index portfolio

ELDORIS CAI

PROFILE
qcai01@risd.edu
401-451-0070

Rhode Island School of Design
2 College Street, Providence, RI, 02903

My journey into design began with a transition from traffic engineering to interior design—a shift driven by my desire to create meaningful spaces that shape how people live and feel. I’ve always been curious about the world and deeply empathetic toward others, and I found that these qualities, combined with a logical, systems-oriented mindset, make spatial design a natural fit. Interior design, in particular, allows me to merge creativity and structure in ways that directly impact everyday life.

I’m currently studying full-time at RISD, where I explore exhibition design, immersive multimedia experiences, lighting design, and art installations. I’m also deeply interested in material-based practices such as woodworking, weaving, and ceramics.

Outside of design, I find joy in R&B music, street dance, and baking. I also treasure the calm moments I spend with my cat—he helps me recharge and stay grounded.

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CONTACT

Education

Rhode Island School of Design, Interior Architecture
2024-present(2026)

MDes program in Exhibition and Narrative Environments

Tongji University, School of transportation engineering
2019-2023

Bachelor of Engineering in Traffic Engineering

Employment

Research Assistant, Rhode Island School of design

09/2024-02/20205

• Conducted material research and experiments, focusing on recycled rubber.

• Explored unfolding methods and joint structures.

• Experiment with tension wood frame structures.

Intern, Department of Architecture Design, Yichang Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd

06/2023-08/2023

• Gained insight into architects’ job responsibilities and design institute workflows

• Learned to coordinate work across different departments

• Participated in practical projects and developed proficiency in computer-aided drawing

• Enhanced professional skills and coordination abilities required for architects

Intern, L&A Academy

07/2022-09/2022

• Researched architectural and cultural aspects of Yunnan villages through museum visits

• Contributed to group discussions and organized presentation materials

• Created analytical diagrams, architectural and interior design proposals, including rendering

Referrals

Skills

2D Design Software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, AutoCAD.

3D Design Software: Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, Lumion, Vary, DIALux evo.

Woodworking: table Saws, Band Saw, Drill Press, Vertical Panel Saw,Sander, Thickness Planer, etc.

Machines: Sewing machine, Knitting machine, tufting tools, Laser cutter, 3D printer, Pen Plotter, Vinyl cutter, etc.

UI/UX: Figma.

Coding: Basic Python.

Research

NASA SUITS Challenge 24-25, RISD x NASA , Industrial Design Department

10/2024-present

• Collaborated with the programming team in the design team to create a suit for performing missions on the Moon;

• Responsible for the hazard drop function in the navigation section, considering all user interaction details and workflow.

• Designed the prototype, identified issues in the testing process with users, and made necessary adjustments.

Lighting Design for Tongji University Museum, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University

04/2023-06/2023

• On-site measurement

• Responsible for generating analytical diagrams and modeling using Dialux evo

• Redesigned the lighting system for the museum

• Generated drawings and conducted data comparisons using Dialux evo

Product Design and Innovation Inspired by Eggs—Beauty Tools, College of Design and Innovation,Tongji University

03/2022-06/2022

Instructor: Zhenyuan Liu, Associate professor

Abstract: We draw inspiration from eggs’ form and the eggshell’s texture, and then choose any subject for product design.

• Developed conceptual designs

• Formed teams based on conceptual plans

• Collaborated with team members on refining product details

• Responsible for modeling

• Responsible for 3D printing and assembling the product parts

• Shot and edit a video showcasing the product

Traffic Improvement Design for the Intersection of Zhongshan North Road and Lishan Road, School of transportation engineering, Tongji University

09/2021-03/2022

Instructor: Xuesong Wang, Professor

• Conducted on-site surveys of the intersection and its surroundings, documenting land types, population distribution and flow,

traffic distribution, special facilities, and adjacent buildings

• Analyzed and summarized the issues at the intersection, including pathways, conflict points, sightlines, traffic signals, and

surrounding facilities

• Proposed short-term and long-term improvement plans

• Presented the findings to experts in Shanghai and officials from the Traffic Police Department

Last Updated 24.10.31

NARRATIVE SPACIAL DESIGN / SPACIAL INTERVENTIONS / RENDERING / FILMING / WOOD WORKING

1. Zine making.

See-IT (CIT) Exhibition Zine
Eldoris Cai, Fiona Lan, 2025
3-1/2*5 inches
Vellum paper, Fine art paper, laser cut

On April 29, we held a walk through exhibition in the CIT building, where each of us designed a small installation to reflect on this space we’ve continually used. This zine was created specifically for the walkthrough exhibition, using cut-out techniques and incorporating icons from each project into a unified printed piece.

