Mairen Manning's Exhibitions Portfolio

MAIREN MANNING

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Hello, I am Mairen Manning, a recent graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and a minor in Museum Studies, and a LEED Green Associate.

At the heart of my design is the dedication to building connectivity. What is the project’s goal, and how do you want users to feel? When people are at the center of the design, a project should use evidence-based design and research to properly support its users. By creating immersive, sustainable, and inclusive environments, we can foster connection and enrich the visitor experience.

Throughout my portfolio, I hope you will notice each space’s intrinsic desire to be equitable, sustainable, and supportive.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, Minor in Museum Studies

Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate

May 2026

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) January 2026

EXPERIENCE

Council Member

College Leadership Council for College of Fine Arts, Tallahassee, FL

• Organized events, increasing inter-department interactions.

August 2024 to April 2026

• Helped with the publication of the SIX Magazine through Admin and Design tasks.

• Advocated for careers in the arts by speaking with high school students and teachers.

Interior Design Intern

The Turett Collaborative, New York City, NY

• Managed materials library and samples.

• Aided with redlines and construction document reviews in BlueBeam and Revit.

• Updated product orders and quote sheets in Google Sheets.

• Created renders and slides for client presentation in Enscape and Google Slides.

Exhibition Designer

Woven Together, WJB Gallery, Tallahassee, FL

• Done in Collaboration with Museum Studies Course at Florida State University.

• Produced Illustrator files for vinyl cut outs in the Exhibition.

• Created the SketchUp file for the Exhibition layout.

• Aided with installation of Artifacts into cases.

Exhibit and Operations Intern

Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa, FL

• Completed exhibit concepts with budget plans in Google Sheets.

• Maintained and repaired various props alongside team members.

• Created renders with SketchUp and Photoshop.

• Constructed exhibit prototypes.

• Measured rooms and created floor plans with AutoCAD.

HONORS

/ AWARDS

1st Place - Material Bank’s Student Competition Spring 2025

Graduated Magna Cum Laude - Florida State University 2026

June 2025 to August 2025

February 2025 to May 2025

June 2024 to August 2024

Woven Together: Funerary Textiles from the Ancient Andean Coast

Market: Arts and Culture

Done in Collaboration with with Museum Object Course at Florida State University Square Feet: 1,092

Utilized Hand-Sketching, SketchUp, Revit, Illustrator, and Physical Install

Woven Together: Funerary Textiles from the Ancient Andean Coast is an exhibition for the WJB Gallery in Florida State University’s William Johnston Building. Developed collaboratively with classmates and professionals, the process included meeting with the Exhibition Preparator, conducting object research, and discussing the needs of the objects on display and the themes addressed with the Curatorial and Marketing teams.

The project aimed to honor the vibrancy of Ancient Andean Textiles and their role as funerary items within the WJB Gallery, and to support educational lectures and gatherings. The key color palette uses brown and yellow, staying cohesive with the pre-existing space while helping the vibrant reds in the objects stand out.

At approximately 1,092 square feet, WJB Gallery is organized into three sections: the Entry with the Title Wall, the South Coast, and the North and Central Coasts. Objects were displayed by region rather than by time period to support the exhibition’s structure.

Overall Planning

In discussions with the Exhibition Preparator and the Curatorial and Marketing teams, multiple layout iterations were produced. Ultimately, a 90-degree angle with the movable wall was used to separate the entry from the rest of the experience and guide visitors into a U-shaped pattern throughout the WJB Gallery. Parts of the exhibit can also be viewed from the atrium where the gallery is located, and the open space in the center supports larger gatherings during the exhibit’s opening and various guest lectures.

Because WJB Gallery sits in the atrium of a large building, these frosted window decals draw the attention of students and visitors, inviting them to experience the exhibition.

Each decal is taken from a motif in the selected objects and run through Illustrator to create vinyl cut-outs, connecting the exterior view with the exhibition content for visitors.

Uncle Bobby’s Library

Market: Higher Education

Done in Collaboration with RJ Sagaya Square Feet: ~20,000

Utilized Revit, Enscape, and Photoshop

Uncle Bobby’s Library is a look into redesigning the first-floor learning commons of Strozier Library at Florida State University. The process included meeting with the Library Staff, observing the use of the library during its operating hours, and conducting surveys with the student population on how they use the library. External research was also taken into account: looking into preexisting libraries, literature reviews on seating behaviors, and Affordances Theory.

