I am an interdisciplinary Environments + Human Experience designer, with over 8 years of professional experience in architectural design, planning and construction. I have recently broadened my skills with a certificate in UX Design & Research to be able to apply abilities more widely. Influenced by experiences and values I learned at a young age, I have developed an appreciation and understanding what it means to be empathetic. These human-centric values have formed my personal identity and purpose which is deeply rooted in people and a sense of responsibility to others in our collective pursuit towards a sustainable, inclusive, and positive human experience. It is a value that has travelled and evolved in me over my growing years, living and learning in five different countries, exposing me to people from all walks of life, beliefs, languages, and cultures. The experiences of my formative years have led to the me to enjoy, understand, acknowledge, and contribute to diversity in the ways people think, behave, view, and experience the world around them.
Through professional experience and studies in Architecture and User Experience Design, I have sought to live my values, connecting with and understanding the goals of the people I design for, problem solving creatively, while working collaboratively in environments rich with a diversity of perspectives. My goal is to leverage my core values, diverse technical and interdisciplinary skills, to ideate, develop, and implement design concepts, strategies, and solutions, that serve human needs.
portfolio: mrnalini.design
message me to request password for protected portfolio pages.
Lincoln Lighthill Architect, San Francisco, CA, US, Designer
Worked on developing architectural design solutions for single family residential remodels as well as commercial and consumer retail clients like Blue Bottle Coffee.
Participated in multidisciplinary and cross-collaborative efforts to define project goals as it pertains to budgeting, functionality, performance and aesthetics, and developed strategies and design solutions, ensuring that the Client’s expectations are met through all phases of a design project - from schematic design through to construction.
Assisted with pre-design due diligence and evaluation of design feasibility to meet local, state and federal regulatory standards related to planning and construction.
Responsible for producing and developing comprehensive drawing sets and documentation for Building Permitting, Contract Bidding, and Construction.
Demonstrated adaptability while contributing to the production and management of multiple design projects at various design stages phases concurrently.
Demonstrated high degree of efficiency, precision and attention to detail that resulted in consistently ensuring that project milestones were met, if not ahead of schedule - effectively improving productivity, profitability, and client satisfaction.
Assisted with conducting meetings with clients, contractors, engineers, and other stakeholders to iteratively receive, assess and implement feedback, as well as to monitor design and construction progress ensuring that project goals and client expectations are fulfilled.
Exhibited a high degree of commitment and responsibility to the success of the firm and profession by encouraging and participating in developing the firm's office & business operations, practice & project managements, and production. Evaluating existing standards and identified opportunities to implement effective tools and technology solutions within the practice. This resulted in increased profitability, productivity and enhanced communication and collaboration between design team members.
Displayed a high degree of empathy, commitment, and responsibility towards striving for excellence in client satisfaction by successfully understanding, connecting, and anticipating the Client’s needs.
California College of the Arts, San Francisco, CA, US, Rapid Prototyping Studio Assistant Technician
Developed, organized, and implemented tool and equipment catalogues and lending systems to increase accessibility for students, faculty, and staff and increase inventory upkeep efficiency.
Assisted studio managers in developing lesson plans and on-boarding procedures related to equipment and shop safety orientation for students, faculty, and staff.
Responsible for conducting equipment and shop safety orientation sessions for students, faulty and staff members.
Responsible for maintaining and implementing health and safety protocols to ensure compliance with Local, State, Federal, and OSHA rules and regulations related to personnel safety, the handling of equipment and material waste management.
Responsible for creating and curating digital and printed graphic assets and text-based content implemented in equipment user manuals, material data & safety guides for students, staff, and faculty members.
Assisted students, faculty, and staff members to achieve their design project goals by providing them with resources and tutorials on various prototyping and model-making methods related to materials, tools, and technology.
Responsible for recruiting, training, supervising, coordinating, and managing student studio monitors and assistants.
Remained informed on current and emerging manufacturing procedures, materials, tools, software and technology to ensure continued development of services and resources offered to student, faculty and staff members.
MTP Architects, San Francisco, CA, US, Designer
Worked on producing architectural and landscape design for single family residences, as well as provided space planning, branding and marketing services for corporate clients like Glass Lewis.
Provided architectural design and landscape design for single family residences in San Francisco, South San Francisco, and Napa County - from schematic design, designed development, and permitting all the way through to construction documentation.
Responsible for establishing and maintaining efficient, productive and collaborative relationships with engineers, contractors, vendors, city officials and clients. Resulting in long-term trusting relationships resulting in repeat business.
Assisted with recruitment and training of new employees.
Assisted Principal Architect with research, including but not limited to local, state and federal regulatory standards related to planning and construction to ensure design compliance, and conducted market research towards developing project proposals and presentations resulting in successful bidding and new projects wins.
Cornell University, eCornell, User Experience Design Certificate
Certificate Program. Course covered modules in Human-Centered Design Essentials, Effective User Research, Creating User Personas, Developing a UX Design Concept, Prototyping and UX Feedback, and Evaluating Usability.
Singapore American School, Singapore, SG, High School, Highschool Diploma
Kodaikanal International School, Kodaikanal, IN, BArch, International Baccalaureate
United World College of South-East Asia, Singapore, SG / Dover Street Campus, High School, IGCSE
California College of the Arts Architecture Book Awards, Nomination
Excellence in Architectural History & Theory
First Year Chair Award - California College of the Arts, 1st Place
Excellence in Measured Drawing
California College of the Arts Merit Scholarship, Scholarship
Excellence in Architecture Award - Singapore American School, Award
