Hi! I am Deepika, an empathetic Design Strategist and Researcher.

Who am I?

Architect turned Design Strategist with 5+ years of experience, passionate about human-centered design for positive change. Proficient in building relationships, aligning user needs with strategic outcomes that resonate, and thriving in fast-paced environments. Poised to drive innovation, enhance human experiences, and achieve business goals. My journey started in luxury residential and commercial interiors, leading end-to-end design processes. Recognizing the importance of understanding human proportions, behavior, motivations, needs, pain points, and expectations, I pursued a Masters in Design Management and Strategy at Pratt Institute, New York. There, I learned that developing a strategy isn’t too different from designing an efficient space—both require a deep understanding of the audience to drive impactful business goals. A big-picture thinker and dot connector, I adeptly identify problem areas and opportunities, using creative storytelling to enliven ideas and connecting people emotionally.

Why I transitioned from Architecture to Design Strategy?

Broader Impact

While architecture is centered around building design, design strategy allows me to influence experiences beyond physical structures and address broader challenges and have a more significant impact on people's lives.

Human-Centric Design

In design strategy, where empathy plays a pivotal role in understanding user needs, behaviors, and motivations, my passion finds a perfect match. It aligns with my interest in creating solutions that are deeply rooted in a human-centric approach, going beyond the constraints of built environments.

Problem-Solving

The strategic problem-solving inherent in design strategy resonates with my inclination and allows me to develop creative solutions that address complex problems and contribute to innovative outcomes.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Architecture has equipped me to transition into a Cross-Functional collaboration environment as I appreciate working in an interdisciplinary environment with professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Career Growth and Diversification

The move to design strategy presents an avenue for career growth and diversification. It allows me to leverage my existing architectural skills while acquiring new expertise in areas such as business strategy, user research, and Human-Centered design thinking, broadening my professional horizons.

Passion for Innovation Strategy

My passion lies in pushing boundaries and driving innovation within design strategy. I thrive on exploring new ideas and experimenting with novel approaches to contribute to transformative change. With a focus on enhancing human-centered experiences, I implement innovative interdisciplinary solutions that fulfill user needs while aligning with business objectives.

And with that, you will find me THRIVING at…..

Exploring the intersections, weaving connections, and embracing opportunities.

Feedback from my Mentor and Colleagues…

  • Easy to recommend Deepika Sobti for most things-demonstrated passion for addressing real-world issues through design strategy, research, and innovation, always mindful of the human element while addressing any challenge along with its impact. She is poised to make a significant impact in the field of design as she progresses in her career.

    Dr Mary McBride
    Chairperson of Design Management, Professor
    Pratt Institute, New York

  • Deepika and I met through Net Impact, where the two of us worked together on a pro bono consulting case. Deepika is a natural-born leader and this was evident in the way that she kept our team of 4 on track throughout the case. She is exceptional at communication and skilled in client-facing environments. She also quickly grasped the case material and was able to articulate research findings to the client in a succinct manner. Deepika is an asset to any team!

    Anuja Pharasi
    Associate at L.E.K. Consulting

    Ex-Colleague, Net Impact New York City Chapter

  • Deepika is an exceptional individual who excels in problem-solving and actively contributes to group discussions. She brought fresh perspectives to class, asked thoughtful questions, and is an excellent speaker with the ability to convey ideas clearly and persuasively. Beyond her academic strengths, she possesses a high visual understanding, adding depth to her problem-solving skills. Furthermore, Deepika is a fearless relationship-builder, forming meaningful connections with a diverse range of people. I'm confident she will continue to excel in all her future endeavors.

    Purumi Park
    Pratt Institute, New York

    Classmate, MPS Design Management

  • I have known Deepika for many years. She has been a very organized, analytical, and dedicated team worker. She is also self-motivated and her work always lives up to standard. We have worked together on a couple of projects and her professionalism has been something to look up to. She is undoubtedly an asset and will create an unimaginable impact wherever she works. Apart from work, she is a fun person to be with and is very caring.

    Dr Navjit Gaurav
    Disability and Design Researcher | Architect

    Ex-Colleague, Abhimanyu Dalal Architects

  • It is my pleasure to speak on behalf of Deepika Sobti. During her time with Abhimanyu Dalal Architects I found her an extremely dedicated individual and a great team player, who was extremely curious to learn and grow. Her fun, positive, and honest personality makes her unique. She is a complete professional with dedication towards the intricacies of work and has great skillset in marketing. I do see her as an asset in any organization and a great human to be around. I strongly recommend Deepika as a development professional and wish her success in her future endeavors

    Atanu Das
    Urban Designer | Master Planner | Architect, Dubai

    Ex-Colleague, Abhimanyu Dalal Architects

  • Deepika, has been associated with me as my friend, both personally and professionally, over the past decade and a half since our Under-Grad school. She's always been an ambitious & an inspiring young woman. Over the past few years after her graduation, Deepika has taken up professional challenges in varied roles and domains, that have given her an unmatched and unparalleled experience as compared to her contemporaries. I wish her all the best in all her future endeavors.

    Aakash Srivastava
    CBRE | NUS B-School | Architect

    Ex-Colleague, Apeejay School of Architecture