Alongside our peer RJ Sagaya, we decided to take inspiration from a campfire, as these are places typically associated with connection, gathering, and warmth. Similarly, the stakeholders of the Library wanted to go beyond typical library usage, becoming a key third place for the people of Florida State. To tackle this challenge, the project focused on the main commons, the cafe space, the reception, and the circulation. If these elements could be elevated, visitors would be guided through all portions of the library and engage with it on a deeper level.

Key Spaces in the scope of the project include security, reception, the cafe and Poplit section, the computer zone, a quiet space, the tutor zone, and a multitude of study spaces.

Research and Planning

STAFF-RELATED INTERACTION

RELAXATION-RELATED INTERACTION

STUDY-RELATED INTERACTION

Initial Planning:

Through research, it was found that social behaviors decreased further away from the entry, where the cafe and tutoring were. Furthermore, the current design was reported to be hard to navigate; this is supported by how the main circulation desk was hard to

see from the entrance. To further support the library’s population and the behaviors of its users, high activity was kept towards the front. By creating a gradient of noise throughout the floor, users can go to each corresponding zone depending on their needs. By doing a noise gradient, higher energy areas can also be isolated from quiet zones to better prevent noise from traveling.

Floor Plan

Reflected Ceiling Plan

Circulation reflects the concept of a hearth by relying on a central loop of passage and providing several offshoots for movement. Furthermore, these offshoots guide visitors into quieter zones, distancing them from the energy of the library’s center. The warm atmosphere brings groups together and is heightened through the warm lighting, soft lounge furniture, and anechoic acoustics. The design provides several areas for groups and individuals to rest and work, including various heights for different work needs, as seen with the tutoring zone. The color palette connects the warm colors from the concept with Florida State’s branding to create a signature look.

Reception Entry

Tutoring Zone

Boudica’s Light

Market: Hospitality

Square Feet: 193,900 gross

Utilized Illustrator, Photoshop, Revit, Enscape, and Hand-Sketching

Boudica’s Light is a mixed-use conference-style hotel located along 60 Victoria Embankment in London, UK. Honoring the history and diversity of London, the hotel is named after Queen Boudica and her determination to protect her tribe from Roman conquest. Boudica’s Light spreads the message of Boudica’s strong sense of justice and desire for truth for her community. The Hotel’s overarching mission is to prioritize the well-being of all occupants (staff and guests) by implementing LEED Guidelines, integrating local vernacular, and creating spaces that balance work and relaxation.

The design is inspired by Eternity and the Ephemeral and embodies London’s identity as a modern, fast-paced city rooted in centuries of history. To demonstrate the hotel’s connection to London’s identity, gothic-inspired architecture with rough-textured natural materials will ground the space, while daylighting and tall arches will heighten it, creating contrast and a sense of spatial hierarchy. Nature persists throughout this concept, demonstrating our eternal connection with nature, despite its fleeting moments. The Lobby and Garden on the first and second floors will serve as focal points because they are central on the plans and larger than the surrounding halls. Circulation through the Hotel’s front of house and hallways will inspire guests to reflect and move thoughtfully through circular movement.

The Basement includes public/staff parking, valet, laundry, delivery/loading, storage, waste management, mechanical and electrical, and the main SubMetering energy management room. The First Level includes the Hotel’s front of house, back of house, a cafe, and the restaurant “The Geode”. The Second Level includes the garden, public restrooms, the library and conference rooms, employee back-of-house, and the second floor of the restaurant. Levels Three through Eight each include 30 keys, 2 board rooms, vending/ice, and housekeeping. In total, the hotel has 180 rentable suites.

Project Research

Approaching LEED v5 Certification:

In line with the City of London’s goal to promote sustainability and diversity, this hotel has chosen to pursue LEED Certification. After site selection and review of the LEED v5 Scorecard for Building Design and Construction: New Construction, it can be determined that the project is capable of achieving LEED Gold certification. The scorecard below identifies which credits are being achieved in the project, using a Yes-Maybe-No format, to establish the project’s goals in pursuing LEED certification.

Site Analysis:

LEED’s Location and Transportation Credit Category played a major role in understanding and selecting a site for Boudica’s Light. Within a quarter mile, there are several bus stops and tube stations. WIthin the greater 15-minute walk, there are several restaurants, grocery stores, parks, markets, a hospital, and access to some of London’s museums and historical sites.

