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Vishnu Uppalapati

Vishnu Uppalapati

New York

 

About 

www.vishnu-u.com


I design integrated spatial experiences by weaving interactive systems with architecture, creating immersive interactive spaces meant for commerce (branded environments) and socio-cultural exchange such as Exhibits, Museums and Galleries. 

With a background in Industrial Design + HCI, I specialized as an Interior
Architect
at the Rhode Island School of Design as I could see that the future is an integration of digital and physical experiences flowing seamlessly. 

My most recent role was at Thinc, where I was involved in three Exhibit
Design projects in varying phases. This includes the recently unveiled
Skydeck Experience at the Willis Tower, Chicago, a revitalization
project where we improved the visitor experience that narrates the
history and culture of the tower and the city of Chicago. I was involved
in producing 3D models and drawings, environmental graphics, custom
illustrations and signage. I additionally worked on an Aquarium and a
Pavilion project in the Conceptual and Design Development stages, with a
focus in developing interactive installations.

The key aspect I work with is the employment of design, to weave narratives
into contexts, to make each point of engagement a liminal invitation
between the observer and the observed. As storytellers, we hold immense
opportunity and responsibility in shaping culture, context and ambition
for a global audience; both as a way of exploring the realms we share
and how we influence the growth of augmented worlds around us.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Thinc Design, New York, Exhibit Designer

As an Exhibit + Experiential Designer, I work with Architects, Interpretive Planners, the clients, contractors and communities to realize a collective vision of
interpretive spaces in the form of galleries, museums and aquariums. My responsibilities span from concept development to producing working drawings for 3D assets, installations, environmental graphics and construction drawings.

Sep 2019 - Oct 2021
 

Studio Endo, Providence, RI, US, Interior Design & Revit Consultant

Design liaison between Interior Design clients and Studio Endo in design projects. Produced a catalog of the existing product models in Revit.

Skills Employed :
Revit
AutoCAD
Adobe Master Suite

Oct 2018 - Jan 2019
 

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence, RI, US, Asst. Exhibition Designer - Interior Architecture Triennial Show

Assisted Prof. Wolfgang Rudorf in the design, execution and installation of the Triennial Show 2018 for the Department of Interior Architecture.

Skills Employed :
Faro 3D Laser Scan
Revit
AutoCAD
Adobe Master Suite
MDF and Metal Fabrication
Installation with tension cables

Sep 2018 - Nov 2018
 

Samosa Labs, Hyderabad, IN, Lead UI/UX Designer & Information Architecture

Took charge of the 3rd phase of design development with brief and information provided by inhouse data analysts and engineers.

Skills Employed :
Sketch (Design Software for iOS)
Adobe Master Suite

Jul 2015 - Jan 2016
 

ThinkWell Ads, Hyderabad, IN, Production Designer

Handles the art direction for a feature in the local language, Telugu. This included coming up with location-specific set design and construction.

Skills Employed :
Google SketchUp Pro
Adobe Master Suite

Aug 2014 - Apr 2015
 

Design Flyover, Mumbai, IN, Industrial Design Intern (Udaipur Palace Museum Project)

Designed different interactive systems specific to different galleries in the Udaipur Palace Museum.

Skills Employed :
Solid Works
Google SketchUp Pro
AutoCAD
Adobe Master Suite

Dec 2013 - Apr 2014
 

The Hindu, Chennai, IN, Interaction Design Intern (Frontline Magazine App)

Designed the information architecture, digital publication workflow and interaction for the digital version of the socio-political bi-monthly, Frontline magazine.

Skills Employed :
Adobe Master Suite

Mar 2013 - Jun 2013
 

Thota Tharani, Chennai, IN, Production Design (Apprentice)

Assisted as a CAD 3D model builder learned the material sourcing and the process of execution for a feature film.

Jul 2010 - Dec 2010
 

Education 

RISD INTAR Department of Interior Architecture, Providence, RI, US, Masters, MDes. Interior Studies - Interior Architecture

Jun 2016 - Jun 2018
 

DJ Academy of Design, Coimbatore, IN, Bachelors, Industrial Design

Jun 2009 - Jun 2014
 

Awards 

Dorner Prize, Award

RISD Museum's annual design award and grant for executing a site-specific installation.

Team : Ramkumar Rajendran & Vishnu Uppalapati
Installation : Kolam

2017
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills