Year of professional experience
Alafiya Taherali
Architect | Interior Designer
Dubai,United Arab Emirates
Summary
Architect with a background in spatial design and 1+ year of hands-on experience in residential interiors. Skilled in concept development, space planning, material selection, client coordination, and on-site execution. Adept at creating functional, warm, and detail-driven spaces that balance design aesthetics with practicality. Passionate about delivering thoughtful, design-led solutions that enhance everyday living and exceed client expectations.
Overview
1
1
9
9
Projects Delivered End-to-end
Work History
Freelance Architect & Interior Designer
01.2025 - Current
- Managed three-plus small-scale residential and interiors projects in Chennai and Coimbatore independently.
- Monitored design processes from conceptual phase through construction.
- Conducted site visits to oversee project progress and quality.
- Liaised with clients and vendors to ensure smooth execution of project phases.
- Participated in project meetings to understand client needs and requirements.
- Provided guidance on interior design elements such as furniture layout and fixtures selection.
Executive Designer
Furbishy Interiors
Bengaluru
06.2024 - 06.2025
- Managed six residential projects from inception to completion, overseeing client interactions, budgeting, and vendor coordination.
- Increased brand presence and Instagram engagement by 30% through targeted marketing strategies.
- Executed 2D AutoCAD drawings and developed innovative concepts for projects.
- Created detailed 3D models and visualizations to enhance project presentations.
- Supervised site activities to ensure adherence to timelines and quality standards.
- Conducted project management including cost estimation and timeline development.
- Developed mood boards to convey design concepts effectively.
- Sourced and selected materials to meet project specifications and budget constraints.
Architectural Intern
Balan & Nambisan Architects
Bengaluru
07.2023 - 01.2024
- Produced over 50 detailed drawings for high-end residences, ensuring precise execution.
- Participated in more than 15 client meetings and 10 site visits to enhance project management skills.
- Led presentations that improved communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
- Demonstrated expertise in 2D AutoCAD and 3D modeling for design projects.
Founder
all.things.kyoot
Chennai
01.2021 - 07.2023
- Executed business operations and marketing strategies to enhance sales via social media.
- Utilized market research to curate trendy products, increasing brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Developed digital branding initiatives that effectively promoted product offerings on Instagram.
- Leveraged photography skills to showcase products, driving consumer interest and sales growth.
Operations Intern
Mentor Match
Chennai
08.2021 - 11.2021
- Spearheaded mentor-mentee matching for over 50 individuals, enhancing effective learning outcomes.
- Streamlined operations by aligning participants based on shared interests.
- Cultivated strong client relationships through effective interpersonal communication.
- Drove problem-solving initiatives to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
Volunteer
Fueladream
11.2017 - 01.2018
- Secured funding to restore sight for 20 elderly individuals in need of eye care.
- Enhanced access to essential eye care through targeted fundraising efforts.
- Utilized effective communication strategies to engage potential donors and stakeholders.
Education
Bachelor of Architecture -
MEASI Academy of Architecture
Chennai, India06-2024
12th CBSE Board -
Sherwood Hall Senior Secondary
Chennai04-2019
Skills
Design - drafting, modeling, and rendering software
- AutoCAD
- SketchUp
- Enscape
- D5
Presentation software
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe InDesign
- Canva
Administrative software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Other strengths
- Residential design
- Interior design
- Project management
- Concept development
- Mood boards
- Site supervision
- FF&E sourcing
- Vendor coordination
- Communication
- Leadership
- Team collaboration
- Client management
- Project management
- Teamwork
- Social media management and branding
- Management and logistics
- Interpersonal communication
- Client relationship management
- Problem solving
- 3D modeling and visualization
- Project management, including timelines and cost estimation
- Branding and marketing
- Photo and video editing
- Sourcing and selecting materials
- Time management
- Fundraising techniques
Certification
- Speak Out Write Right English Course, British Council, 04/01/16
- 9 Software Workflow Course, Studio Layout, 04/01/21
- Interior Styling & Spatial Decoration Masterclass, kaarwaan.india, 01/01/21
- Set Design & Production Design Workshop, kaarwaan.india, 01/01/21
Licenses & Registrations
- Registered Architect, Council of Architecture (COA), India (CA/2025/184729)
Affiliations
- Photography and videography
- Sketching and doodling
- Pottery and ceramic arts
- Baking
Languages
Gujarati
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Hindi
Proficient (C2)
C2
Tamil
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Arabic
Elementary (A2)
A2
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Freelance Architect & Interior Designer
01.2025 - Current
Executive Designer
Furbishy Interiors
06.2024 - 06.2025
Architectural Intern
Balan & Nambisan Architects
07.2023 - 01.2024
Operations Intern
Mentor Match
08.2021 - 11.2021
Founder
all.things.kyoot
01.2021 - 07.2023
Volunteer
Fueladream
11.2017 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Architecture -
MEASI Academy of Architecture
12th CBSE Board -
Sherwood Hall Senior Secondary