Demographic and Regional Analysis:

According to the 2021 census, the City of London borough has a population of 8,583 people. However, it receives tens of thousands of visitors daily. According to the 2021 Census, the largest age group is people aged 30-34, which falls under the worker population. Following trends in London’s traveler demographics, Boudica’s Light aims to cater to Business Travelers, particularly those in fields such as history, anthropology, and writing. With the selected site adjacent to major rail lines and close to museums and historical sites, this hotel will become a prime location for business travelers.

The City of London receives 2.7 inches (70mm) of rain per month, coinciding with each month averaging around 12-14 days of rain. Throughout the year, temperatures range from 41°F(5°C) to 80.1°F (26.7°C). Entry points into the hotel and guest suites will consider umbrella/coat storage to support transitions from the exterior into the interior, and vice versa.

Second Level Garden:

Situated on the second floor, the Garden is visible from the street and serves as a faux atrium for the rooms above. The Garden’s foliage relies on local plants suitable for xeriscaping, limiting required maintenance and water use while supporting local biodiversity. Such plants include Dutch Lavender, Wisteria, Clematis, Corsican Mint, Horse Chestnut, and more. When the weather is good, long accordion doors open out to the Garden to invite guests outside. The garden paths radiate from the large walls, converging at the center of the garden, where a statue of Queen Boudica stands. The pathing provides pockets of privacy while promoting circular movement

First Impressions

Reception

Lobby

Communicating History and Values:

Upon entering the reception area, guests are welcomed by receptionists and have direct sightlines to the elevators and restrooms. Stone bases line the hotel’s walls, including black flagstone in the reception that connects the faux marble flooring to the walls. Arches on either side of the reception invite guests into the Great Hall—the hotel’s heart—where multiple seating areas branch from the main walkway. The lobby serves as a waiting area and communal space for small gatherings. Foliage along the windows infuses the air with a gentle floral scent, easing visitors. Arches and vaulted ceilings create an interplay of light and shadow that echoes the hotel’s name, Boudica’s Light. Together, the lobby and reception flow in a circular motion, symbolizing eternity and ongoing movement. Material selections enhance the hotel’s branding through natural stone and wood, as well as warm tones. Additionally, the contrasting hues support visitors with colorblindness or aging eyes. To counteract the space’s openness, PET beams, carpet, and fabric upholstery provide acoustic comfort

For the Educator

The Library

Sitting on the corner above the main entrance, the Library offers a great view of the Thames River and is divided into different seating zones. Behind the bookshelves, a workspace provides privacy and individual task lights. Overhead beams improve acoustic comfort through acoustic PET. The bookshelves feature open cuts to let light penetrate the space and display historical artifacts, with plaques honoring the City of London’s history. At the back of the library, a business center is available for phone calls and for printing or copying files.

Meeting Spaces:

Adjacent to the library are two large conference rooms that can be divided into four smaller meeting rooms using foldable Air Walls. The conference rooms provide dimmable LED lighting, allowing brightness to be adjusted to the user’s needs. Each room includes a whiteboard and a TV with an HDMI cord. For additional flexibility, guests may rent mobile TV stands and expo markers from the hotel. Blue tones, selected to enhance focus, define the cool finishes of these primary meeting spaces. On each sleeping floor, there are two smaller Board Rooms designed for impromptu meetings or extra workspace. These Board Rooms overlook the Garden below. Each meeting space utilizes PET wall panels to provide acoustical support.

Sleep and Stay

Room Types:

Boadica’s Light features 6 suite types, each designed for different budgets, space needs, and preferences. Each suite is named after historical figures linked to Boudica and the founding of London, driving home the Hotel’s historical connections and inspirations. The Boadica Suite and Voada Suite are luxury king/presidential suites that offer spacious layouts and premium amenities. The Teulu Suites are standard rooms, focused on comfort and functionality. The Anglia Rooms are affordable single rooms, ideal for solo travelers. The Iceni Rooms are designed to accommodate the highest number of guests per key. The Tacitus Suite is a typical Guest Plus suite that offers an enhanced experience with additional space and features.

The Hallways:

The hallways leading to the rooms feature varying ceiling heights, with vaulted sections over each bay. Wall finishes distinguish between walking and loading areas through ivory-textured wallcoverings and smooth brown paint. Arches and a vaulted ceiling reaching 10 feet distinguish each room bay. Cove and uplighting together create a consistent, diffused atmosphere. The hallway is 8 feet wide, accommodating turns, passing, and luggage. Each room bay extends by 3 additional feet to ease entry and exit.

