Indu Shaji Urban Design Portfolio

ARCHITECTURE URBAN DESIGN PLACEMAKING

Architectural Designer

Urban

Designer Illustrator

Indu Shaji

ABOUT ME

Architect and Urban Designer with 4+ years of experience and a proven track record of working with cross-functional teams. Delivered 20+ architectural and masterplanning projects spanning across India, Middle-East, Africa and South East Asia. Skilled at crafting conceptual and detailed designs, site analysis and producing compelling diagrams and graphics to illustrate key themes.

SOFT SKILLS

Communication

Collaboration

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving

Project Management

Leadership

4+ years of Experience in Global MNCs

B. Arch & M.Arch from top Universities

Passionate, Quick Learner with a strong Design skillset

PERSONAL INFO

Phone

(+1) 647 6845227

Email indusshaji@gmail.com

LinkedIn https://in.linkedin.com/in/indushaji

TECHNICAL SKILLS

AutoCAD

Revit

Sketchup

Adobe Creative Suite

Architectural Graphics

Microsoft Office

WORK

Downtown Van | Vancouver, BC | Dec 2023-present

Public Realm Beautification Coordinator

Oversee beautification projects such as laneway transformations, parks, plazas, and streetscape enhancements across 90 blocks.

• Supported the activation of 4 public spaces, enhancing community engagement.

Built relationships with stakeholders, such as City staff, businesses, vendors, and property managers on 5 projects.

• Prepare project scope document, budget management, streetscaperelated design, policy and advocacy efforts.

CBRE | Bangalore, India | Oct 2020-Jul 2023

Senior Urban Designer

• Key Architect & Masterplanner at a Fortune 500 firm. Designed and delivered 20+ Architecture and Masterplanning projects across India, Middle East and South-East Asia.

• Site analysis, concept design, detailed design, and tender drawings.

• Produced 15+ design reports and client presentations; supported in preparing RFP.

Increased site efficiency on masterplans by 15-30% using optimised layouts.

• Mentored Junior designers and interns in various projects.

Dar Al Handasah | Pune, India | Aug 2019-Oct 2020

Architect

• Served as a BIM architect on projects across the Middle East, Africa and Russia.

Delivered design deliverables, working drawings and reports, coordinating with over 5 interdisciplinary teams per project.

EDUCATION

M. Arch | Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India

Jul 2017- May 2019

Thesis research | Technical University of Munich, Germany

Sep 2018- Mar 2019

B. Arch | National Institute of Technology, Calicut, India

Jul 2012- May 2017

SCHOLARSHIPS & HONORS

CONFERENCES

DAAD scholarship for academic excellence

CBRE – Best Squad Award for the year 2020

CBRE – Nominated for Shining Star Award 2023

University of Greenwich, London | Mar 2019

Presented paper on ‘The production of Refugee place in time: Case of Tibetans’ at International Conference on Migrating World: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Migration and Integration’.

VOLUNTEERING EXPERIENCE

INTERESTS

Women In Architecture Vancouver

Programming Volunteer | 2024

Kadhayil Alpam Karyam (KAK) India

Co-founder and Volunteer Head | 2021 - Present

Folksnfables Children’s book illustration agency

Co-founder and Creative Director | 2020 - Present

Architectural Sketching, Volunteering, Trekking, Scuba Diving

Design Philosophy

Inspired by legendary designers like Jan Gehl, I believe in keeping human needs at the centre of urban design and planning. I want to work towards humanizing cities and make it a natural extension of our planet, instead of an alien protuberance. With each project, I strive to create inclusive, dynamic spaces that stands the test of time. My dream is to create spaces that inspire awe and wonder, spaces that make us pause and appreciate the human capacity for creativity and ingenuity. It’s about celebrating the beauty of the city as a work of art, where every corner is a brushstroke and every building a masterpiece!

MASTERPLANNING

CBRE

MASTERPLANNING

CBRE

URBAN DESIGN

CBRE

URBAN DESIGN

CBRE

URBAN DESIGN

CBRE

ARCHITECTURE

DAR AL HANDASAH

MISCELLANEOUS

NEOM BAY AIRPORT STAFF TOWNSHIP

Integrated residential Development NEOM, KSA

THE HUB : BUSINESS PARK

Integrated Business Development BANGALORE, INDIA

KANNUR BEACH-FRONT DEVELOPMENT

Tourism project at longest drive-in beach in Asia. KERALA, INDIA

ABB INDUSTRIAL PARK

Redevelopment of existing Industrial campus FARIDABAD, INDIA

NANDAVANAM: BEACH-FRONT ECOPARK

An entertainment zone and beach-front destination CHENNAI, INDIA

DIAR DUSHANBE STAFF HOUSING PHASE II

High-rise Residential Development DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN

TRACK RECORD

Miscellaneous projects INDIA, MIDDLE-EAST, SOUTH-EAST ASIA

NEOM BAY AIRPORT STAFF TOWNSHIP

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA | RESIDENTIAL | 300 ACRES | 2020

My contribution: Residential blocks B,C and E layouts, Graphics, Materplan rendering, Design report

Positioned along Tabuk province’s Red Sea coast, near Neom Bay International Airport, the site offers a prime canvas for visionary design. At its core, the design ethos centers on crafting a dynamic, eco-conscious, and easily navigable urban hub. A car-free central axis serves as the nucleus, fostering a pedestrian-friendly environment. The masterplan strategically maximizes ocean vistas, complemented by green corridors that encourage natural airflow and micro-climates. Seaside residences are thoughtfully oriented to embrace sweeping ocean views, while communal spaces and amenities anchor the periphery.

Premium villa

Standard townhouse/

standard apartment

Modern apartment

Basic apartment

School

Religious facility

City hall

Medical facility

Community facility

Sports center

Office

Retail

Hotel/service apartment

Villas/ townhouses

Apartments

Amenities

Green zone

A. All the developments are accessible through primary loop road and the secondary roads.

B. The central community green has been strategically planned to make it a vehicle free pedestrian friendly zone.

RED SEA

NEOM BAY AIRPORT

Softwares: Procreate, Autocad, Photoshop

02

THE HUB : BUSINESS PARK

BANGALORE, INDIA | COMMERCIAL | 49.3 ACRES | 2021

My contribution: Masterplan Rendering, 3D, Graphics, Design strategies layers, Design report

The site is strategically located near the Bangalore International Airport and is accessible from the ational Highway 44, adjoining Ozone Urbana Residential Development.

-Efficient Master Layout with minimum waste of space considering the shape of the site.

-Maximize the development potential – FSI and Ground Coverage

-Central core for high-rise office towers

A B C D E

No. of Building: 4

No. of Floors: 10 & 12

BUA: 240,682.1 sqm No. of Cars: 2,770

No. of Building: 7

No. of Floors: 10

BUA: 160,965.0 sqm No. of Cars: 1,975

No. of Building: 1

No. of Floors: 10

BUA: 39540.00 sqm No. of Cars: 462

C B A

No. of Building: 3

No. of Floors: 12

BUA: 95370.8 sqm No. of Cars: 987

No. of Building: 3

No. of Floors: 12

BUA: 95370.8 sqm No. of Cars: 987

Software: Sketchup, Photoshop

PLACEMAKING

Connecting various spaces and integrating existing features.

TERRAIN

Respecting the terrain of the site through a responsive design approach.

DESIGN STRATEGIES

Ground plan

Landscape strategy

ICONIC

Unique built form with attractive façade design.

SUSTAINABLE

Using sustainable design technology, both passive and active design solutions.

Legibility mapping

Phasing

Figure

URBAN STRUCTURE

Active frontages, sensitive response to boundary conditions and contextual response.

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible for all kinds of users, both pedestrian and vehicular movement, seamless circulation.

LEGIBLE

In integrated design project, legibility plays a major role in the success of a project.

ADAPTABILITY

Adaptable site planning structure that allows for variety of tenants.

Access and Movement: Pedestrian Movement

Access and Movement: Employee Movement

Access and Movement: Street Heirarchy

Access and Movement: Visitor Movement

03

MUZAPPILANGAD BEACH-FRONT DEVELOPMENT

KERALA, INDIA | WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT | 7 SQKM | 2021

My contribution: Construction drawings, Sections, Details, Landscape design drawings, Sheet layouts

The brief was to create a destination for tourists providing a holistic experience and utilizing the potential of beautiful beach-fronts and dense vegetation, natural landscapes. The site is one of the longest drive-in beach in India and the challenge was to ensure sustainable growth solutions including diversified visitor profiles beyond drive-in beach visitors. The intention is to put Kannur on the world map. The key feature included improving the placemaking, landscape and urban design elements of the project from concept to good for construction. The project is divided in to 4 key character areas and character area 1 is under construction.

PROMENADE

Beach activities, Art Festivals, Jogging track, Shading structures, Public seating, Beach drive, Food and beverages

WATER SPORTS

Boat rides, Jet Ski, Para-sailing, and Beach volleyball

ENTERTAINMENT

Fountain Show, Ferris wheel, Food & Beverages, Boat restaurants, Cruise Rides.

