores how industrial architecture can coexist with nature, celebrating the harmony between bold, structural design and the natural environment. Drawing from the experience of looking upward at the bridge and the fluidity of movement, the space emphasizes openness, light, and connection, blending natural materials with industrial elements. This design reflects the journey of perspective and creativity, uniting people, ideas, and architecture in a seamless dialogue with the surrounding landscape. This firm resonates with me because I am always open to a new persprective, and as someone who does not like the industrial style, I wanted to expand myself.

Inspired by Austin TX’s Pennybacker Bridge, design firm explores how industrial architecture can coexist with nature, celebrating the harmony between bold, structural design and the natural environment. Drawing from the experience of looking upward at the bridge and the fluidity of movement, the space emphasizes openness, light, and connection, blending natural materials with industrial elements. This design reflects the journey of perspective and creativity, people, ideas, and architecture in a seamless dialogue with the surrounding landscape. This firm resonates with me because I am always open to a challenge, and as someone who does not like the industrial style, I wanted to expand myself.

Inspired by Austin TX’s Pennybac architecture can coexist with structural design and the nat looking upward at the bridge a openness, light, and connection This design reflects the journey o architecture in a seamless dia resonates with me because I am who does not like the industrial s

N E Y B A C K E R D G E

m e n t

cker Bridge, this design firm explores how industrial nature, celebrating the harmony between bold, ural environment. Drawing from the experience of nd the fluidity of movement, the space emphasizes , blending natural materials with industrial elements. of perspective and creativity, uniting people, ideas, and alogue with the surrounding landscape. This firm always open to a new persprective, and as someone tyle, I wanted to expand myself.

CORE SPATIAL IDEA: ENVELOPING A SPACE WITHIN A SPACE

PLANS

The floor plans emphasize openness and accessibility, seamlessly blending architecture with nature through large windows and fluid layouts. Every aspect of the facility is designed to be inclusive, featuring a gender-neutral ADA-compliant bathroom and a lift for easy movement between floors. The reception area welcomes guests with cozy seating and outdoor views, while the workspace encourages collaboration with its open design. Upstairs, a compact efficiency apartment offers a functional and modern living space, making the entire facility both practical and inspiring.

SECTION CUT

EXTERIOR ELEVATION

PRIVATE OFFICE BREAK ROOM

IN EFFECT + EFFECTIVE

By weaving life, work, and play into one cohesive space, this project creates rhythm, connection, and comfort. It transforms a vacant industrial shell into a restorative, human-centered experience where people don’t just show up but have the opportunity to thrive.

By weaving life, work, and play into one cohesive space, this project creates rhythm, connection, and comfort. It transforms a vacant industrial shell into a restorative, human-centered experience where people don t just show up but have the opportunity to thrive

SITE PLAN

EXTERIOR

The firm’s exterior blends contemporary design with natural elements to create a clear, inviting presence. Large glass panels bring in abundant daylight and reflect the firm’s openness and creativity. Wood accents introduce warmth and connect the building to the surrounding landscape, balancing its modern structure. Simple, intentional landscaping strengthens the entryway and provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and staff. Overall, the building integrates function with clean, natural design , supporting the firm’s vision of harmonizing architecture and nature.

The firm’s exterior blends contemporary design with natural elements to create a clean and welcoming presence. Large glass panels bring natural light into the interior and reinforce the firm’s openness. Wood accents connect the building to the surrounding landscape and balance its modern structure. Simple, intentional landscaping strengthens the entryway and creates a comfortable atmosphere for visitors and staff.

JUNIOR DESIGNERS

The junior designers’ area is designed for creativity and efficiency. Natural light, greenery, and high windows support focus while roller shades control glare. Acoustic lighting and carpet reduce noise to create a calm, collaborative environment. Builtin shelving keeps the workspace organized, and the neutral palette with selective red tones maintains clarity without distraction.

RESOURCE ROOM

The resource room’s custom-built centerpiece reflects the project’s balance of structure and nature. The bold red frame adds definition, while the pegboard system allows designers to organize and rearrange tools and samples with ease. This adaptable layout supports efficient workflow and makes the room a practical, inspiring space for design exploration.

