The Cosmic Self
Greetings earthlings, my name is Nirav Patel and I am a freshly minted graduate from the International Space University, holder of a Master’s degree in Master of Space Studies. My philosophy of creative problem-solving is like rocket fuel for my motivation. My recent professional experience includes working as a Communications Designer with Digantara and interning as a UX/UI designer with SEED Studio in Stuttgart, Germany. And, as a bonus, my background in Architecture has given me a love for design, photography, watching Sci-Fi movies, and traveling – so really, I’m living the dream!
Journey Through the Stars
PR Team Member (Volunteer) - ICAD
(May 2023 – Current)
Working with ICAD – INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR ASTRONAUTICAL DEVELOPMENT, I have the chance to present their goals using captivating graphics and web design abilities. Additionally, I collaborate with our Strategic Communications Officer to generate and manage social media content. ICAD is committed to advancing Space Medicine research and fostering interest in the Space sector in regions that are typically overlooked, by means of global collaboration. Presently, I am carrying out my responsibilities for ICAD from India while working remotely.
Media Communications (Part-Time) - Digantara
(Dec 2022 – Current)
As a part of the team at Digantara, I have the opportunity to showcase their products through visually engaging graphics at Space Situational Awareness events. I am also responsible for creating digital and print materials for these events. The company is dedicated to promoting Space Sustainability, which aligns with my personal interests. Currently, I am fulfilling this role remotely from India.
marketing assistant (part-time) - Interstellar Performance Labs
(Jun 2022 – Sep 2022)
As a part of my role at Interstellar Performance Labs, I was responsible for tasks such as preparing notes for upcoming sessions, assisting with the development of forms and worksheets for course content and new candidates, collecting post analytics on a weekly basis, building a Facebook profile for Interstellar Performance Labs, supporting the social media presence, engaging with the public from the company’s page, streamlining daily tasks and activities in an organized and efficient manner, supporting the website designer in development and content delivery, editing raw video footage for demonstrations, course content, and instructions, collecting and producing photos and videos for course content, social media, and websites, and representing the company’s purpose and values to the public in a respectful manner.
UX/UI designer & business development (full-time) - Seed Studio
(Jun 2022 – Sep 2022)
As a part of my Master of Space Studies curriculum, I recently completed a 3-month internship that helped me develop a variety of skills including UX/UI design, web development, and business development. Under the guidance of my employer, Elizaveta Glukhova, who is a board member of Moongallery and runs her own brand identity and design business, I learned Figma and worked on several website design projects. Additionally, I researched potential collaboration opportunities between space companies and Moongallery.
Architectural Photographer (Freelance)
(Jan 2021)
As a freelance photographer, I had a chance to do interior photography for two residential projects in Ahmedabad. The photographs were then published on respective companies’ social media.
graphic designer (freelance)
(Oct 2020 – Nov 2020)
As a freelance graphic designer, I had the pleasure of being entrusted with the task of bringing a story to life through illustration, using a specific visual style. The final illustrations were then shared with the public on a platform, where they received positive feedback and appreciation.
architect (full-time) - HSC Designs
(Dec 2020 – Jul 2021)
As a part of my 8-month tenure at HSC Designs, I had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, both residential and commercial. I was fully engaged in the design process, from conceptualization to execution. Some of the notable projects I had the pleasure of working on include QURE – a medical clinic, the interior design of the Orchard Clubhouse, the façade design for a service apartment in Thaltej, the working drawings for Abhipushp – a residential project, and the conceptual design for a bungalow. The breadth of experience I gained in this tenure has been invaluable in my professional growth.
architect (part-time) - ARKEYTEC
(Oct 2020 – Nov 2020)
As a part of my professional experience at Arkeytec, I have had the privilege to delve into a plethora of aspects within the design process. This includes professional practice, video editing and compilation, visualization rendering, graphic design, web design, and working on various architectural and interior projects. The diverse range of projects I have had the opportunity to work on, has allowed me to expand my skillset and gain valuable experience. Being able to contribute to the creation of beautiful spaces and designs has been a fulfilling experience, and I am grateful for the opportunities Arkeytec has provided me.
website and web-platform manager - KVDF | CEPT University
(Jan 2020 – Aug 2020)
As a part of my academic experience, I had the opportunity to be part of the organizing team of the KVD Forum at CEPT University in Ahmedabad. The forum, which is organized and managed by final year students of the Faculty of Architecture, had to adapt to the new reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, and was conducted virtually through Zoom in 2020. As part of the team, I had the pleasure of managing several tasks, such as redesigning the KVDF website using WordPress, managing the registration process on Zoom, and ensuring the smooth broadcasting of the webinar on Zoom, YouTube, and Facebook platforms. It was a great experience to work on a virtual event and see it come to life successfully.
architectural intern - studio Matter
(Jun 2018 – Nov 2018)
As part of my bachelor’s degree curriculum at C.E.P.T. University in India, I completed a 6-month internship with Studio Matter, a Goa-based firm that specializes in both curatorial and architectural work. During the internship, I was given the opportunity to work on various projects that included creating design and execution drawings, 3D modeling, visualizing, and documentation. The internship provided me with valuable hands-on experience and helped me to develop my skills in the field of architecture and curatorial work.