kate mckinzie
interior architecture
Hi, I'm Kate McKinzie
With a Bacholer's in Science from Colorado State University Interior Architecture and Design with a concentration in Horticulture. I am eager to begin my journey in the design industry back in Texas.
Inspired by the hospitality design of my hometown Austin, Texas, I strive to create spaces that tell stories, honor history, and foster natural connection. My work focuses on blending built and natural environments to enhance well-being, encourage community, and promote sustainability. I am passionate about designing meaningful spaces that inspire and elevate the human experience.
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Thank you for exploring my portfolio.
A Collection of My Works
Welcome to my portfolio. In this collection, you'll find a thoughtfully curated selection of my student studio projects, work from my internship, personal projects that embody my design philosophy and skills. Each piece reflects my growth as a and my approach to creating effective solutions. I invite you to explore my work and gain insight into my creative journey.
01
This adaptive reuse project converts an 80,000 sq. ft. office campus into 32 residential apartments with a public hospitality level that includes a cocktail bar, wine lounge, bottle shop, café, vinyl lounge, diner, marketplace, and coworking space. The design is inspired by the carved geology near the Pennybacker Bridge, reflected in its sculpted forms and material palette.
02
Embryonic Journey transforms the historic Santa Fe Freight Depot into a maternal wellness and community center in the Los Angeles Arts District. In partnership with the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, it offers therapeutic services, wellness treatments, memberships, and spa amenities. The design draws from Indigenous traditions and uses simple spatial symbolism to reflect the stages of pregnancy and renewal.
03
Steelcase Competition: Next Coworking
This 9,000 sq. ft. office proposal for an advertising agency representing Guinness, Birkenstock, Warby Parker, and Velvet Taco is inspired by the structure of a citrus orange—using its segments as a metaphor for vibrant interconnection and the parts that create a unified whole. The concept shapes spatial organization, brand-specific zones, and Steelcase furniture configurations that support collaboration, flexibility, and individuality. The design emphasizes access to daylight, intuitive wayfinding, and personal autonomy in the workplace, creating an environment that is both energizing and adaptive to the diverse needs of the agency’s four brands.
04
IDEC Competition: The Point
This project envisions an intergenerational indoor/outdoor performing arts center offering 24/7 community access to theater and music. The striking "A"-frame structure serves as both a city landmark and a metaphorical apex where people gather to engage with the arts. Its open design blurs interior and exterior spaces, allowing performances to extend into the surrounding green areas. Flanking red-clad ancillary buildings house support functions, while the overall design emphasizes accessibility, interaction, and continuous community engagement against the Austin skyline.
05
Studio 2 Project: Ladybird Lounge
