Architecture · Real Estate

she / her

Charmi
Patel

Architecture and real estate student at UIC — bridging spatial design with built environment strategy, community-driven practice, and real estate financial analysis.

01 About
02 Architecture
03 Real Estate
01 —

About

Introduction

Charmi Patel

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.

↗ Connect on LinkedIn
cpate70@uic.edu
+1 (309) 641-3130
Chicago, IL

Resume

Experience

Print Lab Technician Current2023 — Present
UIC College of Architecture, Design & the Arts

Managing the architecture print lab — supporting student production, large-format printing, and technical output for design studios.

StakeholderCurrent

CSR-driven architecture across model villages, community centres, heritage villages, and sustainable infrastructure. Acting stakeholder alongside design and coordination responsibilities.

Architecture InternSummer 2024

Hands-on experience in architectural design, portfolio development, and consultancy practice.

Brand Strategist & Co-founderFounded · Ongoing

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

Bachelor of ArchitectureIn Progress
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

Architecture & Real Estate

Skills

Software & Visualization
Revit — BIMAutoCADRhino 3DGrasshopperSketchUpPhotoshopIllustratorInDesignV-RayEnscapeLumion
Design & Documentation
Design DevelopmentConstruction DocsReflected Ceiling PlansAs-Built DrawingsConceptual DesignFeasibility StudiesArchitectural Rendering
Real Estate & Finance
BOE Pro FormaIRR / NPVMarket AnalysisCap RatesSensitivity Analysis
Languages
English — NativeGujarati — NativeHindi — Native
SOUTH ELEVATION 1:100
02 —

Architecture

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.

Community DesignSustainable ArchitectureHeritage PreservationResidentialMixed-UseUrban PlanningInterior SpaceStudio Projects
01

CSR Community Architecture

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.

COMMUNITY SITE STUDY
02
UIC College of Architecture, Design & the Arts

Studio Projects & Academic Work Ongoing

Undergraduate architectural studio projects exploring massing, materiality, urban conditions, and structural systems. Work produced and managed through the UIC Architecture Print Lab.

ELEVATION STUDY
03 —

Real Estate

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."

Financial Analysis · Back-of-Envelope Pro Forma

Fix-and-Hold: 7-Year Investment Model

Interest-Only Loan Scenario — modeled from scratch using real market assumptions

Purchase Price$700K+ $70K closing costs
Total Equity In$210K20% down + closing
Unlevered IRR2.42%7-year hold
Unlevered Yield4.29%Avg. annual net / price
Cash Multiple1.16×Unlevered
Monthly Rent$3,8795% annual growth

Levered Cash Flows — IO Loan @ 6.3% — Year by Year

Yr 0-$210K
Yr 1-$9.4K
Yr 2-$7.2K
Yr 3-$4.9K
Yr 4-$2.5K
Yr 5≈ $0
Yr 6+$2.7K
Yr 7+$138K
Loan Amount$560,000
Interest Rate6.3% IO
Annual Interest$35,280 / yr
Gross Rent Yr 1$46,548
Net Rent Yr 1$25,903
Net Rent Yr 7$40,820
Rental Growth5% / year
Property Value Growth10% / year
Vacancy3 weeks / yr
Property Tax$15,400 / yr
Renovation @ Exit$30,000
Sale Price (Yr 7)$770,000

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

Market Analysis & Valuation
Development Feasibility
BOE Pro Forma Modeling
IRR / NPV Analysis
Cap Rates & Yield Analysis
Sensitivity Analysis

Planning & Design Skills

Land Use & Zoning
Site Analysis
Design-Driven Value Creation
Sustainable Development
Entitlements & Permitting
Stakeholder Relations