Sandeep Damania

As the Founder and Principal of SDD, I provide strategic leadership to multidisciplinary teams delivering end-to-end architecture and interior design solutions across the Food & Beverage, Hospitality, Retail, and Corporate sectors. My focus is on creating brand-aligned, future-ready environments that blend creativity, efficiency, and commercial viability. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Led the successful completion of 200+ projects, covering over 1 million square feet of built space across India • Provide strategic oversight across all project stages—from conceptual design and space planning to procurement strategy and construction administration • Drive brand-driven design solutions that enhance customer experience, operational efficiency, and business performance • Delivered projects for renowned international and Indian brands including McDonald’s, Burger King, Pizza Hut, KFC, Wok Express, Chili’s, IHOP, Glocal, and China Bistro • Oversee techno-commercial project management, including cost control, risk mitigation, and vendor coordination for optimized execution • Translate business goals into innovative, scalable, and commercially impactful design strategies • Build enduring client relationships through consistent, high-quality delivery—resulting in repeat business and referrals • Foster a collaborative culture focused on design excellence, quality assurance, and continuous improvement • Spearhead market research and tech adoption to ensure ongoing innovation and agility in delivery. In parallel with leading SDD, I have held Advisory, Directorial, and Strategic Partnership roles in related design and project delivery ventures. These experiences have enriched my perspective and enabled impactful collaborations with industry leaders. I continue to explore such roles that align with my vision for purposeful, high-performance design.

As the Founder & Principal of SDD, I concurrently served as the Advisory Architect for NITIE–Mumbai, now recognised as IIM-Mumbai. I partnered closely with the institute’s Estate Department to guide the planning, renovation, and beautification of key infrastructure and campus facilities. Key Contributions: • Provided strategic architectural guidance for the enhancement and upkeep of all existing and proposed buildings on campus • Led the renovation and refurbishment of key infrastructure including Pragati Vihar & Taylor Hall Hostels, ALB Common Areas, Classrooms, Syndicate Rooms, Accounts Office, Placement Office, and Alumni Lounge • Advised on landscape planning and beautification, including Pond Area Improvement and key public realm enhancements • Reviewed and assessed design submissions for major new developments including the Main Entrance Gate, Student Activity Center, Taylor Hall Extension, Director’s Guest House, and New Staff Quarters • Coordinated cross-functional engagement with internal departments and consultants to ensure timely, budget-aligned, and compliant project delivery This advisory role allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of a premier academic campus, bringing design sensitivity, functional improvements, and aesthetic value to its built environment.

While continuing to lead SDD, I served as a collaborative Director at Beyond Design, focusing on strategic workplace design and client-centric delivery. My role was centered on helping organizations transform their work environments into agile, brand-aligned, and performance-driven spaces. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Led client engagement efforts, working closely with senior stakeholders to understand evolving workplace needs and align design solutions with business goals • Directed multidisciplinary teams including Architects, Interior Designers, Project Engineers, and Consultants to deliver holistic workplace environments • Delivered projects for global and national clients such as IFF, ThyssenKrupp, OYO Co-Work, and Global SEZ, with an emphasis on space optimization, employee well-being, and experiential design • Developed strategic presentations and proposals for workplace transformation, contributing to new business wins and long-term partnerships • Ensured seamless coordination across internal teams and external stakeholders to maintain quality, timelines, and cost efficiency This role reinforced my belief in the value of collaborative, human-centric workplace strategy, where design becomes a catalyst for culture, productivity, and innovation.

As the Founder & Principal of SDD, I simultaneously took on Directorial position and led the India operations of Karani Projects Private Limited (Dubai-based Karani Group’s Interior Fit-out business in Mumbai) with a focus on turnkey delivery of retail and F&B spaces. Oversaw end-to-end execution—from procurement and project management to final handover—ensuring high-quality, brand-aligned outcomes. Key Highlights: • Successfully delivered fit-out projects for leading brands including Aldo, Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, Burger King, and Kama Ayurveda • Scaled operations and built execution capabilities across key metro markets • Ensured consistency with global design standards while optimizing for local execution • Streamlined vendor coordination, procurement, and site management to meet tight rollout timelines This role sharpened my expertise in fast-paced, multi-site retail and F&B project execution, strengthening my leadership in operational delivery and brand implementation.

