Catherine Pae

This project explored brand-driven spatial storytelling through the redesign of a retail environment. The reimagined space immerses visitors in a surreal wilderness experience, blending biophilic design elements with sculptural display systems. Inspired by the brand's experimental aesthetic, the store evokes the feeling of being deep in nature, using organic forms, raw materials, and shifting light to create a multisensory journey that blurs the line between retail and installation art.

This project focused on translating a chef's culinary philosophy into spatial design. Drawing inspiration from Heston Blumenthal's innovative and theatrical approach to gastronomy, the reimagined restaurant embodies the sensory richness and mystery of his cuisine. The space is dark and atmospheric, with ambient lighting, deep textures, and moody materials that mirror the dramatic presentation of his dishes. Sculptural forms and unexpected spatial elements echo the sense of curiosity and experimentation found in his food, creating an immersive dining environment that engages both the palate and the imagination.

These projects explore the fundamentals of space planning through the design of residential interiors. Focusing on circulation, access, and interior views, each layout examines how scale, ergonomics, privacy and light impact daily life and user experience. The work emphasizes the relationship between form and function, communicated through clear and precise 2D drawings that reflect both technical skill and thoughtful design. The studies are organized into two distinct groups: conceptual analysis including circulation patterns and spatial relationships, followed by detailed technical analysis examining ergonomic considerations and natural light optimization.

This project serves as co-living houses tailored for students and young adults, emphasizing functional, compact living spaces that balance privacy and social interaction. Clients seek comfort and functionality, with a strong desire to work comfortably in bed, requiring flexible design elements. Each unit will include a bed with a rotating platform that tenants can use as a work surface, maximizing space efficiency. A communal area will foster socialization and interactions with other tenants. The design focuses on compact living, private bedrooms, and inviting communal areas, incorporating modern aesthetics, natural light, and flexible furniture.

This project addresses the challenge of designing a multi-story, non-residential building on a constrained urban site with party wall conditions. I developed a comprehensive architectural solution that integrates building form, function, and circulation within a dense urban context. Emphasis was placed on pedestrian and vehicular access, structural systems spanning multiple bays, and compliance with code and ADA standards. The design process included site research, conceptual development, schematic planning, and material and structural detailing. Final deliverables include floor and site plans, sections, renderings, and a contextual site collage that embeds the proposed design into the surrounding city fabric.

This project applies design theory, spatial planning, and interior technologies to the creation of a multi-vendor food hall. The space was developed to support a dynamic, social dining experience within a flexible, non-residential interior. Emphasis was placed on circulation, lighting, materiality, and branding, as well as how interior architecture can shape atmosphere and encourage gathering. Through conceptual development, schematic design, and final documentation, the project explores how interior design strategies can support both operational needs and user experience in a commercial setting. Oasis is a place envisioned as a transformative culinary haven emerging within the heart of a neighborhood food desert. Our concept is not merely a place to dine; it is a vibrant oasis designed to provide nourishment, foster community, and alleviate the challenges posed by limited access to fresh, wholesome food.