Dawn Loraas, Phd

Dawn Loraas, Phd Email and Phone Number

PhD Architectural Studies and Strategic Design and Research Consultant @
Dawn Loraas, Phd's Location
Greater Duluth Area, United States
Dawn Loraas, Phd's Contact Details
About Dawn Loraas, Phd

As a designer, researcher, and educator with a PhD in Architectural Studies, I bring a unique blend of analytical precision and creative problem-solving to every project. My expertise lies at the intersection of human behavior, physical environments, and wellness—focusing on how spaces influence our well-being, productivity, and connection to one another.With a diverse background in accounting, financial management, interior design, project management, and architectural programming, I approach design challenges holistically. My work blends technical precision with creative vision, encompassing everything from space planning and programming to evidence-based research and sustainability consulting. This multidisciplinary approach enables me to craft solutions that are not only aesthetically compelling but also functional, innovative, and deeply rooted in human-centered design principles. My work is driven by curiosity and a deep commitment to understanding the relationships between people and their surroundings. This passion has informed my research, particularly my dissertation on school buildings, human behavior, and communicable diseases—a topic that remains central to my professional and academic pursuits.I am NCIDQ certified, a WELL AP, LEED AP, and hold a Public Health: Environmental Epidemiology Certificate. In addition to my design practice covering over a decade, I have spent over five years teaching interior design at CIDA-accredited institutions, empowering future designers to apply evidence-based and human-centered principles to their work.Today, I lead Loraas Design Studio, offering services integrating research, aesthetics, and functionality for high-end residential, commercial, and educational environments. From creating healthier workplaces to designing inspiring school buildings and sustainable spaces, my mission is to craft environments that enhance lives.When not immersed in design and research, I enjoy traveling to explore new cultures and architectural styles, spending time with my family, horseback riding, skiing, and finding inspiration in the natural beauty of the places I visit. These experiences continually enrich my perspective and fuel my passion for crafting meaningful and innovative spaces.

