Portfolio
MARISSA DEWEESE
Kansas State University
Interior Design
Design Statement
Hard work has always shaped who I am. Growing up on a farm, I learned the value of being hands-on and fully invested in what you do. Even though my career path looks different, that same persistence and curiosity still guide me.
Creativity has always been a constant in my life , from painting with my grandmother to producing pep rally videos in high school. I knew I wanted a career that would challenge me and allow me to make a meaningful impact. Taking the Johnson O’Connor aptitude test confirmed that interior design was where I would thrive and reinforced my belief that thoughtful research should drive strong design decisions. Choosing Kansas State University allowed me to grow both academically and within a collaborative community.
At K-State, I discovered how deeply research and design overlap. Studying human behavior and lighting systems showed me how materials, texture, and light influence productivity, mood, and wellbeing. I fell in love with the idea that design is not just about creating spaces, but about shaping experiences.
In every project, I strive to create environments that balance function, research, and comfort, spaces that leave people feeling supported and inspired.
MARISSA DEWEESE Interior
Design
Email: mdeweese04@ksu.edu
Phone: (620)-491-1675
EDUCATION
Kansas State University
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
August 2023- Expected Graduation May 2027
• 3.98 GPA
• Honor Roll Fall 2023 - Fall 2025
ACHIEVEMENT
Scholarship
Baldwin (Jeanne/James) Interior Design Scholarship
• Awarded for outstanding academic achievement
SKILLS
Technical
• Revit
• AutoCad
• Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Premier Pro, Illustrator, Lightroom)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Hand Rendering
• Model Building
• ProCreate
STRENGTHS
Gallup Clifton Strengths
• Harmony
• Discipline
• Achiever
• Consistency
• Focus
INVOLVEMENT & LEADERSHIP
IAID Student Council Leadership Team
Interior Design Representative
August 2024- Present
• Represent the Interior Design Program in bi-weekly meetings with department leadership
• Maintain consistent communication between faculty and students
Delta Delta Delta
Director of Administration
August 2024- Present
• Record meeting minutes and managed chapter attendance and point system
• Maintain calendar and track deadlines
Additional Clubs
Member
August 2025 - Present
• ASID
• IIDA
• APDPro Committee
WORK EXPERIENCE
Interior Design Teaching Assistant
Kansas State University
August 2025- Present
• Support faculty by grading assignments and maintaining course records
• Assist students with design projects by providing constructive feedback and guidance
Sales Specialist
The Container Store
June 2025- Present
• Provide customer service and product guidance to enhance client experience
• Learn retail operations and organizational system
• Assist custom closet design consultations
Scale Operator
Skyland Grain- Cunningham, KS
June 2023- July 2024
• Weighed trucks and issued tickets in a fast-paced environment
• Coordinated multiple tasks using strong time management and communication skills
PROJECTS
01 02 03 04 05
STEELCASE NEXT
Studio V | Fall 2025
pg 01-08
BOUTIQUE
HOTEL
Studio V | Fall 2025
pg 09-12
PEDIATRICS
CLINIC
Studio IV | Spring 2025
pg 13-18
VISITOR CENTER
Studio IV | Spring 2025
pg 19-22
STUDY TOUR
History of Interior Design | Summer 2025
pg 23-24
01 Steelcase NEXT Project
Course: Studio V | Fall 2025
Skills Used: Revit, Enscape, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate
Location: Los Angeles, California
Type: Adaptive Reuse
Duration: 10 weeks
Description: NEXT, a global law firm with over 70 years of history, is expanding with a new Los Angeles office that reflects the evolving legal workplace. Responding to digital transformation, generational shifts, and hybrid work, the design re-imagines the traditional law office as a resilient, inclusive, and human-centered environment. Prioritizing client and employee experience, diverse work modes, and a culture of mentorship, wellbeing, and connection, the space, guided by the ethos “rooted in law, driven by legacy”.
OBJECTIVES
Wellbeing
- In-house physical wellness
- Regeneration spaces
SITE
ROW DTLA
Located in Los Angeles, a city shaped by productive tension where diversity and creativity drive continual reinvention, the site sits within ROW DTLA, a revitalized industrial district defined by adaptive reuse. Historic warehouse architecture and active public spaces preserve the area’s industrial character while supporting community and contemporary intervention.
USERS
1946-1964
- Face-to-face collaboration
- Loyalty and legacy
Flexibility
- Movable furniture
- Extra storage
Privacy
- Attention to acoustics
- Demountable partitions
1965-1979
- Tradition with modern
- Flexible and personalized
1980-1994
- Collaborative spaces
- Build relationships
1995-2009
- Integrated technology
- Training and collaboration
FLOOR PLAN
CONCEPT
HARMONY THROUGH TENSION
Concept: Rooted in Greek philosophy, harmony through tension reflects balance and progress created by opposing forces, positioning the firm between tradition and transformation.