The Teulu Suite:

Built-In Desk and Wardrobe

The front part of the suite is sectioned off with a sliding pocket door, dividing the room from the entry and restroom. It also provides separation from the adjoining door, adding privacy for those not renting the adjoining suite. The Teulu Suites are ADA-compliant throughout, providing enough turning space around the bed and bathroom, as well as an accessible work height with the built-in desk. Variations of the Teulu Suite shift the king-sized bed into a queen and are paired with a pull-out sleeper chair. Most suites also include a Juliet balcony, which provides operable windows and enhances guests’ connection to nature

The Boudica Suite:

The Boadica Suite is a two-bedroom suite with a kitchenette, dining area, and living room, making it designed for larger groups with more luxurious tastes. It includes three beds, one of which is a pull-out sleeper sofa, and offers enhanced finishes and furnishings in classical styles. The bedroom features finishes inspired by the natural landscape present before and after London’s founding.

Hotel Restaurant: The Geode

The Geode is a 2-story Pub and Restaurant that features jewel tones and lush materials, offering guests a royal experience. Directly inspired by an Amethyst Geode, the restaurant pairs multiple rough finishes, such as a rocky exterior with flagstone walkways, with sparkling finishes reminiscent of a geode’s interior. Various seat groupings increase parties’ sense of privacy and connectivity with their companions. A rentable private room is available at the back for larger parties, enhancing the floor’s flexibility.

Experiencing The Geode:

On the first floor, guests can enter from within the hotel or from the street. Throughout the restaurant, there are multiple seating arrangements, each demonstrating striking material changes like a geode. The seats feature soft purple upholstery, while the tables use reflective marble resin. The lighting design combines ambient lighting from recessed ceiling fixtures with pendant lights hung above central tables, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Accent lighting is strategically placed to highlight the geode-inspired ceiling features and reflective surfaces, delivering a rich sparkle reminiscent of amethyst crystals.

Spanning both floors, the amethyst cut serves as the Restaurant’s namesake and focal point, tying together the design elements described between both floors. The space is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring stepfree pathways, wide entrances, and two different seating heights to accommodate varying mobilities. Each floor can be accessed through either a stairway or an elevator. These inclusive elements not only ensure comfort for all guests but also foster a sense of connectivity, encouraging interaction and shared experiences among diverse groups of visitors.

Argonaut Construction

Market: Workplace / Core & Shell Square Feet: ???

Utilized Revit and Hand-Sketching

The Argonaut Building tackles providing office space for one company on the first floor and a tenant space on the second floor. The first floor sought to provide workers with various work spaces and some ammenities. The overall focus of the project was to organize the building in order to provide space for permanent employees, interns, volunteers and visitors. To demonstrate the construction, the Argonaut Project consists of 18 construction documents. The following selected pages demonstrate attention to section cuts, callouts, and overall ability to provide in-depth information. The building’s shell and required spaces were provided.

The first floor includes a general reception and waiting area, storage, restrooms, several work pens, a kitchen and lounge, various offices, and a conference room.

Overall Planning

Initial Sketching and Planning

Bubble Diagram #2

Blocking Diagram #1

Since Argonaut Construction was an exercise in learning documentation and revit, the initial planning phases went quick. The space planning process, shown above, sought to find the cleanest layout of all necessary spaces.

Staying Accessible:

To best serve a diverse set of users the building is designed in accordance with code requirements. Bathroom spaces include accessible units on each floor of the building.The Custom Reception Desk also uses multiple heights for size and approach of use, matching Universal Design Principles.

Reception Desk - Top View

Reception Desk - Back View

Reception Desk - Front View

Blue Views Observation: An Airport Gallery

Market: Aviation / Arts and Cultre Square Feet: ???

Utilized SketchUp and Hand-Rendering 2nd Year, First Semester

When airport travel is met with unexpected delays or gaps of boredom, it is imperative that there are spaces to provide relief and entertainment. Designed for the Tallahassee International Airport’s Observation Deck, Blue Views Observation uses the photography of Tommy Kha to create playful imagery for positive distraction while providing its users spaces for work and relaxation. The cool-toned aesthetics of the space were founded on how Tommy Kha engages with his work: exploring identity in fractured yet symmetrical pieces from an obscured point of view, providing tranquil introspection. To support a wide range of people, the project utilized research on Universal Design, User Profiles, and the Person-Environment Fit Theory within the built environment.

