Celia Johannes

LinkedIn: Celia Johannes

A highly motivated and accomplished Honors College student pursuing a career in interior design, Celia Johannes combines creativity, leadership, and professionalism in every endeavor. As a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Mortar Board honors societies, she has maintained academic excellence while actively engaging in professional growth through NEWH and IDSA memberships.

With nearly eight years of experience divided between sales, bookkeeping, and interior design, Johannes brings strong business insight and design expertise to every project. She has participated in three design competitions, attended numerous networking events, and earned multiple scholarships recognizing academic and professional achievement.

Outside of academics, she enjoys outdoor adventures, painting, and crochet, which provide creative outlets that inspire her design approach. Passionate about blending innovation and functionality, Celia strives to make meaningful contributions to the design industry through dedication, collaboration, and a strong work ethic.

Celila Collective: Multi-Experience Café, Restaurant, Bar and Event Venue
Celila Collective is presented as a multi-experience café, restaurant, bar, and event space located in Dallas, Texas. The project is designed as a welcoming third place for the community, where people can gather, work, socialize, and relax throughout the day and into the evening. The overall concept is rooted in prospect and refuge theory, balancing open, visually connected spaces with more enclosed, comfortable areas that provide a sense of privacy and retreat. The design also emphasizes acoustics, ensuring that different zones support conversation, focus, and relaxation without conflict.

The poster is organized into several sections that explain the project’s intent, research, and design development. At the top, a large title overlays an image of a warm, lively restaurant interior filled with people dining and socializing. This establishes the atmosphere of the space as energetic, social, and inviting.
On the left side, project information outlines the location, building type, and operations. The concept includes a European-inspired café, restaurant, and bar that transitions throughout the day, from coffee service in the morning to dining and social experiences in the evening. Supporting diagrams show a building massing model and contextual imagery of the surrounding area.

To the right, diagrams explain the core design ideas. A Venn diagram illustrates the relationship between social, personal, and physical contexts, showing how “experience” exists at the intersection of these elements. Nearby text explains that the design is shaped by intentional spatial transitions, material variation, and acoustic control to create a cohesive environment that responds to changing user needs.

Below this, the concept statement reinforces that Celila Collective offers a balance of open social areas and more private, comfortable spaces, with acoustics playing a key role in shaping user experience. Investigative questions are also included, focusing on how prospect and refuge theory, third place theory, and acoustics influence the design. These questions explore how visibility, comfort, and sound can be managed to support both social interaction and individual needs.

A timeline across the middle of the poster references historical and cultural context, connecting the project to broader moments in time. Beneath it, a detailed floor plan shows how the space is organized. Different zones are color-coded to represent functions such as dining, bar seating, event space, and quieter seating areas. The layout demonstrates how public and private zones are layered, allowing for a variety of experiences within one cohesive environment.

Material selections are displayed as a collage of textures and finishes, including warm woods, patterned fabrics, stone surfaces, and rich accent colors. These choices support the overall goal of creating a comfortable, layered, and visually engaging space. The palette leans toward earthy, warm tones combined with subtle patterns, reinforcing both energy and comfort.

Perspective renderings and sketches further illustrate the design. These include views of an event space, a bar and restaurant area, and a café seating zone. The images show a mix of communal tables, bar seating, and smaller, more intimate seating arrangements. Lighting elements and ceiling features help define different zones while contributing to the overall atmosphere.

Additional diagrams explain acoustic strategies, showing how materials and spatial separation are used to control sound levels across the space. Another section explains the third-place theory, emphasizing the importance of creating a space that feels informal, welcoming, and adaptable for different users and activities.

At the bottom, axonometric drawings provide a three-dimensional overview of the layout, reinforcing how the different zones connect spatially while maintaining distinct identities.

Overall, the poster communicates that Celila Collective is designed as a flexible, human-centered environment that supports a range of experiences. Through the integration of prospect and refuge theory, third place principles, and acoustic design, the project creates a space where users can feel both energized and at ease, whether they are socializing, working, or taking time to relax.