While continuing as Founder & Principal of Sandeep Damania Designs (SDD), I took on the additional role of Managing Partner at SOSH Design, a creative studio specializing in brand communication and experiential design. Key Contributions: • Provided strategic leadership across Graphic, Digital, and Web Design initiatives, helping clients strengthen brand positioning and embrace digital transformation • Led space branding projects for restaurants, hotels, and corporate offices—integrating environmental graphics, signage, and branded storytelling into architectural spaces • Partnered with interdisciplinary teams to align visual identity with physical space, enhancing brand recall, customer experience, and overall market impact • Drove creative direction for projects across sectors, ensuring consistency in design language, visual hierarchy, and user engagement This role deepened my understanding of brand-led design thinking, enabling me to seamlessly merge architectural and graphic disciplines to create immersive, differentiated environments.

As Director at NPAPL, I was responsible for leading and managing a multidisciplinary team comprising Architects, Interior Designers, and Project Engineers. My role involved overseeing the complete design and execution lifecycle of multiple high-value projects, from concept development to on-site delivery. Key Responsibilities and Achievements: • Spearheaded the design and execution of architectural and interior projects for a diverse portfolio of multinational clients, primarily within the Corporate and Hospitality sectors. • Played a strategic leadership role in project planning, client relationship management, resource allocation, and quality assurance. • Successfully delivered workspace and hospitality environments that aligned with international standards, client brand ethos, and operational requirements. • Drove collaboration between internal teams and external consultants to ensure timely delivery, design integrity, and cost efficiency. • Actively contributed to business development and client acquisition efforts, strengthening the firm’s presence in the competitive Mumbai market. This role laid a strong foundation for my future leadership journey—deepening my ability to lead diverse teams, manage complexity, and deliver strategically aligned, high-impact environments.

As Head of Design, I was instrumental in establishing and leading the design division for an established Interior Fit-out and Furniture Manufacturing company, expanding its service offerings to include end-to-end design and build solutions across the UAE. Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Pioneered the development of the in-house architectural and interior design practice, integrating creative design with the company’s existing execution and manufacturing strengths • Delivered turnkey interior solutions for diverse sectors including Jewellery Stores, Textile Stores, Electronics Showrooms, Restaurants, and Private Villas • Led project design, client presentations, detailing, and coordination across disciplines to ensure seamless project delivery and brand alignment • Contributed to the company’s growth by enhancing its value proposition and helping win high-profile projects through well-articulated design offerings • Collaborated with cross-functional teams and international clients, gaining deep insights into regional aesthetic preferences, operational standards, and market dynamics in the UAE This role laid a strong foundation for my design-build leadership journey and deepened my understanding of retail and lifestyle environments in the Middle East.

As an Associate Architect at NPAPL, I worked closely with the Director and design teams to support the successful delivery of architectural and interior design projects for multinational clients in the Corporate and Hospitality sectors. Key Responsibilities & Contributions: • Collaborated on the design development and execution of diverse high-end projects, ensuring adherence to brand standards, timelines, and client expectations • Assisted the Director in project coordination, consultant liaison, and quality control across key design milestones • Prepared Bills of Quantities (BOQs), cost estimates, and material specifications in alignment with the project scope and budget • Gained valuable exposure to multidisciplinary project environments and complex stakeholder ecosystems This experience strengthened my technical, commercial, and collaborative skill sets—laying the groundwork for my future leadership roles in the built environment sector.

As an Architect at Mhatre and Associates, I was actively involved in redevelopment and rehabilitation projects under Regulation 33(10) and 33(7) of the Development Control & Promotion Regulation (DCPR) within the Mumbai region. Key Responsibilities & Contributions: • Prepared Working Drawings and Municipal Drawings in compliance with prevailing municipal by-laws and development regulations • Liaised with municipal departments and statutory authorities to obtain stage-wise project approvals, ensuring legal and procedural compliance • Gained hands-on experience in navigating urban redevelopment frameworks, particularly for slum rehabilitation and cluster development initiatives • Built a strong foundation in regulatory coordination, technical documentation, and project approvals This role provided crucial early exposure to the complexities of urban planning, policy-driven design, and real estate development in a highly regulated metro environment.

Joined as an Assistant Architect at a multidisciplinary design consultancy engaged in residential, institutional, industrial, and interior projects across the Mumbai region. Key Responsibilities & Contributions: • Assisted in the architectural design development of Residential, Institutional, and Factory Building projects • Contributed to the preparation of Municipal Drawings and Working Drawings, ensuring compliance with local building regulations • Supported interior design efforts for office spaces and apartments, gaining early exposure to spatial planning and material detailing • Developed technical proficiency and an understanding of project workflows from concept to execution This role laid the groundwork for my architectural journey, equipping me with foundational design and documentation skills critical for more complex future roles.