Harsh W.

Experience

• Freelance Industrial & Furniture Designer Waichal Design · Freelance Apr 2026 – Present 3 mos Pune, MH, India Bespoke Product Design: Conceptualize, engineer, and fabricate custom furniture, lighting, and decorative accents (e.g., bespoke chairs and sculptural lamps) tailored to private client specifications, material preferences, and space requirements.
  
  Studio Contracting: Partner with interior design studios on a project basis to deliver detailed 2D/3D CAD models, manufacturing specs, and technical drawings for custom furniture, joinery, and spatial fixtures.
  
  Prototyping & Material Sourcing: Select high-grade materials (hardwoods, metals, polymers) and conduct hands-on prototyping and structural testing to ensure design intent, durability, and ergonomic standards.
  
  Vendor & Fabrication Management: Oversee local fabricators and specialized craftsmen to manage lead times, quality control, and budget constraints from early concept through final installation.Bespoke Product Design: Conceptualize, engineer, and fabricate custom furniture, lighting, and decorative accents (e.g., bespoke chairs and sculptural lamps) tailored to private client specifications, material preferences, and space requirements.
  
  Studio Contracting: Partner with interior design studios on a project basis to deliver detailed 2D/3D CAD models, manufacturing specs, and technical drawings for custom furniture, joinery, and spatial fixtures.
  
  Prototyping & Material Sourcing: Select high-grade materials (hardwoods, metals, polymers) and conduct hands-on prototyping and structural testing to ensure design intent, durability, and ergonomic standards.
  
  Vendor & Fabrication Management: Oversee local fabricators and specialized craftsmen to manage lead times, quality control, and budget constraints from early concept through final installation.
• Automotive Designer FEV India Pvt. Ltd. · Contract Jan 2026 – Mar 2026 2 mos Pune, MH, India • Developed production-ready 3D geometry and Class A surface models for automotive components, translating concept layouts into tightly controlled CAD assemblies that met structural packaging, volumetric, and manufacturing constraints for mass-production release.
  • Created full technical production drawing packages and managed DFM compliance across complex packaging envelopes, ensuring tolerance-aware detailing and correct structural fitment aligned with automotive-grade quality standards.
• Teaching Assistant University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign · Part-time Aug 2021 – May 2025 3 yrs 9 mos Champaign, IL, United States • Mentored students from concept to manufacturable prototypes, converting early sketches into buildable CAD, material choices, and assembly plans using DFM/DFA thinking.
  • Taught hands-on processes (CNC, lathe, vacuum forming, 3D printing, foam/clay) and coached jigs/fixtures, tolerances, and assembly sequencing.
• 3D Fabrication Lab Assistant University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign · Part-time Aug 2022 – Dec 2023 1 yrs 4 mos Champaign, IL, United States • Supported high-throughput, multi-material builds (composites, sheet metal, structural foams, and plastics) using CNC routers, waterjets, laser cutting, and 3D printing (FDM/SLA).
  • Executed precision structural mounting, sheet metal framing, and bracket work — including basic MIG/TIG welding and plasma cutting — to secure moving assemblies.
  • Used clay/foam bucks, templates, and tapelines for physical proportion studies, silhouette verification, and structural symmetry checks.
• Design Engineer Mento KPIT Sparkle · Full-time Jan 2022 – Jun 2022 5 mos Pune, MH, India • Reviewed and guided CAD layouts, mechanism designs, and structural assemblies for student engineering teams working on products across agricultural equipment, electric vehicles, energy systems, and transport — evaluating mechanical feasibility, kinematic soundness, and manufacturing readiness at each design stage.
  • Facilitated structured design reviews and coached teams through prototyping and validation cycles, assessing physical proof-of-concept against brief requirements and identifying design changes needed for production readiness.
• Design Intern Yashraj Comfortable Systems · Internship Oct 2021 – Dec 2021 2 mos Pune, MH, India • Produced rapid concept sketches and precise spatial layout options for retail and interior environments (zoning, circulation, and custom fixtures).
  • Developed cohesive visual directions, theme packs, and mood boards to align physical space aesthetics with target consumer profiles.
  • Built initial proof-of-concept space layouts to bridge the gap between creative visual campaigns and real-world construction.
• Engineering Design Intern Neuestan Industries · Internship Jul 2021 – Sep 2021 2 mos Pune, MH, India • Managed technical data release packages — fixture notes, operation routing sequences, and inspection documentation — within ISO-aligned quality workflows, supporting structured handoff between design, quality control, and shop-floor production teams.
• Lead Designer TEDx SomaiyaVidyavihar · Part-time Aug 2018 – May 2021 2 yrs 9 mos Mumbai, MH, India • Led brand identity and graphic design for the organization, creating cohesive print and digital media — including posters, social assets, and signage — across multiple event cycles.
  • Directed production and logistics of branded event merchandise and packaged collateral, coordinating vendors and timelines to ensure on-brand, on-time delivery.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with the web development team to align the event website's visual design with the broader brand identity