Akash Solaraju

CEO

Atlanta, Georgia, United States9 yrs 5 mos experience
Most Likely To SwitchAI Enabled

Key Highlights

  • Led transformative projects across multiple industries.
  • Expert in aligning design with business strategy.
  • Proven track record in fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a multidisciplinary leader in architecture and design, specializing in healthcare and technology sectors.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Operations ManagementStrategic PlanningVenture CapitalProduct DevelopmentStrategic Business AdviceProgram ManagementHospitality ManagementArchitectural Project ManagementArchitectureDesign

Other Skills

3D Studio MaxAdobe Creative SuiteAdobe InDesignArchitectsArchitectural DevelopmentArtificial Intelligence (AI)BiotechnologyBrand DevelopmentBranding & IdentityBudget ManagementBuilding Information Modeling (BIM)Business AnalysisBusiness Process ImprovementChange ManagementCommunity Engagement

About

I am an architect by training, a multidisciplinary designer & strategist by passion, and currently COO at Thinkhat Venture Studio, where I lead global operations, design and strategy spanning Technology, Healthcare, Life Sciences and Education. My experience stretches across multiple industries, globally, equipping me to navigate complex, cross-functional, and multicultural environments with ease. Applying design-thinking and scalable frameworks , I seamlessly align design, innovation, and business strategy to craft purposeful solutions. Over the years, I’ve shepherded large-scale initiatives from concept to execution in a range of sectors, with a particular focus on education, healthcare, real estate and technology. In an advisory capacity, I concentrate on critical decision-making, organizational design, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. As a global operations leader, I prioritize scalable processes and operational excellence to drive sustainable growth. At the heart of my work is the intersection of creativity and efficiency—ensuring ventures meet strategic objectives while genuinely enriching people’s lives. With a proven track record in orchestrating transformative projects and empowering high-performing teams, I remain committed to unlocking new opportunities, accelerating innovation, and shaping forward-thinking communities—one solution at a time.

Experience

9 yrs 5 mos
Total Experience
2 yrs 4 mos
Average Tenure
3 yrs
Current Experience

Thinkhat

Chief Operating Officer

Sep 2023Present · 2 yrs 9 mos · Atlanta, Georgia, United States · Hybrid

  • As the Chief Operations Officer at Thinkhat Venture Studio, I lead operations, strategy & design for a Cross-functional platform focused on building transformative companies at the intersection of healthcare, life sciences, and artificial intelligence. Thinkhat’s mission is to accelerate innovation by leveraging AI to drive scalable solutions that improve patient outcomes and advance healthcare and life sciences.
  • Lead Operations & Strategy:
  • Oversee operational and strategic initiatives, aligning all projects with Thinkhat’s vision of solving real-world healthcare and life sciences challenges.
  • Developed 128-Point Framework:
  • Created the ideation, incubation, and illumination framework, starting with a customer-first approach and integrating user experience, research, branding, and growth throughout product development.
  • Optimize Resources:
  • Manage capital allocation and resources across portfolio companies, supporting teams from ideation to market entry.
  • Build & Lead Teams:
  • Lead cross-functional teams in AI, healthcare, life sciences, and design, driving collaborative efforts to deliver innovative solutions.
  • Enhance User Experience:
  • Focus on creating AI-driven healthcare solutions that prioritize user experience for patients and healthcare providers.
  • Guide Growth & Development:
  • Provide strategic direction in commercialization, branding, marketing, and go-to-market strategies to drive growth and scalability.
  • Foster Partnerships:
  • Cultivate relationships with investors, healthcare providers, and tech partners to align with Thinkhat’s mission and deliver impactful solutions.
  • We are building a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates innovative design, operational excellence, and strategic growth to build the next generation of solutions at the continuum of healthcare(downstream) & life sciences(upstream). Lets talk!
  • Portfolio : Noki | Oncare | nCode bio | Renue Lifesciences | Corus | Orie | Enliv | Formd | DXlabs | Vytal | Karrot
Design ThinkingOpsStrategic PlanningBiotechnologyUIUXOperations Management

Investnest group

Co-Founder

Jun 2023Present · 3 yrs · Atlanta, Georgia, United States · On-site

  • As the Founder of Investnest Group, I reimagined the approach to building sustainable communities by leveraging technology, design, and innovation. Investnest focuses on creating value through strategic venture infusion, aiming to build sustainable, phygital environments that seamlessly integrate physical and digital experiences. The platform develops and connects visionary ideas with strategic partners and investors to accelerate growth and deliver transformative solutions.
  • Reimagine Sustainable Community Building:
  • Founded with a vision to create sustainable communities, exploring the intersection of technology and design to build innovative, phygital living environments and experiences.
  • Develop Strategic Investment Strategies:
  • Design and implement investment strategies focused on high-impact sectors such as design, technology, and sustainable living, fostering long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs and investors.
  • Curated Portfolio of Innovative Solutions:
  • Leading the creation of portfolio companies, aimed at revolutionizing urban living, healthcare, and lifestyle through innovative solutions.
  • Build Cross-Sector Partnerships:
  • Fostering strategic collaborations between stakeholders bridging the gap between capital, innovation, and sustainable growth to create scalable, market-ready solutions.
  • Guide Startups Through Fundraising and Growth:
  • Advise startups in refining business models, preparing for fundraising rounds, and attracting the right investors to fuel their growth while ensuring alignment with long-term objectives.
  • Focus on elevating living Experiences:
  • Projects that combine physical and digital experiences, transforming environments and products to meet the evolving needs of communities and consumers in the modern world.
  • Portfolio : SMLXL Homes | Ohmu Pods | EDG | Akasa Studio
Venture CapitalProgram ManagementProduct DevelopmentReal Estate DevelopmentDesign Thinking

Amazon web services (aws)

Regional Design Manager [IAD]

Sep 2021Sep 2023 · 2 yrs · Washington DC-Baltimore Area · Remote

  • As a Design Manager at AWS (IAD Region), I played a pivotal role in overseeing the design, development, planning, and construction of 40+ data center projects across various stages. I led and coordinated 10+ teams, including internal SMEs, other Amazon business units, external consultants, and contractors. I ensured seamless collaboration and successful project outcomes while implementing change management processes that enhanced communication, tracking, and coordination. Additionally, I developed web-based project management tools to optimize cross-functional team coordination, which improved organizational efficiency and workflow. I also spearheaded acoustical engineering strategies that significantly reduced environmental acoustical impact by 18%-32%.
  • Amazon TES – Transportation Engineering Service, I contributed to optimizing transportation engineering and logistics operations for large-scale projects. My role focused on streamlining logistics processes, improving delivery speed, and enhancing cost-effectiveness. I directed diverse cross-functional teams, promoting collaboration to ensure successful project execution from design through implementation. I leveraged design thinking and user-centered approaches to create scalable solutions that enhanced operational tools and interfaces, improving both internal stakeholder and end-user experiences. My work ensured the successful integration of transportation management tools across Amazon's logistics network.
  • Additionally, I successfully recreated the change management tool and strategy at Amazon TES after gathering feedback from multiple stakeholders. This redesign addressed various user needs and provided a scalable framework that improved overall project management efficiency. Through my leadership, I drove innovation and strategic thinking, optimizing operations and elevating the logistical and operational standards at Amazon, contributing to the company’s continued success in transportation and engineering.
Program ManagementProject PlanningOperations ManagementDevelopment DesignInformation Technology

Blue sky hospitality solutions

Design Director

Dec 2018Mar 2020 · 1 yr 3 mos · New York City Metropolitan Area · On-site

  • As Director at Bluesky Hospitality Solutions, I managed the design and execution of renovation and capital expenditure projects, overseeing more than $28M in OPEX and CAPEX budgets across 12+ properties. I played a key role in a team managing over $500M in assets under management (AUM), driving strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and design excellence within the hospitality sector.
  • Led Brand immersion initiatives. Hilton, Marriott, IHG In house brand expert and liaison.
  • Directed Design and renovation projects, Managed budgets and resources.
  • Optimized project operations and procurement.
  • Led cross-functional teams and initiatives to elevate user experience and Guest satisfaction scores
  • Developed and implemented processes and tools to manage assets and improve portfolio management.
Design Team CoordinationDirector levelHospitality ManagementBranding & IdentityUser Experience (UX)

Stanford hospitals & clinics

Project Architect

Sep 2015Aug 2017 · 1 yr 11 mos · Palo Alto, California, United States · On-site

  • Worked on the New Stanford Hospital with Perkins Eastman in Collaboration with Rafael Vinoly Architects and Stanford Healthcare. The $2 Billion state of art Level 1 Trauma care center and hospital Incorporates industry leading designs, ideas, systems and technology and is located within the Stanford campus in Palo Alto. I led the coordination of systems, including and not limited to electrical, IT, and security trades, ensuring that the most sophisticated systems were implemented to meet the hospital's operational and user needs.
  • Managing complex designs & systems to align with user(Healthcare Providers) requirements, ensuring OSHPD compliance, overseeing budget and cost management, and driving construction and project management to successful completion.
  • http://www.sumcrenewal.org/
Architectural Project ManagementArchitectsHealthcareManage Complex ProjectsConstruction AdministrationManagement

Individual contributor

Strategic Advisor

Jul 2015Present · 10 yrs 11 mos · Atlanta Metropolitan Area · Hybrid

  • As a Strategic Advisor and Mentor, I have provided guidance to design and tech startups, as well as established companies, helping them navigate critical business challenges, drive innovation, and scale effectively. My expertise spans across design strategy, tech development, M&A, and business strategy, where I’ve worked closely with founders and leadership teams to align vision, execute strategies, and create sustainable growth. I take a hands-on approach to mentoring, working with entrepreneurs & founders to help them develop the skills, frameworks, and strategies needed to grow their businesses while maintaining a strong focus on long-term success and innovation.
Strategic Business AdviceCorporate AdvisoryBusiness AnalysisBusiness Process ImprovementUser-centered Design

Perkins eastman

Project Architect

Mar 2014Jul 2017 · 3 yrs 4 mos · New York, New York, United States · On-site

  • As a Project Architect at Perkins Eastman, I contributed to the design and development of multiple projects across diverse sectors, including educational institutions, hospitals, and mixed-use developments. I leveraged design thinking and innovative strategies to create user-centric spaces that met the needs of both communities and organizations. My experience spanned projects in New York, the Northeast, and Asia, encompassing everything from city-level developments to public-private establishments.
  • Notable Projects:
  • ■ $200 Million office space in downtown Brooklyn, NY.
  • ■ Ashoka University, Gurgaon,Ind
  • ■ NYU Poly, Brooklyn, NY
  • ■ Hostos community college ,Bronx,NY
  • ■ Godrej Trees, (Residential), Mumbai, Ind
  • ■ Shanghai Long Beach, China
  • ■ Aga Estate mixed use development, Mumbai, Ind
  • ■ Stanford Hospital, Palo Alto, CA
ArchitectureDesign ResearchConcept DevelopmentAdobe Creative SuiteRhino 3DGrasshopper+2

Various

Design Architect

Jan 2007Aug 2014 · 7 yrs 7 mos · Manhattan, New York, United States · On-site

  • With over a decade of experience in design and strategy consulting, I have collaborated with leading firms across multiple industries to create innovative, user-centric designs that contribute to the development of healthy, sustainable communities and urban environments. My work spans residential, commercial, educational, healthcare, & mixed-use projects, with a focus on design thinking, critical problem-solving, and process-driven strategies.
  • Key companies:
  • Schwartz Architects (NYC)
  • RSP Design Consultants (BLR-SIN)
  • Bartos Architecture (SFO)
  • Paradigm Architecture (BLR)
  • Key contributions:
  • Led Design & Strategy: Applied user-centric design thinking to optimize functionality, accessibility, and sustainability in urban and community projects.
  • Developed Scalable Solutions: Created innovative, sustainable designs for complex urban developments, balancing client and community needs.
  • Fostered Community Engagement: Designed inclusive, practical spaces that enhanced community interaction across residential, commercial, and public sectors.
  • Integrated Sustainable Practices: Ensured urban planning projects positively impacted both the environment and local communities.
  • Led Collaborative Teams: Coordinated with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure projects met timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
  • Some key projects include
  • ■ 5000 unit mixed use master plan in Ghana, West Africa
  • ■ 200 Unit Affordable housing in Little Rock, Arkansas
  • ■ 180 unit Apartment project on Fulton Street in Brooklyn.
  • ■ Treadstone Nigeria Hotel Project, Abuja, Nigeria
  • ■ Boutique Hotel in Soho
  • ■ 60 SQKM Masterplan for Jamshedpur, Ind in collaboration with Arup and Andropogon.
  • This experience in design, strategy, and project management provided a solid foundation for expanding into technology, healthcare, and hospitality. By integrating user-centric principles and innovative solutions, I was able to create impactful strategies for growth across these diverse sectors.
Architectural DevelopmentUser-centered DesignDesignProject Portfolio ManagementMarket Research

Education

Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation

Master's degree — Advanced Architectural Design

Jan 2012Jan 2013

RV College Of Engineering

Bachelors Degree — Architecture

Jan 2006Jan 2011

Indian Institute for Human Settlements

- — Institute of World class cities

Jan 2010Jan 2010

Stackforce found 100+ more professionals with Operations Management & Strategic Planning

Explore similar profiles based on matching skills and experience