I used to be an architect, and now I’m a UI/UX Designer and Researcher. But I’m a whole lot outside of my professional titles too.

I’m always doing something or the other that’s creative, hands-on, or simply imaginative. I’m pretty wild outside the workplace, and some of that wildness contributes to my work in wonderful ways.

I’m crazy about animals. So I turned that craze into a side gig.

I foster dogs and cats (that will fit into my small NYC apartment) from the local shelter, and get paid with lots of love. I’ve learnt so much about how to read these little guys, and love figuring them out (just like I love figuring out humans).

Most people who know me have something cut out of paper.

I started cutting out patterns on paper to make cards on a low budget, and have stuck to it ever since. The hand cramps are intense, but the process is really therapeutic. This is how I discover hidden skills, finding alternatives to regular stuff.

I liked henna tattoos, so I learnt to do them too.

I remember seeing henna on an old Bollywood movie as a small kid, and it fascinated me. From then on, I practiced on myself (because of course nobody was going to sport a henna tattoo by an inexperienced kid), observed henna artists at work, and after more than 15 years of practice, I’m now a pro. Persistence paid off!

Books are my favorite assisted way to dream.

I had to wear glasses at 6 years old because I’d read after bedtime under the nightlight. Fast forward to now and I still love to read, sometimes with a view, and sometimes with my favorite snacks. They truly are word windows, and I climb into them every now and then to escape reality.

I love activity - but not the conventional kind.

I’ll do anything that involves moving around, and I’ll push myself to my limits every time, but not something routine like working out. It’s a weird thing to say, but it totally explains why I like agile methods.

I like to be around people, so I find ways to be.

Working remotely means that I don’t always get to be around colleagues, so I can mostly be found working outdoors. I find fun spots with seating to go work at times, spend some time observing my surroundings, and get my work done too!

Apart from all of that… I’m a UX Researcher & Designer (in case that was fading into the background).