2026 Senior Exhibition Artists 2026 Senior Exhibition Artists: Heather Cachia

About Heather Cachia

Heather Cachia is a senior in the Interior Architecture and Design program at UMass Dartmouth. Her design focuses on creating purposeful, meaningful environments that positively impact the community. She is inspired by spaces that thoughtfully respond to user needs while fostering a sense of connection. Outside of her design work, Heather enjoys spending time with her dog, Juni, which inspired her thesis focused on advocating for dogs in shelters.

Statement

My thesis focuses on the renovation of an office and dining space that was transformed into a dog adoption promotion center and restaurant. The project reimagines the existing building as a community hub that promotes shelter dogs in a new, engaging way. Within this space, guests have the opportunity to enjoy the restaurant while also interacting with community shelter dogs. The design encourages a sense of movement within life itself, reflecting the rhythm of daily activity and the journey toward a second chance. Whether guests are looking to adopt or simply visit, the space allows the community to bring sheltered dogs out of the traditional shelter setting and into a more visible, welcoming environment that supports their adoption.

Email: hlcachia@icloud.com 

Heather Cachia

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