Professor & Head of School

• Sep 2022 - Present

School of Design and Creative Arts at Vedatya Institute is a future-ready school of design that aims to train responsible creative professionals who have a 360 degree view on current and future challenges. The school is being built as a hands-on, project-based learning system with deep connects in the industry. Following an interdisciplinary approach, the school enables students to create their own learning pathways through a combination of subjects of their choice and explore application… Show more School of Design and Creative Arts at Vedatya Institute is a future-ready school of design that aims to train responsible creative professionals who have a 360 degree view on current and future challenges. The school is being built as a hands-on, project-based learning system with deep connects in the industry. Following an interdisciplinary approach, the school enables students to create their own learning pathways through a combination of subjects of their choice and explore application through projects. An unconventional approach of combining teamwork, mentorship and self-directed learning helps students to create a large number of projects through their study period, leading to a robust portfolio. The school is located on 16 acres of land on the outskirts of Gurugram, in the midst of lush green organic farms and provides a wholesome environment with residential facilities, just 15 minutes from the city. Show less School of Design and Creative Arts at Vedatya Institute is a future-ready school of design that aims to train responsible creative professionals who have a 360 degree view on current and future challenges. The school is being built as a hands-on, project-based learning system with deep connects in the industry. Following an interdisciplinary approach, the school enables students to create their own learning pathways through a combination of subjects of their choice and explore application… Show more School of Design and Creative Arts at Vedatya Institute is a future-ready school of design that aims to train responsible creative professionals who have a 360 degree view on current and future challenges. The school is being built as a hands-on, project-based learning system with deep connects in the industry. Following an interdisciplinary approach, the school enables students to create their own learning pathways through a combination of subjects of their choice and explore application through projects. An unconventional approach of combining teamwork, mentorship and self-directed learning helps students to create a large number of projects through their study period, leading to a robust portfolio. The school is located on 16 acres of land on the outskirts of Gurugram, in the midst of lush green organic farms and provides a wholesome environment with residential facilities, just 15 minutes from the city. Show less

Lead Designer

• Oct 2003 - Present

My professional work started off with conceptualizing exterior spaces including gardens, terraces and pools as well as working on masterplan concepts for landscaping. The focus of work has been on creating functional / evocative elements within the landscape using available local materials and expertise, with the aim of creating soothing, aesthetic exterior spaces that evoke a sense of tranquility and calm. Clients include the Indian Army, Infosys BPO, heritage hotels in Rajasthan, private… Show more My professional work started off with conceptualizing exterior spaces including gardens, terraces and pools as well as working on masterplan concepts for landscaping. The focus of work has been on creating functional / evocative elements within the landscape using available local materials and expertise, with the aim of creating soothing, aesthetic exterior spaces that evoke a sense of tranquility and calm. Clients include the Indian Army, Infosys BPO, heritage hotels in Rajasthan, private residences within Jaipur and Delhi. I have also been working on independent projects for the design of swimming pools, water bodies and other recreational spaces. This also includes design of spa interiors. In addition to my independent work, I am working at a strategic advisory level for architectural and landscape design projects for the real estate sector including hospitality, resorts and residences. I have been working on hospitality projects, including a Park Inn by Radisson for the Carlson Rezidor group, a Hyatt Place for The Hyatt group and an independent resort project in Goa. Current projects include a 30 key boutique hotel in Uttarakhand, India and restoration of a 200 year old palace in Orissa, India. Some work can be seen at www.facebook.com/sasimenondesign Show less My professional work started off with conceptualizing exterior spaces including gardens, terraces and pools as well as working on masterplan concepts for landscaping. The focus of work has been on creating functional / evocative elements within the landscape using available local materials and expertise, with the aim of creating soothing, aesthetic exterior spaces that evoke a sense of tranquility and calm. Clients include the Indian Army, Infosys BPO, heritage hotels in Rajasthan, private… Show more My professional work started off with conceptualizing exterior spaces including gardens, terraces and pools as well as working on masterplan concepts for landscaping. The focus of work has been on creating functional / evocative elements within the landscape using available local materials and expertise, with the aim of creating soothing, aesthetic exterior spaces that evoke a sense of tranquility and calm. Clients include the Indian Army, Infosys BPO, heritage hotels in Rajasthan, private residences within Jaipur and Delhi. I have also been working on independent projects for the design of swimming pools, water bodies and other recreational spaces. This also includes design of spa interiors. In addition to my independent work, I am working at a strategic advisory level for architectural and landscape design projects for the real estate sector including hospitality, resorts and residences. I have been working on hospitality projects, including a Park Inn by Radisson for the Carlson Rezidor group, a Hyatt Place for The Hyatt group and an independent resort project in Goa. Current projects include a 30 key boutique hotel in Uttarakhand, India and restoration of a 200 year old palace in Orissa, India. Some work can be seen at www.facebook.com/sasimenondesign Show less

