HerndonJ ess i ca

Good design is measured by the experience. The human mind is an incredible and powerful entity, so easily affected by its surroundings. All five senses must be satisfied to create such an experience. In art, expressionism is a style which places emphasis on the expression of emotional and psychological content. In essence, expressionism in design is the ultimate tool which awakens the emotional and psychological senses, and so creates the complete design experience.

Design philosophy

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thumbnail sketches

design Processc o n c e P t concePtualizingd e s i g n

FinisHed Product

A rc H i t e c t ’ s o F F i c e

It is important to learn how to quickly jot ideas and conceptual images down on paper. Here, I show the process of taking a few key words and developing an idea in my head to creating multiple thumbnail sketches. These sketches helped me to visualize different options before I jumped into creating a full-sized perspective. Once I found the viewpoint I liked, I was able to easily draft the beginnings of this fully detailed image of an architect’s office.

Modern style, simplicity, hard lines, and clean materials make up the office entry. Entourage adds character to the scene, as the viewer imagines they are sitting on the Barcelona Chair, anxiously awaiting their interview with the company.

c o m e t o l i F e

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black & white preliminary rendering

te x t u r estyle scenery d e s i g n a r c H i t e c t u r e c o n c e P t

final color rendering

M o d e r nc o n t e m P o r a ry r e s i d e n c e

Working with a partner, we created drawings from a different perspective - outside looking in. From a 3D model, we brought to life a perspective view of the space, choosing the style of design and considering ways to create a story from our drawings. Black & white rendering techniques comprised the preliminary drawing.

The second time around I was guided toward a bold and unconventional move; pushing the image of the balcony even further off the page sets the focus toward the perks of living in such a place - the amazing view. This rendering possesses complete character with bold lines, texture and materials, entourage, and Photoshop enhancements.

modern conte mPor ary d e s i g n

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3d model

interior perspective

front elevation

3d modelingHand draFting

I s a a c B e l l H o u s e For this traditional residential project, I studied the Victorian Shingle style in great depth. From specific architectural and interior details that characterized the style to picking furniture, fixtures, and textiles, I completed the interior design in focus areas of this historic home. Intense research allowed me to familiarize myself with the style down to the most intricate details that made up the interior and exterior of this beautiful home.

My drawings show personal hand drafting skills and the black and white stages of the interior perspective, the hall near the original fireplace. The final product of this project included a culmination of spot rendered and hand-drafted floor plans, exterior elevation, details and rendered perspectives on a large vellum poster. My very first architectural model displayed just one example of my attention to detail, a skill that I am always striving to perfect.

c o n c e P t H i g H l i g H t ss H a d o w s

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D e ta i l e d r e n d e r i n g s

Being passionate and skilled at realistic rendering techniques gives me great flexibility, and fun, with my drawings. Here, I have displayed various rendering skills, such as reverse grisailles (top left) and the study of shadows and highlights (bottom left). I closely study materials, their colors and characteristics, to render them as accurately as possible in my drawings. The granite counter tops (above) illustrate such attention to detail, in addition to creating dimension with glossy highlights.

Further, I am always enthusiastic in team projects about learning new rendering or drafting skills. I’ve studied the Tuscan style (above right) to design a front elevation, complete with warm colors, natural textures, and even tapping into exterior architectural elements which were out of my realm of knowledge.

H i g H l i g H t s

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First floor plan

C o n C e p t F u n k yChiC uniqueM o D e r n s t y l e

casework elevation

living room perspective

B ro o k r e s i D e n C e

This modern residence overlooks great views from the hills in San Francisco. The dark, rich tones mix with bright, funky styles and a splash of modern white to make up the space. Warm wood flooring and plush carpet soften the hard coldness of the concrete, slate and stainless steel. This home makes great use of its unique shape, using every square inch wisely, beautifully, and comfortably. The design fit my client’s style accurately, making this a successful addition to my work. Rich rendering skills, hand drafting skills, and a touch of Photoshop should also be noted in this project.

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kitchen elevation

F u n k yChiCC o n C e p t uniqueM o D e r n s t y l e

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dining room elevation

D e F i n i n g s pa C e s

Adjacent spaces, the kitchen and dining areas, make up the center of the first floor. While keeping the floor very open, I was able to create a visual separation for these areas through raising them a level, giving the living area its own identity. Further, the orientation and elevated level of the kitchen allows my client the unobstructed view that she loved so much. The dining area sets across the kitchen with a clear path leading from the front door to the other side at the living area. Rather than fighting the angled architecture of the first floor, I created a uniquely shaped kitchen layout that would accentuate the angles. I also wanted to keep the hand rendered quality of all my drawings, with necessary Photoshop enhancements. The bold use of color was characteristic of my client’s style.

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second floor plan

C o n C e p t F u n k yChiC uniqueM o D e r n s t y l e

office elevation

bedroom perspective

P u B l i C v s . p r i vat e s pa C e s

An important design decision includes, of course, the issue of public versus private space. While the first floor is more public, as the client usually hosts small dinner parties and has guests over, the second level is reserved for her private use. Her master bedroom is entirely private, as well as luxuriously open toward the large window that spans the room and into part of the open bath. Though privacy is important, the client also wished for her things to be clean and organized in such a way that she could keep a very open feel. The contemporary style accentuated such a clean, open style.

Ba lanCetextureM o D e r n s t y l e

EnErgEticExprEssivEc o n c E p t

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Gap Inc. headquarters floorplan

s t y l i s h c o n f i D E n tc a s u a l

innovat ivE

lobby perspective cafe perspective

flooring selections

G a p i n c . Freedom, to express your own personal style; this is the philosophy of Gap Inc. The corporate office represents cool, confident, and casual styles, in a space that encourages energy and innovation in our stylish world. Colorful and Casual materials highlight the sleek and modern surfaces to cater to each and every individual.

This proved to be one of my biggest individual projects. The process included researching the company and creating a program for each and every space required - after defining the users, from the receptionist to the CEO of the company. The programming process allowed me to efficiently space plan this large building. One of the skills I am most proud of within this project was a good space plan.

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Reflected ceiling plan

EnErgEticExprEssivEs t y l i s hc o n c E p t c o n f i D E n tc a s u a l

Architectural elevation of open workstation rooms

D r a f t i n g s k i l l s This corporate project required me to not only create design solutions on an aesthetic level, but also to gain experience in creating a full set of construction documents. These documents included a complete title page, dimension plan, furniture plan with furniture schedule, finish plan with detailed finish legend for the entire space, reflected ceiling plan with lighting legend, and elevations of focus areas. I am featuring my reflected ceiling plan, as I spent a great deal of time and research on creating an interesting and functional lighting and ceiling design. The elevation above also illustrates the complexity of some of the ceiling systems, which I greatly enjoyed creating. As can be seen, this project displays both my ability to create a design that speaks to the client and my ability to create detailed technical drawings within a large corporate building.

materials & furniture

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proposed event setup - plan view

structure plan

invitingsushi BarC o n C e p t n i g h t L i f e h i pf r e s h

Conte mpor ary

uni floor plan

U n i This New sushi restaurant and bar attracts a fresh, hip crowd with a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Japanese style. Dark woods, shoji screens, and tatami mats create a rich calming effect while guests dine on floor cushions in the private rooms. Geometry and organics fuse together through the choice of materials and fixtures. When night life comes alive, the bars begin to glow in orange alabaster and the clean white bar tops contrast the dark

wood flooring below. With a full height water wall, stone fireplaces, large windows, and plenty of exciting features, Uni guests are never left with a dull view as they satisfy their appetites and enjoy a few cocktails with friends.

uni material boards

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sushi bar front view

table for two

C o n C e p t invitingsushi Barn i g h t L i f e h i pf r e s h

bar and backlit display

table settings

P ro j e C t Much pride went into this exciting project. Working with a team consisting of three interior designers, two graphic designers, and four culinary arts students, I was proud to experience such an interactive and near-real world project.

