Mrinalini Ghadiok

CEO

New Delhi, Delhi, India20 yrs 3 mos experience
Most Likely To SwitchHighly Stable

Key Highlights

  • Two decades of multidisciplinary practice in architecture and design.
  • Founding editor of leading design publications in India.
  • Recognized among 80 women shaping Indian architecture.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a cultural strategist and design curator with a focus on architectural narratives.

Contact

Skills

Other Skills

Design ResearchArchitectural DesignInterior DesignSketchUpResidential DesignIllustratorGraphic DesignSustainable DesignAutoCADArchitectureRenderingConstruction DrawingsInterior ArchitectureSketchingSpace Planning

About

I’m an architect by training, a writer by instinct, and a cultural strategist by choice. Over the past two decades, I have shaped a multidisciplinary practice at the intersection of built environments, editorial landscapes, and cultural programming. As a design culturist, I explore the deeper intentions behind creative work and advocate for interdisciplinary conversations that shape more empathetic and relevant futures. My current practice is centred around writing and editorial work—crafting essays, interviews, features, and long-form narratives that reveal the quiet intelligence and layered thinking behind design. I write independently for leading publishing platforms and work closely with architects and studios to articulate the ethos of their work through carefully honed words. This includes developing monographs, editing books, and creating studio publications that translate practice into lasting narrative. In parallel, I work with design-led organisations, cultural platforms, creative studios, and affiliated brands, to help shape their voice and story. This is not about branding in the conventional sense—it’s about building meaning. I collaborate with individuals and teams to unearth the values that drive them and create frameworks for public engagement, communication, and cultural presence that feel both authentic and alive. Previously, I served as the founding editor of mondo*arc India and later led STIRworld, building critical platforms for Indian design and architecture on a global stage. Through initiatives like Unplugged Talks, Conversations @ Conscious Collective, and VC Live, I have curated dialogues that champion inclusivity, design empathy, and cultural intelligence. Recognised among 80 women shaping Indian architecture at the 2023 Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale, I now divide my time between New Delhi and Mumbai—writing, curating, and consulting with those who seek to make meaningful, intelligent contributions to the cultural and built environment. If you are a studio, organisation, or platform looking to express the depth of your ideas—or a reader seeking stories that linger—I would love to connect.

Experience

20 yrs 3 mos
Total Experience
2 yrs 4 mos
Average Tenure
6 yrs 1 mo
Current Experience

Architectural digest india

Head of Editorial Content

Jan 2026Present · 4 mos · Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Unplugged talks

2 roles

Design Unplugged @ The Q | Curator & Host

Dec 2021Sep 2022 · 9 mos

  • Conversations with creative minds from across design genres (architecture, product, fashion, graphic, visual design, art, theatre, film etc) that unravel their personal and professional stories - sharing insights and anecdotes about what has shaped their journeys, touching upon their inspirations and influences, and illustrating their ideas through their works.
  • (co-curated by Sneha Ullal | hosted at The Quorum, New Delhi and Mumbai)

Unplugged Talks | Curator and Host

Apr 2020Present · 6 yrs 1 mo

  • A series of converstions with creative minds wherein we peel back layers to discover personal journeys and explore what makes them who they are, what informs the work they do and bascially, what makes them tick.
  • (an initiative by Matra Architects | co-curated by Verendra Wakhloo)

Independent consultant

2 roles

Curator and Host

Mar 2020Present · 6 yrs 2 mos

  • Godrej Value Co-Creators Club | Co-curator and Host
  • Curating a set of periodic engagements with architects and interior designers to reinforce the ideals of GVCC and activate the community through virtual discussions, debates, masterclasses, product showcases and project walk-throughs. Also encouraging innovation and creative thought through a digital newsletter featuring unique editorial content. Speakers include: Nishita Kamdar (architect), Madhav Raman (architect), Shyam Motwani (expert), Richa Bahl (interior designer), Yatin Patel (architect), Rahul Shankhwalker (architect) and more
  • Godrej Design Dekko Musings | Co-curator and Host
  • Flipping the narrative of the design and designer to focus inward, we questioned practitioners and their practices about chosen paths, changing preferences, influences, successes and failures that led to ambitions and opportunities that have raised them like phoenixes from the ashes.
  • Speakers included: Raghava KK (artist), Ant Vervoort (architect), Tapio Rosenius (lighting designer), Sumant Jayakrishnan (scenographer) and more
  • India Design Forum (IDF) Debates: Building Blocks | Co-founder, Co-curator and Host
  • Brought leading professionals to a common platform to address concerns that plague the design and architecture industry and discuss solutions through debate and discourse within peer groups.
  • Panellists included: Vicky Richardson (RIBA), Smita Gupta (Gensler), Ambrish Arora (Studio Lotus), Brinda Somaya (SNK Consultants) and more
  • Sundays with 200 Million Artisans | Co-curator and Host
  • Interviewed entrepreneurs working closely with artisan communities to bring to light challenges faced during the pandemic, and create public awareness to encourage additional funding.
  • Interviewees included: NK Chaudhary (Jaipur Rugs), Shashank Gautam (Mianzi Global) and more

Writer

Mar 2020Present · 6 yrs 2 mos

  • Currently working on the monograph of an internationally reputed architecture and design practice based in New Delhi, India. The book marks 20 years of the studio's interdisciplinary work, showcasing nearly 100 of their seminal projects, as well as presenting an insight into the journey that has shaped the practice and its people.
  • ‘Unbuilding The Built’ - an essay based on a conversation with fellow architect, Ambrish Arora, featured in 'Unbuilt 2.0, an architecture of future collectives' (Published by ArchitectureLive)
  • Authored critical reviews of architectural projects to be published in studio monographs and websites, and drafted press material and communication packages for artist’s recent works.

Stirworld

2 roles

Editor, www.STIRworld.com

Oct 2018Mar 2020 · 1 yr 5 mos

  • The media arm of STIR (formerly publishing mondo*arc india) was rebranded as a digital platform - www.STIRworld.com - an online showcase of global architecture, design and art, offering in-depth reviews, case studies, opinions, travelogues, debates and discourse, as well as news updates and latest trends in interior design, product design, home décor, lifestyle, technology and competitions.
  • As the founding Editor, it was my responsibility to oversee the transition from print to digital, incuding the rebranding excercise, brand positioning, development of the website and launching the platform. Aiming to achieve long and short term goals, content was generated through a wide network of international contributors, including a large commisioned team, along with industry experts, who were invited for their individual perspectives.
  • Curatorial initiatives for STIR continued to include various exhibitions, gallery shows, talks, presentations conferences, workshops by renowned architects, designers and artists from across the world, as well as partnerships with other national and international organisations.

Editor, mondo*arc india

Dec 2014Oct 2018 · 3 yrs 10 mos

  • As the founding Editor of the Indian edition of mondo*arc journal, the objective was to establish a publication that offered unique content and insight into architectural and design practices from around the world. With a special focus on perspective-driven writing, diversity in content and impeccable visual imagery in large format, the magazine soon gained much traction to become a popular source of design inspiration in India. With 20 published issues, mondo*arc india is considered a collector's item and can often be found across educational institutes, hospitality venues as well as the personal libraries of leading creatives.

Sushant school of art and architecture

Faculty - Architecture Studio

Aug 2013Dec 2014 · 1 yr 4 mos · Gurgaon, India

  • Working with first year students in the architectural design studio, the faculty was tasked with recreating learning modules that would explore an integrated approach across various subjects. The curriculum was thus formatted to suit a more wholesome yet practice-based learning, segmented into larger thematics and ideas of architectural design - working through a series of hands-on design problems, building excercises, site work as well as class lectures.

Self-employed

Independent Design Consultant

Feb 2012Dec 2014 · 2 yrs 10 mos · New Delhi, India

  • Project Architect (in collaboration with Akshay Kaul & Associates) – UTTIPEC, Delhi Metro Multi Modal Integration Project, New Delhi
  • Leading detailed analyses of 11 Delhi Metro station sites for the upcoming corridor; conceptualizing local area planning, public junctions, traffic control to integrate the urban fabric; developing best practices and standard policies; and construction details.
  • Project Architect - Selina Cottage, restoration of an 85 year old cottage, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
  • Leading the structural analysis in collaboration with engineering consultants; developing details for restoration of the existing structure and its expansion; preparing working drawings in coordination with consultants; supervising site construction.
  • Project Manager and design consultant – AktivOrtho (two orthopedic rehabilitation centers), New Delhi
  • Led design development in coordination with consultants to develop construction details and furniture design as per healthcare / disability codes; supervising site work and ensuring quality control.
  • Project Architect - Advani Residence, addition to 60 year old structure (originally designed by Ar. A.P Kanvinde), Delhi
  • Led structural analysis of the existing building to develop the proposed design, construction details and working drawings for the additional two floors.

Matra architects and rurban planners

Project Architect

Feb 2009Feb 2012 · 3 yrs · New Delhi, India

  • Project Architect - Bhatla Residence, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
  • Developed the design through experimentation with exposed concrete; developed construction details and working drawings in coordination with consultants; led site supervision.
  • Project Architect - Lohani Residence, Satkol, Uttaranchal
  • Conceptualised the design incorporating traditional local architecture, material and construction methods, using locally procured timber and stone in a dry construction technique; prepared construction details and working drawings.
  • Project Architect - Gaurav Gupta Fashion Store, New Delhi
  • Developed the design experimenting with concrete and steel; prepared construction details and working drawings in conjunction with developing proto types of selected material details.

Arquitectonica

Architectural Intern

Jan 2008May 2008 · 4 mos · New York, USA

Integrated digital solutions pvt. ltd.

Creative Director

Jan 2007Jan 2012 · 5 yrs · New Delhi, India

  • Developed creative sound tracks for Son et Lumiere Shows and Audio Guides for key historical sites in India such as Amber Fort (Jaipur), Jantar Mantar (Jaipur), Qutb Minar (Delhi), Red Fort (Delhi), National Rail Museum (Delhi) and Gandhi Museum (Jalgaon).
  • Responsibilities included in-depth research, writing of creative theatrical scripts to convey the history of each site, as well as studio production and dubbing direction of the audio tracks in numerous regional and international languges.

Mandala

Architect, Lighting Design Assistant

Jan 2007Aug 2007 · 7 mos · New Delhi, India

Ashok b lall architects

Architectural Intern

Jan 2007May 2007 · 4 mos · New Delhi, India

Ksld (kevan shaw lighting design)

Assistant Lighting Designer

May 2006Aug 2006 · 3 mos · Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Elkus manfredi architects

Architectural Intern

Aug 2005Dec 2005 · 4 mos · Boston, USA

Parkin architects limited

Architectural Intern

Jan 2005May 2005 · 4 mos · Toronto, Canada

Education

Architectural Association

Master of Arts - MA [Distinction] — History and Critical Thinking in Architecture

Sep 2022Sep 2023

University of Waterloo

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) [Honours] — Architecture

Jan 2003Jan 2008

TVB School of Habitat Studies

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)

Jan 2002Jan 2003

The Mother's International School

High School

Jan 1990Jan 2002

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