Senior capstone projects are an annual highlight of the Interior Architecture and Design Program in the Department of Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University. Each student’s project is shared via the virtual senior show, an adaptation made during the COVID-19 pandemic which allows the students and department to share the students’ talent and creativity with future employers such as industry partners and alumni, family, friends, and other support systems. This has been a great addition increasing the distribution of student work in addition to the in-person show which still takes place each spring.
This virtual show features the Interior Architecture and Design capstone projects conducted under the instruction of Assistant Professor Jain Kwon and Instructor Marcus Appleby. The large-scale 60,000-100,000 sq. ft. projects represent research-based design, illustrating students’ competency in designing complex, large-scale interior environments with attention to contemporary social and cultural issues and paradigms facing the profession.
In-person show still to come
While working on their capstone projects, the students also collaborated to plan both an in-person and virtual senior show to display their capstone work.
The in-person senior showcase with the theme “Oh, the Places We’ll Go!” will take place at the Nancy Richardson Design Center on Friday, May 10, 2024. An open house for viewing posters and discussing work with students will take place from 2-4 p.m. with formal remarks and awards at 4-5 p.m. The student committee is offering sponsorship opportunities to alumni, industry partners, and individuals interested in supporting the event.
Examples of student work
The virtual senior show includes the work of 44 talented students. Here are a few students who have contributed to the planning of the virtual and in-person senior shows.
Victoria McMillan – Virtual Show Student Committee Chair
Victoria McMillan is pursuing a career in architecture with a focus on evidence-based design. Her curiosity about life has made her a creative designer, innovative thinker, and passionate person. McMillan takes great joy in knowing that her designs have the potential to touch lives, inspire hearts, and leave a legacy. McMillan has also led the student committee’s effort to prepare the posters included in the Virtual Show to make them digitally accessible.
Elena Trage – Digital Media Student Committee Chair
Elena Trage is an advocate for inclusive design and sustainability within the built environment. Her commitment extends to kindling others’ design passion through American Society of Interior Designers student chapter leadership and mentorship. Driven by a passion for evidence-based design, she seamlessly integrates her focus area in psychology into her impactful projects. Trage has also served as the leader for the digital media group helping to coordinate the theme for the in-person show this spring and has worked as a mentor for underclassmen helping them through Design Scenario.
Bailey Cook – Digital Media Student Committee
After spending her whole life in Colorado, Bailey Cook came to CSU as a first-generation student to pursue her passion for interior architecture and design. With a concentration in sociology, her knowledge has made her a conscientious designer, allowing her to express her creativity while making a difference. Cook is also the creative designer behind this year’s senior show promotional graphics and has worked to the design compliant with CSU standards for inclusive design.
Vivian Natura – Sponsor/Communication Student Committee Chair
Originally from Chicago, Vivian Natura joined the Interior Architecture and Design Program full of curiosity for design and its relationship with users’ well-being. Now she has found her passion for good design and the positive impacts it has on individuals, the environment, and society as a whole. Natura has been the leader behind the creation of the spring show’s sponsor packet and is in charge of sponsor outreach.
Jimmy Day – Senior Show Student Co-coordinator
Driven by a fervor for equality and justice, Jimmy Day channels those passions into designing for the built environment. Viewing interior space as a canvas for serving humanity, he weaves the principles of artistry, innovation, and affinity into his designs, aiming to create ripples of change that leave a positive impact. Day has also served as one of the co-leaders for the planning of the spring senior show.
Natalie Barrell – Senior Show Student Co-coordinator
Natalie Barrell, a second-generation Ram and Colorado native, developed a passion for design in her youth. Earning an interior architecture and design degree with a business administration minor satisfies her creative calling while nurturing her entrepreneurial ambitions. Today, she is dedicated to producing designs that embody innovation and purpose. Barrell has also served as one of the co-leaders for the planning of the spring senior show.
The Department of Design and Merchandising is part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