As Project Manager, I was able to utilize my leadership abilities to design and direct the Crossing Palettes Event. I greatly enjoyed putting together construction drawings for the sushi bar, presenting the designs to the planning committee, and creating a strong professional relationship with a local furniture dealer.

The project was a great success, thanks to team work, strong planning, and a desire to produce the best quality designs we possibly could. The fusion of different creative styles and minds made this real-life prototype of Uni something for us all to be proud of.

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floor plan

PassionC o n C e P t iDentifying a Problem P r o g r a m m i n gr e s e a r C h

ConCePtua liz ing

P l ay s C h o o l Where has Childhood Gone?

Has today’s society in America redefined the meaning of childhood? We now live in a consumer society, where the meanings of “fun” and “play” have become more technological and rigid. For example, many children today know more about computers, electronics, video games, and text messaging than the generations before them. Think back and remember the days when you were young; when parents were not afraid to let their kids play in the neighborhood until dinner time; Mom would always say, “check in at 5”; children could ride their bikes in the trails, go on hikes in the mountains, climb trees, anything!

But the problem with life today is that it has become so overly structured in such a way that separates children from nature. In addition, fear for the safety of our kids and the overpowering existence of the media inhibit more hands-on play and that essentially robs children of opportunities to grow, interact, and learn through nature.

P r o g r a m m i n g

Programmatic Diagrams concept sketches

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space plan diagram

Play is essentialC o n C e P t imagination D e v e l o P m e n tg r o w t h

Public spaces “Parent/Community Spaces”:- lobby, parent lounge, galleries, meeting rooms, auditorium Education spaces “Toddlers”:- education and play areas for ages 2-3, incl. toddler restrooms and sleep room Education spaces “Preschool 1”:- education and play areas for ages 3-4, incl. restrooms, and shared kitchen, cafe and laundry room Education spaces “Preschool 2”:- education and play areas for ages 4-5, incl. restrooms, and shared kitchen, cafe and laundry room After School Program ages 6-8:- homework rooms, lounge areas, art, music, cafe, play, restrooms Outdoor Terraces “Integrate Play & Learning in Nature”:- one dedicated to each age group

Admin. spaces “Heart of the School”:- offices, meeting rooms, staff lounge, restrooms, relaxation lounge

Play in nature

P l ay & n at u r e

Play is considered the core essential to Human Life. Many studies and popular teaching philosophies show that play is essential to children’s growth and development. It is through play, and subsequently through nature, that children are educated. When children play, they are not only having fun, but more importantly they are enhancing their physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. In addition, it promotes brain development, enhances self-esteem, fosters critical thinking, and gives children the personal strength to master their world. Play involves interaction, imagination, and experience of the world around them. These are just a fraction of the many ways for children to grow through playing.

I believe that only in nature do all the five senses work at the same time. It is critical that children have the ability to use all their senses because it provides a complete experience and enhances their growth and development. But again, we are raising a generation where parents are afraid to let their children go outside unsupervised, even in the safest places. The problem is is children today are raised indoors - looking at screens, be it television, computer, cell phone – and this inhibits play and prevents all of the senses from working at the same time.

D e v e l o P m e n t

view of building from front

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Fresh PersPectivec o n c e P t eDucation

exterior building elevation

i n h i b i t i n g

Bring Back childhood

T h e s i s s tat e m e n t

Educational and community facilities must refocus their designs to reflect and cater to natural ways of human development. Such spaces must promote learning with a fresh perspective, enhance flexibility and collaboration, and give children the freedom to play – unrestricted and unregimented. It is time to bring back the old meaning of “childhood”, where children were encouraged to explore, play in the woods, experience different species of plants and insects, ride bicycles, climb trees, and stomp through puddles.

