Caroline Johnson

Caroline Johnson was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and found a love for Utah State University due to its similarity to her home. CJ is an emerging designer graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Interior Architecture and Design, complemented by minors in Art and Business. Dedicated to academic excellence, she has spent three years working as an Honors Ambassador for the Honors Program, working through multiple internships, and mentoring freshmen and juniors as an Undergraduate Teaching Fellow in her program. Her creativity knows no bounds - whether designing inspiring spaces or bringing life to watercolor paintings. Outside of the studio, she loves playing soccer and adventuring with family and friends. After graduation, CJ plans to work in commercial interior design, attend graduate school to further her technical skills, and hopes to one day start her own firm. With a thoughtful eye for design and a passion for artistic expression, CJ is excited to shape environments that inspire and connect people. 

Student Projects

Ithaka Buddhist Temple

Located in San Francisco, Ithaka is a Buddhist temple designed to be a sanctuary for connection, reflection, and inclusion. Rooted in Third Place Theory, it offers a peaceful escape from home and work, fostering a sense of belonging for people from diverse backgrounds. Ithaka is ADA-compliant and intentionally inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability or belief, feels welcome.

The Barkley

In Denver’s thriving pet-loving community, The Barkley redefines pet grooming with a boutique, spa-inspired experience tailored for modern pet owners. Designed for those who see their pets as family, The Barkley combines expert grooming, therapeutic wellness treatments, and a curated retail selection, all within a serene and sophisticated setting.

Devil's Edge

Devil’s Tower National Monument in Crook County, Wyoming, inspired this new build home for the Wrens. The material that forms the Tower is a light to dark gray and greenish igneous rock with crystals of white feldspar. Erosion causes vertical portions of the Tower to become more exposed, looking like cracks scaling like columns. This influenced the material choices of dark concrete and vertical corrugated metal in the final construction. This home was constructed to stand tall and impressive against the landscape, just as Devil’s Tower stands over its surroundings. The interior juxtaposes the harsh, intimidating exterior. It is meant to soothe, relax, and mimic nature.

Weaving Freedom

This project envisions a community-centered housing design for Blanca Pozo, Argentina, that seamlessly integrates cultural heritage, sustainability, and autonomy. By addressing environmental challenges such as extreme heat, flooding, and resource scarcity, the design incorporates bioclimatic strategies, inclusive layouts, and locally inspired materials to create functional and resilient spaces. Inspired by the traditions of AWANAY’s weavers, this project fosters a sense of belonging, empowerment, and sustainability.

Club Zer0

ZERO INHIBITIONS: Inhibition is a feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act in a relaxed and natural way.

Club Zer0 is a place of self-expression. Inspired by the unapologetic energy of 80s disco and infused with a modern edge, this Miami hot spot is designed to strip away inhibitions. Here, the boundaries of identity dissolve, allowing guests to enjoy the freedom to act without restraint. Club Zer0 transforms every night into a celebration and exudes a vibe that demands you leave your worries at the door.

Psyche Wallcovering

The Greek word for “soul” is psyche (ψυχή). Psyche is a collection of wallcoverings that abstracts the soul of Greece. Psyche explores the islands, fruit, creatures, language, and architecture of the country. This collection strives to honor the culture and people of Greece.