Architecture · Real Estate
Architecture and real estate student at UIC — bridging spatial design with built environment strategy, community-driven practice, and real estate financial analysis.
Introduction
I'm Charmi Patel, an architecture and real estate student at the University of Illinois at Chicago — with a dual focus on spatial design and the economics of the built environment.
I bring hands-on experience across architecture studios, CSR-driven community projects, brand strategy, and real estate financial modeling — always asking how design creates lasting value for people and communities.
My work sits at the intersection of form, function, and finance.
Resume
Experience
Managing the architecture print lab — supporting student production, large-format printing, and technical output for design studios.
CSR-driven architecture across model villages, community centres, heritage villages, and sustainable infrastructure. Acting stakeholder alongside design and coordination responsibilities.
Hands-on experience in architectural design, portfolio development, and consultancy practice.
Co-building a natural luxury FMCG brand from the ground up. Leading brand strategy, identity, and positioning across corporate gifting, retail, and wellness sectors.
Education
Architecture & Real Estate
Skills
My architectural work spans CSR-driven community design, academic studio projects, and internship experience — rooted in the belief that built space should serve people and the environment first.
Architectural work across socially driven projects — model villages, community centres, native forest landscapes, lake rejuvenation sites, and heritage village restoration. Focused on sustainable, community-first design integrated with CSR funding frameworks.
Undergraduate architectural studio projects exploring massing, materiality, urban conditions, and structural systems. Work produced and managed through the UIC Architecture Print Lab.
My real estate knowledge bridges spatial design and financial strategy — understanding how decisions made at the drafting table translate into market value, investment returns, and community outcomes.
"Great design is always good investment. The best buildings serve their owners, their tenants, and their neighborhoods — all at once."
Interest-Only Loan Scenario — modeled from scratch using real market assumptions
Levered Cash Flows — IO Loan @ 6.3% — Year by Year
Key Finding
IO loan interest payments ($35,280/yr) exceed net rent through Year 4, creating negative levered cash flows. The investment turns cash-positive in Year 5. Sensitivity analysis shows the unlevered investment becomes unprofitable beyond 20 weeks of annual vacancy.
Also Modeled
Amortizing loan (30-yr) scenario, Gordon Growth Model hold-forever NPV analysis, sensitivity of total investment value vs. discount rate, and breakeven rent — minimum $3,264/mo to be profitable.
Market & Financial Skills
Planning & Design Skills