Ariana Samame
Ariana Samame is a 2026 graduate of Ohio University’s Interior Architecture program. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Ariana grew up surrounded by a mix of Midwestern suburban architecture, historic downtown structures, and gleaming modern skyscrapers. Experiencing this diverse mix of styles, spaces, colors, and textures sparked the flame of curiosity and creativity at an early age and only strengthened her love for art and design as the years passed. Following personal experiences in high school, Ariana also developed an interest in human behavior and mental health, which initially led her to explore a career in psychology while working toward an associate degree at Cuyahoga Community College. Although eventually finding herself in Ohio University’s online Interior Architecture program, this fascination for psychology did not disappear, and eventually led to the discovery of her preferred design style, and later, the selection of her senior thesis project.
As a new student in the program, Ariana learned just how much psychology is intertwined with design, being taught the profound impact that physical spaces have on those who experience them. With lessons on the Gestalt principles, holistic design, creating accessible and inclusive spaces, and the importance of greenery in interiors, it was clear that her passion for psychology would be involved with her career after all. As a result of Ariana’s fascination for these theories, she decided to incorporate research on what makes a space emotionally and mentally fulfilling into every one of her designs, which eventually led to the idea for her senior thesis, “Designing with Care: Giving Life Back to Long-Term Care Residents.” As aging is one part of life that all humans share, Ariana was motivated to create the design for the Lakeview Care Center, a Long-Term Care facility that allows seniors to live out their final years with dignity, in a home-like and nurturing environment of comfort and belonging.
Throughout her time at Ohio University, Ariana completed six studio Interior Architecture projects, several traditional and digital artworks, and countless space planning exercises. As a student, she earned the academic achievement of being named to the President’s List four times and both the Dean’s and Provost’s List once. On May 2nd, Ariana graduated from Ohio University with summa cum laude honors to commemorate her academic achievements.
As a new graduate, Ariana plans to pursue a career as a designer in a commercial architecture firm specializing in hospitality design, while also working toward obtaining her NCIDQ certification.
To learn more about Ariana Samame and explore more of her projects, please visit ams-art.carrd.co.
My Senior Thesis
