SUSTAINABLE DESIGN + INNOVATION + RESEARCH
Hello!
I am a sustainability-focused designer with expertise in regenerative design, material innovation, and performance-driven solutions. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainable Design at Carnegie Mellon University, my work integrates cross-scalar methodologies to explore Material Life Cycle, Embodied Carbon, Environmental Performance and Regenerative Landscapes. I am particularly interested in the potential of carbon-sequestering materials within regenerative systems, leveraging advanced technologies to drive impactful and resilient design strategies.
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I hold a degree in Architecture from CEPT University in Ahmedabad, where I engaged in cultural and ecological approaches to spatial design. With three years of professional experience across various project stages and urban contexts in India, I bring a versatile perspective to sustainability-driven design research and environmental analysis.
Education
2023 - 2025
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
Master of Science in Sustainable Design (MSSD)
Program Track Chair - Prof. Dana Cupkova
2015 - 2020
Centre for Environmental Planning & Technology (CEPT) University, Ahmedabad
2019
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH), Zürich
Merit Scholarship in affiliation with CEPT University
Work Experience
Jan 2025 - present
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
Graduate Teaching Assistant
GIS/CAFM/Geospatial Data Analytics in Infrastructure with Prof. Kristen Kurland
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Supported 45+ students in mastering GIS under the guidance of Prof. Kristen Kurland by conducting weekly office hours, providing timely feedback on assignments, and addressing questions through Canvas discussion boards.
Feb 2024 - Dec 2024
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
Graduate Teaching and MSSD Program Assistantship
Introduction to Ecological Design Thinking with Prof. Dana Cupkova
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Facilitated and curated classroom discussions for on ecology and sustainability under the guidance of Prof. Dana Cupkova, provided weekly feedback on student submissions, assisted with grading, and supported the development of course structure and materials to enhance learning outcomes.
Analyzed 47 MSSD Thesis data (2016–2024), consolidating archives into a cohesive database with visual trend diagrams and initial HTML web updates.
Executed multiple mycelium casting experiments to evaluate the strength of various sand and rubble mixtures.​
Sept 2022 - Jun 2023
Ranjit Sinh Associates Architects Inc., Mumbai
Junior Architect
Principals - Ar. Ranjit Sinh & Ar. Vandana Ranjit Sinh
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Managed and led multiple projects, including 8,500 sq ft Pandeya House in Alibaug, a 10,800 sq ft residence in Coimbatore, the extension of Daruwala House, and the restoration of a 1970’s house, overseeing all facets of project management.​
Oversaw site operations, coordinated communication with consultants and contractors, and facilitated client meetings while developing comprehensive project presentations and managing billing verification.
Reviewed, prepared, and distributed architectural drawings and documentation, and designed projects, including 3D modeling and rendering.
Sept 2020 - Aug 2022
CONCEPT Designers & Engineering Consultants, Vapi
Junior Architect
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Directed, managed and collaborated on various projects, such as Pandesara Factory Office Landscaping Surat (12,000 sq ft), Coraplast Spin-Boy Plant in Umergaon, Peri-urban House (4,500 sq ft), Orchard House, Farmhouse in Sarigam, handling all aspects of project oversight.
Supervised site activities, coordinated with consultants and contractors, and led client meetings, while also creating detailed project presentations and handling billing verification.
Prepared, reviewed, and distributed architectural drawings and documentation while designing projects using 3D modeling and rendering tools, including Trimble SketchUp, AutoCAD, Photoshop, and Rhinoceros 3D.
Jun 2018 - Dec 2018
Yanapada Architects, Coimbatore
Intern Architect
Principal - Ar. Sivith Kumar
Awards & Scholarships
Nov 2024
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
Ralph H. Burt Jr. and Alva L. Hill Scholarship
Fall 2024 Awardee
Mar 2023
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh
School of Architecture Merit Scholarship for Master of Science in Sustainable Design Program
Nov 2018
Centre for Environmental Planning & Technology (CEPT) University
Merit Scholarship for Student Exchange Semester at ETH, Zürich
Publication & Conference
Aug 2024
Centre for Environmental Planning & Technology (CEPT) University Press
Publication of Academic Paper titled ‘Words, Associations & Worldviews: A case of Pol Architecture of Ahmedabad’
in ‘Working Papers 2023 Vol II.'
Digital Version (ISBN 978-93-83184-85-9)
Oct 2023
TU Delft Netherlands & ETSAM Spain
Panelist Presenter at Critic|all: Vth International Conference on Architectural Design & Criticism
Digital Proceedings (ISBN: 978-84-09-54795-1)
May 2019
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH), Zürich
Coursework Serendipity: Deflecting Landscapes Publication by ETH Landscape Architecture Chair - Prof. Christophe Girot
Technical Skills
Sustainability
Climate Studio
eQuest
IESVE
Design Builder
OpenLCA
Rhinoceros 3D
Grasshopper
GH Ladybug
GH Docofossor
Data Analysis
ArcGIS Pro
QGIS
Microsoft Office
Design & Production
Autodesk AutoCAD
Rhinoceros 3D
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Indesign
Trimble Sketchup
GH Python
Post-production
Adobe Photoshop
​VRay for Rhinocerous 3D
Lumion
Programming Language
​Python (preliminary)
Certifications & Training
Mar 2025 |
Oct 2024 |
Oct 2023 |
Nov 2020 |
ESRI GIS for Climate Action MOOC
ESRI Spatial Data Science MOOC Program
Critic|all - Vth International Conference on Architecture Design & Criticism
CoA Registered Architect (India)
Involvement
Jan 2025 |
Jun 2021 |
Feb 2021 |
Aug 2020 |
ULI Hines Student Urban Design Competition
Kaira Looro Architecture Competition
Graduate Panelist at SEA Symposium
Kurula Varkey Design Forum (KVDF) Curatorial Team
Relevant Coursework
Environmental Performance Simulation, Building Performance Modelling, Resilient & Sustainable Communities, Urban Ecology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), HVAC & Power Supply for Low Carbon Buildings, Generative Modelling, Introduction to Ecological Design Thinking, Introduction to Computing (Python), Shaping Built Environments, Scripting & Parametric Design, Life Cycle Assessment
