Archinect
Courtney Cheng

Courtney Cheng

Boston, , USMA

 

About 

I recently earned my Master’s in interior design and am excited to begin a career in professional design practice. My research focused on contemporary showroom interiors, where I researched and identified archetypical design practices found in showroom environments. In addition to retail, my main interests also include workplace interiors, adaptive use, and the intersection of graphic and interior design. I look forward to finding work in the design industry, where I hope to both contribute to and learn more about improving our built environment.

Employment 

Gensler, Boston, MA, US, Designer/Workspalce Strategist

Nov 2012 - current
 

Pineapple: More than Just Words, Ithaca, NY, US, Freelance Graphic Designer

Consulted on the formatting of printed materials and additional branded items.
Created a logo and brand identity package for the small start-up company.

Apr 2012 - Jul 2012
 

Cornell University, Department of Design and Environmental Analysis, Ithaca, NY, US, Graduate Teaching Assistant (Interior Design)

Aided professors in the running of the first semester sophomore studio, the second semester senior studio, and the digital graphics and communications course.
Conducted individual and group critiques during and outside of class.
Gave tutorials on hand-rendering, illustration as a graphic tool, and digital design programs.
Designed and prepared exhibitions of student work.

Aug 2010 - May 2011
 

Cornell University, Human Ecology Facilities & Operations, Ithaca, NY, US, Interior Design Intern

Melded the two designs for The Commons proposed in the DEA 4402 studio to create a final unified design.
Finalized the furniture and materials selections with two other students.
Generated a final space plan in conjunction with the architects.
Designed and modelled the “cloud-like” ceiling elements for the space.
Interfaced with sales representatives to spec all furniture and finishes in the space.

From the DEA 4402 design studio:
Jointly designed a multi-function space for a new Human Ecology building on campus.
Accommodated the diverse needs of students, faculty and staff in terms of dining areas, lounge areas, study areas, and event space.
Held visioning sessions with the clients to better understand their requirements and hopes for the space.
Presented final concept and design intentions to the client for formal consideration against the original design of the architects.

May 2010 - Aug 2010
 

Cornell University, College of Human Ecology, Ithaca, NY, Career Assistant, Advertising & Marketing Specialist

Worked collaboratively with fellow Human Ecology students to develop their résumés and cover-letters.
Assisted students looking for information on job/internship offerings and study-abroad programs.
Produced posters for events and updated informational sheets in the office.
Re-branded the Career Exploration Center by creating a logo and aesthetic vernacular for all posters and flyers.

Aug 2007 - May 2010
 

Nancy Stracka Interiors, Inc., Boston, MA, US, Summer Intern

Took floor-measurements of residential properties and translated them into CAD drawings.
Cultivated relationships with realtors in order to generate business for the firm.

Jun 2009 - Sep 2009
 

Education 

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, US, Masters, Interior Design (Design History, Theory and Criticism)

Researched contemporary showroom interiors for a written thesis, Identifying, defining, and providing historical context for archetypical design practices found specifically in showroom environments. Extensive histories and visual chronologies were gathered and compiled for eight archetypical showroom practices.

The research can be found at: http://intypes.cornell.edu under the "Practice Types" > "Showroom" heading.

Aug 2010 - Jan 2012
 

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, US, Bachelors, Design and Environmental Analysis (Interior Design)

With an emphasis on problem-solving design studios, this program taught not just technical design skills, but also ways to think imaginatively and constructively about design and its role in our lives. That includes understanding the impact of design decisions on the environment and our planet, as well as on the people who inhabit the settings we help create. In addition to the core interior design studios, classes included design programming, human-environment relations, graphic design, materials, construction documents, and human factors.

Aug 2005 - May 2010
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills