Archinect
Palak Shah

Palak Shah

Toronto, ON, CA

 
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About 

Hi there,

I'm Palak, a Designer, and registered architect licensed to practice in India, currently based in North America. My journey includes earning a master's in Architecture from the widely recognized University of Virginia. Besides my formal education background, I've had the privilege of working in architectural hubs like Los Angeles and New York, leveraging my diverse educational background from fine institutions like Sir JJ College of Architecture.

I am open to exploring different opportunities, that challenge me within the complex realm of Architecture and am willing to relocate if the right opportunity finds me. My most vital assets are my diverse educational background, a wide range of digital and conceptual skills, and professional construction experience. My Key Qualifications Include:

  • +4 Years of experience in the architecture and design industry
  • Extensive knowledge in Project management as a Lead designer
  • Proficient and skilled in a diverse range of digital tools such as Revit, CAD, graphic design, 3D modeling softwares, and possess excellent presentation skills. 
  • Strong Interest in creative problem solving, attention to detail, and motivation to upskill & learn
  • Fluent in written and oratory communication and multilingual in 6 different languages.
  • Firm Understanding & Knowledge of LEED Concepts as a LEED® AP BD+C.
  • Actively pursuing my ARE license in the state of California.

My core interests lie in experimenting with different sustainable practices and vernacular-built forms. I share a deep love for the mountains, which explains my crazy avidness for exploring the Himalayas. As an avid thinker, I try to amalgamate my vivid imagination and love for nature on the drawing desk.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

World Architecture Community, Country Editor

Proactively curating creative content & interviews in the discipline of design & arts.

Mentoring & reviewing works of fellow country reporters prior to live publication.

Shouldering outreach and networking with the design community for fresh ideas and content fit for the publication readers.

May 2022 - current
 

HLW International, Los Angeles, CA, US, Designer

Co-designed & developed architecture from concept for a manifold of
commercial, adaptive reuse & re-positioning projects while keeping in line
with the project scope.
Co-ordinated, created, and consolidated preliminary designs for a range of
professional competitions.
Spearheaded mentorship initiative at HLW, by organizing as well as hosting
a firm-wide externship program in affiliation with various universities.

Oct 2021 - current
 

World Architecture Community, Design Journalist

Architectural Journalist, content writer, and country reporter for USA as well as a curator for a diverse range of interviews with global architects.

Nov 2020 - current
 

Etelamaki Architecture, Brooklyn, NY, US, Designer

Apr 2021 - Sep 2021
 

VMDO Architects, Charlottesville, VA, US, Extern

Participated in Teamwork, Conceptual design and produced preliminary iterations for an upcoming public recreation project.

Jan 2020 - Jan 2020
 

Ranjit Sinh Associates, Mumbai, IN, Junior Architect

Chief Designer for Architectural projects. Supervising on-site developments communicating with consultants and performing as an active link between clients.

Dec 2015 - Dec 2017
 

Education 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, US, MArch, Architecture

Masters in Architecture

Aug 2018 - May 2020
 

Sir JJ College of Architecture (NAAC Accreditation A+), Mumbai, IN, BArch, Architecture

Bachelor of Architecture

Aug 2011 - May 2016
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills