KATHERINE RUDINI: Revitalizing Community

(she/her)

Kate Rudini, an interior design student at Purdue University, is crafting spaces with vision and empathy for community building. Starting when her imagination developed as a child, Kate discovered a motivation to shape public spaces and bring people together.

Kate’s path to interior design was unconventional. A talented athlete, she initially joined Purdue on a basketball scholarship with an undecided major. Participating in state competitions, Kate was zoned in on basketball-- she barely had time to think about a potential career. During some mental exploration, she decided to recall what she enjoyed as a child. "They were my passion before my responsibilities, I loved dolls," Kate shared. "Specifically crafting doll environments. Houses, offices, etc. This made me explore the world of interior design later on and I ended up loving it."

Despite entering the program without prior design experience, Kate embraced the challenge. Her childhood projects, although filled with charm, could not contribute to a portfolio. "My biggest obstacle was having no professional experience in art or design before I entered into the major," she admitted. "I entered on a whim without research. It was exciting to see where this path would take me." Purdue's program proved to be transformative, providing her with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for success. "Purdue had a special circumstance where I did not need a portfolio and they would teach me from scratch."

"Purdue Places 3rd In IBS Custom Small Build Competition" by Katherine Rudini

Her involvement with the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) at Purdue, a collaboration with industrial design students, trades, and beyond, further enriched her experience. Working alongside estimators and contractors, she gained invaluable career insights and placed third in the IBS Custom Small Build Competition.

Introducing: The Gary Community Center

This project was introduced by the FaithWorks Network: an organization with the goal of revitalizing the town of Gary, Indiana through enriching the lives of its citizens.

FaithWorks challenged the students of Purdue University to design a community center using a pre-existing Salvation Army warehouse space. "I wanted to make a center that paid tribute to the citizens and their history, without being too dull." Getting a chance to travel and view the site as well as interview the residents, Kate solidified her vision for the space.

"Reflected Ceiling & Furniture Plan" By Katherine Rudini

A Walk Through the Center:

• Dance Studio: A vibrant space for movement and dance classes.

• Video Production Studio: Empowers residents and FaithWorks members with digital media.

• Men, Women, and Gender-Neutral Restrooms

• Large Community Space: A flexible hub for events and gatherings.

• Four Classrooms: Dedicated spaces for training and skill development.

• Storage: Practical areas for resource management.

• Library: A fun space for studying and collaborative work.

Kate aimed to transform the perception of its industrial past. "When I think of industrial, I imagine of coal and dirty factories. I wanted to put a spin on it and focus on the organic revolution." Her design incorporated elements that honored Gary's steel industry, such as metal decorations, while also finding beauty in its abandoned streets by staining and incorporating broken glass found in the city.

"Elements & Principles" By Katherine Rudini

By combining extensive research with direct community engagement, Kate developed a design that fulfilled Gary's desire for a vibrant tribute center, contributing to FaithWorks' mission.

"Community Space" by Katherine Rudini

Kate's dedication to impactful design extends beyond her academic projects. This summer, she will be interning with Gensler on their workplace team. "Originally, I wanted to be a freelance residential designer." Looking ahead, her career aspirations reflect her passion for creating meaningful spaces.

Purdue's collaboration with FaithWorks along with Kate's proposal for the Gary Community Center shows that young designers want to make a difference in struggling communities. "After learning about the industry and competitive market, I wanted to join a cause as opposed to making a name for myself and making the most money. I want to find a company that my morals align with: sustainability, accessibility, and designing for human interaction." We're proud to celebrate her vision and the potential she holds to create positive change with light, engaging spaces.

Want to see Kate's exciting future in design? Connect with her here:

• LinkedIn: Katherine-Rudini - Connect professionally and explore her experience.

• Issu: KateRudini - View her visual portfolio for detailed insights.