Maharshi Patel

San Jose, CA, USA

Intern, Counselors of Real Estate

Throughout his career as a Bachelor of Architecture student at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Maharshi learned about the valuable role that architecture plays in society. He chose to focus several of his comprehensive studio projects on improving Chicago’s underserved communities. This allowed him to physically survey and connect with residents on a personal level to understand how he could utilize his unique skillset to improve their quality of life. One of his most successful projects was a technology-focused, small-business development center that provided Bronzeville locals access to makerspaces, subsidized shop spaces, and education to support their small business endeavors. As Maharshi’s projects gained traction in the city, he learned about the interconnectedness of architecture and the financial/political aspects of development. During semester intervals, Maharshi worked on small-scale design-build projects. These projects opened his eyes to how demanding the design-build industry can be. The opportunity to be involved in all aspects of a project allowed him to see how much it evolves over the various phases of development.

Maharshi is looking forward to expanding his knowledge in finance, investing, and project management, integrating his conceptual design background with the industry contributing most to the built environment.

Outside of architectural design and development, Maharshi has a passion for haute couture fashion design, working with different materials and trying to inject cultural design into the contemporary world we live in, and he looks forward to devoting a part of his career to it. His other hobbies include furniture design, wood-working, and interior design.