Context: This duality parallels both Los Angeles’ culture of reinvention and the legal profession’s balance of interpretation and innovation, advocacy and collaboration.
Design: Contrasts such as light and shadow, public and private spaces, and industrial structure with modern refinement create a workplace defined by dynamic balance.
Debate and Resolution in tension creating harmony
Energy and Ease in tension creating harmony
Quiet and Drive in tension creating harmony
PRIVACY
Tension between private and public spaces defines the workplace. Through balance, this tension becomes harmony, with semi-private zones connecting focus and collaboration.
WELLBEING
Natural light supports wellbeing. While private offices line the exterior glass per the client’s request, workstations still receive balanced daylight from two sides.
PRIVATE OFFICE
CONFERENCE ROOM
Design Considerations
- Acoustic flooring, wall, and ceiling systems to enhance privacy.
- Bold materials and graphics to reinforce brand Identity
Concept Application
Design Considerations
- Diffused cove lighting softens high-stress environments
- Reduced glare on surfaces and screens for visual comfort
Concept Application
Design Considerations
- Welcoming space for connection and refreshment
- Varied seating options to support multiple postures and user preferences
Concept Application
Rooted in Law. Driven by Legacy.
BRANDING
Each form pushes and pulls against the other, creating tension, yet they work together to create one harmonious mark.
IDEATION
Ideation diagrams were used to study functional relationships allowing the design to directly respond to the client’s programmatic goals.
CONCEPT APPLICATION
Neutral hues symbolize harmony and bold hues symbolize tension
FLEXIBILITY OF WORK CAFE
WORK CAFE
ADDRESSING THE EVOLVING NATURE OF THE WORKPLACE
Operable furniture and dedicated storage allows this space to easily transform, maximizing its role as the largest and most versatile area within the office. Designed to adapt, it supports a wide range of functions to meet the evolving needs of the workplace.
Everyday
- Supports everyday dining and wellness of staff and clients
Entertain
- Supports occasional staff and client entertainment
- Supports company wide presentations such as HR presentations
PRIVATE OFFICES
ADDRESSING THE EVOLVING NATURE OF THE WORKPLACE
TheCollaborator
This arrangement is geared towards the employee who is working with others often.
TheOwner
This arrangement is geared towards the employee who likes ownership over their environment.
TheInnovator
This arrangement is geared towards the employee who needs a dynamic work environment.
ARENA
02 IRONWOOD MOTEL
Course: Studio V | Fall 2025
Skills Used: Revit, Inscape, InDesign, Photoshop
Location: Wamego, Kansas
Type: Hospitality Adaptive Remodel
Duration: 3 weeks
Project Description: The Simmer Motel in Wamego, KS, is being re-branded and remodeled to attract younger travelers while honoring its small-town roots. The redesigned lobby, lounge, and guest rooms create a cohesive brand inspired by Kansas’ lifestyle, blending contemporary design with local character. Focused on community and connection, the motel offers customizable, memorable experiences that align with Kansas Tourism goals and appeal to Gen Z travelers.
Over 90%
of affluent travelers seek local charm and authenticity
RESEARCH APPLIED
Through research, I developed a more elevated interpretation of the small-town environment, expressing both its strength and understated luxury.
OBJECTIVES
1
2
3
Creating community and connection by encouraging engagement and meaningful conversation for guests. GEN Z is “TOWN SIZING” 67% of GEN Z want the small town experience of GEN Z travelers are willing to splurge on travel experiences 52%
Foster an authentic guest experience to create a genuine sense of place that resonates with guests and transforms their stay into a meaningful experience.
Elevating the guest experience by creating comfort, sophistication, and choice.
CONCEPT
IRONWOOD TREE
Inspired by Wamego’s resilience and agricultural roots, the Ironwood Motel embodies the strength of its namesake tree. Natural materials, biophilic elements, and clean lines create a peaceful, authentic environment that celebrates small-town community and connection.
DESIGN GOALS
IRONWOOD APPLICATION
Warm wood tones, durable materials, and layered lighting reflect the tree’s strength and resilience, creating a space that feels grounded, authentic, and welcoming.
FLOOR PLAN
COMMUNITY DINING
DOUBLE ROOM
DOUBLE ROOM
CONCEPT
ORGANIZATIONAL CONCEPT
A strong axis organizes the space and guides guests toward community areas. The axis symbolizes the concept of the Ironwood tree.
