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CHARITY WARDLEFROM: Kearns, Utah
DESIRED CAREER FOCUS: Commercial Design CERTIFICATIONS/AWARDS: Summer Arts Research Grant Recipient, Passed IDFX Exam (1 of 3 NCIDQ Exams), LEED Green Associate, Caine College of the Arts - Art and Design Department Outstanding Senior, USU Caine College of the Arts -2023 Valedictorian ASSOCIATIONS: USU IADSA Chair, ASID, IIDA, USGBC Charity’s passion for interior architecture and design stems from a deep-seated desire to address the negative consequences of poor design in communities. She has witnessed firsthand the effects of uninspiring buildings and outdated structures. She believes that design can have an impact on how people view themselves and their worth. This has fueled her motivation to create buildings and spaces that make people feel valued and dignified.
Charity is excited to graduate from Utah State University and further her education by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Architecture. Through her coursework and internship experience at GSBS Architects in Salt Lake City, she has gained a deeper understanding of the importance of designing with both the exterior and interior in mind and how it affects the occupants and surrounding areas. Charity has a strong love for learning and hopes to one day teach on a university level and educate the next generation of designers on the importance of interior design and architecture. Design has become more than just a career path for Charity. It has become her passion and purpose in life. |
Once you see what design can do, you can’t unsee it. And once you experience dignity, you can’t accept anything less. Both become part of your possible.”
- John Cary
MOUNTAIN MAIDEN LODGE
Mountain Maiden is a retreat lodge opened year-round at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon near Brighton, Utah. The lodge was inspired by European youth hostels that are available for people 18-30 years old. These hostels are often called “party hostels” because the purpose of the spaces is for people to gather, socialize, and meet new friends. This is the perfect place for a group of friends to rent a room for a weekend or for single travelers to meet new people.
The design intent was to create a lodge-style hostel that echoes the surrounding nature of the Utah mountains and highlights both the feminine and masculine traits of nature. The exterior finishes are walnut wood paneling, granite stone, and a blacked aluminum roof. The goal for the exterior was to create a modern masculine look to represent the more rugged aspects of nature; while the interior design is more traditional and organic to embody feminine qualities like colorful wildflowers, graceful streams, and unique plant textures.
The front of the Mountain Maiden features a modern-style lodge utilizing granite, walnut, and blackened aluminum for the exterior materials.
This aerial view of the Mountain Maiden displays a unique perspective of the back of the lodge featuring the balconies, deck, and pool areas.
The Coffee Nook located on the main level was inspired by the rich reds, pinks, and blues of wildflowers. This area offers a more intimate atmosphere for guests for a drink in the morning or while waiting to check-in.
The Main Gathering Area located on the lower level provides a variety of seating throughout the space to allow guests to socialize in groups.
The Mountain Maiden is a three-level lodge resort. The lower level is used for gathering, socializing, and entertainment. The main level is the lobby, office, and small coffee nook. The upper level is for rooms, restrooms, and showers.
The design intent was to create a lodge-style hostel that echoes the surrounding nature of the Utah mountains and highlights both the feminine and masculine traits of nature. The exterior finishes are walnut wood paneling, granite stone, and a blacked aluminum roof. The goal for the exterior was to create a modern masculine look to represent the more rugged aspects of nature; while the interior design is more traditional and organic to embody feminine qualities like colorful wildflowers, graceful streams, and unique plant textures.
The front of the Mountain Maiden features a modern-style lodge utilizing granite, walnut, and blackened aluminum for the exterior materials.
This aerial view of the Mountain Maiden displays a unique perspective of the back of the lodge featuring the balconies, deck, and pool areas.
The Coffee Nook located on the main level was inspired by the rich reds, pinks, and blues of wildflowers. This area offers a more intimate atmosphere for guests for a drink in the morning or while waiting to check-in.
The Main Gathering Area located on the lower level provides a variety of seating throughout the space to allow guests to socialize in groups.
The Mountain Maiden is a three-level lodge resort. The lower level is used for gathering, socializing, and entertainment. The main level is the lobby, office, and small coffee nook. The upper level is for rooms, restrooms, and showers.
