Shilpa Bhardwaj
PROJECT MANAGER
Shilpa Bhardwaj joins our team as a healthcare project manager. Shilpa is a doctoral candidate at Texas A&M University's Department of Architecture, where her research explores the dynamic and complex world of healthcare design. Her project, “Adapting to Complexity: The Behavioral Dynamics of Circulating Nurses in Cardiovascular Hybrid Operating Rooms,” examines the evolving roles of circulating nurses in hybrid operating rooms, highlighting her passion for enhancing patient care through thoughtful, innovative design solutions. Originally from Bangalore, Shilpa is a professional Carnatic classical musician and trained classical dancer, embodying a deep dedication to the arts. She is also a vocal advocate for gender equality in architecture and improved healthcare access for underserved communities.
INTERVIEW
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
I was born and raised in Bangalore.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE 90’S SHOW?
Full House, and Friends
IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
I would love to be a red panda because they’re so curious and playful! I think I’d have such a great time being one, exploring everything around me and enjoying all the little things in life. Red pandas seem like they know how to have fun, and I admire their laid-back yet adventurous spirit.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME?
I love to read fiction, spend time with my husband, and watch old fall sitcoms.
WHAT SUPER POWER WOULD YOU HAVE?
I think I would love to teleport and be wherever I want to in seconds.
IF YOU COULD WIN AN OLYMPIC MEDAL FOR ANY SPORT, REAL OR FAKE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I'd be the best panda cuddler in the world!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOT?
Santa Fe – New Mexico!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?
There are so many books I love, it’s hard to pick just one! But right now, in this season of life, I’ve really enjoyed Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves, The Pricey Takhur Girls and The House That BJ Built by Anjuja Chauhan. I’m also diving into Japanese translated literature, and Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata has been such an interesting read! And of course, I’m a huge fan of murder mysteries—Have you seen Her? by Catherine McKenzie had me hooked! I love taking my time exploring different genres and stories.
WHAT’S THE BEST HALLOWEEN COSTUME YOU’VE EVER HAD?
I was Hermione Granger once!
WHAT DOES ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE MEAN TO YOU?
Architectural excellence, to me, means addressing an existing problem with minimal disruption to the built environment. It's like performing surgery—resolving the issue efficiently and thoughtfully, without leaving any lasting scars. It's about enhancing the space while respecting its integrity, seamlessly blending new solutions with the existing context.
