Artist Biography
Carrie Chaleff is a promising designer set to graduate in the spring of 2024 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture from Endicott College. Her journey in the creative realm doesn’t stop there; she’s poised to continue her academic pursuit by enrolling in Endicott’s master’s program in Interior Architecture while also delving into part-time work in the field. Beyond her academic achievements, Carrie embodies a zest for life that is reflected in her diverse interests. She thrives on adventures with friends, embraces the outdoors, enjoys concerts, and festivals, and nurtures her curiosity by traveling. Throughout her academic tenure, Carrie’s dedication and talent have consistently shone bright, earning her a coveted place on the Dean’s List every semester. Her artistic prowess has also been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Presidential Art Scholarship. Her professional work ethic, determination, and integrity have been evident in her successes in various internships and experiences. Carrie’s educational journey has been rich with experiences, encompassing a comprehensive exploration of various design domains and valuable hands-on training through internships in the field. Notably, she had the enriching opportunity to immerse herself in the vibrant art scene of Florence, Italy, during a study abroad program. This experience, along with other world travels, has inspired Carrie in her personal design style which is nature-inspired at its core, mixed with touches of international flair. As a design student at Endicott, Carrie has seamlessly integrated her skills across disciplines, engaging in multi-faceted internships that have honed her expertise. Her focus, in design, is always on the user and creating the most useful, comfortable, and pleasing experience for them. She prides herself on her ability to understand the needs of clients and express them through her work while utilizing cutting-edge materials and creativity.
Thesis Abstract
Addressing the Challenge of Immigrant Shelter and Integration The state of Massachusetts is currently facing a significant influx of migrants seeking shelter and support. This increase mirrors the nationwide trend of a growing immigrant population. Despite efforts to accommodate all, the state’s emergency shelter system is consistently overwhelmed, leading to waitlists and prolonged periods of uncertainty for those in need. To mitigate this crisis, there is a pressing need to allocate funds towards overflow shelters to accommodate those who are waitlisted. One particularly impacted area of Massachusetts is Chelsea, where nearly half of the residents are foreign-born, and a majority speak languages other than English. The demographics highlight the diverse cultural landscape but also underscore the challenges of integration, especially for new immigrants and their children, in accessing essential services, work permits, and driver’s licenses. The creation and design of The Hive is a strategic response to the prevalent challenge of separation and support from resources embedded in the community. This innovative design aims to empower the community by participating, adding support, and encouraging volunteering. By consolidating all essential resources under one roof, The HIVE addresses the barriers faced by new immigrants who often struggle with transportation limitations in accessing necessary services.