HOME

PROJECT BRIEF

For the 2025 NAHB Custom Home Competition in Las Vegas, I was tasked with designing the interior and contributing to the exterior of a custom waterfront home in Greeley, Colorado. The project required creating a functional and marketable design within the allocated lot, adhering to competition guidelines. This was my first opportunity to apply my classroom knowledge and teachings to a blank canvas home with minimal interior parameters, allowing me to take full creative control while ensuring the design appealed to potential buyers. Additionally, I collaborated with the team to align the interior and exterior designs, delivering a cohesive and competitive proposal.

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GOALS

Easy Movement/Circulation Fully Level Sustainability in Construction + Design Adapt for Change Biophilic

CONCEPT

The vision for this waterfront home in Colorado is centered around the concept of Seamless Connectivity, where the architecture will harmonize with the natural surroundings to create an immersive and fluid living experience. The design will embrace the landscape, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Expansive windows, natural materials, and open spaces will allow the home to invite nature in, providing uninterrupted views of the water and surrounding scenery. Ultimately, the home will be more than just a structure; it will become an extension of the landscape, ensuring that nature is not only appreciated but experienced in daily life. This design concept will inspire a harmonious lifestyle that promotes wellness, peace, and a seamless connection to the outdoors.

PARTI DIAGRAMS

BUBBLE DIAGRAMS

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PLANS

It is important to note that the floor plans for the home were a team effort. I selected materials and helped organize the layout. The plans are shown without furniture because I designed the interior with staging in mind, aside from the built-ins.

The home features large expansive windows that blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Flooring on the first level transitions seamlessly to support accessibility throughout the space. Essential amenities such as laundry and bathrooms are located on each floor, reducing the need for frequent trips up and down the stairs. Bedrooms on the second floor include pet-friendly, low-pile carpet at the clients’ request, providing comfort while maintaining accessibility and easy maintenance.

SITE + SUN PATH

EAST ELEVATION

EXTERIOR

The exterior of the home embodies the concept of seamless connectivity, blending modern design with the surrounding natural landscape. Expansive windows and a clean architectural silhouette create a sense of openness, allowing natural light to flood the interior while visually linking the indoors with the outdoors. The thoughtful use of materials, such as warm wood accents and sleek stone finishes, provides a harmonious balance between contemporary aesthetics and organic elements. Landscaping is intentionally designed to flow naturally around the home, enhancing the connection between structure and environment. This design not only welcomes residents and visitors but also reflects a lifestyle rooted in harmony and integration.

The great room creates a warm and inviting “space within a space” through its thoughtful furniture arrangement, offering versatility and modularity for various uses. The built-in shelves with soft, curved edges add a sense of balance and cohesion, complementing the room’s central focus on the vaulted ceiling. Skylights within the ceiling flood the space with natural light, blurring the lines between the indoors and outdoors while drawing the eye upward. This design highlights a harmonious connection between the architecture and its surroundings, emphasizing openness and tranquility.

The kitchen is designed for universal accessibility, f ollowing ADA guidelines to ensure ease of use for all. Full-height cabinets use pull handles for reduced strain, and the wheelchair-friendly island allows smooth navigation. An eye-level microwave and air fryer improve convenience, while wide, ADA-compliant pathways support safe movement throughout the space.

The dining room offers banquette nook creates while maintaining DINING ROOM

offers formal seating with expansive views that connect the interior to the outdoors. A nearby creates a cozy spot for casual relaxation. The pantry beneath the stairs adds efficient storage an open layout. Together, these features balance functionality, comfort, and visual connection.

This flex room is designed for leisure and gaming, balancing comfort and functionality. The furniture layout supports relaxation and socializing, while windows, skylights, and a patio door bring in abundant natural light. Playful artwork and warm materials add character, creating an inviting space that feels open and connected to its surroundings.

06. OTHER WORKS

2022-2025

SOLID SHAPES & PATTERN

CONTACT

PHONE: (203) 833 2855

EMAIL: Katherinerud5@gmail.com