Work

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Interior Design/Site Management/Prototyping

 Community/Pro-bono 

Architect/Design Consultant (Selection of freelance projects led); 

• Led the design of an auditorium, kitchen, office, and boardroom for a community speech club on a tight budget. Implemented innovative solutions, including ceiling artworks and space-saving foldable elements using materials such as paper mache and recycled composite sheets. Sourced quality second-hand furniture to meet budget constraints. Engaged spech club participants in interior finishing tasks, resulting in a functional space now in use.

• Participated in the development of a new dental unit for the Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Colombo, funded through charities and private donations. Assisted with layout visualizations to support fundraising presentations. The project is currently under construction.

• Undertook a comprehensive project at the Dafter Jilani premises, an old historic Sufi shrine with a contentious political history. Amid claims that the site was previously an ancient meditation center of Buddhist monks, which sparked ethnic clashes and a highly politicized construction regime, efforts were made to appease different interest groups. Conducted a new design, survey, landscape, and archaeological study, resulting in a series of drawings and design concepts aimed at preserving and enhancing the history of this unique site, which contains a Sufi shrine within a Buddhist monastery.

 

Exhibition Design/Curating/Logistics/Art 

Matara Festival for the Arts;

USAid + John Keels Foundation (Feb 2024); 

Contributed to curation and exhibition design for a series of art works within a listed heritage building in the Dutch Colonial Fort of Matara, Sri Lanka. The festival aimed to stimulate economic growth and investment in the Matara Fort infrastructure by inviting key stakeholders. Played a key role in creating artworks and installations for the show, outreach, logistics, packing, and display efforts for the multi-artist exhibition. The event garnered praise from dignitaries, including the President of Sri Lanka, for its efforts in bringing art and music to the quiet town of Matara

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Programme+Exhibition Design/Prototyping/Mentoring

Green Innovation Lab;

GIZ X Hatch Makers Studio (September 2023); 

Provided Creative Direction, Concept Design, and Mentoring for an Agri-Tech Accelerator Programme. Tasks encompassed programme design and branding, outreach and onboarding, candidate interviews and shortlisting, as well as mentoring in branding, product development, and concept design for twelve startups specializing in diverse areas such as vegan meat alternatives, hydroponics, and AI-integrated greenhouse monitoring systems. The intensive programme culminated in a highly successful demo day, where many startups established new industry relationships and secured funding opportunities.

 

Architecture/Interior Design/Branding/Curation

The Landing;

Draper House X Hatch  (Jan 2023); 

Concept design and rebranding of Orion City Hotels Interiors + Programme, as part of Tim Drapers visit to Sri Lanka. Tasked with creating a full deck including Logo and branding, programming,Interior layouts, concept renders, and sample artworks, the effort led to an exhibition of the ideas that were well received and are currently being implemented at the Hatch House & Orion City Hotel co-living space.

 

Programme+Exhibition Design/Mentoring/Prototyping

Model Ideas;

Geoffrey Bawa Trust X Hatch Makers Studio (Nov 2022); 

Initiated a collaboration as part of Open House Colombo, giving opportunity to local makers to learn new skills (CNC, Laser cutting, 3D printing, Woodworking etc.), experiment and exhibit their creations, based on the work of pioneering architects of Sri Lankan Modernism. Helped organize and execute the programme along with tutoring the candidates and curating the exhibition, culminating in a 3 day public event that received notable guests and positive reviews. 

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Exhibition Design/Interiors/Curation/Art

Insta-Hockney,

NFT Launch with Hyperglade X Hatch; (Sept 2022)

Initiated the Launch of Sri Lankas first ever NFT collection, with the collaboration of Tech Start-up Hyperglade and Venue partner Hatch works. Worked together with the teams to fabricate a digital display wall with 90's CRT tvs and created all the digital and acrylic artworks. Efforts culminated with a public launch and concurrent solo art exhibition, which garnered positive reviews and significant media attention. Majority of the artworks on display were sold.

