Partnerships
An Interior Redesign for a Good Cause
ZEBULON, N.C. (April 10, 2025) – Wake Tech Interior Design students are using their creative skills for a good cause.
Sixteen first-year students in DES-128: Space Planning have been hard at work this semester designing a retail makeover proposal for The Purple Shoe, a nonprofit thrift store in eastern Wake County that supports programs and services for domestic violence victims.
The hands-on final project includes creating modern floor plans with flexible design and layout concepts to maximize space and design an inviting and functional retail store layout. Students are also tasked with developing color, lighting and furniture proposals to create an aesthetically appealing and elevated shopping experience.
Alice Coleman, executive director of The Purple Shoe, pitched the project to Wake Tech Interior Design Program Director Andrea Bachi and Instructor Christina Cayea because she thought the collaboration would be a win-win.
"We are dedicated to creating an exemplary shopping experience for our valued shoppers as well as for those who provide our essential donations," Coleman said. "We see the trend in thrifting and reuse that is taking the country by storm. We see partnering with Wake Tech's students as a perfect scenario. This collaboration has the potential to ultimately make a major impact on the services we can deliver to the victims or potential victims of domestic violence."
Cayea said she was excited to offer students the opportunity to hone their skills and gain real-world experience while supporting a local nonprofit.
"Wake Tech design students have assisted local organizations in the past, but this project is different in both its execution and impact," she said. "For first-year students, this is an exciting introduction to conceptualization, presentation and client interaction. This experience will also ultimately benefit a worthy cause and help students reflect on how their chosen field could be an asset to the wider community."
Student Angelina Casillas said working on the project has been a rewarding experience.
"This project has a positive impact," Casillas said. "We have the opportunity to work and interact with a real client while helping them create a safe space for their mission."
Bachi said the collaboration was appealing because it also aligns with the college's expanded outreach in fast-growing eastern Wake County.
"Wake Tech is growing its connection in eastern Wake County, as seen with the new location in Wendell. So, I knew this collaboration could be impactful," she said.
Students will present their redesign proposal to The Purple Shoe's leaders later this month. The organization is reaching out to other businesses for sponsorships to help implement the makeover.
Learn more about Wake Tech's Interior Design program at interiordesign.waketech.edu. To learn more about The Purple Shoe or its services, call 919-269-0109.
