HINALI SHAH

Hinali Shah is an Architectural Designer, Writer, and a Podcaster. She is passionate about working with urban communities through design and stories in various forms. She co-hosts a podcast called 12 Ounces which delves into the cultural identity of being an immigrant and a South Asian American. You will most likely find her reading or sketching in the various parks across New York City.

What encouraged you to seek other experiences outside of “studio?”

I have always been interested in learning new things and I figured that I needed experiences outside of just studio to get that extension to knowledge since sometimes it can be hard to get that if you are so focused on one thing. Ever since I started college, I was working on campus and through the help of some faculty and staff I was able to get a lot more from my college experience.

Photo by Gianna Daloia - Courtesy of Hinali Shah

Since the architecture major is very time consuming, how were you able to pursue different opportunities within the city and outside of the US?

A lot of my outside opportunities came through me working on campus. I was able to dedicate some time outside of studio by managing my time wisely to prioritize studio but also work with different organizations and people in school which led me to volunteer at places in the city and outside. At the end of the day, all of these experiences merged for me as it helped me shape a different perspective on architecture and design but also to be a civic leader.

Hinali in Motion - Courtesy of Hinali Shah

Inspired by using writing as a form of expression, what did you gain from your Editorial Internship at Metropolis Magazine?

I was able to learn a lot about the process in which designers tell stories through architecture and also about the way the magazine industry works. Through this internship I was able to write stories about upcoming developments and architecture and interview prominent people who were part of the process.

Thesis Project - Courtesy of Hinali Shah

Based on your article featured on NYIT, we were fascinated by your podcast, 12 Ounces, as a platform that discusses a “split cultural identity.” Have you found other ways to curate interdisciplinary experiences during your path as an architect?

Writing and telling stories has always been part of my process as a designer, but through 12 Ounces I was able to delve deeper into my cultural identity and share and learn from others who felt similar. In terms of curating other interdisciplinary experiences, I have been able to be part of competitions that relate to urban planning and public health at Emory University, learn about Affordable Housing in New York City through being an exhibition docent, and I feel I will keep learning different aspects of being a designer throughout my life.

As a 2018 architectural graduate, how does 12 Ounces carve your path as a future architect?

12 Ounces has helped me a lot in terms of understanding cultural disparities and people and that helps me to look at architecture in a more wholesome way. For me architecture is about people and places and that is directly related to the lived cultural experience that can be also reflected to the architecture we design. Through the stories that people have told, through the research we do at 12 Ounces, and all the other pieces that comes together to tell an authentic story, I feel that helps me to be a mindful designer and an architect.

HINALI SHAH

SHANNON RODRIGUEZ

JULIE NELSON