Design Portfolio

Good design is obvious. Great design is Joe Sparano

Kayla J. Nelson design portfolio

In the wise words of Joe Sparano: Good design is obvious. Great design is

this is the essence of my philosophy on design. Any designer

can make a space aesthetically pleasing. It can be obvious in its splendor, but

that does not make it a great design. Great design allows users to inherently

work and live better than they ever thought imaginable through the

functionality of the space plan and aesthetic elements. It is the transparent

parts of the design that makes it stand out above other design. This can be as

simple as creating a drawer for trash receptacles so users have more floor

space. Or even space planning wider aisles in a retail store to avoid

customers feeling cramped when browsing the merchandise. These small

transparent design features are what separates the good design from the

great design. By listening intently to my clients and putting their best

interests first, I implement these miniscule, transparent features in to design

to create a fantastic living or working environment. As a designer, it is my job

and passion to surpass obviously, good design to transparent, great design.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

The Gardens Model Residence……………………………………………………………………………3-7

Bonobos Pop-Up Retail Store………………………………………………………………………….9-14

Slice office design……………………………………………………………………………….…………15-21

Sentry World…………………………………………………………………………………………………..23-32

Additional Projects

Design a la Mode Front Porch Renovation………………………………..…..35-36

Hand Drafting…..……………………………………………………………………..…………37-38

Hand Renderings……………………………………………………………………..…………39-40

Watercolor Renderings………………………………………………………………..……….41

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 MODEL RESIDENCE DESIGN

* Design submitted to the ASID State Chapter Scholarship

Project Objective: To design and create a model unit for a developer preparing to showcase their latest project. The unit is

to be designed for the aging-in-place generation, so the unit must be as accessible as possible, while not calling attention to

the fact that it is an accessible unit. The design should be sustainable and a universal style to appeal to the general middle

class buying market.

Solution: The Gardens’ model unit design is a sustainable, accessible, and universally appealing space for all potential

buyers. In order to accomplish this, an open concept floor plan was created, making it a flowing open space that will be

easily maneuverable while incorporating a contemporary feel to the property. The color scheme pulls natural Midwest

elements in to the interior, such as warm stone grays and earth tone browns with accents of rain-washed blues. this

provides a neutral yet beautiful home that will appeal to the vast majority of potential clients. Likewise, the furnishings of

the space have a traditional shape with strong arms in order to appeal aesthetically to buyers and provide support in getting

off and on the pieces. Each furnishing and finish was selected with great care in order to have an extremely sustainable,

durable, and eco-friendly space that follows the values of both the Gardens development and buyers of the space. Overall,

this unit provides a peaceful, accessible home that will offer all the wants and needs for the buyers to spend many more

years enjoyably, simply, and sustainably.

Furniture Plan

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,330

LOCATION: MIDWEST UNITED STATES 4

5 THE GARDENS MODEL RESIDENCE

DL Couch wallcovering

AmCork Cork flooring

Sherwin williams

paint selection

INVITING, NATURAL, UNIVERSAL 6

3D Model

7 THE GARDENS MODEL RESIDENCE

9

POP-UP RETAIL STORE * Design submitted to the PAVE Store Design Competition and Poster’s on Rotunda

Project Objective: To create a “pop-up” shop that successfully communicates the Bonobos brand. This is a unique

opportunity to, in popular parlance, turn clicks into bricks. Most companies expand an established brick-and-mortar

retail presence to online retail. This challenge will do the opposite. A successful online brand, Bonobos has only

two physical stores to date, so this pop-up shop will be part of the brand's initial development of a physical presence.

The “pop-up” shop must be easily put up and taken down to move from location to location within a few weeks.

Solution: The design for Bonobos’ pop-up retail store, featured in this project, exudes the feeling of a men’s walk-in

closet, creating a comforting environment for the male shopper. In order to promote the online element of Bonobos

and allow for ultimate convertibility, holograms are utilized instead of mannequins, to display merchandise and

capture passerby’s attention. The final design seizes shoppers’ attention, draws them inside, and establishes the

Bonobos brand on the consumer psyche.

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LOCATION: MEATPACKING DISTRICT, NY

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BONOBOS POP-UP RETAIL STORE

This wall will be

featured with creased

fabric as an accent and

to encourage the

wrinkle-free fabric that

bonobos’ clothes

features.

seasonal display located

here will really attract

attention and lure

customers in for the

hottest fashion of the

season.

This blocking plan has a

Loop Plan design which

really allows the thought

that Bonobos is designed to

make shopping for men easy.

All of the merchandise can

be easily looked at and

accessed. Having the cash

wrap located in the back of

the store will allow

security for the customer

service associates as well

as make customers

comfortable with their

shopping experience.

This blocking plan allows

for a lot of interest in the

space through the Free-

Flow Plan. This plan will

really encourage

customers to wander

throughout the entire

store. Having the online/

web area sections in

relative proximity to the

cash wrap will allow the

store attendants to

encourage customers to

check out the website.