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Architecture/Interior/Curation/Prototyping

Language is Migrant,

ColomboScope X ADM Architects (Aug 2022)

Tasked with designing and curating the Lakmahal community Library venue, for the Seventh Edition of Colombo's most successful art event, as part of ADM architect's team. Designed and overlooked fabrication of custom furniture and retrofitted pieces, including a unique steel cage display for zines, Culminating in a public exhibition that received significant footfall and great reviews. Majority of the Exhibition display units found a second life as retrofitted objects.

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Architecture/Interiors/Curating

Homes/ADM Architects; 

Junior Architect (Jan-Sept 2022)

As part of ADM Architects team, tasked with creating concept designs for new builds and residential retrofitting work. created concepts for four separate properties, with drawings and visual materials corresponding to RIBA Stages 3 & 4.​ Worked directly under Archt.Amila De Mel, including on her efforts to preserve Ena De Silva's legacy via the Aluvihare Heritage Centre.

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Architecture/Landscape Design/Branding/Art

Saara Nilla, Community Garden,

Eco-V X ADM Architects (July 2022 - Sept 2023)

Tasked with designing a community kitchen and permaculture garden for residents in Nawala, as a response to food shortages. Worked on layouts, concept designs and promotional content, including artworks and logos. The garden is nearing completion and will be part of Open House Colombo 2024.

Architecture/Interiors/Branding

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MSN Architects;

Junior Architect (May 2021 - Sept 2021)

An architecture firm mainly handling commercial, supermarket and store front designs

• Managed overall project for Chaiwala Colombo, a popular street chai vendor, during their expansion to the upmarket One Galle Face Mall in Colombo. The project involved transforming a tiny 3mX3m space into a vibrant and unique tea shop. Responsibilities included overseeing the project from concept design to completion, ensuring the creation of a space-saving design that met the tight budget and deadline constraints.

• Oversaw Cargills' expansion project for a new store in Vavuniya, featuring a KFC outlet. The design, inspired by northern mandala motifs, blended industrial elements. The comprehensive plan included ample parking, dining areas, a pharmacy, and backend operations like loading bays and offices.

• Developed plans for Cargills' food hall concept store within the upscale Havelock City Mall, integrating a grocery store, restaurant, bakery, pharmacy, and wine cellar into one cohesive space. Utilized a checkered pattern design to ensure easy accessibility and visibility of each program. The project, now operational, serves as a model for future food hall concept stores within the Cargills chain.

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Architecture/Landscape/Interior

Urbanarc;

Junior Architect (Sept 2020 - Jan 2021)

An architecture firm mainly handling residential and villa projects by principal architect Shehla Latiff

• A Holiday Villa in Wevaldeniya in the midst of a coconut plantation, the clients priority was security and a sense of nature, seclusion and simplicity. Following her brief, concepts were drawn up digitally and by hand to communicate solutions that were received positively.

• Designs for two private residences in colombo, at RIBA stages 1, 2 and 3, where further developed and conceptualised, using 3D modelling tools to further elaborate and communicate the concepts

• An Orphanage in Balapokuna Road, that was relocating its home, needed innovative solutions to maximize its space, and programmatic schemes and spatial arrangements were drawn up to achieve the right mix of activity, based on the extensive experience of the matrons of the space.

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Architecture/Landscape/Branding

Vallibel One

Design Consultant (Jan 2020 - Aug 2020)

Worked Directly under company Chairman Dhammika Perera as he navigated the hotel expansions of his diversified groups and dealt with design teams from singapore, japan and hong kong including the Marriott Design Team

• As a design consultant for The Ritz-Carlton's upcoming 228 room luxury resort in Mirissa, we facilitated collaboration among various teams to ensure the client's vision was realized. Working alongside teams like Avalon Collective, Nipek, and Marriott's interior team, we drew up alternate designs for the facade, researched and communicated color schemes, and created design drawings for various spaces, including a new ballroom and fountain design, additional to the original plans. The collaborative process involved presenting alternate options to reach design decisions that satisfied all parties, ultimately aiming to establish a cohesive design identity for the project.