Dawn Loraas, Phd's Current Company Details
Loraas Design Studio

Loraas Design Studio

PhD Architectural Studies and Strategic Design and Research Consultant
Dawn Loraas, Phd Work Experience Details
  • Loraas Design Studio
    Strategic Design And Research Consultant
    Loraas Design Studio Aug 2024 - Present
    Duluth, Minnesota, United States
    Major Duties: • Oversee all aspects of the design process, including client consultations, programming, space planning, and FF&E selection. • Conduct architectural programming and post-occupancy evaluations to ensure designs meet performance and user needs. • Lead sustainability consulting efforts, integrating WELL, LEED, and Living Building Challenge principles into projects. • Collaborate with architects, contractors, and developers to bring design visions to life while adhering to project timelines and budgets. • Develop comprehensive design solutions for diverse projects, including multifamily housing, boutique hospitality spaces, schools, and workplaces. • Guide clients through decision-making processes, ensuring each project reflects their unique needs and vision.Key Successes: • Successfully designed and managed multiple high-profile projects for the Duluth area.
  • University Of Oklahoma
    Assistant Professor
    University Of Oklahoma Aug 2022 - Aug 2024
    Norman, Oklahoma, United States
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  • University Of Missouri-Columbia
    Architectural Studies Phd Doctoral Candidate
    University Of Missouri-Columbia Jun 2017 - May 2022
    Columbia, Mo
    Research interests: Negative place attachment, Educational Design, environmental epidemiology, and environmental psychology.
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  • University Of Missouri-Columbia
    Instructor, Architectural Studies
    University Of Missouri-Columbia Jul 2018 - Jul 2020
    United States
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  • Indiana University Bloomington
    Visiting Lecturer
    Indiana University Bloomington Jul 2020 - May 2021
    Bloomington, Indiana, United States
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  • Dawn Loraas Design
    Freelance Interior Designer
    Dawn Loraas Design Nov 2013 - Jun 2017
    Duluth, Minnesota Area
    Chic and elegant design – but with a twist and ready to add a quirky or humorous flourish. Specialties include: sustainable design, space planning, passive and electric lighting design, intricate detailing, resourceful specifications, and textile expertise . I am a master of playing with texture and light, and have a keen eye for editing. My design philosophy is sustainably driven, evidence-based, pragmatic and budget-oriented.I provide consulting services to real estate developers, residential and commercial clients. Project portfolio includes residential remodeling, space planning for existing spaces, editing of objects and design research with experience from pre-design to post-occupancy evaluations.
  • Maurices
    Special Projects
    Maurices Sep 2013 - Oct 2014
    Duluth, Minnesota Area
    What started as a temporary 3-month job to cover a maternity leave, blossomed into several creative and deeply analytical projects approved by upper management because of my experience in project management, design and financial analysis. I identified and proposed to fix a major information gap regarding the way inventory was allocated among the 1,000 stores of different sizes located in different markets across North America. The project involved the collection of data and creation of an interactive spreadsheet categorizing and comparing the company’s 1,000 stores which was used by management to improve communication among departments and allowed for new insights into store layouts/inventory. This new analytical spreadsheet tool allowed management to make informed decisions about leasing, build out, remodeling and inventory allocation among stores which promoted efficiencies in allocating inventory and vital building information for merchandising and leasing calculations. Prior to the creation of the 1,000-store spreadsheet, management had no compiled or comparative statistical information about its stores. I also worked on all facets of the Visual Merchandising process from the beginning conceptual stages, through execution, communication and store direction. Visual and verbal communications sent to stores were done under regular and persistent tight deadlines and had company-wide impact as any missteps would affect all 1,000 stores.
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  • Architecural Resources, Inc.
    Certified Interior Designer, Leed Ap
    Architecural Resources, Inc. Nov 2008 - Oct 2010
    Duluth, Minnesota Area
    Project Manager and Lead Designer for large commercial projects including the FF&E for the Red Plan, ISD 709 and ISD 2142, Ordean High School and the Sally Port and Courthouse for St. Louis County. Created and managed an inventory tracking and allocation system for school districts to track FF&E. By creating this new system, school districts finally had a reliable and user-friendly way to track all of their physical assets, acquisitions, disposals, type, model and condition of every physical asset owned by the respective districts.
  • Interiors 3, Ltd.
    Principal Designer
    Interiors 3, Ltd. Dec 2001 - Nov 2008
    Duluth, Minnesota Area
    Lead-designer, project manager, designer, specifier. Lead the staff with Project Management, Time Management and HR duties.
  • Maggie Flowers
    Interior Designer And Bookkeeper
    Maggie Flowers May 2001 - Dec 2001
    Duluth, Minnesota Area
    Staff interior designer and bookkeeper. Specified furniture and finishes. Created space plans and renderings. Initiated use of industry specific Interior Designer software to manage finances and estimates for clients and internal use. Prepared monthly sales tax returns.
  • Ms&R Architects
    Interior Design Intern
    Ms&R Architects Aug 2000 - May 2001
    Minneapolis, Mn
    Comprehensive management of the sample library, provided space planning assistance to team, prepared sample boards, met with product vendors.
  • Lhb
    Interior Design Intern
    Lhb Jul 2000 - Aug 2000
    Duluth, Minnesota Area
    AutoCAD, sample board assembly, meet with vendors, manage sample library.
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  • Esterbrooks, Scott, Signorelli, Peterson, Smithson, Ltd.
    Staff Accountant
    Esterbrooks, Scott, Signorelli, Peterson, Smithson, Ltd. Aug 1996 - Sep 1998
    Superior, Wi
    Worked as an accountant managing client's books; from payroll to taxes as well as preparation of financial statements. Assisted with audits and preparation of related documents. Trained staff on Excel updates, graphics and presentation documents using Excel.
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  • Eikill & Schilling
    Temporary Tax Preparer
    Eikill & Schilling Jan 1996 - May 1996
    Duluth, Minnesota Area
    Prepared tax documents for individuals and businesses. Assisted with audits and preparation of Financial documents.
  • U.S. Bank
    Compliance Auditor
    U.S. Bank May 1994 - Dec 1995
    Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
    Worked as an internal auditor for the Trust Department. Ensured compliance with regulations and controls by examining and analyzing records, reports, operating practices, and documentation; recommending opportunities to strengthen the internal control structureVerified assets and liabilities by comparing items to documentation.Completed audit work papers and memorandums by documenting audit tests and findings.Communicated audit progress and findings by preparing reports; providing information in meetings.Supported external auditors by coordinating information requirements.Provides management reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing management information.Had FBI clearance due to physical handing of bearer bonds.
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  • First Trust Company Of North Dakota
    Compliance Auditor
    First Trust Company Of North Dakota Aug 1992 - May 1994
    Grand Forks, North Dakota Area
    Internal auditor for the Trust Department, with focus on Bearer Bonds and Securities.

Dawn Loraas, Phd Skills

Interior Design Retail Design Rendering Interior Architecture Design Research Space Planning Project Management Drawing Architectural Design Leed Ap Concept Development Budgets Ff&e Construction Management Architectural Drawings Floor Plans Sketching Renovation Photoshop Strategic Planning Public Speaking Customer Service Space Planning Adobe Creative Suite Individualization Creative Problem Solving Project Planning Process Improvement Design Management Visual Communication Leadership Development Budgeting And Forecasting Financial Analysis Organization Skills Purchasing Indesign Conceptual Design Architectural Interiors Concept Design Bookkeeping Client Liason Data Analysis Program Management Accounting Cross Functional Team Leadership Intuitiveness Passionate About Work Resourceful Leadership

Dawn Loraas, Phd Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Dawn Loraas, Phd

What company does Dawn Loraas, Phd work for?

Dawn Loraas, Phd works for Loraas Design Studio

What is Dawn Loraas, Phd's role at the current company?

Dawn Loraas, Phd's current role is PhD Architectural Studies and Strategic Design and Research Consultant.

What is Dawn Loraas, Phd's email address?

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What is Dawn Loraas, Phd's direct phone number?

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What schools did Dawn Loraas, Phd attend?

Dawn Loraas, Phd attended University Of Missouri-Columbia, University Of Missouri-Columbia, University Of Missouri-Columbia, University Of Minnesota, Academy Of Art University, University Of North Dakota.

What are some of Dawn Loraas, Phd's interests?

Dawn Loraas, Phd has interest in Social Services, Children, Solving Puzzles Of All Kinds, Intuition, Pilates, Fashion, Spartan Racing, F 1 Racing And Animals Of All Kinds, Worldly Travel, Riding Horse (Cutting).

What skills is Dawn Loraas, Phd known for?

Dawn Loraas, Phd has skills like Interior Design, Retail Design, Rendering, Interior Architecture, Design Research, Space Planning, Project Management, Drawing, Architectural Design, Leed Ap, Concept Development, Budgets.

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