We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Saurabh Nimsarkar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Saurabh below.

Saurabh, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

When asked about my most meaningful project, my work with the Mayor’s Office of Los Angeles in 2020 immediately comes to mind. I was brought onboard, owing to my background in design research where I utilized sandbox world-building and role-playing techniques to design transportation future scenarios(nerdy, I know). Recognizing the potential of these methods, the Mobility Innovation director from the Mayor’s office reached out and offered me a position as a design research and strategy associate.

In this role, I spearheaded the development of people-centric design playbooks and innovative workshop strategies. These efforts were integral in bridging the gap between the public, private sectors, and communities, culminating in the launch of the Los Angeles First Transportation Technology Innovation Zone. A standout accomplishment during this time was my ability to transform abstract concepts into tangible stories on paper, a skill honed over years of creative visualization. Years of doodling and daydreaming paid off big time. So yeah, this gig wasn’t just another feather in my cap; it was a massive leap for how folks in LA think about moving around and the way communities engaged with transportation innovation.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Alright, let me paint you a picture. I started off as an engineer, but somewhere along the line, I got bitten by the design bug. Imagine combining an engineer’s logic with a designer’s flair and creativity— that’s me in a nutshell! I delved deep into the world of transportation design, picking up a couple of master’s degrees from some pretty cool places as I look back now— the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay and the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena. And yeah, my resume does have some familiar names on it, from software development gigs to messing around with furniture design. Quite a mix.
But here’s the crux of it: I love diving into ‘what-ifs’. I ask the big questions, poke around societal norms, and genuinely just love to challenge the usual ways of thinking. I’ve gotten my hands dirty with some awesome projects — like Hyperloop, flying cars, electric buses, and even Civic Design for Los Angeles. And it’s not just about creating ‘cool stuff’. I deeply care about the broader picture — how does what I design affect society? What’s the ripple effect?

Now, when I’m not daydreaming about the next big thing, I engage with people, try to walk in their shoes, understand their dreams and concerns, and then channel all that into my designs. It’s like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle where every piece is a human emotion or need.

Right now, while I am working with Wisk Aero LLC, I’m diving headfirst into reimagining air travel for everyone with accessibility as a priority. I’m aiming for designs that are more than just functional — they should evoke emotions.
At the end of the day, for me, design isn’t just about ‘shiny swoopy surfaces’. It’s a bridge between today and a more hopeful, inclusive tomorrow.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my experience as a designer, upholding certain values and ethics has been paramount. These principles should always be held in higher regard than any project, company, or task at hand. Some of the guiding values that have been my compass come with their share of trade-offs:

1. Embrace a Beginner’s Mind in Design: Regardless of my experience, I strive to retain a sense of wonder similar to that of a novice. This approach ensures I don’t fall into routine patterns and allows me to navigate the ever-evolving design realm.
2. Recognize That Mastery Requires Commitment: Reaching a high level of expertise in design is far from straightforward. It often translates to countless hours of dedication, late nights, and early mornings. There’s genuinely no bypassing this commitment.
3. Maintain a Broad and Adaptable Perspective: Immersed as I am in design, it’s tempting to get attached to my own concepts. But by diversifying my skills and embracing an open mindset, I ensure my decisions are both insightful and versatile.

However, adhering to these values doesn’t mean I’ve been without challenges. Sleep deprivation and moments of uncertainty have been part and parcel of my journey. The duality of my role as a designer is rooted in my deep empathy and an insatiable curiosity to address pressing challenges. Given the plethora of systemic issues we face, prioritizing my mental and physical well-being has become indispensable. For me, self-care is not just a buzzword; it’s integral to my holistic growth and approach

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

When someone asks about the most rewarding part of being creative, I often say it’s the license to act like a kid again (but with an adult’s paycheck!). I’ve always been this curious and inquisitive. As a kid I was: climbing trees like Tarzan, collecting seashells thinking I’d start a mini-museum, getting lost just to find some bizarre way back home, and building forts like I was prepping for a zombie apocalypse.

It’s funny to think that those “childish” games taught me more about design than any classroom ever could. My parents believed in the good old “hard work beats talent” mantra. So, they made sure I understood that success isn’t an accident. It’s a craft and a habit.

Now, as a designer, I get to channel my inner kid daily. Only difference? I’m solving grown-up problems, often wondering, “What would kiddo-me do?” It’s a blast! It’s like I’ve taken my childhood adventures, sprinkled in some professionalism, and boom – I’m adulting in the coolest way possible. So yeah, the joy of solving these puzzles with a sprinkle of nostalgia? That’s the cherry on top of my creative sundae.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nimsarkar.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saurabhnimsarkar/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saurabh.nimsarkar/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabh-nimsarkar-4969a845/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaurabhNimsakar
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUlq-Hr25Zg

Image Credits
Saurabh Sharad Nimsarkar