• For a 500-room luxury J.W. Marriott hotel under construction in Negombo, collaborated with lighting manufacturer Avikans to create prototypes for internal light fittings in rooms and lobby. Designed the entrance fountain in collaboration with fountain manufacturer TY Fountains. Conducted research and produced designs for the hotel's lobby spaces. Presented and discussed all designs with the Marriott International ID team during a series of site visits. The project is progressing gradually due to the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.

• Engaged in the refurbishment of three hotels under the Parent Company: Amaya Resorts, The Kingsbury, and The Fortress Galle. Tasks included producing drawings, conducting research, and creating mood boards for interior revamp concepts for these projects. Additionally, accompanied various teams to the sites for information gathering sessions to ensure the successful execution of the refurbishments.

• Contributed to the development of new concept stores for Rocell, a leading bathware and interior fitting manufacturer and retailer in Sri Lanka. Tasks included working on new product lines, interior store concepts, wayfinding, and product catalogue designs to enhance the customer experience. Drawing inspiration from renowned global brands like Roca and Grohe, the aim was to create a modern and inspiring environment for Rocell's customers.

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Architecture/Landscape/Branding

Cinnamon Cove;

Architect (March 2020 - )

Retrofit of a holiday villa for the Akbar Brothers Tea Company, situated in the upscale neighborhood of Bolgoda Lake. Implemented a solution that preserved much of the old structure while adding new rooms, a pool, and enhanced living spaces. The landscape design and overall ambiance were improved, with the facade design receiving positive reception. The design ideas are being implemented gradually with economic constraints and rising construction material prices.

 

Architecture/Landscape/Branding

Balmond Studios X Weligama Bay

Concept Architect (Nov 2019)

Currently breaking ground, South Beach Weligama Bay is a luxury beachfront property along the southern beaches of Sri Lanka. Working with world renowned design and engineering firm Balmond Studios, alternate solutions and designs were provided for the reworking of the facade, orientation, parking and overall concept for the property. The innovative solutions were appreciated and some of the facade solutions underwent reworking to match the tight budgets.

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Architecture/Landscape/Branding

Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design

Research, IMDC X Hyundai/KIA, (Jun 2017 - Nov 2017)

Conducted a research project funded by Korean car manufacturer Hyundai Kia, with guidance from the HHCD, focused on the launch of new luxury vehicle Genesis and aimed at exploring the future of luxury design. The project delved into the past, present, and future of luxury, analyzing trends and visiting ultra-luxury consumer markets in London, conducting interviews, gathering data, and gaining insights. The research findings were contextualized within the automotive industry, with guidance from industry figureheads like Peter Schreyer and J Mays. The project culminated in an exhibition of diegetic prototypes and a research presentation.

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Architecture/Landscape/Branding

PWA

Junior Architect (Jan 2015 - March 2016)

An architecture firm handling high end residential, commercial and hotel projects, by principal architect Philip Weeraratne. The firm over saw projects by Tadao Ando and Shigeru Ban in Sri Lanka.

• Undertook the design project for the flagship store of Spa Ceylon, a luxury Ayurveda brand, situated in a prominent location in Colombo. Developed designs for the interiors and a new facade by retrofitting an old two-story building on the site. Despite tight deadlines, the hands-on project was completed in time for a December opening to capitalize on the holiday business season. Utilizing fiberglass and aluminum for the facade, the project was well-received.

• Undertook the expansion project for Sifani Jewellers, a top jeweler from Sri Lanka, as they expanded overseas. For their new store in the Maldives, after conducting measurements of the interiors during a site visit, a new series of unique display cabinets were designed to serve as the main feature of the store and establish its visual identity.