Lounge like feeling to

this online/ web area.

Having the shoe and

accessories located in

this area will allow

customers to see beyond

these displays to the

hanging clothes beyond.

This wall will be featured

with creased fabric as an

accent and to encourage

the wrinkle-free fabric.

CONVERTIBLE, MASCULINE, CUTTING-EDGE

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Final Solution:

The final floor plan

solution allows for

customers to browse the

merchandise in an inviting

way. This was

accomplished through a

loop plan. This plan

allows customers to

stroll through the space

at will and view the

merchandise. The aisles

are at least 60” wide,

which allows for ample

product-evaluation space.

The display areas were

planned in such a way that

the store feels like an

actual man’s closet,

making it easier for

themselves to envision the

merchandise in their own

home. Overall the plan

effectively displays the

merchandise while

appealing to the

psychological needs of

the male shopper and not

discouraging female

shoppers.

13

BONOBOS POP-UP RETAIL STORE

idea generation for a custom display final custom display

technology implementation ideas final creation of holograms as displays as opposed to

mannequins to further implement technology in the design

COMFORTING, HOLOGRAPHIC, SHOW-STOPPER

14

Online/ web area

View from front entrance View from the dressing room

View from the cash wrap

15 OFFICE DESIGN

* Design submitted to the ASID State Chapter Scholarship

Project Objective: To design a contemporary office space for the new up and coming social network, Slice, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Due to Slice being a social network, the business strives to have a lively, open, and SOCIAL atmosphere in their work

environment. Slice aims to have a functional office space that allows for their creativity and ideas to flow amongst each

other, much like a social networking’s news feed flows on a page.

Solution: Slice’s office design allows for a strong flow of communication through an open layout. Primary colors create

division throughout this open plan by labeling certain departments to a distinct hue. Using a bright color palette of blue,

purple, orange, and green transforms the office into a contemporary oasis that reflects the creative and energetic quality of

the company and the way work is accomplished. This fun and inviting atmosphere balances the natural and artificial light to

create a productive work environment that encourages employees to expand their creative thought and develop fresh ideas

that will keep Slice current.

Designers: Kayla Nelson, Morgan Miskowski, Melissa Kalupa, Danielle Sweitzer

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LOCATION: ATLANTA, GA

Shaw Carpet tiles

Custom vinyl wallcovering

Essex with Recore

wallcovering

Lighting Selections

Fabric

Selections

17 SLICE OFFICE DESIGN

KEY

PRIMARY ADJACENCY

SECONDARY ADJACENCY

NEGATIVE ADJACENCY SPACE ADJACENCY MATRIX

PARTI DIAGRAM

BLOCK DIAGRAM

CREATIVE, FRESH, PRODUCTIVE

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Floor Plan


Presentation room

This room is exceptionally adaptable due to the Train

tables with casters. There are endless options of room

configurations so that the space can be reconfigured

to appropriately accomplish the necessary task at hand.

The presentation room also is not located in an area of

the building with direct sunlight, but has natural light

penetrating through the glass walls. This avoids glare

for superb presentation quality.

Private offices for executive staff members

The private offices feature l-shaped work

stations with two guest chairs. While they

are private offices, there is still an open

element through the sliding glass doors.

Privacy shades were specified for ultimate

privacy when required.

Private offices

Presentation room

COLLABORATIVE, ENERGETIC, CURVILINEAR

Touchdown Workstations and Lounge Media:Scape Collaboration Area

These areas were designed as touchdown spaces for telecommuter employees. They also are intended for permanent employees

to utilize to collaborate or if they need a change of work space to allow their creativity to flow. The variety of spaces helps

appeal to the different work ethic styles.

20

Touchdown workstations

Media:scape


Department Head and Support Staff workstations

The Department Head and Support Staff Stations are very open to one another to allow ideas to flow, but they have acoustical

panels in order to provide more privacy.

Department head workstation

Support staff workstation

23 MULTI-USE FACILITY DESIGN

Project Objective: To design a profitable multi-use facility for Sentry World. Sentry World is the club house for the world famous

sentry world Golf Course. The 27,000 sq. ft. facility, as it currently stands, has a large amount of wasted space and the facility is

not turning a profit. The facility has a pro shop, restaurant, 6 tennis courts, 3 racquetball courts, a distinguished banquet hall,

and an unused conference room. The basis of this design was to utilize the full square footage, develop ways to turn a profit, have

a sustainable focus, create elegant and sought after banquet space, and make an aesthetically appealing yet unique space to keep

visitors returning. The client wanted to turn this in to a premiere wedding and conference venue in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

Spaces that were required: entrance/lobby; Conference Center/ Banquet Hall; Distinguished Banquet Space; Sport Plate

Restaurant; Locker Rooms; Four Private Offices with assistants; Public Restrooms; Spa Features; Workout Studio; Small Business

Center/Café, Tennis Courts, and a Dressing Room.