DATUM OF LIGHT
FUNCTION
AND AESTHETICS
A continuous band of light near the floor creates a warm, inviting glow. Layered task and ambient lighting add depth and support Ironwood’s comfort and authenticity.
KINGROOM
DINING SPACE
DOUBLE ROOM
ORGANIZATION
Sinks are located outside the toilet rooms to allow for multiple uses, including a small kitchenette.
03 FLOURISH PEDIATRICS
Course: Studio IV | Spring 2025
Skills Used: Revit, Inscape, InDesign, Photoshop
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Type: Pediatrics Healthcare
Duration: 10 weeks
Description: Located in Topeka, Kansas, this pediatric clinic supports children with autism through a holistic design approach. Beyond medical care, the clinic fosters a safe, engaging environment where children feel comfortable and understood. Sensory-friendly strategies and thoughtful furniture layouts encourage exploration and ease. An on-stage/off-stage model separates staff and patient circulation to reduce stress, enhance privacy, and improve operational flow. This approach supports both patient comfort and staff well-being by providing dedicated spaces for focus, respite, and collaboration.
OBJECTIVES
Visual and Acoustic Privacy
- Acoustic materials
- Privacy partitions
Predictable Routines
- Intuitive wayfinding
- Interactive displays
Accommodate Self-Soothing
- Rocking chairs
- Smooth textiles
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
1 in 31
8-year-old children in the United States are diagnosed with autism. of U.S. mental health treatment facilities report providing behavioral health care for children with ASD. 43%
More than 1/2
In UK studies, more than half of children with autism and their parents reported difficulty in waiting rooms because of bright lights, noise, smells, and waiting next to strangers, acting as a major barrier to accessing care.
Floor Plan
Patient-Dominated
Staff-Dominated
CONNECT TO CENTER
The central point marks where patients access care. From the patient corridor, they are guided to their exam rooms to begin treatment. This core becomes the starting point to flourish.
Designed for children with autism, Flourish creates a calm, supportive environment guided by the mantra “See the child, not the challenge.” Inspired by the Ward-Meade Historic Site, the clinic uses soft colors, indirect cove lighting, and natural elements to reduce sensory triggers and promote comfort. Every design choice supports emotional regulation, confidence, and meaningful connection between children and their care team.
LIGHT DIFFUSION
Ward Mead Park
Circadian cove lighting is calming by reducing harsh glare supporting sensory-sensitive individuals.
Topeka, Kansas
FLOOR PLAN
CIRCULATION
STAFF COLLABORATION
The collaboration space supports both efficiency and comfort, with nearby storage, natural light, and a discreet staff exit.
PATIENT EXPERIENCE
Children are welcomed with child-scale motifs and intuitive floor patterns that guide them through the space.
TREATING PATIENTS
The staff corridor includes a dedicated entry into exam rooms, creating efficient circulation while preserving patient privacy.
04 VISITOR CENTER
Course: Studio IV | Spring 2025
Skills Used: Hand Rendering, Space Planning
Location: New York, New York
Type: Visitor Center
Duration: 2 weeks
Description: The Visitor Center project is designed to create an immersive and educational experience that connects guests with the identity of a brand. The goal is to go beyond a traditional information hub, transforming the space into a destination where visitors can engage with interactive displays, storytelling elements, and unique moments of discovery. This project emphasizes experience-driven design, blending education and entertainment to leave a lasting impression on guests. The process was documented entirely on a single roll of trace paper, showcasing the complete design journey from initial concepts and sketches to refined solutions. By revealing the full progression of ideas, the project highlights not only the final design outcome but also the creative process.
1 2 3 OBJECTIVES
Immersive Experience: Design environments that fully engage visitors through sensoryrich, interactive elements that create lasting impressions.
Brand Experience: Translate the brand’s story into a physical place, allowing guests to connect with its values and identity.
Creating Community: Foster a sense of connection by designing spaces that encourage gathering, strengthening relationships between visitors and the brand.
04 VISITOR CENTER
Connecting to the senses
Initial analysis
Exploring iteration
Diving into larger scale
Creating intentional circulation
Updating diagrams
Exploring displays
Revisiting initial goals
05 STUDY TOUR
Course: History of Interior Design | Summer 2025
Skills Used: Hand Sketching
Location: United Kingdom & France
Duration: 3 weeks
Description: This summer, I was grateful for the opportunity to spend three weeks studying in the United Kingdom with the Kansas State University Interior Design Program. The experience offered a firsthand look at English and French history, architecture, and cultural evolution. From the elaborate details of Chatsworth to the intricate beauty of Versailles, I gained a deeper appreciation for how historic motifs continue to shape modern design. Experiencing both historic landmarks and contemporary architecture strengthened my ability t0 recognize design styles and understand the forces that drive their evolution over time.
