portfolio
janhavi sankhe
Janhavi Sankhe
Associate AIA | LEED Green Associate
Architectural Designer
reach.janhavis@gmail.com +857-391-4007
About Me
Driven and creative architectural designer with 3 years of professional experience spanning commercial, hospitality, and adaptive reuse projects. Proficient in all phases of architectural design, from concept to construction documentation. Adept in coordinating multidisciplinary teams, problem-solving, and producing detailed, high-quality designs with a strong focus on sustainable practices. Expertise in a wide range of design software, graphic design with a passion for creating spaces that enhance user experience and community engagement.
Architect Experience
SJK Architects, India Dallas, TX
Education
Master of Architecture
Northeastern University
College of Art, Media & Design 2022 - 2024
Bachelor of Architecture
University of Mumbai
Rachna Sansad, Academy of Architecture 2014 - 2019
Proficient In
AutoCAD
Revit
Rhinoceros 3D
SketchUp
Adobe Creative Suite
Enscape
Vectorworks
Lumion
Publications
KoozArch
Student Work Publication - Master’s
Thesis
Northeastern Global News
“Create a Masterpiece” news article
Exhibitions
Speculative Practices
Northeastern University (Student Work Master’s Thesis)
RISE Expo 2024
Architecture Business Model Proposal
Collaborated closely with senior architects and consultants on large-scale commercial, hospitality, and adaptive reuse projects, contributing to design concepts, schematic design, and construction documents.
Developed 3D models, produced presentation drawings, and refined construction documentation using AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite.
Coordinated with MEP consultants to integrate air conditioning and electrical plans, and worked with structural engineers to ensure post-tension slab designs were seamlessly incorporated into architectural layouts.
Conducted research on sustainable materials, contributing to LEED certification efforts and integrating energy-efficient design strategies such as passive cooling and radiant systems.
Educator / Summer Studio Manager
Digital Ready, Boston
Led an immersive architectural design program, fostering innovation and creativity at a non-profit organization in a community college.
Mentored designers in 2D and 3D drawing, modeling, and prototyping in SketchUp.
Teaching Assistant
Northeastern University, Boston
Guided students through recitation labs for an Environmental Systems course, teaching them Rhino and Climate Consultant. Graded papers and held office hours to support undergraduate student success- showcasing organization skills.
Assisted and prepared exercises in recitation labs for an Art and Architecture History course at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Explored the relationship between global history and art with students.
index
Multi-Modal Transit Center
Infrastructure Architecture
K-12 educational Facility
Educational Architecture
Elementary School
Educational Architecture
Kaleidoscopic Garden
Temporary Installation
Silo Seeds Urban Speculation
Commercial Office at Nagpur Workspace Architecture
Hotel At Bodhgaya Hospitality Architecture
MULTI-MODAL TRANSIT CENTER
Project Type: Transport Infrastructure
Role: Undergraduate Thesis
Timeline: Spring 2019
Instructor: Sanjay Mehta
Transit Oriented Development
The thesis adopted a multi-layered approach to understanding the factors contributing to the efficient use of transit hubs.
The project involved identifying successful strategies in existing global and regional transit hubs, analyzing their commonalities, and testing their applicability in diverse contexts. Site-specific demands and requirements were assessed to tailor solutions for Mumbai’s unique urban challenges. Additionally, development plans and maps were examined to evaluate land-use patterns and their evolution over time. User group analysis, built form studies, movement patterns, and human density evaluations were integral to proposing a transit hub that not only facilitated efficient connectivity but also contributed to the vibrancy and livability of the surrounding urban fabric.
Learnings:
Conducted site analysis, land use studies, and user group assessments to evaluate activity patterns and built form evolution.
Proposed a multi-modal transit hub design tailored to Mumbai’s urban demands, integrating pedestrian-friendly spaces, commercial activities, and efficient transit systems.
Created zoning layouts, circulation plans, and urban design proposals that balanced movement, density, and mixed-use development.
Office spaces for the transit office is also important to ensure smooth functioning.
ROOF HIGHLIGHTING SKYLIGHTS
Being one of the busiest junctions in Mumbai, connectivity and gathering spaces is the most important aspect considered in this design.
Exploded axonometric explaining programs, circulation and connectivity. This transit center consists of shopping, retail, pharmacy, civic infrastructure such as a library and gathering spaces that pedestrian and users may require during their daily commute.
signage design
Concourse and ticketing
Floor
Public Space Design: Retail, pharmacy, library, tactical market space
Pedestrian bridge with seating and green pockets
K-12 EDUCATION FACILITY
Project Type: K-12 Educational Facility
Role: Comprehensive Design Studio with Ndidiamaka Onwubueke
Timeline: Spring 2023
Instructor: David Fannon
Education Institute
Designing for longevity, adaptability, and energy efficiency is essential to creating resilient learning environments. This project explores concrete as a structural system to achieve long-span spaces that accommodate future programmatic flexibility while maintaining thermal comfort in a cold climate. The project proposes a primary school for a self-reliant community in Portland, Maine, where high heating demands require an integrated approach to passive design and structural efficiency.
The school utilizes barrel vaults for structural integrity and expansive open spaces while incorporating concrete sandwich panels for insulation, ensuring durability and energy performance. To minimize operational energy consumption, the design employs radiant floor heating, solar chimneys for ventilation, and climateresponsive material strategies. Additionally, the building envelope and spatial organization prioritize daylighting, natural ventilation, and resilience against extreme weather conditions, making it both an environmentally and socially sustainable learning space.
Learnings:
Gained expertise in barrel vault systems and their application in long-span educational spaces.
Explored the integration of radiant heating, natural ventilation, and thermal mass to enhance energy efficiency.
Developed an understanding of concrete sandwich panels for insulation, durability, and structural efficiency.
Designed adaptable floor plans that allow for multiple future uses, reinforcing the concept of resilient architecture.
Strengthened the ability to balance design, technical feasibility, and environmental performance in a single cohesive system.
Typical Floor Plan and Program Diagram
The initial (current) use of the new building would be an university building with hands-on learning labs and activity rooms, as per the clients brief and requirements. In the future, I anticipate this space being used either as a commercial building with offices or a performing arts center.
1. Primary Structural Frame- Cast-in place Concrete Vaults
2.Exterior Bearing Wall - Cast-in place Concrete
3. Interior Bearing Wall - Concrete Blocks
4. Non-bearing external wall - Concrete Blocks
5. Non-bearing internal wall - Drywall Partition
6. Floor Construction - Cast-in place Concrete
7. Roof Construction -Cast-in place Concrete sandwich with insulation
Construction Systems Diagram- Cast in Place Concrete Barrel Vaults
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Project Type: Educational Facility
Role: Design Studio with Kinjal Vora
Timeline: Spring 2018
A Space for Growth, Exploration & Nature
This elementary school is designed to support cognitive and motor development by seamlessly integrating structured planning, interactive spaces, and biophilic design. The layout prioritizes clarity, comfort, and engagement, ensuring that young learners feel both oriented and encouraged to explore. Rather than a rigid, vertical structure, the school is horizontally spread across the site, making it less intimidating and more accessible for children.
A central assembly space serves as the heart of the design, from which various functions radiate outward, reinforcing both legibility and connectivity. The 25 ft × 30M grid-based planning introduces discipline and order, while courtyards, shared corridors, and nursery spaces punctuate the volume, offering breathing spaces for interaction, play, and climate responsiveness.
Natural elements are woven into the design to create a sensory rich learning environment. Classrooms feature curved ceilings that allow soft, diffused north light to enhance focus and comfort, while strategically designed roof profiles and courtyards promote cross-ventilation for a naturally comfortable atmosphere. A shared corridor lined with a plant nursery instills a sense of ownership and responsibility, reinforcing the connection between education and the natural world. Color accents are thoughtfully integrated to provide visual interest and intuitive wayfinding.
Beyond classrooms, the school’s design fosters spontaneous learning and social engagement. The library is tucked underground, creating a calm retreat for focused study, contrasting the lively, interactive courtyards above. By balancing structured spaces with opportunities for free exploration, this school offers a dynamic, enriching environment where students can learn, interact, and grow in harmony with their surroundings.
Legibility & Spatial Organization
The structured grid-based layout reinforces a sense of order and routine, creating a clear and intuitive spatial experience.
Free Exploration & Nature Integration
Courtyards, nursery spaces, and open corridors encourage movement, interaction, and climate responsiveness.
Light & Ventilation for Comfort
Curved classroom ceilings allow diffused north light to enhance visual comfort and focus, while the roof profile and open courtyards promote cross-ventilation, ensuring a healthy indoor atmosphere.
A Learning Environment Connected to Nature
Color accents throughout the space create visual interest and intuitive wayfinding.
Spaces That Shape Behavior & Learning
Courtyards and shared spaces encourage collaboration and spontaneous learning, reinforcing the idea that education extends beyond the classroom.
KALEIDOSCOPIC GARDEN
Project Type: Architecture Installation
Role: Graduate Thesis
Timeline: Spring 2024
Instructor: Alejandro Saldarriaga
Graduate Thesis Studio: Magical Realism
Rooted in the Magical Realism studio, which integrates fantastical elements into everyday settings, this thesis explores how public spaces can be dynamic, engaging, and ecologically responsive. Instead of treating landscapes as static, The Secret Garden reimagines urban spaces as interactive environments that evolve with natural elements, fostering deeper human-nature connections.
This project investigates the impact of human activity on campus ecologies, using arboretum data and native plant species analysis to propose a sustainable, resource-conscious landscape strategy. The design embraces existing ecological systems, advocating for an approach where public spaces don’t have to be built from scratch but can be enhanced through mindful interventions.
More than a conceptual exercise, this thesis was a comprehensive design-build project, teaching me the entire life-cycle of architectural realization—from research, user studies, and site analysis to permissions, design iterations, and active prototyping. The process involved collaborating with local organizations for material sourcing, securing approvals, constructing mock-ups, and engaging with the public through an official inauguration and interaction sessions. Seeing the space come to life and observing how people engaged with it was an invaluable learning experience.
This project was my first independently built work in the United States, marking a significant professional milestone. Its success was recognized through news publications and academic features, reinforcing my belief that public space design should be immersive, ever-changing, and rooted in the natural world.
Photograph by Janhavi Sankhe
Prototyping and Construction Detail
We made several life-sized prototypes of the structure to check constructibility. The focus was to use off the shelf materials such as PVC pipes, rope, mylar sheets for reflectivity and tension straps to make sure the structure stays taut.
This secret garden features a variety of indigenous plant species that can be accessed via a standalone door. Once you enter the garden, you will be surrounded by mirrors that reflect your perceptions back at you, making the experience even more mesmerizing.
Step into the Kaleidoscopic Garden and ask yourself: Where are the native plants?
In a world where imported flora reign as the kings of beauty, our eyes often skip over the understated elegance of native species. But why? This installation challenges that notion.
It invites you into a mesmerizing secret garden, adorned with native plants, surrounded by mirrors that reflect our perceptions back at us. Prepare to be enchanted, provoked, and ultimately, to rediscover the true beauty of our indigenous flora. Join us on this journey of reevaluation and appreciation.
SILO SEEDS
Project Type: Urban Speculation
Role: Graduate Thesis
Timeline: Spring 2024
Instructor: Alejandro Saldarriaga
Urban Speculation for Biodiversity and Food Security
Building on the research and ecological strategies of my master’s thesis, Silo Seeds addresses the urgent loss of biodiversity and crop diversity by proposing a sustainable solution that integrates seed banks into urban community gardens. This speculative urban intervention envisions a future where biodiversity thrives, food sovereignty is strengthened, and environmental stewardship is a shared community responsibility.
By re-purposing grain bins and silos, the project transforms conventional storage infrastructure into modular, low-cost hubs for biodiversity preservation and community engagement. These adaptable structures serve as seed banks, educational centers, and urban farming spaces, encouraging hands-on participation in seed preservation and exchange. Through this process, residents play an active role in conserving native plant species, fostering ecological resilience, and strengthening cultural connections.
The beauty of Silo Seeds lies in its universality and scalability— this system can be implemented globally due to its readily available, easy-to-assemble infrastructure. The modular design is stackable, adaptable, and expandable, allowing communities to customize programs and functions based on their unique needs. Whether in dense urban centers or rural landscapes, local seed varieties can be preserved and exchanged, creating a flexible, accessible model for biodiversity conservation and food security worldwide.
By uniting seed banking, urban agriculture, and communitydriven ecological activism, Silo Seeds presents a blueprint fzor a sustainable, decentralized approach to biodiversity preservation—one that empowers communities to reclaim underutilized spaces for collective benefit while ensuring the resilience of our ecosystems for generations to come.
Farm-To-Table
The design includes a roof garden that serves as a living laboratory for seeds. The garden helps test the viability of the seeds for growth. The planters double as versatile plastic storage boxes, which provide functionality and seating options.
Seed Bank
The second level is dedicated to preserving and preparing seeds. The space is organized, with shelving units that house a vast collection of seeds, along with specialized drying equipment. The room is designed to nurture seed preservation, with careful attention paid to lighting and temperature control.
Roof Garden + +
The community center has an open layout that welcomes locals to gather for events or enjoy farm to table dining experiences at the communal dining table. The building facade features a porous metal mesh and trellised herb plants, which blur the lines between the indoors and outdoors.
COMMERCIAL WORKSPACE
Project Type: Workspace Architecture
Role: Architectural Designer
Timeline: May 2022 - Ongoing
Organization: SJK Architects
Project Link
Enhancing Social Gathering with Green Spaces
This LEED Gold certified office building is designed with a strong focus on climate sensitivity, sustainability, and user well-being. It incorporates passive and radiant cooling systems, a north-facing atrium, and multiple terraces to enhance comfort and energy efficiency.
The design prioritizes lightness, transparency, and seamless integration with the outdoors, requiring extensive coordination with consultants to resolve technical complexities while maintaining the purity of the concept. A carved-out courtyard with an amphitheater at its base forms the focal point of the north-facing facade, which remains well-shaded yearround. Projecting meeting rooms and pocket terraces on the upper floors further reinforce indoor-outdoor connectivity.
To foster collaboration and workplace engagement, the atrium is directly linked to the café and outdoor views, creating a dynamic social hub. Balconies on each floor serve as informal gathering spaces, doubling as outdoor smoking areas and conversation starters. Biophilic elements, including indoor greenery, ample natural light, and fresh air, contribute to employee well-being, reducing stress and enhancing productivity. Thoughtfully integrated user-centric lighting design ensures visual comfort, aligning with contemporary workplace strategies that emphasize health, sustainability, and collaboration.
My role
Conceptual Design & Client Presentation:
Developed initial design concepts based on the brief, emphasizing outdoor social spaces and climateresponsive elements and presented designs to the client, securing approval by effectively communication.
Workspace Design:
Designed individual workspace layouts for each floor- tailored to the client’s requirements, ensuring functionality and alignment with the building’s structural systems and MEP services.
Architectural Detail Resolution:
Collaborated with the structural team to resolve key architectural details, including terrace projections and shading systems, ensuring technical accuracy and constructibility.
Construction Documentation:
Produced detailed construction documents, including plans, sections, elevations, and facade details, to guide the execution phase.
Site Management:
Conducted site visits to oversee construction progress, ensuring that design details were implemented correctly and addressing on-site challenges in realtime.
Furniture Line-Out Plan Typical Office Floor
LEGEND- HVAC (sizes as per MEP shop drawings)
LEGEND- HVAC (sizes as per MEP shop drawings)
LEGEND-FIRE FIGHTING (sizes as per MEP shop drawing)
T1-Trap door- 450mm x 900mm
T2-Trap door- 1450mm x 1100mm
(DPJO-ID-RCP-PLN-6a) FALSE CEILING LEGEND Refer to details (DPJO-ID-RCP-DET-6a/k)
T3-Trap door- 400mm x 400mm T3
to be raised on any drawing, an RFI indicating that the drawing is clear shall be shared with the Architect. Only post this Acknowledgement, can any drawing be treated as relevant & 'GOOD FOR CONSTRUCTION'.
