Hi! I am Aahana Banker, and welcome to my Archives.
I am a licensed Architect and Designer based in New York, specializing in Visual and Experiential Design.
Armed with an MS in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University and a B.Arch from CEPT University, along with enriching experiences from ETH Zurich’s Digital Architectonics Lab, I bring over seven years of expertise to the table.
At the heart of my practice lies a passion for storytelling, poetry, and scenographic narrations, seamlessly woven into every space and experience I craft. Whether virtual or physical, I strive to ignite inspiration and forge meaningful connections with users. My journey in architecture is a testament to my deep fascination with its diverse dimensions, from the tangible to the intangible. I'm driven by a desire to merge aesthetics with functionality, exploring the dynamic interplay between form, space, and narrative.
But it doesn't stop there. I'm on a mission to foster inclusivity within spatial design, engaging both actors and audiences alike through research, experimentation, and strategic implementation. Sustainability is not just a buzzword for me; it's a guiding principle ingrained in every aspect of my work. With a hands-on approach and a keen eye for detail, I blend material exploration with narrative-driven design, enriching human experiences and the built environment alike. Together, let's embark on a journey where every corner tells a story, and every space evokes emotion.
Let’s reimagine the possibilities of design and create spaces that leave a lasting impact!
My Philosophy
is that Architects un/knowingly are translators, mediators and communicators of conversations, social lifestyles, stories and experiences.
I strongly feel that through a collaboration between technology, the visual screen and design, we can bring in this zeitgeist - in the way we view, engage with and experience things, as users of the spaces - be it physical or virtual.
Since childhood, my innate curiosity has driven me to explore the unknown, transforming dinner table anatomy discussions into puzzles and mind games. From my earliest design attempts to executing built projects and facilitating workshops, I've viewed architecture as immersive user experiences, prioritizing sensory engagement over mere visuals, whether in physical or virtual realms. Interactive spaces form the essence of my practice. My enduring passion for poetry and storytelling, nurtured since kindergarten, underpins my creative approach.
My Journey
Coming from a highly visual, physical and sensory experience focused profession such as architecture, my exposure to various cultures, explorations and interactions have led me to form a unique way of designing.
From volunteering to teach and design toys for children with Cerebral Palsy, to exploring depths of user interactivity and engagement through virtual design and hands on training, I aim to further the scope of interactive and engaging design through my work.
My involvement in the architectural podcast at Columbia University, the architecture magazine, and the Architecture forum at CEPT, along with my roles in visual design direction, graphic design, website, and editorial design throughout my professional journey, has honed my ability to deliver visually engaging content with meticulous attention to detail. Additionally, my research on set design and thesis exploring the interplay between storytelling, space creation (physical, virtual, or imaginary), and interaction has deepened my comprehension of design's impact and potential.
Services
Design | Architecture, Interior, Visual, Graphic, Furniture, Experiential
Creative | Design Strategy, Brand Concepts, Visualization, Photography, Storytelling, Art Direction