Solution: This design for SentryWorld provides countless amenities and a high end appearance to keep customers returning and

talking about the facility. The previously not utilized square footage in the space was utilized to increase capital, increase

sustainability, and increase use of the space through larger banquet facilities, spa amenities, and a cafe. The use of natural

elements, warm neutrals, and the SentryWorld logo will satisfy the aethestic tastes of the vast majority of potential clients and

Stevens Point Area citizens while branding SentryWorld as a unique facility. Through all of these design elements, SentryWorld

will now be set worlds apart from all other sports facilities, banquet facilities, and golf courses not just statewide, but

nationwide as well.

Spaces highlighted In this portfolio: conference/ banquet hall and Sport Plate Restaurant

Designers: Kayla Nelson and Morgan Miskowski

SENTRY WORLD MODEL

24


LOCATION: STEVENS POINT, WI

25 SENTRY WORLD FIRST FLOOR

First Floor Plan

NATURAL, MAXIMIZED, CALMING

26

27 SENTRY WORLD SECOND FLOOR

Second Floor Plan

CURVILINEAR, HIGH-END, FUNCTIONAL

28

JGoodDesign Strata

Pendant

Restaurant Ceiling Details

Juno Lighting danalite modular slim profile led

29 SENTRY WORLD SPORT PLATE RESTAURANT

The Sport Plate Restaurant features an upscale design embodying elements

from the natural landscape, a color scheme pulled from the SentryWorld

logo, and a flair of sports appeal. All of these elements combine to create a

warm and unique atmosphere that will keep customers returning not just for

the Friday fish fry but for the unforgettable interior. The space features an

expansive curvilinear custom bar that can be accessed immediately from the

entrance in SentryWorld as well as the entrance from the golf course. This

creates a huge draw for customers since they can easily come to the Sport

Plate just to have a drink. There is bar height seating, booths, banquettes,

and tables in order to appeal to sports fans and sit down diners. The

restaurant features an accent wall with a custom vinyl wallcovering

featuring sepia toned images from the golf course. This ultimately combines

the exterior with the interior while providing a unique upscale design feature

and a sports mood. The Sport Plate Restaurant design fulfills a niche not

previously filled in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

UPSCALE, ENERGETIC, UNIQUE

30

custom vinyl wallcovering

table top

bar countertop

Lumicor resin panel

Back of booth

fabric

booth seat fabric

chair back fabric

barstool back and

seat fabric

chair seat fabric

flooring

31 SENTRY WORLD BANQUET HALL

BANQUET HALL DESIGN: the banquet hall design features ultimate

convertibility through partition walls that fold in to the ceiling

via motors. This is seen through the center of the perspective

above. This allows the space to be opened to the full area of the

banquet hall and tennis courts. The flooring is a custom marble

dyed rubber by johnsonite that has a slidelock feature. This

allows for rolls of the rubber flooring to be added over the

tennis courts is the event requires the full tennis court and

banquet hall area. The interior effectively combines the exterior

nature with the interior through the use of warm neutrals and

natural daltile stone as an accent on the fixed walls. The

undulating acoustical ceiling panels bring the natural elements

from the landscape and golf course in to the interior while

providing interesting illumination of indirect lighting above the

acoustical panels. Overall these spaces were designed with the

greatest flexibility to draw in the most amount of business

possible while creating an attractive space that brings the

exterior to the interior through organic lines and elements.

DISTINGUISHED, FLEXIBLE, UNFORGETTABLE

32

Curvetec lighting panels Daltile wall tiles

Banquet table

laminate

chair and table

metal finish

banquet chair seat

back fabric

banquet chair seat

bottom fabric

ADDITIONAL PROJECTS 34

Design a la Mode Front Porch Renovation…………………………………………………..35-36

Hand Drafting……………………………………………………………………………………………........37-38

Hand Renderings……………………………………………………………………………………………...39-40

Watercolor Renderings………………………………………………………………………………………41

35 DESIGN A LA MODE

Project Objective: To create a welcoming and contemporary entrance to the design a la mode showroom.

Project Solution: an eye-catching and cheerful front porch area was created through the use of the new

bohemia style. This style combines hues of aqua, raspberry, lime, and yellow with whimsical fabrics.

Existing furniture that was re-purposed, new furniture, and accessories tied the entrance together to set

a contemporary mood for customers to begin their experience at design a la mode with. The existing

furniture pieces I personally repainted to fit the overall design.

Design Inspiration

FRONT PORCH RENOVATION 36

Before

After

Before

Before

After After

37

HAND DRAFTING

SECTION VIEW AND WALL DETAIL

HAND DRAFTING

RENDERED FLOOR PLAN, ELEVATIONS, AND PERSPECTIVE

38

39 HAND RENDERINGS

HAND RENDERINGS

40

41 WATERCOLOR RENDERINGS

Good design is obvious. Great design is Joe Sparano

Kayla J. Nelson design portfolio

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Design Portfolio