NATURE WALKS

Nature trails, Nature Spas, Meditation Centre, Luxury day stay.

RUBBISH BIN TYPE B(HDPE 50L Waste segregation bins (3-basket). Fixture will be as per vendor suggestion and Architect/ contractor approval)

SEATING TYPE B (Size: 2.7 x 0.45m, Floor mounted FRC banch with reused wooden top and precast planter bed. Fixture will be as per vendor suggstion and Architect/ contractor approval)

STARTING POINT- 0.00

ELECTRICAL CHAMBER (As per specifications)

3mtr. Fixture will be as per vendor suggstion and Architect/ contractor approval)

GRASS PATCH (Zoysia Japonica lawn)Bed Preperation as per specification

CENTRE DRAIN : Prefabricated metal grating (Cast Iron). Fixture will be as per vendor suggestion and Architect/ contractor approval)

COBBLED PAVEMENT 1 (10cm x 10cm handcut cobble stone. Colour and Laying pattern as per Architect Approval)

COBBLED PAVEMENT 2 (10cm x 10cm handcut cobble stone. Colour and Laying pattern as per Architect Approval)

Area 1A_Part Plan_GFC drawing

TREE TYPE A (TTA) (5m tall Palm tree (Roystonea regia) with 10m c/c distance)

CONSTRUCTION WORK IN PROGRESS

ABB INDUSTRIAL CAMPUS REDEVELOPMENT

FARIDABAD, INDIA | INDUSTRIAL | 8.3 ACRES | 2022

My contribution: Design solutions, 3D, Graphics, Design report

The site is located within the NCR, and houses the offices, and warehouses, for ABB (Global leader of electrical and automation technology). The design focus on creating a designated area for employee, vehicles, and trucks. The concept features segregated entry and exit points for trucks, employee four-wheelers, two-wheelers, and pedestrians. An MLCP (Multi-level car parking) is proposed near the amenity block, and employees’ vehicles can access this space via a separate entry gate to avoid traffic congestion between trucks and vehicles.

Measures to improve legibility of entry zone and gates. Placemaking measures can aid in creating an employee centric campus. Employee hangout places and amenities can make the campus vibrant and inclusive.

MLCP

Central Plaza

A central plaza can be developed as the heart of campus enriched by employee engagement zones away from the truck movement.

MLCP

The benefits of proposing MLCP away from the central zones are several including increasing green recreational zones within the campus.

Separate Entry gate

There are two separate entry gates for employees, one exclusively for vehicles and another one exclusively for pedestrian entry.

Vehicular Movement

Entry 3 caters to vehicular movement, segregated from other modes.

An MLCP (22mX38.5m) of two levels with stack parking on each floor is proposed near the amenity block to avoid traffic congestion between trucks and vehicles and can accommodate nearly 70 cars.

Truck Movement

The one-way truck movement along a 6.5m wide concrete road enables smooth movement across the truck zone.

Designated truck drivers’ recreation space is provided in proximity to the warehouse, such that it creates clear segregation in user permeability.

Software: Illustrator, Sketchup

05

NANDAVANAM: THE BEACH-FRONT ECOPARK

CHENNAI, INDIA | BEACH-FRONT DEVELOPMENT | 230 ACRES | 2022

My contribution: Masterplan design and rendering, 3D, Graphics, Design strategies layers, Design report

The site offered unique challenges including sea level rising, revenue generation, waste management etc. Client wanted to develop an integrated tourist destination at this location. The key feature included improving the placemaking, landscape and urban design elements of the project from concept to good for construction.

The Site is approached through East Coast Road with a 3 km long road frontage. Three burial grounds inside the site are an area of concern to carefully design without interrupting the activities of the Eco park and the burial ground.

Software: Sketchup

The design approach aimed to create a unifying trail with micro-experiences. Despite the site being divided into three precincts, they seamlessly integrate with each other. The design follows an organic planning style, allowing for a free flow of spaces inside. Careful steps were taken to ensure easy vehicular accessibility to all precincts and smooth pedestrian movement across the Nandavanam.

Placemaking elements consist of axes that provide visual and physical connections to the beach, giving a welcoming feel and offering a unique experience. Access points to the beach have been retained at strategic locations as shown on the plan. A buffer around the burial ground has been established to prevent disturbances to the users of Nandavanam due to the activities of the burial ground.

