Unnikrishnan Kalidas
Toronto,ON
Summary
Marketing and Proposal Specialist with 3+ years of experience leading complex Canadian AEC pursuits across public-sector, institutional, healthcare, and Design-Build markets. Skilled in detailed RFP analysis, compliance strategy, multidisciplinary coordination, and developing executive narratives aligned with weighted evaluation criteria. Backed by 5 years of international architecture and AEC marketing experience, with strong visual storytelling and brand-aligned communication expertise. Combines architectural literacy with structured pursuit leadership to translate complex design thinking into clear, persuasive, community-focused proposals. Passionate about architecture, city-building, and collaborative practice.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Exhibit Designer - Part-time
Canadian Museum of Architecture
Toronto, ON
02.2023 - Current
- Developed a responsive, sustainable home exhibit, integrating environmental performance storytelling with interactive UI components, and solar path visualizations for public engagement.
- Produced seasonal daylight studies and immersive VR prototypes to communicate sustainability concepts.
- Conceptualized and built a historical domestic model exploring prehistoric Egyptian housing
Marketing and Graphics Specialist
Studio JCI
Toronto, Ontario
05.2024 - 10.2026
- Led proposal development for housing and mixed-use pursuits.
- Conducted RFP analysis and developed pursuit strategies, executive summaries, project sheets, and team qualifications aligned with evaluation criteria.
- Designed brand-aligned proposal templates, presentation graphics, and visual storytelling materials.
- Managed CRM tracking and supported pursuit pipeline coordination.
Proposal Specialist
Zeidler Architecture Inc
Toronto, Ontario
10.2025 - 02.2026
- Led submissions for public-sector and private pursuits including Fraser Health projects, long-term care developments (storyboard and narrative positioning), Toyota PDC, Reena Affordable Housing, and Colliers interior fit-outs.
- Managed full-cycle proposal delivery from RFP analysis and alignment, kick-off meetings, consultant coordination, presentation materials, through interview preparation, and post-submission debrief.
- Monitored national procurement platforms (MERX, Biddingo, BC Bid, Euna, Bids & Tenders) and maintained CRM pursuit tracking.
Creative Head
Invention Global Exhibits
Dubai, UAE
01.2020 - 10.2021
- Designed immersive exhibits and VR walk-throughs for conceptual projects.
- Designed and delivered large-scale exhibition booths for international events, including ATM Dubai, ITB Berlin, and WFES.
- Directed branded experiential installations for clients, including Lexus, Panasonic, Christie's, GITEX, and the Dubai Motor Show.
Architect
Planquadrat Middle East
Dubai, UAE
03.2017 - 08.2019
- Contributed to design and documentation of high-end residential villas across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.
- Developed BIM models for large-scale mixed-use retail developments including The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah.
- Produced architectural visualization for Smart City Bad Vilbel, Germany.
- Designed and modeled façade systems for healthcare facilities including Gargash Hospital.
- Supported BIM modeling and visualization for commercial and institutional projects including Skydive Dubai and MAN Office & Training Center
Intern Architect
Planquadrat India Pvt Ltd
Bangalore, India
02.2015 - 12.2016
- BIM modelling of mixed use high rise apartments for Unishire
- Preparing BOQ for contractual work
- Model making
- Office finance management
Education
M.Des - Digital Futures
OCAD University
Toronto, ON06.2023
B.Arch - Architecture
MIT Manipal
Karnataka, India03.2016
Skills
Proposal & Procurement: RFP/RFQ analysis,
Addenda tracking, evaluation criteria alignment, public-sector procurement (MERX, Biddingo, BC Bid, Euna, Bids & Tenders), pursuit strategy coordination, full-cycle proposal delivery (kick-off to interview), construction management and design-build submissions, subconsultant coordination, interview preparation, graphics development, closeout and lessons learned, CRM management
Marketing & Pursuit Strategy: Executive summaries, win themes, project sheets, team qualifications, proposal template development, brand-aligned visual storytelling, multidisciplinary coordination, pursuit scheduling
Software: Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Advanced Excel), CRM systems, Revit & SketchUp (working knowledge)
Websites
Timeline
Proposal Specialist
Zeidler Architecture Inc
10.2025 - 02.2026
Marketing and Graphics Specialist
Studio JCI
05.2024 - 10.2026
Exhibit Designer - Part-time
Canadian Museum of Architecture
02.2023 - Current
Creative Head
Invention Global Exhibits
01.2020 - 10.2021
Architect
Planquadrat Middle East
03.2017 - 08.2019
Intern Architect
Planquadrat India Pvt Ltd
02.2015 - 12.2016
M.Des - Digital Futures
OCAD University
B.Arch - Architecture
MIT Manipal