Dunn-Edwards Portraits: Las Vegas Student Leverages Biophilic Design Philosophies to Win Student Design Competition

By Michelle Kent

Ana Gonzales began her journey to become an architect and designer at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. In the downtown Las Vegas area, building construction and destruction have become staples within the framework of local society. This cyclical approach has minimized the natural elements in a climate that is known for being arid and barren. And it is within this landscape that Ana realized that “there is a beauty in working with what is existing” rather than tearing buildings down to start anew. Sustainability has been a core value in the curriculum she studied in UNLV's Master of Architecture and Interior Design programs, and a core value in her designs.

For the 2024 Dunn-Edwards Emerging Professionals Design Competition, entrants were asked to integrate the Dunn-Edwards Color of the Year, Skipping Stones (DET567), and biophilic design to bring a natural focus back to the lobby of a hypothetical hotel chain located in urban environments with locations in San Diego, Chicago, and Atlanta. Their designs were required to include a reception area, lounge seating, a bar with its own seating, and provide a community benefit. Her innovative design submission, Hotel Sofia, not only showcased her impressive design skills but also embodied a deep understanding of community needs and contemporary design principles. She was awarded the design competition’s grand prize, which included a $3,000 cash prize.

Ana undertook a methodological approach to her submission.

In her preparatory research, Ana identified overlapping community issues in these cities and crafted a design that addressed them. She noticed that all three locations needed solutions for warmer weather, deterring transients, and increasing green space. “This reinforced the idea of a semi-enclosed outdoor space like the courtyard as a way to add the missing green space that is perfect for gathering,” Ana explained of her design. By integrating biophilic design elements into a commercial building, she created a space that fostered well-being and a connection to nature—something that resonated deeply in fast-paced urban environments.

Ana's passion for architecture and interior design was rooted in her family history. Influenced by her grandfather, an architect in the Philippines, she explained, “He was a really big figure in our family and always enjoyed his work, so it made me want to pursue it too.” Ana initially chose a focus on interior architecture to explore architectural principles from a unique perspective. Interior design allowed her to emphasize the importance of creating inviting and functional interiors. She added that her grandfather taught her to always find her passion or interest in whatever she was doing, something she advised future design and architecture students as well. “Be curious, never stop asking questions. A lot of people are excited to share their stories, and it could blow your mind!”

Central to Ana’s design was the 2024 Color of the Year, Skipping Stones (DET567). Ana described the color as a “great anchoring element in my design because of its neutrality without fading away in the background.” This versatile hue served as a perfect backdrop for the vibrant colors she selected, creating a harmonious and dynamic environment. Utilized in the lobby space, Ana noted that Boxwood (DEC778) was “a natural partner to Skipping Stones (DET567) that added a balanced sense of vitality and energy often associated with nature.” The Dunn-Edwards Color Trend: New Dawn lent itself inherently to Ana’s biophilic design, where she incorporated colors like Burnt Crimson (DEC705), which for her “defined a high-energy space like the courtyard bar as an essential center for life and action,” while Trail Blazer (DET633), Boysenberry Shadow (DEW391), and Opaline (DEC783) enriched the composition by providing the appropriate contrast. She explained that her choice of colors defined different areas of the space while maintaining a consistent aesthetic.

In Ana’s view, “the future of design is about vibrancy and creating robust experiences.” She believed that color had the power to transform spaces and evoke emotions, making it an essential element of her design philosophy. Her favorite Dunn-Edwards color, Mojito (DE5603), perfectly captured this sentiment. “Its playful and airy vibe evokes a sense of cleanliness and renewal,” Ana noted, illustrating her belief in the restorative qualities of well-chosen colors.

Ana Gonzales’ Hotel Sofia was not just a project; it was a vision for the future of interior architecture and design that combined color, community, and well-being. We were incredibly proud to celebrate her achievement and looked forward to seeing where her creativity takes her next.