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Purva Yatindra Borkar

Purva Yatindra Borkar

Urbana, IL, US

 

About 

I am an Urban Designer and Architect with a deep passion for creating community-oriented and environmentally sensitive designs. My academic journey, which includes a Master's in Sustainable Urban Design and Urban Design, has honed my skills in placemaking, master planning and sustainable urban design. I have experience working on diverse projects, from master planning and streetscape design to public infrastructure and sustainable open spaces. I thrive on collaborating with professionals to craft innovative solutions that enhance urban living, promote ecological balance, and transform spaces into vibrant, inclusive environments.

Employment 

MKSK, Chicago, IL, US, Summer Planning Intern

I collaborated closely with senior planners and architects to develop vision boards, diagrams, models, and drawings, utilizing Adobe Creative Suite and Rhino. My role involved actively contributing to community engagement efforts, where I assisted in designing and assembling engaging materials to communicate urban design concepts effectively. Additionally, I supported the development of master plans by creating libraries of precedent images, linking them to concept sketches, and contributing to wayfinding analysis and 3D visualizations. I also conducted concentrated studies on redevelopment concepts, drafted conceptual layouts, and prepared framework plans that integrated existing and new street networks, all while considering environmental impacts and site-specific challenges.

Jun 2024 - Jul 2024
 

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority SEZ (JNPA), Navi Mumbai, India, Summer Urban Design Intern

Contributed to the master planning and landscape design of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust Special Economic Zone (JNPA SEZ) during a summer internship. Deliverables included plot reconstitution, streetscape design for the Central Avenue entry corridor, green pockets and public space landscape design. Prepared tender drawings and engineering details. Volunteered in a Tree Plantation Drive within the SEZ, helping plant over 2,500 native trees - an extremely rewarding experience. This internship provided meaningful exposure to large-scale master planning and creating sustainable urban communities.

May 2022 - Jul 2022
 

Jacobs Engineering, Navi Mumbai, India, Graduate Trainee

Developed architectural working drawings for a modern warehouse facility as part of a Graduate Trainee program. Key contributions included detailing critical building components including structural systems, interior layouts and exterior facades. Leveraged strong technical skills in Revit and AutoCAD to produce complete construction drawings. This experience provided hands-on exposure to technical design and documentation for a large-scale industrial project.

Jun 2021 - Jul 2021
 

Design4, Bangalore City, IN, Junior Architect

Redeveloped and re-designed the Dhirubhai Ambani Life Science campus in Navi Mumbai, India; comprising research facilities, warehouse and supportive amenities. Coordinated closely with clients to understand design requirements and project objectives. Prepared detailed architectural drawings and 3D visualizations using Revit. Conducted extensive site visits to analyze existing infrastructure and document structures. Synthesized findings into design recommendations and final working drawings. This project sharpened skills in client collaboration, technical design, and translating concepts into buildable solutions.

Jan 2021 - May 2021
 

Education 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana-Champaign, Masters, Masters in Sustainable Urban Design

Pursuing my Master's in Sustainable Urban Design at UIUC has significantly enriched my understanding of sustainable urban design principles and their practical application. The program has strengthened my technical skills through hands-on projects and advanced software learning. Engaging in activities like volunteering at the ASLA conference and participating in the all-department Charrette with the Site Design Group has broadened my industry knowledge and network. Serving as a class representative honed my leadership and communication skills, further preparing me to contribute effectively to sustainable urban design initiatives.

Aug 2023 - Aug 2024
 

CEPT University, Ahmedabad, IN, Masters, Masters in Urban Design

Through my Master's in Urban Design from CEPT University, I gained a comprehensive understanding of urban planning and design principles, combining rigorous theoretical knowledge with practical application. The program sharpened my skills in key software tools, including GIS, AutoCAD, Photoshop, SketchUp, Illustrator, InDesign, Revit, Vray, and Microsoft Office. Learning under the guidance of experienced professionals and engaging in creative team projects allowed me to refine my collaborative skills, creative problem-solving, and adaptability. This well-rounded education, enriched by both academic and extracurricular experiences, has equipped me to contribute effectively to urban design projects.

Aug 2021 - May 2023
 

Mumbai University, India, Navi Mumbai, India, BArch, Architecture

My education at Mumbai University's Bachelor of Architecture program was a transformative experience that thoroughly prepared me for the architectural and urban design fields. Over five years, I gained a deep understanding of architectural design, interior and landscape design, urban planning, and construction theories. The rigorous curriculum sharpened my technical skills in both digital tools like AutoCAD, Rhino, and Revit, and traditional design methodologies. My participation in competitions and college festivals such as Alegria and Mindscape further developed my teamwork, leadership, and creative problem-solving abilities. These experiences have not only enhanced my theoretical and practical skills but also instilled the resilience and adaptability essential for success in the dynamic world of urban design. This holistic education has equipped me with a well-rounded set of skills, ready to contribute effectively to innovative and collaborative projects.

Aug 2015 - Oct 2020
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills