Helix Design: Group Marketing Project

This semester I worked on a big group project to aid our 3rd year students in marketing for a skyscraper competition taking place in Chicago this May. My portion of the project was more geared towards the business side of the operation. By working on the business plan, I had the opportunity to research the finances including the start up costs of the mock business, Helix Design Inc., projected income of the firm over the next year, as well as how to present ourselves in an appealing way to "potential clients". The experience was refreshing and very eye opening to the process and certainly makes me think twice about starting my own business. I definitely would hire an accountant.

Phase 6: 3rd Floor Apartment

Aging In Place: Designing for the Graying of America

Last week I wrote a research paper on a new design trend in senior living called Aging In Place. The idea is to essentially make simple design improvements to suit a senior's needs so that they can remain in their current home instead of moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home. Home improvements such as installing handle bars and shower seats in the bathroom, reworking cabinetry to reduce any strain with lifting pots and pans, and replacing hard flooring with wood or wall to wall carpet to ease joint pain. This plan allows seniors to retain their independence and will thus improve their life satisfaction.

Phase 5: Lighting and Finishes

In these plan views, I have indicated fire ratings, plumbing walls, and the existing walls of the site that I intend to knock out.

***click the images to make them larger

Phase 4: 1st and 2nd Floor Design Revisions

street view

pb and java cafe

theater

2nd floor community space/kitchen

dorm room

guest room