Founder

• Feb 2020 - Present

KIMAAGINE is a design led initiative that helps strategise, create and execute projects in the area of education, social enterprise, tourism and art. At the heart of our vision is the belief that design is the binder that helps create better ecosystems that meet future challenges. At present, KIMAAGINE is in it's initial phase of building up strategic design directions in the areas mentioned above and would love to collaborate with like-minded people to create interesting value propositions. KIMAAGINE is a design led initiative that helps strategise, create and execute projects in the area of education, social enterprise, tourism and art. At the heart of our vision is the belief that design is the binder that helps create better ecosystems that meet future challenges. At present, KIMAAGINE is in it's initial phase of building up strategic design directions in the areas mentioned above and would love to collaborate with like-minded people to create interesting value propositions.

Professor & Dean, School of Design

• Sep 2020 - Aug 2022

Provided strategic leadership to the school and took up new initiatives for collaborations, innovative platforms for learning as well as ran the school on a day to day basis, working with all stakeholders including students, faculty, parents and industry as well as the institution. Initiatives include collaborations with Ed-tech partners such as www.imaginxp.com and also setting up alternative learning platforms such as www.designhub.live. Provided strategic leadership to the school and took up new initiatives for collaborations, innovative platforms for learning as well as ran the school on a day to day basis, working with all stakeholders including students, faculty, parents and industry as well as the institution. Initiatives include collaborations with Ed-tech partners such as www.imaginxp.com and also setting up alternative learning platforms such as www.designhub.live.

Dean, School of Fashion & Design

• Aug 2017 - Jan 2020

Head, Design & Strategy

• Jul 2012 - Jul 2017

Head of design and strategy with M/s Nameh Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd., a division of KJS Ahluwalia Group. In this capacity, I was responsible for design led initiatives for the company's hotel, resort and residential projects. Design management and pre-construction activities were the primary focus, along with interaction with various consultants. Projects handled include Park Inn by Radisson for Carlson Rezidor Group, Hyatt Place, and other known hotel chains. Head of design and strategy with M/s Nameh Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd., a division of KJS Ahluwalia Group. In this capacity, I was responsible for design led initiatives for the company's hotel, resort and residential projects. Design management and pre-construction activities were the primary focus, along with interaction with various consultants. Projects handled include Park Inn by Radisson for Carlson Rezidor Group, Hyatt Place, and other known hotel chains.

Associate Professor

• Jul 2011 - Aug 2012

Conceptualising, detailing and launching India's first 4 year undergraduate programme in Interior Product Design. The programme has been designed to enable students tap into the vast opportunities that are opening up in retail, hospitality and residential sectors for products. The programme combines the strengths of design, technology and entrepreneurship to develop an all round capability in the students to create viable business opportunities for themselves. The IPD programme was launched by… Show more Conceptualising, detailing and launching India's first 4 year undergraduate programme in Interior Product Design. The programme has been designed to enable students tap into the vast opportunities that are opening up in retail, hospitality and residential sectors for products. The programme combines the strengths of design, technology and entrepreneurship to develop an all round capability in the students to create viable business opportunities for themselves. The IPD programme was launched by the academy in August 2013. Show less Conceptualising, detailing and launching India's first 4 year undergraduate programme in Interior Product Design. The programme has been designed to enable students tap into the vast opportunities that are opening up in retail, hospitality and residential sectors for products. The programme combines the strengths of design, technology and entrepreneurship to develop an all round capability in the students to create viable business opportunities for themselves. The IPD programme was launched by… Show more Conceptualising, detailing and launching India's first 4 year undergraduate programme in Interior Product Design. The programme has been designed to enable students tap into the vast opportunities that are opening up in retail, hospitality and residential sectors for products. The programme combines the strengths of design, technology and entrepreneurship to develop an all round capability in the students to create viable business opportunities for themselves. The IPD programme was launched by the academy in August 2013. Show less