TAINO BUS STATION
The Taíno Bus Station located in Bayamon, Puerto Rico is a cultural emphasis project that highlights Taíno Tribe. The Taíno people were one of the original groups of natives that populated the island of Puerto Rico. The building form, patterns, and materials reflect aspects of the local Puerto Rican culture and the Taíno culture. The building is LEED Gold certified and focuses on creating both a structure and site that is both beautiful and sustainable. The design incorporates the use of native plants, rammed earth, corrugated steel, and other sustainable and local materials.
The intent of the Taíno Bus Station was to create a building between a bus stop and a bus terminal. The locals and tourists rely on the public transportation system in Puerto Rico daily and are always in need of additional facilities and updates. The design includes restrooms, indoor and outdoor waiting areas, an information/security desk, and ticket machines. It is a place for locals and visitors to wait for the bus and get information about the current routes. The Taíno Bus Station is a practical and needed building in the Bayamon community that is also a physical expression of respect for the native Taíno Tribe.
The plot for the Taíno Bus Station was selected from an existing plot in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The structures on the site include the main building and four outdoor waiting areas designed in a similar fashion with rammed earth and corrugated steel roofing. The landscaping features native plants to Puerto Rico like the royal palm, Puerto Rican hat palm, the aloe plant, and the native grass for ground covering.
The concrete floor features a custom border design that incorporates the Taíno symbols paired with a geometric pattern from a Taíno Arawakan beaded figure creating a unique and balanced design. The border pattern is inlaid with bronze into the concrete and separated on all sides with a 4” band.
The intent of the Taíno Bus Station was to create a building between a bus stop and a bus terminal. The locals and tourists rely on the public transportation system in Puerto Rico daily and are always in need of additional facilities and updates. The design includes restrooms, indoor and outdoor waiting areas, an information/security desk, and ticket machines. It is a place for locals and visitors to wait for the bus and get information about the current routes. The Taíno Bus Station is a practical and needed building in the Bayamon community that is also a physical expression of respect for the native Taíno Tribe.
The plot for the Taíno Bus Station was selected from an existing plot in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The structures on the site include the main building and four outdoor waiting areas designed in a similar fashion with rammed earth and corrugated steel roofing. The landscaping features native plants to Puerto Rico like the royal palm, Puerto Rican hat palm, the aloe plant, and the native grass for ground covering.
The concrete floor features a custom border design that incorporates the Taíno symbols paired with a geometric pattern from a Taíno Arawakan beaded figure creating a unique and balanced design. The border pattern is inlaid with bronze into the concrete and separated on all sides with a 4” band.
TOPO RETAIL SHOP
Topo is a small retail shop that primarily sells backpacks, along with other outdoor products. This Tenant Improvement project utilized the concept of adaptive reuse by turning an abandoned Sinclair gas station into a unique retail store. Topo is short for topographical, which is sometimes known as the lines on maps that show the elevation of the land. This term is prominent and common among the outdoor community and is a brand that they can identify with and understand their lifestyle.
By repurposing an existing building, the need for new construction is reduced, leading to environmental benefits and cost savings. Additionally, converting a gas station into a retail shop can provide a unique and interesting space for shoppers, creating a memorable and distinctive shopping experience.
The branding for Topo is incorporated into the interior design, creating a visual language through the use of Topo’s signature colors which are bright, bold, and colorful. This playful interior will excite customers and will ignite their passion for adventure.
The reflected ceiling plan consists of Liquid Line Light Fixtures configured into a custom design to mimic topography lines that were derived from a topographic map of Zion National Park. The topography lines are part of the branding of Topo and reinforce the brand in the space.
By repurposing an existing building, the need for new construction is reduced, leading to environmental benefits and cost savings. Additionally, converting a gas station into a retail shop can provide a unique and interesting space for shoppers, creating a memorable and distinctive shopping experience.
The branding for Topo is incorporated into the interior design, creating a visual language through the use of Topo’s signature colors which are bright, bold, and colorful. This playful interior will excite customers and will ignite their passion for adventure.
The reflected ceiling plan consists of Liquid Line Light Fixtures configured into a custom design to mimic topography lines that were derived from a topographic map of Zion National Park. The topography lines are part of the branding of Topo and reinforce the brand in the space.