Artist Biography
Katherine Coppa is currently completing her final year of her BFA in the Interior Architecture program at Endicott College. During her academic career, she also had the opportunity to study abroad at Munster Technological University in Cork, Ireland, where she immersed herself in culturally diverse experiences for architecture and design.
Katherine’s passion for design began at a young age when she transformed a shoebox into a fully detailed bathroom model, which sparked her curiosity for spatial design and storytelling through environments. She is particularly interested in how interior environments can support emotional and physical well-being. Her design philosophy emphasizes creating spaces that not only serve functional needs but also create healing, connection, and a deeper relationship between individuals and their environments. She aims to continue developing thoughtful, impactful designs that enhance quality of life and respond to both individual and community needs.
Thesis Abstract
P.A.T.H. explores how design can support healing for individuals and families affected by trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While trauma impacts nearly half of all adults, its long-term effects extend beyond the individual, influencing physical health, emotional well-being, and personal relationships. Despite this, many treatment environments remain focused on individual care, often overlooking the broader social dimensions of healing.
This thesis integrates principles of trauma-informed care, biophilic design, community connection, and sensory engagement to promote emotional regulation, safety, and restoration. Inspired by personal experiences and informed by research, this project highlights the importance of creating spaces that create connection, trust, and exploration with communities. Ultimately, this thesis reimagines how interior architecture can serve as a medium for recovery, supporting not only individuals suffering from trauma, but also the families and communities indirectly affected.