Artist Biography
Carolyn Schairer is a senior at Endicott College, graduating in May 2026 with a BFA in Interior Architecture. Her greatest achievements are completing 3 internships in design and bringing her technical and creativity to the table and making herself right at home with her bubbly personality. She plans to become a designer at a large firm in residential and plan to build her title from there.
Thesis Abstract
Tender Tails is a therapeutic architectural design intended to aid in the healing process of abused children through the healing of animal therapy and healing spaces. Using the latest studies and findings on trauma-informed design and restorative space, the project focuses on using spatial elements such as light, texture, scale, and sensory elements to promote a sense of safety and comfort in the design. Spaces created according to the design emphasize the importance of stimulating yet calming design by combining different spaces including rooms for animal contact, sensory spaces, therapy rooms, and family spaces. The animal component of the design is essential since animals provide an opportunity for the client to open up and gain confidence.