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Meet Maya Koehn and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project L’Atelier

This is one in a series of online interviews with MIAD seniors, who share their thoughts about their 2026 Senior Exhibition project and their MIAD education.

Maya Koehn ‘26 (Interior Architecture and Design) is a President’s (Honor) List student from Sheboygan, Wis., currently employed as a Junior Designer at Direct Supply.

Head-and-shoulders professional portrait of Maya Koehn wearing a dark blazer and necklace, facing the camera against a warm-toned, softly blurred background with vertical architectural elements.

Maya Koehn ’26

What is your “elevator pitch” for your senior exhibition project?

L’Atelier immerses guests in the arts, blending curated design, unique experiences and a stay that feels both comfortable and inspiring. This boutique hotel transforms the existing building at 631 New York Avenue in Sheboygan into a cultural destination directly connected to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, located across the street. Developed in partnership with the center, the hotel extends its mission by featuring curated artwork, rotating exhibitions and site-specific installations throughout its interiors.

Head-and-shoulders professional portrait of Maya Koehn wearing a dark blazer and necklace, facing the camera against a warm-toned, softly blurred background with vertical architectural elements.

Maya Koehn ’26

This is one in a series of online interviews with MIAD seniors, who share their thoughts about their 2026 Senior Exhibition project and their MIAD education.

Maya Koehn ‘26 (Interior Architecture and Design) is a President’s (Honor) List student from Sheboygan, Wis., currently employed as a Junior Designer at Direct Supply.

What is your “elevator pitch” for your senior exhibition project?

L’Atelier immerses guests in the arts, blending curated design, unique experiences and a stay that feels both comfortable and inspiring. This boutique hotel transforms the existing building at 631 New York Avenue in Sheboygan into a cultural destination directly connected to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, located across the street. Developed in partnership with the center, the hotel extends its mission by featuring curated artwork, rotating exhibitions and site-specific installations throughout its interiors.

Spacious reception area featuring a large curved check-in desk with marble accents, black-and-white checkered flooring, lounge seating throughout the space, and decorative artwork displayed on the walls. A sign reading “L’Atelier” is mounted behind the reception desk.
Open restaurant entry area with black-and-white checkered flooring, seating arranged along the perimeter, a decorative patterned ceiling, and railings surrounding a central opening to the floor below. A revolving glass door is located on one side of the space, and floor-to-ceiling glass partitions line the opposite wall.
Spacious restaurant dining area featuring round white tables, upholstered chairs, wood flooring, and a green accent wall lined with framed artwork. Banquette seating runs along the back wall, and decorative pendant light fixtures are suspended from the ceiling. Guests are seated and walking throughout the dining room.
Modern bar featuring a large curved wood bar counter, overhead pendant lighting, and guests seated on stools around the perimeter. A bartender stands behind the counter with bottles displayed on a decorative back wall.

Maya Koehn – L’Atelier Project

Anything you’d like to share about yourself or MIAD?

I have truly enjoyed my time at MIAD, where I’ve been able to grow as a designer and develop my creative voice. After graduation, my dream is to design luxury homes or boutique hotels that create memorable and immersive experiences. I also hope to travel and work on projects across the country, exploring new places and perspectives through design.

Large guest suite featuring two double beds with wood headboards, matching nightstands, patterned wall panels, and a seating area along the far wall. Wood flooring, contemporary light fixtures, and large windows create a bright, open atmosphere.
Open interior space with herringbone wood flooring, built-in wood cabinetry and shelving framed by arched niches, a wall-mounted display screen, and a desk area by a window. Decorative lighting, artwork, and potted plants complete the room.
Large artist residency studio with several worktables, a photography backdrop, shelving filled with books and objects, framed artwork on the walls, and an easel near a glass partition. A person stands beside the backdrop.
Bright, open art gallery with wood flooring, framed paintings displayed on freestanding walls, and visitors throughout the space, including a wheelchair user viewing artwork. Seating areas line the perimeter of the gallery.

Maya Koehn – L’Atelier Project

Hear Maya discuss her project on WTMJ4-TV. Learn more about MIAD’s Interior Architecture and Design major.

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