School: Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Class: Interior Design
Instructor: Adena Woltering
Client: Oak Park Mall
Problem: How can we redesign Oak Park Mall seating areas to be more functional, welcoming, and visually appealing while staying within a real budget?
Summary
In this RWL project, Interior Design students were challenged to redesign two seating areas at Oak Park Mall. Working with a $6,000 material budget provided by the client, students collaborated with the Mall Director and received professional guidance from designers at Wilson Lighting. Labor for the installation was provided by mall-hired contractors, allowing students to focus entirely on creative and functional design. Students presented proposals during field trips, refined their plans with expert input, and are now finalizing selections for implementation. The project offers a practical, immersive design experience culminating in a professional-grade final product to be installed in a real commercial space by May.
Takeaways
Students used effective questions to understand the client’s needs and preferences. They worked collaboratively on a team to design a shared space. They had to justify their design choices based on client goals and the intended purpose of the space. Students created digital mood boards and sample boards to communicate design ideas.
Advice
Figure out a timeline before starting and create assignments for each part of the project so there’s accountability on the students.
Standards/Learning Target
- Space Planning and Layout
- Client Communication and Collaboration
- Design Boards