Niti Parikh is the founding director of Cornell Tech’s academic MakerLAB, where she leads the development of cutting‑edge resources, community‑engaged initiatives, and programs that empower the campus community to explore physical making through digital modeling and fabrication. A designer and maker with over 15 years of experience in interior architecture and sustainable manufacturing, she also spearheads initiatives such as CRAFT@Large and Make:Health, extending the MakerLAB’s impact across New York City.
Parikh began her career after earning a master’s degree in interior architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design. She then joined LMN Architects in Seattle, contributing to sustainable public‑space projects including the Vancouver Convention Centre West, the permanent home of the 2010 Olympic cauldron.
Her design practice blends modern craftsmanship with advanced digital tools, creating learning environments where people of all ages and abilities can bring ideas to life. Through her community‑focused approach, Parikh has cultivated strong networks with organizations throughout New York City, enabling collaborative projects that connect students, researchers, and the broader public.