Overall Planning and Considerations

Universal Design and Person-Environment Fit Theory:

By initially observing the people interacting with the space, the space’s needs could be determined: rest, work, and waiting. Where these needs were and were not met was analyzed and solved using the Person-Environment Fit Theory and Universal Design Principles. Through the three design solutions below, the space can tackle adaptive use and flexibility in a way that is seamlessly integrated with the observation room. The Interactive Screen provides information on the museum and the airport utilizing simple and intuitive use. The Reception Desk utilizes multiple heights to provide various options regarding size and space for approach and use. The Nook seating provides flexibility in use by allowing the user to change the seat height: making easy seating for those of various body types.

Two-Part Solution Interpretation:

In an effort to accomodate various users and provide various methods to experience and interprete the gallery, multiple solutions were provided. The Interactive Information Screen supports wheelchair users by being at the required ADA-height. Along the corner, it provides a raised QR code to the gallery’s webpage which offers audio of the written text. The first screen is to select the user’s desired language before proceeding to information on the artist and the gallery webpage. Along the side of the reception, there is a raised map of the floor plan and pamphlets featuring braille text for blind users. All of these features work together to meet the needs of various visitors.

Embracing Tommy Kha’s theme of fractured identity, the gallery space utilizes reflective surfaces and sharp angles. The photography is placed around bends, along the ceiling, and in diagonal succession. While untraditional, this method supports Kha’s message and creates a memorable experience for visitors.

The gallery also maintains the original functions of the Observation Deck, offering direct views to the tarmac, providing work space for airport guests, and waiting space for additional family members.

Miscellaneous Work

Market: N/A

Square Feet: N/A

Utilized AutoCAD, Aspire/VCarve, CNC, Laser Cutting, Hand Sketching, and Illustration

“Miscellaneous Work” demonstrates some of my other side projects and skills related to Interior Design. The first example is the “Furniture Design” which utilizes CAD softwares to produce furniture prototypes that follow flat-packing strategies and CNC production.

In addition to this project, the section transitions into examples of my process and hand skills. This section features my hand-drawn sketches and illustrations, from quick studies to detailed drawings. These works explore built environments and architectural details, serving as tools for concept development and aids for client communication.

2nd through 4th Year

Furniture Design

3-Piece Table

The goal was to create a table using 3 pieces of wood with minimized waste. The semi-circles cut out in the waste, can be given a black finish and used as shelves within the space. Too small scraps can be donated to sawmills formaking mulch and recycled wood.

The table is designed to be used as an accent table in an eclectic living room, supporting an 18” height chair. The design takes after celestial bodies and is meant to remind the user of a night sky. The construction utilized lap joints and mortise-and-tenons for assembly. It was fabricated out of painted masonite and acrylic utilizing a laser-cutter.

5-Piece Chair and Matching Hutch

Together these two pieces consider the light that flows through a greenhouse, the life that grows there, and the comforts that can be found. The hutch piece is meant to support vining plants along its sides like a trellis. The chair uses a living hinge to curve in on the user to hug them in the space. In a full-scale production of the collection, the hutch could utilize inset, mirror acrylic to further reflect light throughout the space.

Sketching and Illustration

Elevator Pitches? Elevator

Client meetings can go fast, and ideas need to be shared. Each sketch took between 1 minute to 10 minutes to produce. They also are less or equal in size to a half sheet of A4 (letter) paper. Images here utilize a mixture of pencil, pen, marker, and colored pencil.

SKETCHES

Reading Corner Sketch produced for the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa, FL.

Done during my internship at the Glazer Children’s Museum, this was a sketch drawn during a brainstorming session with staff. The idea was provide a better space for the staff who provide story hours while still making use of the pre-existing Forts Exhibit. The image on the right demonstrates what aspects of the sketch were utilized for implementation, like the hanging lamp shades.

Hand-Drawn Postcards

From Left to Right: A Biba Lamp from Barbara Hulanicki, a Fireplace at the Chiswick House, and a repurposed Cabmen’s Shelter. During our Study Abroad in London, we visited various sites and museums with history tied to Interiors and Architecture. In each visit, we sketched a feature that caught our eye using pen and watercolor. Each Illustration is tied to a 5:7 format in order to be usable for postcards.

mairen.manning@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mairen-manning/