Ekta Desai, AIA
Ekta Desai is a Partner and Design Lead with SchenkelShultz. She joined the firm in 2018 and has focused on fostering a studio culture that uses research-based, creative thinking to offer distinctive design solutions unique to each project. In her role as a firm leader, Ekta is responsible for spreading awareness of the impact of design within the firm’s architectural practices, processes and culture. She has addressed new initiatives including an internal cultural shift that elevates the work of the firm by promoting open design dialogue through weekly charrettes, spotlighting key firm issues by way of a lecture series, and encouraging analysis and concept-based methods to reinforce the design philosophy.
Prior to joining SchenkelShultz, Ekta spent almost a decade working for TEN Arquitectos in New York City and Mexico City. This exposure helped refine her approach to design as a tool to catalyze urban spaces and allow architecture to transform the city fabric and human experience.
Ekta is also committed to using her talents and passion to improve the quality of her community. She has served as a volunteer for the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival and led an initiative to support the Central Florida medical community during the COVID-19 outbreak by producing and donating 1000+ 3D-printed face shields to local healthcare providers, retirement communities and other essential workers.
Ekta graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Design and she received her Master’s degree in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis with the AIA Henry Adams Gold Medal. She has the distinct honor of receiving the Design Excellence Award from the Public Design Commission of NYC and has served as an Academic Juror at Parsons School of Design. In 2021, Ekta was honored as a 40 Under 40 awardee by the Orlando Business Journal. Most recently, she was acknowledged as a 40 Gator Under 40 by the University of Florida Alumni Foundation. She has served as a mentor and speaker on the Women of Influence panel for two consecutive years for UF’s College of Design Construction and Planning.