2. installation & scaled model

Jelly-system
Eldoris Cai, 2024
Acrylic, Soft adhesive silicone, Resin, Polyester, Beads, Fishing line, Phosphor powder, UV glue
20*15*15 inches, 10*18*15 inches

This project is inspired by my observations of social phenomena, where I draw a parallel between human life and the food production line of marine organisms. Specifically, I compare the toxicity of various jellyfish species to the effects of social environments on individuals.

The spatial design serves as both an installation and an immersive exhibition space, characterized by its ability to glow subtly in the dark. It is conceptually designed to create a clear, top-down flow that guides visitors through the experience. This flow is complemented by thoughtful consideration of different materials and spatial arrangements, ensuring that each element contributes to the overarching narrative.

3. Wearable device and a vedio

Camouflage as prax: Pain on the left hand
Eldoris Cai, 2024
leather, Silicone pipes, Second-hand fabrics,
Metal spikes, cotton, Mylar, Spray paint

Filmed by Carlos Wang, Fujifilm XT4
Anaiis, Grupo Cosmo, Luedji Luna, "Toda Cor." Single, 2024.

Copyright Notice
The original video features a copyrighted song, which cannot be publicly distributed online without proper licensing. To respect the artist’s rights, I am only displaying a series of screenshots from the video. I appreciate your understanding and support.

4. Community intervention

Urban Under-Overpass Sapce Revitialization
Eldoris Cai, 2023

This project marks my first design endeavor, prompted by my background in traffic engineering. While working on an intersection improvement project, I conducted field research and discovered that, despite its location in the heart of Shanghai, the elevated highway significantly inconvenienced the surrounding community. The area is predominantly residential, with many elderly residents and children who may have limited mobility. To access the subway for basic daily activities, they must navigate the elevated bridge as well as the adjacent railway and river.

In response to this challenge, I propose to repurpose the underutilized urban space beneath the bridge. The goal is to transform this overlooked corner of the city into a vibrant area that accommodates essential daily activities. By introducing community-driven functions and facilities, the design aims to activate this space, fostering social interaction and enhancing the overall vitality of the neighborhood. This project seeks to bridge the gap created by the elevated structures, creating a more accessible environment that encourages community engagement and mobility.

5. Exhibition Design in Brown university (on going)

Ruth Simmons Center Exhibition Design
Drew Jepson, Macie Clerkley, ELdoris Cai, Katherine Zeng, 2025

This project involves a collaborative team of designers and curators from RISD and Brown University. In recognition of the significant 250th anniversary, the team is creating an exhibition focused on Indigenous peoples. The goal of this exhibition is to raise awareness about their history and share the individual stories of many Indigenous people. Through thoughtful design and curation, the project aims to educate visitors and foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and experiences.

6. Converting novel to spacial language

Siddhartha
Eldoris Cai, 2024

"Knowledge can be conveyed, but not wisdom. It can be found, it can be lived, it is possible to be carried by it, miracles can be performed with it, but it cannot be expressed in words and taught." ― Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha

7. Wood working

still life collection
Eldoris Cai, 2025
Cedar wood

These cedar wood pieces were salvaged from an abandoned lumber mill and thoughtfully repurposed into a still life collection, including a vase, tea scoop, and cups.

8. Lighting design

Lighting Design and Analysis for Tongji University Museum
Eldoris Cai, Junyuan Zhou, Luqi Feng, Juntong Li, Shiping Zhou, 2023

9. Rendering

Poster rendering
Eldoris Cai, 2024

Rendering images and vedios for Aga Khan Museum Exhibition design.

10. experiential installations

CONSTRUCTIVIST METHODOLOGIES:EXHIBITION REDESIGN
Eldoris Cai, Ye Chen, Ying Jiang, Matthew Gershovich, 2025

This design aims to both highlight and emulate the artworks concept, function, aesthetics and inherent constructivism.

The art work and exhibition is entirely reliant for the viewer/participant to activate it. It’s abstract concepts involving the chaos and unpredictability of decision making, the function of a double pendulum and the uses of polar magnetism in an abstract way.

Some of the design works I appriciate:

https://www.centreromanic.com/en/church/sant-climent-de-taull/

https://architizer.com/projects/science-center-otto-bock/