Real People, Unreal Tech: Prachi Parihar

Computer vision & machine learning expert:

Meet Prachi Parihar

Every career has a story. Prachi’s began with physics at Princeton, continued with astrophysics at Caltech for grad school, and now focuses on computer vision and machine learning at LCP Media. There aren't many stories like hers. She brings a diverse background that spans research, teaching, and advanced engineering.

Prachi grew up in New Jersey in a household rooted in Indian culture. Her parents and grandparents spoke Hindi, watched Indian television, and carried on traditions, while school exposed her to a completely different American culture. Moving between these two worlds every day made her adaptable, open-minded, and rarely surprised by differences. That early experience shaped the perspective she carries into work and life today.

Studying galaxies at Caltech added another layer of perspective. Looking at light that had traveled for ten billion years reminded her how small most daily stresses are. Today, living in Irvine, California with her husband and young daughter, she brings that calm and logical approach into every challenge she faces.

Her path has been shaped by persistence and a clear ability to connect big ideas with practical solutions. As Lead 3D Computer Vision and Machine Learning Engineer, Prachi develops tools that push visual technology forward in a way that makes sense for her team and clients.

What inspired you to pursue a career with LCP Media?

My husband actually found the job description and said it fit me perfectly. It started as a part-time research role in late 2021. At first, I hesitated because I already had another job, but they were very enthusiastic when I applied. Eventually, I transitioned to full-time. It has been one of the best decisions I have made.

What was your very first job, and what did it teach you?

My first job was tutoring students in physics. It taught me patience and gave me a strong appreciation for teaching. I realized that helping others build confidence can be just as fulfilling as solving a problem yourself.

You have a degree in astrophysics. What first drew you to that field, and how did that path eventually lead you to LCP Media?

I started in physics at Princeton and later moved into astrophysics at Caltech for grad school. What fascinated me was that it was both mathematical and something that captured people’s imagination. I was studying galaxies that were billions of years old. In a sense, I was looking into the past. That perspective made me realize how small most of our problems really are.

After Caltech, I taught high school physics for a short time, then joined a startup that spun out of Caltech and worked in computer vision. It blended my love of problem-solving with creativity. Humans look at a picture and instantly know what it is, while a computer only sees numbers. Teaching a machine to see like a human fascinated me. That experience set the stage for the work I do now at LCP Media.

How long have you been in the multifamily / tech industry and with LCP Media, and what do you love most about it?

I have been with LCP Media since 2021. What I enjoy most is seeing our work directly used by clients. Knowing that what we build makes processes easier and more impactful is rewarding.

When you first joined LCP Media, what was the most surprising about the culture or the work?

I was surprised by how supportive and flexible the environment is. Our team trusts each other to get things done. There is no micromanaging, just collaboration and respect. That creates space to actually focus on the work.

Innovation & impact

You’re the mind behind TourBuilder Clips. How did the idea come about, and what challenge were you aiming to solve?

Clips came together very organically. We realized we could create short videos directly from the panels, and that simple idea quickly grew into something clients could use right away.

We also refined the projection to make the videos look smoother and more natural. Because the format was short, it fit perfectly with the rise of short-form content. The timing just worked.

What was the most challenging technical problem you’ve solved here, and how did you overcome it?

One challenge was refining how scenes were pulled into Clips. Choosing the right frames while keeping the visuals smooth required testing and adjustment. It was not always obvious what would look best, but we found the balance through iteration and creative problem-solving.

What’s one project or initiative you’re currently excited about at LCP Media?

I am excited about our new capture process using gimbals and iPhones. It represents a shift from Ricoh Theta and opens up different technical possibilities. The tools we use to capture data completely shape what is possible with our products, so this transition will be very interesting to explore.

What excites you most about the future of LCP Media?

Being part of Yardi has expanded our opportunities. Their customers are different from the original LCP Media base, which means new challenges and new priorities. I enjoy adapting and finding solutions for a broader range of clients.

What’s your proudest moment here so far?

Presenting TourBuilder Clips to Greystar was a proud moment. People were surprised because I approach technology differently from the stereotypical tech person. I enjoy presenting and connecting the technical side with the business side. It is rewarding to show how our products work in a practical and easy-to-understand way.

Leadership, career growth & balance

How would you describe your leadership style in three words?
Empowering. Collaborative. Supportive.

What’s the most rewarding part of your role as Lead 3D Computer Vision & Machine Learning Engineer

Seeing customers actually use the products we build. Feedback helps us improve, and knowing that something we worked on is useful makes the effort worthwhile.

How has parenthood influenced your approach to productivity, problem-solving, or even your passion for innovation?

