Natalie Bellman explores how domestic violence often forces women and children into temporary environments that provide safety but lack the warmth, comfort, and stability needed for healing. Recognizing that many survivors experience shelters as crowded or transitional, she created Redbud Rising to reimagine what a shelter can be, an environment that fosters safety, independence, and a feeling of belonging. Grounded in trauma-informed design, the project prioritizes privacy, choice, connection, and natural light to support long-term recovery. She believes a carefully designed residential environment can restore dignity and a feeling of control. Looking ahead, her design interests include residential and commercial spaces, such as cafés and retail environments, as she prepares to launch her own interior design business.

My Senior Thesis

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