Hi, I'm Yash
For me, design has always been about more than what meets the eye. It’s the way we, as humans, dream out loud and shape the world around us. Over time, I’ve come to see that the real magic isn’t just in the finished design, it’s in constantly reimagining what’s possible and who we can uplift through that process.
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That’s why both at Clayco and through Defining Humanity, I’m not just merging design and technology for innovation’s sake. At Clayco, I focus on pushing the boundaries of what design tech can do in a leading firm. Meanwhile, Defining Humanity is my way of bringing that same visionary approach to the communities that need it most, using design to create real, human-centered impact on the ground.
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In the end, design is my way of leaving the world a little more thoughtful and a lot more alive. That’s the story I’m here to share.
Creativity first. Technology in service.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
Master of Urban Design
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, United States
2021 - 2022
Master of Architecture
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, United States
2019 - 2021
Scholarship (B.Arch)
University of Lincoln, United Kingdom
2012 - 2013
Bachelor of Architecture
Baba Ambedkar University, India
2010 - 2015
AWARDS
Chicago Award in Architecture— 1st Prize
2021
Benn-Johnck Award
2021
Marcus Prize – Student Winner
2020
Top 50 Youngest Architects
2017
EXPERIENCE
COLLABORATIONS
Clayco (Design Tech Manager)
Led AI integration, data strategy, and digital standards across practice. Drove adoption and culture change to embed design technology enterprise-wide.
Chicago, United States​
Defining Humanity (Founder)
Global innovation + leadership + social impact.
Founded global nonprofit using design + tech for social impact; advancing automation and scalable infrastructure
Global
Workshop Architects +
Lamar Johnson Collaborative
(Associate & Architectural Designer)
Designing syncing digital workflows and sustainable design processes. Bridged architectural ambition with computational tools.
Milwaukee + Chicago, United States
Foster + Partners + Architect Hafeez Contractor
Global pedigree + early career foundation. Contributed to large-scale projects across civic and residential sectors.
Pan India + London, United Kingdom
PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA
AIA Wisconsin Architect Magazine.
“What Defines Humanity?
On design’s responsibility in advancing social impact
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Architizer.
“The Future of Architecture”
xplored how computation and design technology shape the built environment.
Milwaukee Business Journal.
“Design for the Third Ward”
Profile on innovation and community-focused design.
UWM Report.
"Career Success Stories"
Recognized for academic and professional excellence.
Beloit Local News.
"Rural Futures"
Coverage on collaborative design for rural communities.
PODCASTS & CONVERSATIONS
QTS Experience Podcast - Episode 154
"Technology & Empathy”
Conversation on how emerging technologies can foster human-centered design.
IAC Podcast (2025)
Defining Humanity: Our Story & Impact.
Exploring design’s role in shaping social impact and nonprofit innovation.
Parametrics & Architecture (2023)
Computation Meets Creativit
Discussion on computational design and its influence on architectural practice.
Predicting the Unpredictable (2022)
Sherman Stave
With Sitetectonix — dialogue on resilience, uncertainty, and future-ready design.
AIA National Conference — Boston (2025)
Innovating for Impact: Harnessing New Technologies to Address Global Challenges
NOMA National Conference (2025)UPCOMING
Designing the Future: Printing Community Layer by Layer.
Presented on the role of additive manufacturing in shaping equitable, community-driven futures.
Wright Lecture Series (2025)
Designing Change Together.
Keynote on integrating creativity, empathy, and technology to drive design transformation.
AMP Wisconsin (2025)
The Transformative Power of Architecture.
Talk on architecture as a catalyst for cultural and social change.
Chicago Innovate (2023)
Innovation & Technology in Design.
Exploring intersections of entrepreneurship and emerging design technologies.
AIA IL Emerging Professionals Summit (2023)
Empathy Engineered: Crafting Compassionate Space.
Panel on designing with compassion, equity, and human-centered tools.
AIA Milwaukee - Keynote (2023)
End of Year - Keynote Speaker.
Discussion on future-ready architecture and design practices.
ICFAI Lecture Series (2023)
Innovation & Technology in Design
Explored the future of sustainable and computational design practices.
ASTM Conference (2023)
3D Printing & Parametric Design
Discussed writing building codes & material innovations and automation in construction.
ICAM Conference (2022)
Additive Construction: Current State, Gaps, and Future Directions.
Shaping dialogue on automation and large-scale digital fabrication.