In my commercial design courses, I gained a deeper understanding of industry standards and ADA requirements specific to both retail and hospitality environments. In Commercial 1, our focus was on retail design. Working in teams, we developed a full concept for a store, designing both the interior and exterior based on the site lot we were assigned. This included space planning, branding integration, circulation, and accessibility considerations.
In Commercial 2, we shifted from retail to hospitality. Each team was assigned a hotel type and tasked with transforming it into a fully realized concept while ensuring compliance with the guidelines and accessibility standards provided. These projects strengthened my ability to collaborate, problem‑solve, and design functional, code‑compliant commercial spaces.
Commercial 1
For our commercial project, we were tasked with designing a complete retail space starting from an empty shell. Our first step was determining the type of retail establishment we wanted to create and shaping the overall concept to support that identity. From there, we developed the floor plan, designed each room, and selected furnishings to ensure the space was both functional and visually cohesive. We also created a unique logo and developed in‑store promotions to strengthen the brand identity and enhance the overall customer experience.
Commercial 2
For our commercial project, we were provided with a site and given the creative freedom to design a building, which our team chose to develop as a residential hotel. We established the hotel’s overall style and scale, determining the number of floors and thoughtfully planning the functions assigned to each level. From there, we designed the layout of every floor and selected furnishings that balanced aesthetics, comfort, and functionality. To complete the project, we also designed the surrounding landscaping to enhance the hotel’s visual appeal and create a cohesive environment for guests.