Kunal Dewalwar

Operations Associate

Pune, Maharashtra, India12 yrs 3 mos experience
Highly Stable

Key Highlights

  • 12+ years in DesignOps leadership
  • Expert in scaling design teams
  • Proven track record in client satisfaction
Stackforce AI infers this person is a DesignOps leader with expertise in managing design projects and teams across various industries.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Design OperationsOperational StrategyDesign ManagementProject ManagementDesign StrategyClient EngagementInterior DesignTeam LeadershipClient RelationsArchitectural DesignBranding Strategy

Other Skills

Agile Project ManagementAnalytical SkillsArchitectureAutoCADBusiness StrategyChange ManagementClient RequirementsCo-creationCollaborative LeadershipCommunicationConstructive FeedbackCost ManagementDelivery ManagementDelivery TrackingDesign Direction

About

I’m a DesignOps leader with 12+ years of experience turning complexity into clarity—scaling design teams, streamlining operations, and delivering high-impact projects across global markets. Over the years, I’ve led design operations across APAC and EMEA, driving strategic initiatives that consistently exceed client expectations. From pre-sales to project delivery, I connect the dots between clients, internal teams, and senior leadership—ensuring smooth collaboration and strong outcomes, even under tight deadlines. Currently, I report to the General Manager and oversee operational reporting that reflects the health of our studio. I collaborate closely with internal departments to manage the project pipeline, ensuring work flows steadily and projects are delivered on time. I also lead vendor management alongside my team, building reliable partnerships that support quality execution and creative excellence. At the core, I’m passionate about building high-performing teams, optimizing how we work, and enabling design to thrive at scale. Specialties: Design Operations, Systems Thinking, Service Design, Business Strategy, Strategic Planning & Analysis, Operational Strategy, Process Design & Optimization, Strategic Operations, Design Thinking, Design Management & Mentorship, Organizational Planning, Resource Management

Experience

Atlas copco group

Operations Manager

Feb 2024Present · 2 yrs 1 mo · Pune, Maharashtra, India · On-site

  • Oversee daily operations to ensure exceptional service and timely project completion, maintaining high standards and consistently meeting client expectations.
  • Evaluate and refine processes to boost operational efficiency, identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective solutions.
  • Monitor real-time data for effective capacity and utilization management, strategically allocating workloads to balance tasks and maximize productivity.
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Delivery Leads and operations specialists, fostering growth, providing resources, and ensuring high performance.
  • Identify and proactively address potential operational challenges, developing strategies to mitigate risks before they impact projects.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with third-party vendors and suppliers, managing contracts to ensure high-quality service and product delivery.
  • Implement new processes and strategic solutions to enhance operational efficiency, staying ahead of industry trends and continuously improving workflows.
  • Foster a collaborative environment with Service Managers and the management team, promoting open communication and teamwork.
  • Coordinate operational and service delivery aspects of projects, ensuring seamless integration and execution from start to finish.
  • Make data-driven decisions for capacity management and workload balancing, using insights to inform strategy and optimize resource utilization.
  • Enhance the agency’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality results, driving continuous improvement and client satisfaction.
ZohoMicrosoft Power BICollaborative LeadershipStrategic PlanningPeople ManagementChange Management+4

Valuelabs

2 roles

Design Manager

Promoted

Apr 2022Dec 2023 · 1 yr 8 mos

  • Oversee end-to-end design operations, from pre-sales to project completion, ensuring seamless
  • coordination with clients, internal departments, and senior management.
  • Manage design projects for on-time delivery, client satisfaction, quality assurance, and performance
  • improvement.
  • Supervise business proposals, strategy, and project planning to drive strategic design initiatives.
  • Maintain design standards, monitor progress, and provide guidance and support to the design team
  • throughout the project cycle.
  • Plan, allocate resources, and optimize outcomes by matching skills with project requirements.
  • Lead hiring, training, and conversion for Design Strategists, and address capacity challenges.
  • Generate briefs, prioritize client satisfaction, capture requirements, and ensure timely delivery.
  • Motivate and enhance team performance through goal setting, updates, and mentoring.
  • Exceed client expectations with excellent customer service and issue resolution.
Relationship DevelopmentConstructive FeedbackCommunicationTeam MotivationAnalytical SkillsResource Allocation+25

Design Strategist

Aug 2020Mar 2022 · 1 yr 7 mos

  • Represented UXG (in-house design studio) to prospective clients, and showcased capabilities and case studies.
  • Concentrated on capturing design requirements, and strategized to convert prospects into clients.
  • Developed comprehensive value offerings in collaboration with other practices during pre-sales
  • activities.
  • Devised customized strategies and services based on requirements analysis.
  • Gained a comprehensive understanding of project requirements through a thorough review of the
  • scope documents.
  • Collaborated on timelines and estimated design efforts in alignment with company goals.
Constructive FeedbackCommunicationClient RequirementsAnalytical SkillsResource AllocationPresentation Skills+23

Bonito designs

Design Manager

Dec 2019Jul 2020 · 7 mos · India

  • Led a team of 30+ Interior Designers and draftsmen at Bonito Designs in Bangalore.
  • Spearheaded creative direction and ensured quality assurance for all Residential projects.
  • Overseeing project design delivery and focusing on internal systems and process improvements.
  • Committed to creating a culture of continuous learning and development for the team.
  • Prioritized strong client relationships to deliver quality Interior work meeting unique requirements.
  • Passionate about understanding and translating client visions into cohesive design plans.
  • Emphasized collaboration, communication, and empathy in leadership style.
  • Fostered creativity, innovation, and excellence through effective delegation, training, and mentorship.
Relationship DevelopmentConstructive FeedbackCommunicationCost ManagementTeam MotivationClient Requirements+26

Indi design

Architect & Design Manager

Apr 2015Dec 2019 · 4 yrs 8 mos · India

  • Design Manager leading a team of 10-15 multidisciplinary Designers.
  • Responsible for bridging the gap between clients and designers.
  • Ensured creative direction, quality assurance, and timely project delivery.
  • Started as an Architect and advanced to a leadership role within the organization.
  • Mentored and guided the team to help them reach their full potential.
  • Focused on building strong client and stakeholder relationships.
  • Collaborated with the team to develop solutions exceeding client expectations.
  • Drove innovation and process improvement initiatives.
  • Continuously sought ways to enhance design capabilities for superior client results.
Relationship DevelopmentAutoCADConstructive FeedbackCommunicationClient RequirementsAnalytical Skills+23

Interics - in-brands

Project Trainee

May 2014Sep 2014 · 4 mos · Pune Area, India

  • During his tenure as a project trainee at INTERICS DESIGNS, a distinguished branding and exhibition stall designing firm, Kunal had the privilege of collaborating with substantial teams, thus acquiring invaluable experience across diverse facets of the design process.
  • As an integral member of the design and conceptualization team, Kunal actively engaged in the conception, design, and completion of exhibitions, underpinned by comprehensive research efforts. His distinctive approach encompassed a proactive understanding of client requirements, and he consistently fostered collaborative efforts within the team to craft innovative solutions aligned with their objectives.
  • A notable highlight of Kunal's professional journey at INTERICS was his substantial contribution to the "Frugal Branding" initiative. This undertaking was dedicated to empowering SMEs in reducing their branding costs while remaining within their affordability threshold. In this capacity, Kunal assumed a pivotal role in developing cost-effective branding strategies, which in turn enabled these enterprises to establish a robust presence within their respective markets.
  • Kunal perceives his experience at INTERICS as a paramount learning opportunity, and he expresses profound gratitude for the knowledge and exposure he acquired during this pivotal phase. The skills and knowledge garnered have effectively equipped him to excel within the dynamic landscape of the design industry. Kunal ardently anticipates harnessing these proficiencies to effectuate positive change in future projects.
Relationship DevelopmentAutoCADConstructive FeedbackCommunicationClient RequirementsAnalytical Skills+23

A & s designs , pune

Assistant Architect

Aug 2011May 2012 · 9 mos · Pune Area, India

  • During Kunal's time at A&S Design, he had the privilege of serving as an Assistant Architect, focusing on a range of interior design projects. His role extended to site coordination and overseeing project execution.
  • His tenure at A&S Design offered a unique opportunity for Kunal to collaborate within a team of seasoned professionals. Over time, he assumed increasing responsibilities as his skills and expertise expanded. This progression facilitated the accumulation of valuable experience in project management, adept problem-solving, and effective client communication.
  • Throughout his association with A&S Design, Kunal honed a profound understanding of the design process. This experience underscored the critical significance of meticulous attention to detail in achieving successful outcomes. Furthermore, it provided valuable insights into effective teamwork and the ability to take ownership of projects, successfully guiding them to completion.
Microsoft ExcelStrategy

Thakur associates

Assistant Architect

Aug 2010Jul 2011 · 11 mos · Nagpur Area, India

  • During Kunal's tenure at Thakur Associates, he had the privilege of engaging in diverse civil and interior design projects spanning multiple sectors, including residential, commercial, and educational domains. His role encompassed meticulous project detailing and vigilant monitoring, ensuring that each endeavor achieved successful fruition within predefined scope, budget, and timeline constraints.
  • His professional journey at Thakur Associates enriched Kunal with substantial expertise in project management, fostering collaborative endeavors, and an unwavering commitment to detail. This experience provided a platform for honing skills in project planning, meticulous scheduling, and seamless coordination, effectively facilitating the management of project timelines and financial parameters.
  • Kunal's time at Thakur Associates was characterized by immersion in projects of varying complexity and scale, thereby cultivating a well-rounded skill set and nurturing a profound understanding of the intricate design process. His work was instrumental in forging robust client relationships and solidifying bonds with fellow team members, underscoring the pivotal role of effective communication in delivering consistently successful outcomes.
AutoCADProject PlanningTeam ManagementDesign DirectionLeadershipSketchUp

Chawgule and sant associates (csa)

Trainee Architect

Jun 2009Oct 2009 · 4 mos · Pune Area, India

  • During Kunal's 4-month tenure as a Trainee Architect at CSA, he had the opportunity to engage with a diverse array of industrial and institutional projects. His role encompassed the development of conceptual schemes, the creation of presentation and working drawings, as well as conducting site inspections.
  • Kunal's professional experience at CSA was instrumental in providing him with invaluable exposure to the intricacies of the design and construction process. This experience significantly contributed to his growth in project management and collaboration. Through his active involvement, Kunal cultivated a profound understanding of the pivotal role that meticulous attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork play in the delivery of consistently successful outcomes.
  • His time at CSA was marked by active participation in projects of varying complexity and scale, fostering the development of a well-rounded skill set. This allowed him to think both creatively and strategically when devising design solutions. Operating within a fast-paced environment, Kunal further honed his time-management and prioritization skills, competencies that have been an enduring asset throughout his career.
AutoCADProject PlanningTeam ManagementLeadershipSketchUp

Education

National Institute of Design

Strategic Design Management — Design Management

Jan 2012Jan 2014

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

Bhartiya Kalaprasarini Sabhas College of Architecture,Pune

Bachelor's degree — Architecture

Jan 2005Jan 2010

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