I believe that today’s society has structured life in such a way that separates children from nature. The growing trends in technology paired with increasing fears for the safety of our children are inhibiting their abilities to use all their senses in an open and unregimented educational environment. By translating a popular “play-based” philosophy into educational design, I will bring back the true meaning of “childhood” and will continue to enhance the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of our children.

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Parent interactionc o n c e P t Welcoming e D u c a t i o n a lF u n

gallery enlarged floor plan

aPPreciate the arts

G a l l e ry This privately owned preschool and after school program employs such progressive philosophies as I have previously mentioned. It has a strong appreciation for the arts and sciences, the surrounding environment, and it strongly promotes play and the use of all senses.

The project also reaches out to the community as more than just a school. Here, parenting workshops are provided, to teach the parents that they are the first and most influential educators in their childrens’ lives.

A welcoming Parent Lounge can be seen from the front lobby, encouraging parents to learn about their child’s development and to stay and participate in daily activities. The galleries are available to hold special events, such as art exhibits, child performances, and more.

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gallery exhibit room elevation

parent lounge perspective

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natureC o n C e p t interaCtive spaCes a l l t h e s e n s e s

gallery nature room perspective

Com munit y & priDe

G a l l e ry The gallery Nature Room is the second phase of the galleries. Here, a more playful and interactive atmosphere invites people of all ages to play, experience nature, and use all their senses. The room includes a tree feature with playful tree trunks that double as seating, tree trunk tunnels, cork stools and various seating options throughout.

A custom trellis of three parts, each differing in height and width, give guests a playful sense of where they are in space as it expands and contracts around them. This sense is the lesser known Proprioceptive sense. All other senses can be satisfied within this space as they experience the vast room of fun, flexible, and interactive features.

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gallery nature room elevation

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FlexibilityC o n C e p t team teaChing e n v i r o n m e n tC o n t r o l

education enlarged floor plan

FreeDom

E D u C at i o n & p l ay

These spaces were designed with flexibility as a major consideration, utilizing open plans, visually divided only with clustering of spaces and movable storage. This flexibility supports any learning opportunity that may arise, and it also encourages team teaching.

Visual separations also give the teachers open plans for child safety considerations, yet private enough to give children a sense of comfort and control over their environment.

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classroom, reading area elevation music & movement room

reading area perspective

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Open DesignC O n C e p t DeDiCateD spaCes ChilD safet yV i e w O f t h e O u t D O O r s

active play perspective play area, cafe elevation

ChilD safet y

E D u C at i O n & p l ay

Each cluster of areas is dedicated to give children a well-rounded variety of activities that cater to their growth and development. These include dramatic play areas, active play areas, arts, music & movement, reading, math and other skills.

This also allows for a complete use of all senses while learning and/or playing. Full height windows add to the ambiance of nature and its beauty.

Other design solutions include giving a “child’s scale” to their surroundings. Ceiling features bring the high ceilings down and keep noise levels at minimum, in addition to creating less overwhelming spaces. Lower heights accomodate the small size of preschoolers.

V i e w O f t h e O u t D O O r s

play area, cafe elevation

cafe, kitchen perspective

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all the sensesC O n C e p t free playi n t e g r a t e l e a r n i n g & p l a y

terrace enlarged floor plan outdoor terrace elevation

appreCiat ing nature

O u t D O O r t e r r a C e

This outdoor space was added to the design in the hopes of extending the learning experience to the natural environment. Throwing away the traditional methods of teaching students in a box, this space speaks to the philosophy “integration of play and learning.”

Children are free to play, get messy with water and crafts, plant flowers or vegetables in the garden, and interact with one another at their own pace. On nice days, teachers can take the children through the trails and trees that make up the property.

i n t e g r a t e l e a r n i n g & p l a y

outdoor terrace elevation

terrace perspective