Archinect
Shalini .D. Amin

Shalini .D. Amin

New York, NY, US

 
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About 

I am an architectural designer based in New York, with over 5 years of residential, commercial, hospitality, and experiential projects. My experience thus far has allowed me to develop and expand my skills in energy analysis, design, project management, fabrication, and coordination. My passion lies in innovative materials and sustainable practices in the design and construction process. I am particularly excited about renewable resources, contextual design, and creating a healthy, resilient built environment.

I strive to challenge myself and learn continuously, which has allowed me to develop a diverse skillset from a wide range of work experiences. Having lived in East Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, I value drawing on my interests and multicultural background in creating contextual design solutions that respect the company, client, and environment.

Architecture and Design are inherently methodical processes, exploring solutions to spatial design problems to address each scenario. I am fascinated with details and materials and the impact they can have. From all the elements that make a building come together to the experimental regions of design, the intricacies and interconnected nature of the design world are what I find exciting.

Employment 

Halatsis Architect, New York, NY, US, Project Designer

Executed all stages of design, from schematic through permitting, for luxury renovations of private homes and a housing development located in the Hamptons.
Carried out site surveys and coordination for projects currently in progress.
Design development and rendered facade proposals for a cultural institution.
Created and implemented project organization and design standards.

Jan 2021 - current
 

Freelance/Self Employed, Architectural Designer

Clients: Afroventures Tourism, Private Residents, Sharoka Leisure Resorts

Developed schematic design drawings, 2D and 3D design options for restaurant/bar, and residential projects.
Engaged in research and design development to maximize natural light & ventilation and passive energy systems.
Generated drawings ranging from free-hand conceptual sketches to final rendered furniture plans.
Created and implemented detailed spreadsheets for project progress and management.

Jun 2016 - current
 

Rawlings Architects PC, New York, NY, US, Project Designer

Created and managed detailed construction documents and drawings in Revit for a large ground-up construction project.
Contributed to regular consultant coordination meetings with structural and MEP engineers.
Created complex custom Revit components for furniture, energy calculation, and zoning analysis.
Executed zoning documents and daylighting analysis in Revit.
Designed graphics and layout for the “Rawlings Architects Collected Works” portfolio and RFP response packages.

Apr 2019 - Jul 2020
 

Ralph Lauren Corporation, New York, NY, US, Freelance Designer

Managed drawings, budget assessment, and filling of time-sensitive permit sets for store renovations across the US.
Optimized and coordinated projected construction timelines and material delivery schedules.

Jan 2019 - Apr 2019
 

dtls.architecture, New York, NY, US, Independent Design Consultant

Design and project management for commercial and residential renovations through all design phases; included product soucing, cost assessment, and construction coordination.
Conducted site surveys, code review, and weekly on-site meetings with contractors and consultants.
Developed research and temporary installation projects involving non-traditional and innovative materials.
Executed Zoning Analysis, LPC & DOB drawing sets, and paperwork for both commercial and residential renovations.

Jul 2017 - Jul 2018
 

STUDIOS Architecture, New York, NY, US, Architectural Designer

Produced construction document sets, detail drawings, and 2D & 3D design development proposals in Revit.
Created schematic design and interior finish presentations for high-end commercial and retail projects.

Oct 2017 - Mar 2018
 

Building Studio Architects, New York, NY, US, Architectural Designer

Led design and project management for ADA-compliant apartment renovations.
Developed large construction document sets, construction details, and 3D rendered proposals for private homes.
Created, organized, and managed construction document sets for DOB, Landmarks, and Natural Area filing.
Compiled project proposals, including zoning documents, code references, calculations, and tax maps.

Jul 2016 - Jul 2017
 

GreenbergFarrow, New York, NY, US, Architectural Designer

Created design development drawings and detailed 3D models for large-scale, mixed-use projects in the US and China.
Assisted in schematic design for early-stage proposals with clients.
Developed floor-plate organization strategies and test-fit apartment layouts, including square footage and FAR calculations.

Jan 2016 - May 2016
 

Columbia University, New York, NY, US, Graduate Teaching Assistant

Local, Global, Post Colonial History. Questioning the term "westernization" versus "Modernization" and what this has meant for the growth and development of cities worldwide.

In-depth research and sourcing material on current events and news articles about architecture, development, and urbanization relating to the "non-west."
Library research and collecting of relevant readings
Compilation of student work for publication
Preparation and organization of current events research for class discussion

Jan 2015 - May 2015
 

GSAPP Exhibitions, New York, NY, US, Exhibitions Fabricator

Fabricated and assembled customized installations for curated architectural exhibitions.
Developed expertise with material properties, CNC milling, tools, and lighting techniques.
Honed skills with immediate design adjustments on-site and working within strict time constraints.
Formed part of the core team preparing the NAAB Accreditation exhibition of student work.

Jan 2013 - May 2014
 

Education 

Columbia University, New York, NY, US, MArch, Architecture

Sep 2012 - May 2015
 

Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, US, Bachelors, Architecture / Entrepreneurship

Sep 2007 - May 2011
 

Awards 

ArchDaily Best Student Work Worldwide [compilation], Other

Final student installation titled ‘Kerby’ was featured on ArchDaily in a 2015 compilation of best student projects worldwide.

2015
 

William Kinne Travelling Fellowship, Grant

Awarded a traveling stipend for a traveling fellowship, focusing on East German and Soviet architectural influences in post-independence East Africa.

2015
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills