ABOUT OUR GUEST:  

Sameedha Mahajan, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP ND, is an Architectural Designer at HDR, currently involved in critical infrastructure projects and aviation architecture in the USA. As a graduate of KRVIA, India, and Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, her journey as a first-generation immigrant and a woman of color in the Architecture-Engineering-Construction industry has been both challenging and rewarding. Recently, she was honored to receive the O-1 visa, which is awarded to professionals for extraordinary ability in their fields. 

Sameedha is deeply committed to mentoring students and emerging professionals and fostering inclusive growth within the design community. She also writes about architecture and urban design for various print and digital publications, contributing to the broader discourse on the built environment. 

 WATCH SAMEEDHA'S INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JVaMGdfZXY

CONNECT WITH SAMEEDHA 

Social Media: LinkedIn  

EPISODE AND EMPOWERING WOMEN IN INDUSTRY LINKS 

Sameedha's Design Observer Article Link 

Allyship Episode with H.J. Dewes 

Empowering Women in Industry Membership 

National Event - Registration Link!! 

Empowering Women in Industry Magazine 

Empowering Women in Industry Website 

Empowering Women in Industry Virtual Events 

QUOTES AND KEY TAKEAWAYS 

“You don’t need to wait until you feel ready to take up space. Please take up space—because if you wait for the perfect moment, you may never begin.” 

“Even small, everyday actions can make someone feel seen and valued—and that makes a big difference.” 

“My story begins in India, where I was raised in a household deeply influenced by design. My father is an architect and an urban designer, so I was surrounded by drawings, construction sites, and conversations about design.” 

“I was struck by the messy beauty of Indian urban life.” 

“As a first-generation immigrant, navigating a new country, new people, new experiences—it was exciting... and kind of scary.” 

“India is like a melting pot of different cultures and settlements. I realized how good design can elevate your life—by giving access to resources like healthcare and education.” 

“This role of design was highlighted for me early on, and I knew I wanted to help people shape their lives through it.” 

“Given how the world is changing—with data science, sustainability, and public policy touching everything—I wanted to explore how those forces impact design.”