From leadership in KU’s interior design community to studying architecture across Scandinavia, Hannah Lindenlaub has found her purpose by designing with people in mind.

What does it look like to grow as a designer while also growing into your future career? For University of Kansas interior architecture student Hannah Lindenlaub, it has meant saying yes to opportunities that challenge her, connect her with others, and expand the way she sees the built environment.

In this Jayhawk POV story she shared with us in her own words, Hannah reflects on her experience at KU so far, from stepping into leadership roles with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) to studying abroad in Northern Europe. 

Along the way, she shares how professors, peers, and hands-on learning have influenced her design philosophy and helped her clarify the kind of impact she hopes to make as she prepares to enter the professional world.

Inside KU Interior Architecture 

My name is Hannah Lindenlaub, and I am a third-year Interior Architecture student at the University of Kansas. I have always known that I wanted to pursue a degree in design, and after learning more about what KU had to offer, I quickly realized it was the right place for me. 

The KU campus and the atmosphere of Lawrence provided exactly what I needed as I transitioned from living at home to building a life for myself. Along the way, I have met so many incredible people, not only friends, but professors and mentors as well, who have helped guide and support me as I begin my journey into adulthood and the professional world. 

My Journey as an Interior Architecture Student 

After two and a half years as an Interior Architecture student, I can confidently say that I am exactly where I want to be. Getting involved in leadership positions has always helped me stay connected to others, and those experiences have continuously opened the door to new opportunities and personal growth. 

During my freshman year, I became the Events Coordinator of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) at KU. This role allowed me to connect with upperclassmen and gain valuable insight from both professors and design professionals. 

Through guest lectures and conversations, I learned how deeply impactful design can be on people’s everyday lives. Hearing that humans spend nearly 90% of their lives indoors completely reshaped my design philosophy. From that point on, I began to prioritize user experience, well-being, and inclusivity over purely personal aesthetics. 

Since then, I have joined several additional organizations, including the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Chabad, and Hillel, each of which has introduced me to meaningful relationships both within and beyond my major. I currently serve as Co-President of ASID, a role I truly love. 

From helping students navigate the interview process and networking with industry professionals to organizing community outreach events like decorating trees for Children’s Mercy, our chapter has worked to create opportunities for students to connect, learn, and grow within the interior architecture and design profession. 

Being able to foster a sense of community while preparing students for professional practice has been incredibly rewarding, and I am excited to continue this role next semester. 

Studying Abroad in Northern Europe 

This past summer (2025), I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Finland, Sweden, and Denmark as part of the interior architecture curriculum. Throughout this program, I explored over 50 architectural sites, ranging from Alvar Aalto’s humanist modernism to the forward-thinking, sustainable innovations of Bjarke Ingels Group. 

Experiencing these spaces firsthand allowed me to see how centuries of architectural history continue to influence contemporary design and urban life.

Each city offered a new perspective. Through food, architecture, social norms, and historical landmarks, I gained insight into how different cultures approach daily life, community, and the built environment. The emphasis on sustainability, human-centered design, and public space deeply resonated with me and has since influenced the way I approach my own work.

It is difficult to fully put into words how impactful this experience was. Beyond immersing myself in new cultures, forming lasting memories with my friends and peers within the architecture program made the experience even more meaningful. 

This summer shaped not only my design perspective but also my personal growth, and I hope to one day return to revisit many of the places that inspired me so deeply. 

Hotel Symbiosis: Designing Through Experience 

Following Summer 2025, I began my junior year and completed my first semester-long studio project. We were tasked with designing a boutique hotel anywhere in the world, incorporating cultural context to create a project rooted in a strong sense of place. 

After experiencing the thoughtful architecture and community-centered environments of Scandinavian countries, I chose to focus my project on Pori, Finland, a city with a strong artistic and cultural identity. 

Through this project, I explored how hospitality spaces can function as dynamic cultural hubs rather than purely transactional environments. I utilized a user-centered approach to ensure that the hotel supported cultural engagement, comfort, and operational efficiency. Spaces such as the lobby, art gallery, café/restaurant, flexible event space, and spa were designed to encourage interaction between guests and locals alike. 

The material palette emphasized natural materials, warm tones, acoustical comfort, and sustainable finishes. Custom furniture and curated lighting highlighted contemporary Finnish design while fostering a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere. Every design decision was made with the intent of creating a space that felt both authentic and inclusive. 

Hotel Symbiosis strengthened my skills in research-driven design, cultural storytelling, and technical documentation. Most importantly, it reinforced my passion for creating spaces that connect people through meaningful, shared experiences. 

Being able to draw directly from my firsthand cultural experiences made this project especially rewarding, and I hope to continue expanding my understanding of global design through future travel and professional opportunities. 

From KU to What’s Next

My experiences at the University of Kansas have shaped me both personally and professionally, shaping me into a more confident, driven, and thoughtful individual. 

Through various leadership roles, meaningful connections with peers, professors, and professionals, and my immersive academic experience studying abroad, KU continuously challenges me in ways I would’ve never imagined. 

As I continue my education and move into the professional world, I’ll carry the lessons and inspiration KU has provided me to guide me towards success.