Heather Cooke

Interior Design, 2014

Pataskala, Ohio is a rural area rich in agriculture, sports and an amazing sense of community. Currently Pataskala is home to two high schools, Watkins Memorial High School and Licking Heights High School. Pataskala’s high school age youth (13-18) are growing at a rate of 30% every couple years. Licking Heights High School is currently in the process of planning to build a new High School in the next couple years.

In a survey collected from Watkins Memorial High School, many of the students expressed they have had trouble finding something to do in their town. Many students have admitted to acts of vandalism and partying to occupy their free time. In researching the town of Pataskala and its surrounding communities, it was found that the youth of Pataskala would need to drive at least 30 minutes to their closest activity.  What they really needed is somewhere to go they could call their own.

The Pataskala Hangout will offer a safe alternative to the youth population. Here students can get homework help, set up a study session or join a study session, as well as get practical advice regarding colleges and future career paths. The Hangout will give students a place to come and just hangout, a place to be with friends and feel safe. Including a bowling alley, Movie Theater, pool tables, old-fashioned arcade, gaming centers, a cafe and much more.

Heather Cooke would love to be in the world retail design after she graduates from OSU. She is very passionate about her work and loves to turn a space into something everyone can enjoy. Making a space vibrant and fun while still maintaining a sense of comfort and accessibility is something Heather finds most enjoyable about interior design. She hopes to be able to bring all the skills she has learned while in school and apply them to a new career in Interior Design after graduation.