• Led the design efforts for the Sustainable Energy Authority Headquarters of Sri Lanka, which launched a design competition through the SLIA. Conducted site visits, drawings, and analysis before developing a series of concepts and refining them into a solution. Collaborated with internal teams of quantity surveyors, engineers, contractors, and interior designers to produce a comprehensive presentation for the competition, including plans, sections, renders, estimates, and other required details. The project garnered positive feedback among entrants for its numerous passive energy-saving and cooling strategies, although it did not get selected in the final round.

• Led the design for a competition (DBH House) entry for a house in the outskirts of London. Created a playful structure inspired by primary shapes that fulfilled the client's brief requirements. Developed a series of fun graphics drawing inspiration from pop art and 90's video game design to enhance the overall aesthetic of the project.

• Undertook retrofit projects for two houses: Roche House and a suburban house in Colombo. Both projects involved retrofitting existing houses with complex internal programs and layering, as the owners and functions were changing. Started by measuring and documenting the houses, which lacked original as-built drawings due to numerous changes over the years. Produced new concepts for the owners to visualize the future of their projects.

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Architecture/Landscape/Branding

OMA

Part 1 Assistant (Oct 2014 - Apr 2015)

• Won an internal competition within OMA to design a sculptural installation and display unit for Sener Besim, a luxury eyewear brand from Melbourne with roots in Istanbul. Developed a kinetic steel chandelier design with LED lighting rings, drawing inspiration from Ottoman sensibilities, while considering the limited budget of $10,000 USD. Oversaw production and manufacture in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The installation is currently on display in their flagship Melbourne store.

• Conducted a master planning exercise for Cremorne, a mixed-use suburb in Victoria, focusing on the client's significant retail and office properties within the area. The project involved extensive analysis, data gathering, and research into the region's past layers to identify potential future usages. The research findings and masterplan proposal were presented to the City Council and governing bodies of Victoria and Cremorne.

• Participated in an invited competition for Katara, a cultural district in Doha facing the beach. The client aimed to extend beach activities into the ocean by creating an artificial sheltered swimming bay, along with a jetty and space for boat shows and exhibitions. The ambitious mega project incorporated programming, cultural elements, and engineering solutions inspired by Islamic art and state-of-the-art ocean floor engineering. The design featured circular bridges, promenades, and various activities along the route, including a spa, seafood market, and outdoor oceanfront amphitheater. Although well-received, the project was put on hold due to turbulent economic times

• Conducted a project proposal for Federation Square East, an adjacent site to the successful mixed-use development on the edge of Melbourne's CBD. After analyzing the site, its surrounding programs, transport networks, and a programmatic study of the larger region, a proposal was put forward for a mixed-use development including residential, commercial, and corporate spaces. A significant portion of the ground floor was designated for public space and programming. The unique mix included multiple parks and green spaces, requiring a rigorous exercise in form-finding to meet various height and climatic considerations for the site. Two design ideas were presented to the client, which were then narrowed down and further developed into an iconic new skyscraper typology for Melbourne's CBD.

• Participated in the bidding process for the new Chemical Engineering Building at the University of Queensland, a multimillion-dollar project. The endeavor involved delving into cutting-edge sustainable practices within the built industry and aspiring to set an example for lab and classroom spaces in higher education. Extensive research and study were conducted on top university chemical engineering buildings, including site visits to the Chemical Engineering building at HKU, to gain insights into lab and classroom space requirements and the evolution of chemical engineering. The goal was to design a space that fosters collaboration and creativity while ensuring focused work, safety, security, and sustainability.

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Architecture/Landscape/Branding

MICDA

Intern (Summer 2012)(Former Geoffrey Bawa Offices), 

• Contributed to the exhibition design showcasing the legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa's collection of colonial-era Dutch and Portuguese furniture. Assisted in producing images and texts for the exhibition catalogue and book, and participated in curating the space at the Barefoot Gallery. Played a role in the placement and moving of antique furniture pieces to create an immersive and visually appealing exhibition experience.

• Contributed to the renovation efforts of the National Archives Building, a listed monument in Colombo. Conducted studies and measurements of the interior space and produced concept sketches for new kiosks and interior elements within the expansive central lobby area

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