2.All
3.Contractor
4.Contractor to ensure that any discrepancies on drawing or discrepancy rising on account of site context (OR) if the detail or design seems challenging for execution in a particular context, all of these shall be raised for Architect’s notice & resolution, prior to item execution.
5.Samples for every single finish mentioned in this GFC drawings pertaining to interiors, shall be shared with the Architect as for approval & sign offs, prior to its execution & installation.
6.Each drawing shall be referred for its respective purpose only.
7.For all structural member size & details,refer structural consultants drgs.
8.For all cutouts/sleeves...etc related to MEP services,refer MEP consultants drgs.
9.For any other discrepancy in drg, please bring same to Architects notice, prior to its execution.
10.Do not Scale this drawing..
Detail: Integration of Services, Space Optimization
Office spaces require many layers of services, from fire fighting, air conditioning, acoustic treatment. My task was to overlay the systems in the most efficient was to avoid an overlaps and provide the maximum height to the workspace below.
STRUCTURAL: MEP:
DRAWING TITLE: GENERAL NOTES:
Manjunath & Co., No 236 5th Cross, K G Nagar, Near Shankarpuram Telephone Exchange, Bull Temple Road, Bangalore – 560 019
302-303,VEENA KILLEDAR INDL.EST. ,10/14,PAIS STREET, BYCULLA-WEST, MUMBAI-400 011
TEL.NO.: 022- 2300 8766, 022-23008761 FAX.NO. : 022-2309 0983 email: design @sjkarchitect.com
This "drawing" is the copyright of SJK Architects and shall not be used for any purpose other than that for which it has been loaned.
DRAWING TITLE:
DRAWING NO:
DATE OF ISSUE:
SIXTH FLOOR RCP- ABOVE FALSE CEILING SERVICES
SCALE:
REV NO: R2
DRAWING NO:
PURPOSE : SHEET SIZE:
DPJO-ID-RCP-PLN-6c
DATE OF REVISION: 15/04/2022
DATE OF ISSUE:
Detail: Integration of Services, Space Optimization
SCALE:
REV NO: R2
DATE OF REVISION: 15/04/2022
PURPOSE : SHEET SIZE:
Each meeting-room needed to be sound proof. They are designed to be full height glass partitions. We had to create baffle walls on top so make it completely sound proof and to pass various services. It needed intense co-ordination with the MEP consultants.
PROJECT: DP JAIN INFRA OFFICE
CLIENT:
ARCHITECT: DP JAIN
REVISION NOTES:
Site Inspection - Site Photographs
1. To oversee if the execution of the structure was in accordance to drawings
2. Study of construction of amphitheater and the cantilever balconies above
3. Study of edge details- to check seamless connection between post tension slabs and steel sections
HOTEL AT BODHGAYA
Project Type: Hospitality Architecture
Role: Architectural Intern
Timeline: Completed 2020
Organization: SJK Architects
Project Link
A Spiritual Retreat Rooted in History and Craftsmanship My role
Bodhgaya is recognized as the site where Buddha attained enlightenment, making it one of the most sacred and ancient pilgrimage destinations for the Buddhist world.
This profound context, along with the local skills and materials, significantly influenced the design of this hotel. The extensive use of brick—a craft that has thrived in the region for over 2000 years—reflects the area’s cultural heritage. The architectural vocabulary, featuring brick vaults, pillars, and architraves, seeks to embody the core values of Buddhist practice: wisdom, courage, compassion, forbearance, and perseverance.
Spread across 4.5 acres, the resort’s design incorporates courtyards, water bodies, and sloping roofscapes, creating an ecologically sustainable and contextually sensitive retreat for Buddhist pilgrims.
Drawing Set Revisions
Updated drawing sets in accordance with the latest building codes and standards.
Construction Documentation
Produced detailed construction documents, ensuring seamless integration with structural systems and services.
Architectural Detail Resolution
Resolved architectural details in alignment with structural requirements.
Photograph by Niveditaa Gupta
Hotel Rooms -Residential Guest Block Plan
Hotel Rooms -Residential Guest Block Section
Details followed on the next page..
Photograph by Niveditaa Gupta
