Aarohi Pilankar of OTJ Architects to be featured at DallasMeetup

Sep 24

The team at DallasMeetup is excited to announce that Joey Grisham, Director of Economic Development at Anna Economic Development Corporation, is the latest Featured Networker debut joining DallasMeetup goes CRE 🥳

As the Principal and Studio Director at OTJ Architects, Aarohi spearheads the growth and project execution of OTJ’s Dallas office, playing a pivotal role in the company's success. Aarohi's leadership also extends to her active participation in the firm's DEI Engagement Group reinforcing OTJ's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and aligning with their cultural goals.

OTJ’s Dallas office was established in response to demand from national accounts in 2021. She was tasked with building the team and securing work from the ground up. Aarohi Pilankar has led the team since OTJ opened their Dallas doors. Her nearly two decades of experience in the design and delivery of projects across the nation has informed the operational strategies that result in the success the Dallas office sees today. Her expertise encompasses a broad range of sectors including retail, mixed-use, hospitality, multifamily, office, and commercial interiors. Aarohi's approach is people focused; she delves deeply into understanding project objectives and adeptly translates these into strategic, aesthetic, and practical design solutions. Her focus on community-centric projects has significantly enhanced neighborhoods across the country, her leadership on these projects have led to reimagination buildings and unique sites but has also contributed to their communities' cultural and economic development. In addition, Aarohi's commitment to giving back to the profession has resulted in a team that is valued, driven and collaborative.

With an entrepreneurial spirit Aarohi has contributed to the Texas market by creating an agile and diverse team of architects designing and delivering projects that influence our region's physical and cultural landscape. Aarohi’s leadership style is collaborative, accessible, and empowering. As a long-standing member of AIA Dallas, she has played a pivotal role in mentoring young architects, notably through her leadership in the Women in Architecture network, and her service on various committees and as Director on the board of AIA Dallas. In her role as the Director of Networks she covers multiple committees such as Small Firms Roundtable, Latinos in Architecture, Women in Architecture, Emerging Professionals, Fellowship and LGBTQIA+ alliance and is a liaison between committee members and the board. Her dedication to mentorship is further exemplified by her involvement in the EMPOWERING annual conference. Over the years Aarohi has contributed time and effort in augmenting and shaping this annual EMPOWERING conference that began as a need for networking and support of women in the profession. Aarohi draws on her experience mentoring young architects to create a culture of inclusion, creativity, and accountability. The strength of her team fuels the success that the OTJ Dallas office sees today.

Aarohi's dedication to elevating the built environment and delivering top-quality projects has garnered her industry-wide recognition. Her two decades of experience in the Dallas market has made possible the procurement of projects ranging from revitalization of a midcentury retail center in South Dallas, to a community centric arts district in the Westside of San Antonio, that was designed to respond to diverse needs and aspirations.

Aarohi is active in the Dallas market. In addition to her professional achievements, Aarohi is an active member in industry organizations such as AIA, CREW, and ICSC, holding various leadership and volunteer roles. Aarohi is the incoming President for CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women Dallas Chapter)

Her active participation in CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Dallas since 2018 highlights her dedication to the CRE sector. Aarohi's roles in various committees, especially in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), have been instrumental in aligning CREW Dallas with its strategic priorities, ensuring that the organization maintains a focus on inclusivity and ethical practices. Starting from her participation in the DEI Smart Growth subcommittee to the formation of an actual committee and her leadership role as a chair, Aarohi has consistently given her time and talent to CREW Dallas’ commitment to strengthening and expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the organization. Her past contributions also include her 2-year service as a Board Member on the CREW Dallas board, serving in the capacity of Director of Membership and Director of Member Services. She also served as a Trustee on the CIC (Crew in the Community) board which is the philanthropic arm of CREW Dallas raising dollars through her leadership on the CREW Golf Tournament, the net proceeds of which to fund grants for the Crew Network Foundation and the CIC Scholarship Fund which will focus on local female college or college-bound students that have a focus on commercial real estate

Apart from several project awards her personal accolades include:

Awarded the EMPOWER DEI Recognition at Corenet North Texas’ 2024 Corporate Real Estate Awards
Recognition as ICSC Centerbuild's "Leaders Under 40" recognition in 2019
Leadership and involvement in AIA Dallas’ Women in Architecture Network which received the 2021 Honor Award by Texas Society of Architects
Feature in Beyond the Built Environment’s "SAY IT LOUD" exhibition as notable Texas Women Architects in 2021
Recognized as a Rising Star in Dallas Commercial Real Estate at the BISNOW Women Leading Real Estate Series in 2022
Featured in D Magazine as Women Leaders in Commercial Real Estate in 2023
Published in AIA Columns Magazine as a contributing editor.

Make plans to meet Aarohi and her team November 6th! RSVP Now.

DallasMeetup is supported by REATA Commercial Realty, Insperity, Anna EDC, Joe Fang Headshots, Way to Work Productions, Workbox and Dr Delphinium.