Artist Biography
Elise Friedrichs is an Interior Architect from a small town in Western, Massachusetts. While Elise’s primary focus is computer rendered design, she also enjoys studio art such as watercolor and ceramics. Her designs feature a transitional style, combining the function of contemporary design with traditional charm. An earth-tone color palette can be seen in a number of her designs which comes from her love of nature and upbringing in the countryside.
Elise is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Interior Architecture at Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. During her time at Endicott College, she completed several internships. In the summer of 2023, she had the opportunity to intern at Shannon Tate Interiors located in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, where Elise’s design style was inspired by her supervisor. Most recently, Elise interned at Pionarch Design and Construction in Beverly, Massachusetts, where she heightened her architectural skills in creating Contract Documents.
Thesis Abstract
CONTINUUM Community Center began as a personal response to my experiences with displacement and my growing awareness of poverty after moving to the East Coast and studying abroad. I set out to design a “third place” where individuals could feel supported while accessing resources and developing life skills. Designing a low-income community center meant I first needed to understand the main gaps in our current low-income housing models. These gaps included lack of childcare, rigid, single-use spaces, lack of dignity in design, and communal isolation.
I wanted this space to be functional, aesthetic, and low cost. Using locally sourced materials lessened transportation costs and using durable materials—though more expensive up front—would reduce long term maintenance costs. A majority of the rooms have moveable furniture, allowing the rooms to be multi-use and serve a variety of functions. I also prioritized participatory design where members of the community could contribute to the design and decor of the space, creating a feeling of community and empowerment for all individuals using the space. By prioritizing flexibility, dignity, and emotional comfort, CONTINUUM creates an environment where users are empowered to rebuild, connect, and move forward.