CV

Sonakshi Pandey

Architectural Designer & Researcher

Professional Summary

Architectural and Multidisciplinary Designer specializing in computational modeling, digital fabrication, and rapid prototyping. Combines a strong professional background in architectural project delivery with hands-on expertise in parametric design, robotics, and additive manufacturing to develop functional prototypes and advanced physical systems.

Core Competencies

• Advanced Design & Fabrication: Parametric Modeling, Computational Design, Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing, Robotics, Physical Prototyping.
• Technical Software: Rhino 8, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, Revit, Lumion, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite.
• Innovation & Strategy: Cross-functional Collaboration, Sustainable Production Methods, Design Research, Strategic Project Management, Brand Scaling.

Experience & Research

Autodesk Research Resident Autodesk | San Francisco, CA (August 2025 – May 2026)

• Drove advanced design research initiatives by integrating 6-axis robotics and digital fabrication into experimental workflows, establishing new frameworks for physical product innovation.
• Key Project — AeroWall: Designed a performative facade reimagining traditional passive cooling through parametrically optimized geometry, clay materiality, and robotic fabrication.
• Developed material studies and simulation protocols, utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze complex behaviors and predict physical performance under dynamic environmental conditions.

Founder & Lead Designer Studio Sonakshi Pandey | India (January 2021 – December 2023)

• Led an independent design studio managing end-to-end project lifecycles from initial conceptualization to physical execution.
• Directed cross-functional vendors, artisans, and clients, ensuring high-fidelity outputs that balance aesthetic vision with structural realities.

Junior Architect Studio S+D | Jaipur, India (October 2017 – June 2018)

• Accelerated project execution across residential and commercial architecture projects by producing detailed models and leading comprehensive exterior and interior design initiatives.
• Streamlined physical production by driving strategic material selection and coordinating site logistics to ensure high-fidelity outcomes.

Architectural Intern ARCOP Associates Pvt Ltd | New Delhi, India (2016)

• Contributed to large-scale design development, producing technical drawings and participating in rigorous design reviews.

Education

Master of Advanced Architectural Design (MAAD) in Digital Crafts & Fabrication California College of the Arts (CCA), California (August 2024 – December 2025)

• GPA: 3.92/4.0
• Focus: Computational design, digital fabrication, and integrating technology with physical craftsmanship.

Master of Architecture University of Newcastle, Australia (July 2018 – July 2020)

Bachelor of Architecture Aayojan School of Architecture, Jaipur, India (August 2012 – June 2017)

Languages

• English: Fluent (Speaking, Reading, Writing)
• Hindi: Native Language