Growing up, I found ways to nurture my love of creation. I made and painted models, fabrics, etc. Being in India also afforded me the opportunity to come across my motherland’s many different buildings, from different times in its history.
These structures (and their interiors) always impressed me, and juxtaposed with the modern counterparts, sometimes literally, I found myself wondering about their similarities and differences. The biggest common factor was that the interiors seemed to showcase the persona of the people in the structure. When we went on tours in undergrad, this creative expression of personality and beauty struck me as something inspiring. This was what drove me through undergrad, what gave me purpose.
When I began my life as a professional architect, the single driving thought was to create something that showcased the customer perfectly, and to see the expression of joy on their faces when these visions were realized. I have never been happier than when I get a chance to create and put my feelings into my work. I had also discovered a second passion, teaching (I taught Interior Design). I loved being able to convey my love for Architecture and Interior Design through my teaching. I want to be able to design, to create interiors. The scope for an Architect is far more varied than “just” the act of designing a physical structure. From set design in movies to virtual worlds in games, an Architect’s touch is necessary to showcase the character of the people that populate those worlds.
However, I feel that there is still much to learn.
Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles, California , Facilities Service Coordinator
Part of Modernization of the Existing Facilities team. Perform liaison duties among District schools and offices, involved during Pre-Construction, Building Specifications, Facilities Contracts, Job Walks with OAR, Working on RFI/RFP, Change orders and Closeout. Go on field checks on new construction, modernization, and repair projects to determine compliance with job specifications, plans, established District standards, and federal policies.
Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles, California , Engineering Aide
Managed the LAUSD - North Region 2 database 200 schools (Elementary, Middle and High Schools). Part of the team doing the Facilities Conditioning Index (part of the MeasureQ Bond). Develop and maintain space management drawings, incorporating architectural data using CAD/CAFM from as-built drawings and field survey. Worked with the Facilities records team in maintaining and updating database in the current system.
Habitat for Humanity, Los Angeles, CA, US, VOLUNTEER
Construction Site : Burnett, Long Beach
Construction Site : Cameron, Long Beach
Construction Site : Cota, Long Beach
Barath Building Construction (I) Pvt Ltd, Chennai, INDIA, PROJECT ARCHITECT (Interiors)
BBC “City Paark”: Interior Design Pre-visualization
A 120 apartment project (gated community). I was the in-house Architect, and worked on the interiors of their Model Apartment and Clubhouse. Prepared tenders and contracts with all specification of materials. Called in for vendors as we were the purchase managers for all the materials.
BBC “City Paark”: Custom Interior Design
Worked on 30 apartment interiors for individual customers, by giving them a schematic presentation on their house interiors, the materials and the color combinations. Gave them a detailed estimate of the cost of their customized interiors.
Exterior Interior Pvt Ltd, Chennai, INDIA, LECTURER
Taught students the basics of Interior Design. A diploma course on the basics of design and construction. Taught how to do hand drafting, model making. Projects done in the course were a house and a suite of a hotel.
K.S. Ranganath Architecture, Chennai, INDIA, ARCHITECT
Chennai Mathematical Institute (3rd phase)
The project was in its 3 rd phase on their master plan of the campus. An auditorium with classrooms above and with faculty rooms to stay. It is a Ground +5 structure. I worked from the concept stage, to approval and tenders, and then went on to make working drawings, by coordinating with all the service consultants.
Osian Heights Apartments
150 apartment project (gated community). Worked from scheme drawings to approval drawings, and tender drawings and working drawings. Did site supervision and coordinated with the structural and the service consultant throughout the project.
ALOFT Hotel
Prepared scheme drawings and pre working drawings. Did the approval drawings and now working on the working drawings and coordination with the consultants for the accuracy in these drawings.
MLCP, Kochi by Larsen & Toubro
Multilevel car parking for 400 cars. Worked on the pre working and working drawings.
Chennai Mathematical Institute (2nd phase)
Prepared working drawings (hostel block) and a critical study on the building.
Tariq Jameel Design Inc, Chennai, INDIA, DESIGN ARCHITECT (Worked Part time)
Cherian Citadel (Apartment)
Interiors for a 2000 sq ft service apartment. Design and execution of drawings and site co ordination
Cherian Citadel (Apartment)
Renovation of 4 bathrooms and redoing the whole kitchen for a furnished apartment. Design and execution of drawings and site coordination.
High Breeze (Apartment)
Interiors for a 1300 sq ft service apartment. Design and execution of drawings and site co ordination
Taj Coromandel
Interiors for the TAJ group for their staff cafeteria. Design and execution of drawings and site co ordination.
Taj Connemara
Interiors for the TAJ group for their staff cafeteria, gents locker room and recreation center. Design of the respective areas. Schematic and suggestive presentation.
Personal Residence for couple
Interiors for their 3000 sq ft residence. Design and Presentation.
Personal Residence for couple
Interiors for their 2400 sq ft residence. Design and Presentation.
Visvesvaraya Technological University, Tumkur, INDIA, BArch, Bachelor in Architecture
Zonal for National Association of Students of Architecture, 1st Place
First place (as part of a team) in ZONASA (Zonal for National Association of Students of Architecture) (2004)
National Association of Students of Architecture, 1st Place
First place in NASA (National Association of Students of Architecture) competition (2003). For an Individual design competition held on the spot.
