Nine interior architecture projects by Corcoran School of the Arts and Design students

Dezeen school shows: Students from the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design presented a spa inspired by the local landscape and architecture of Georgetown, Washington, as part of the school’s show.

The project also includes a space for shared living, the aim of which is to combat loneliness among young people, as well as a wellness center created in accordance with the principles of biophilic design.

Institution: George Washington University
School: Corcoran School of Art and Design
Course: Interior Design: Studio 5 – Graduate
Tutor: Christina Filipescu

School Statement:

“The Interior Architecture Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. is the only program accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation in the capital of the United States.

“It is intended for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than interior design, interior architecture or architecture and wish to pursue a studio program that will teach various aspects, theories and technical details of interior design.

“We believe in creating a community that encourages creativity and pushes the boundaries of design by emphasizing conceptual thinking and the design process.

“Watch Corcoran’s year-end performance here.”

The Haven – A Sanctuary Retreat by Veronica Donaton

“The Haven is a holistic wellness center designed to be a sanctuary for users seeking relief from stressors, enabling them to nourish their body and mind and guide them towards rest and rejuvenation.

“Following biophilic design patterns, The Haven provides a shelter that is localized and deeply embedded in nature, symbolizing the sanctuary’s role in providing protection, safety and nourishment.

“Additionally, the interior and exterior refuge spaces are enhanced with varying levels of protection within each program zone, acting as a smaller, intimate part of the larger space.

“Ultimately, refuge areas provide a more peaceful experience that optimizes and supports the healing and renewal process.”

Student: Veronica Donaton
Course: Interior Design: Studio 5 – Graduate
Tutor: Christina Filipescu
E-mail: vdonaton(at)gmail.com

Reverie, Youth Women’s Art Center by Taylor Sallis

“Reverie is not just another arts center, it is a lifesaver for girls in Southwest Washington.

“In a community struggling with difficult realities such as financial and social pressures, Reverie offers a cozy escape.

“Here, girls can shed the label of daughter or student and just be themselves, splashing colors on canvases or carving dreams into reality.

“It’s not just about art – it’s about finding the strength in self-expression and coming together around shared struggles.

“Reverie is not just a space – it is an empowerment center, giving young DC women the tools to thrive, one brushstroke at a time.”

Student: Taylor Sallis
Course: Interior Design: Studio 5 – Graduate
Tutor: Christina Filipescu
E-mail: sallis.taylor(at)gmail.com

Agora, the New Centre for Architecture and Design by Chryssoula Pentheroudakis

“Alongside professional associations and museums dedicated to the promotion of architecture, the New Centre for Architecture and Design does not fit into any pre-defined typology of space.

“It is a place that encourages reflection and exploration, a place of learning and sharing, a place of playful curiosity, and a place that is like no other.

“It is a multi-functional, multi-layered platform that democratises design by making it accessible to a wider audience – combining cultural, recreational and communal spaces within an overarching assembly concept: exhibition, meeting, maker and library spaces combine with a large, accessible café space in a modular grid system where columns and planes can be rearranged to control scale and circulation.

“The modularity and transparency within the open plan are designed to support a free, flexible design of the space that can be adapted to the occasion and exhibition needs.

“At the heart of the project is the central gathering space of the agora – in a sense, the space program revolves around the ancient Greek concept of a designated public space that allows for a democratically oriented dialogue around human-centered values and equitable design.”

Student: Chryssoula Pentheroudakis
Course: Interior Design: Studio 5 – Graduate
Tutor: Christina Filipescu
E-mail: pentheroudakis(at)ipvanguard.com

Sufi Salon by Tirajeh Tahvildar Akbari

“Nostalgia is the feeling of remembering the past, which allows us to keep in touch with pleasant memories we once treasured.

“Nostalgic feelings seem to happen in a nested loop of repetition, as if one memory triggers the memory of another.

“In the immigration process, nostalgia is more than just a sentimental memory – it is a bridge between the past and the present that can be used as a coping mechanism in difficult times.

“Sufi Salon is a place of love, knowledge, community, good food and storytelling for Iranian intellectuals who share a love for Persian literature, poetry and culture.”

Student: Tirajeh Tahvildar Akbari
Course: Interior Design: Studio 5 – Graduate
Tutor: Christina Filipescu
E-mail: tirajeh.tahvildarakbari(at)gwu.edu

Creating Space, a Community of Creators by Josef Beal

“Creating Space is a maker community – an engaged space where neighbors can gather, learn and discover through making.

“In a community away from the hustle and bustle of Washington, Create Space offers programs for everyone.

“This is a safe space for cyclists along the Metropolitan Branch Trail to stop for coffee or food at a café.

“Members of the Eckington community, especially seniors and children, can participate in the learning environment or borrow tools from the tool library.

“Makers from across DC can woodworking, 3D printing, sewing, and crafting in dedicated spaces—all of which are visible and celebrated at Creating Space.”

Student: Joseph Beal
Course: Interior Design: Studio 5 – Graduate
Tutor: Christina Filipescu
E-mail: josefcbeal(at)gmail.com

The Shift, a women’s gym by Alexandra Forman

“The Shift is a women’s gym that offers classes for a diverse clientele of all ages.

“The design draws inspiration from the lymphatic system, offering a network of interconnected fitness zones at different levels, each emphasizing progressive intensity of movement.

“In addition to multiple fitness classes and equipment areas, amenities such as an educational kitchen, juice bar and childcare center contribute to creating a supportive and safe environment for women at every stage of their fitness journey.”

Student: Alexandra Forman
Course: Interior Design: Studio 5 – Graduate
Tutor: Krystyna Filipescu
E-mail: andraforma(at)gmail.com

Cattitude Café, A Cat Café by Jingchen Lu

“Cattitude Café is a cozy haven where you can enjoy drinks and snacks while hanging out with adorable cats.

“It is a warm place where rescued cats find a temporary home and are ready for adoption.

Cat lovers and potential owners can relax, bond with their cats, and maybe even find a new furry friend.

“The café also has a dedicated cat room, providing every feline with a loving and safe environment.”

Student: Jingchen Lu
Course: Interior Design: Studio 5 – Graduate
Tutor: Christina Filipescu
E-mail: jlu69(at)gwu.edu

The Stoop: Modern Social Life by Maya Rao

“The Stoop is a modern shared housing development for young professionals who want to live in a community and sustainably.

“The project aims to address the growing epidemic of loneliness by creating various points of contact to connect and share resources.

“The inspiration for this design comes from the porch, a space used in various cultures to connect with neighbors and neighborhoods.

“The porch creates a transitional space between shared amenities and private units, where neighbors can connect and build lasting relationships.”

Student: Maya Rao
Course: Interior Design: Studio 5 – Graduate
Tutor: Krystyna Filipescu

Canal: Spa & Wellness Center by Graham Mosher

“Inspired by the layout of Georgetown, Canal: Spa & Wellness Center offers a unique and thematic approach that uses the street grid and C&O Canal for wayfinding, materiality and spatial arrangement.

“Georgetown’s diverse atmosphere flows into the spa areas, from the vibrant and historic architecture of M Street to the tranquil and modern waterfront, giving the spa’s treatment rooms, pools and lounge areas a distinctive atmosphere.”

Student: Graham Mosher
Course: Interior Design: Studio 5 – Graduate
Tutor: Christina Filipescu
E-mail: graham.mosher(at)gwu.edu

Partnership Content

This school show is a collaboration between Dezeen and the Corcoran School of Arts and Design. Find out more about Dezeen’s partner content here.