Entry/Exit Parking Event Arena Flea market Food court TN Experience Zone Nandavanam

Skate Park Sports Arena Theme Garden Adventure Zone Kids Play area

Extended Beach Glamping site

DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN | RESIDENTIAL | 4 ACRES | 2020

My contribution: Schematic and Construction Drawings of SDA1 and SDA3 (includes plan, section, details)

SDA1

The site is located in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan situated in Hissar valley. It has many advantages as it is situated at the north east part of the city, approximately 5 km from the Dushanbe airport. It is close to the Dushanbinka River, adjacent to the Gissar Canal and overlooks the Kuli Javonon Lake. The Site can be accessed through the 30 m wide main Road- Nurullo Khuvaydulloev Street which further connects to the city major highway Ismoli Somoni Avenue.

Key Plan

SDA 1 (Presentation Drawngs)

Being a core member of the production team, I was incharge of preparing drawings for two buildings: SDA1 and SDA 3.

-Responsible fot production of drawing set for Tender design stage.

-Utilized BIM technologies in development of three dimentional models of buildings and their components.

-Coordinated building systems to ensure compatibility with the design intent.

-Worked as part of the core team to produce working drawings.

Artist’s Impression

Longitudinal Section

First

Key Plan

Part of leading the process of creating and developing the fundamental design principles to guide a project from the earliest stages of its conception and continue to assist in its development and refinement through subsequent design and implementation process.

Other responsibilities include:

-Providing assistance to design and contruction teams. responsible for developing and refining drawings especially floor plans, sections and details.

-Successful delivery of window, door and aluminium schedules along with the drawings.

-Keeps the principal and Group leader in charge informed of progress on project expectations, deliverables and understanding the limits of decision making.

-Ensure project is completed on time.

SDA

3 (Working Drawings)

Typical Floor Plan

North Elevation West Elevation

07 TRACK RECORD

INDIA, MIDDLE-EAST, AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA

LOGISTICS PARK, JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

Client

Type

Size

Role

LogiPoint

Client

NOIDA, INDIA

Government of UP, India

Industrial Industrial

77

Project team member

Prepared concept masterplan options for this industrial site in Jeddah. The project incorporates modular small and large warehouses, staff accommodation, amenities and support retail.

Type

Size

Design

Designed Concept Masterplan for an integrated film city with production facilities, amusement park, hotels and retail connected through a concept of green and blue infrastructure. The entire concept revolved around international quality environment that could attract larger audience.

FILMCITY,

Client

Type

Size Role

Industrial

20 acres

Project team member

Prepared Concept Masterplan for the site. Worked on detailed placemaking, movement strategy, landscape design and façade design from Concept all the way to GFC as part of the project. The project is delivered on the ground and is rated Strong in ESG.

Client

Type

Size Role

Confidential

Commercial

5.6 acres

Design Lead

Designed an iconic concept building by integrating the ground with continuous roof connecting all the blocks.

Created public realm at ground level with clear marina views from road

A high-end lifestyle center anchored by exclusive concepts, e.g. exclusive private club house, auction house, high-end wellness center or/ and international well known culinary school.

LIFESTYLE CENTRE, SENTOSA COVE, SINGAPORE

ABB India Ltd.

ABB INDUSTRIAL CAMPUS, BANGALORE, INDIA

LIVING,

Client Client

Type

Size

Government of Tamil Nadu Confidential, Developer

Residential

Type

8.5 acre 125

Project Team member

Designed the concept masterplan option for a highrise senior living facility in the city of Chennai. The major challenge involved creating floor plans with a mix of unit types, as well as ensuring all the units fit into the high FAR masterplan.

Design

Worked on creating an international quality Warehousing Park addressing the economic, environmental and social sustainability goals. Employee-centric design, restricting the truck movement to the periphery, creating a vibrant central park and interconnected green corridors. A complete segregation of employee and truck movement creates a safe and people-centric environment.

SENIOR

CHENNAI, INDIA

WAREHOUSING PARK, HYDERABAD, INDIA

THIRUMAZHISAI SATELLITE CITY, CHENNAI, INDIA

Client

Type

Size Role

Government of Tamil Nadu

Land-use Planning

8,000 acres

Design Lead

Worked on creating masterplan for the New Town as a brown-field development. The site is conceived as clusters, with cluster sizes ranging from 100 to 450 acres with each cluster having a mix of uses. Residential spaces – blend of high rise and low rise along with landscape

HERITAGE CITY, RAYA, INDIA

Client

Type

Size Role

Government of UP, India

Integrated Development

2,000 acres

Project Team member

CBRE Team won the idea competition and was appointed to prepare a Concept masterplan for an upcoming heritage city. The concept revolves around a safe, inclusive, pedestrian friendly and future proofed integrated development offering opportunities for a number of dwellers and visitors.

“Cities

— Jane Jacobs

Email indusshaji@gmail.com

LinkedIn

https://in.linkedin.com/in/indushaji