Parenthood has taught me to focus on one thing at a time. I choose one task, finish it, and then move on. If I do not get to everything right away, that is okay. I think of time as infinite. It always works out.

How do you keep your creativity sharp when working on highly technical projects?

Technical problem-solving is one way I use creativity. I consider myself a problem solver in every aspect of life. Whether it is a technical challenge or something small at home, I enjoy applying different tools and perspectives until I find a solution.

What advice would you give someone starting in development — especially in AI, machine learning, or computer vision?

Do not try to learn everything at once. Pick one thing, do it well, and then move on to the next. The field moves quickly, but curiosity and patience will take you far.

If you could switch jobs with anyone at LCP Media for a day, who would it be and why?

Someone who has the inside scoop on the day-to-day business side. Maybe Izzy, since I know he was really involved with the acquisition. I like the creative side of marketing, and it would be interesting to see things from that perspective.

What’s your go-to productivity hack for busy days?

One thing at a time. If I cannot get to everything, I do not worry. I remind myself that there is more time in the day than we think.

Life outside of work

How do you like to unwind after a busy day?

I enjoy nature and getting outside. Living in Irvine, CA, means I can go to the beach or the mountains, or take a walk in my neighborhood. I would love to do more photography, and I love art when I find time. Those creative outlets keep me inspired.

If you could take a vacation anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

Honestly, I would stay home right now. My schedule is so busy with work and family commitments that the idea of just having quiet time at home sounds ideal.

What’s a fun fact that most people don’t know about you?

My family in India is technically royalty. My grandmother’s brother still has a castle. When I was little, I told people I was a princess, which was sort of true.

If you weren’t in tech, what completely different career could you see yourself enjoying?

I could see myself in photography or art. They combine creativity with perspective and are easier to balance in short bursts of time. When I retire, I will return to art.

A calm presence and brilliant engineer

Prachi’s journey has taken her from studying galaxies to building AI products used daily in multifamily real estate. What makes her stand out is not only her technical expertise but also her perspective. She is calm under pressure, approachable with her colleagues, and clear in explaining complex ideas.

At LCP Media, Prachi is more than a Lead 3D Computer Vision & Machine Learning Engineer. She is a problem solver, a collaborator, and someone who makes technology feel practical and human.

   

Tom Chomiak, chief technology officer, shares: 

When we hired Prachi, I knew she was talented, but working with her has shown just how rare her abilities are.

Prachi brings a unique blend of expertise and real-world computer vision experience to our team. Prachi and our Machine Learning  team work on exciting and challenging tasks, such as our Enhance IQ pipeline. Her work has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of how we enhance and automate our virtual tours.

In addition, Prachi is an extremely nice and intelligent person, inspiring many around her to be better. I feel fortunate to have her on my team and to collaborate with her every day.

Anthony Lin, vice president of product, adds:

Prachi was the driving force behind TourBuilder Clips — a game-changing feature that transforms existing virtual tour content into dynamic videos, delivering major value to our clients without adding time or cost. She's not just brilliant (think astrophysics-level smart), she's also a phenomenal communicator who can take complex concepts in machine learning and 3D vision and make them clear, actionable, and even exciting. Prachi brings a thoughtful, solution-oriented approach to every challenge and has a fearless attitude toward the "impossible" — a rare and refreshing combo in a fast-paced, innovation-first environment. She’s highly collaborative, open to feedback, and laser-focused on building better, smarter experiences for our clients. Simply put, working with Prachi is as inspiring as it is energizing.

Jinxuan Liang, 3D computer and machine learning applied scientist, highlights:

Prachi is one of the smartest and most thoughtful colleagues I’ve had the pleasure of working with in research and development. In an R&D environment, we often face complex challenges that are difficult to solve, and Prachi has an incredible ability to think critically, ask the right questions, and develop creative solutions.

She is also highly communicative and approachable. Prachi explains technical details with great clarity, making it easy for us to understand and engage with the work. Beyond her professional skills, she brings humor and warmth to the team, and I truly enjoy the interesting conversations we share about life outside of work.

In all, working with Prachi is both productive and enjoyable, and I’m grateful to have her as a colleague.

Katie Rose, marketing, shares: 

I have never worked with or met anyone like Prachi before. Her education at Princeton and Caltech speaks for itself on the level of intelligence she brings, but what stands out most to me is her constant curiosity to learn. She  has the approach to life that we are all capable of anything we put our minds to, and that belief is why she has accomplished so much.

On top of her technical brilliance, she has a creative side that adds so much depth to her work and how she connects with people. What inspires me most is not only her talent but her kindness. She is thoughtful, collaborative, and someone who lifts others. She is also a wonderful mother, balancing her career and family with grace. I love her view of the world and feel grateful to learn from her perspective.