Dean

• Jun 2010 - Jul 2011

As Dean of IILM School of Design, I was responsible for the academic administration and management of the 4 year Graduate Diploma Programme in Design, with specializations in Product Design, Communication Design and Interior & Furniture Design. Responsibilities include programme delivery, academic systems development and liaison with all stake holders including students, faculty, industry and the management. IILM School of Design is a small but significant school for design education and its… Show more As Dean of IILM School of Design, I was responsible for the academic administration and management of the 4 year Graduate Diploma Programme in Design, with specializations in Product Design, Communication Design and Interior & Furniture Design. Responsibilities include programme delivery, academic systems development and liaison with all stake holders including students, faculty, industry and the management. IILM School of Design is a small but significant school for design education and its alumni have been placed in responsible positions in different fields of design. My efforts centered around taking the school to a next level of activity and make the programmes strategically relevant to the needs of the industry and beyond. Show less As Dean of IILM School of Design, I was responsible for the academic administration and management of the 4 year Graduate Diploma Programme in Design, with specializations in Product Design, Communication Design and Interior & Furniture Design. Responsibilities include programme delivery, academic systems development and liaison with all stake holders including students, faculty, industry and the management. IILM School of Design is a small but significant school for design education and its… Show more As Dean of IILM School of Design, I was responsible for the academic administration and management of the 4 year Graduate Diploma Programme in Design, with specializations in Product Design, Communication Design and Interior & Furniture Design. Responsibilities include programme delivery, academic systems development and liaison with all stake holders including students, faculty, industry and the management. IILM School of Design is a small but significant school for design education and its alumni have been placed in responsible positions in different fields of design. My efforts centered around taking the school to a next level of activity and make the programmes strategically relevant to the needs of the industry and beyond. Show less

Associate Professor

• Jul 2006 - May 2010

Responsible for the Foundation Studies Programme of the 4 Year B.A. (Hons) Degree Course in Fashion and Jewellery Design, affiliated to Nottingham Trent University, U.K. Looking after all requirements of the Foundation Course including planning, coordination and delivery. Responsible for the Foundation Studies Programme of the 4 Year B.A. (Hons) Degree Course in Fashion and Jewellery Design, affiliated to Nottingham Trent University, U.K. Looking after all requirements of the Foundation Course including planning, coordination and delivery.

Design Director

• Oct 2005 - Jan 2008

Design Director for turnkey solutions in landscape design and garden products. Set up what could probably be India's first theme based display store for stone and stone products. Clients included Indian Army, heritage hotels in Rajasthan and private residences. Design Director for turnkey solutions in landscape design and garden products. Set up what could probably be India's first theme based display store for stone and stone products. Clients included Indian Army, heritage hotels in Rajasthan and private residences.

Consultant Designer

• Jun 2004 - Oct 2005

Design Consultant for undertaking interior design, product design and craft product design projects. Primary projects undertaken during this period include design of handmade paper products, trade fair exhibition design and stone products for export. Design Consultant for undertaking interior design, product design and craft product design projects. Primary projects undertaken during this period include design of handmade paper products, trade fair exhibition design and stone products for export.

Design Coordinator

• Oct 2003 - Jul 2004

Coordinator for crafts-based design activities including craft product design, workshops etc. as well as organising curated displays of artisanal work for HRH Prince of Wales. Coordinator for crafts-based design activities including craft product design, workshops etc. as well as organising curated displays of artisanal work for HRH Prince of Wales.

Assistant Professor

• Dec 1997 - Oct 2003

Founding faculty of the institution, with extensive responsibilities in the area of curriculum development and planning, teaching assignments and consultancy projects in the area of craft product design. Successfully steered two batches of students of the Post Graduate Programme of the institution, including the pioneering batch. Founding faculty of the institution, with extensive responsibilities in the area of curriculum development and planning, teaching assignments and consultancy projects in the area of craft product design. Successfully steered two batches of students of the Post Graduate Programme of the institution, including the pioneering batch.

Designer

• Oct 1995 - Apr 1996

Design Intern, working on a project for power and communications networking solutions for SOHO applications. Design Intern, working on a project for power and communications networking solutions for SOHO applications.

Design Consultant

• Dec 1994 - Jul 1995

Design consultant with Eicher Motors. Designed the first version of 'Eicher Skyline' LCV bus for the company, which saw a successful production run for more than 15 years. Worked as a collaborative part of the Engineering, Marketing, Product Development and Quality Control departments within the company. Design consultant with Eicher Motors. Designed the first version of 'Eicher Skyline' LCV bus for the company, which saw a successful production run for more than 15 years. Worked as a collaborative part of the Engineering, Marketing, Product Development and Quality Control departments within the company.