Tasneem Merchant

Copy editor at The Guardian US. I've edited and fact-checked more than 4,500 articles across print and digital, which have drawn over 50 million views.

See my work

Selected work

Pieces I've written, produced and edited across print and digital publications. Select a title to read it.

The Guardian

Environment, multi-part series

Megadrought in the US South-West

An environment series tracking the worst drought in 1,200 years — the shrinking Colorado River, falling reservoirs, and the water reckoning facing the American South-West.

The Guardian

US News, multi-part series

Shelby County Anniversary

A voting-rights series marking the anniversary of Shelby County v. Holder, examining how the decision reshaped ballot access across the US in the decade since.

The Guardian

US News, multi-part series

The Election Operators

A US-news series profiling the people who run, contest, and influence American elections from the inside.

Hyperallergic

December 12, 2019

Dalit Musicians Are Playing A New Tune

A reported cultural feature on Dalit musicians reclaiming their artistic identity and challenging caste-based exclusion through contemporary music.

Home & Design Trends

Vol 7 No 3, 2019

Light Years Ahead: Nikhil Paul

A cover profile of New Delhi lighting designer Nikhil Paul, tracing how one debut collection put his studio Paul Matter on the global design map.

Home & Design Trends

Vol 7 No 3, 2019

Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai

An in-depth architectural feature on the UAE's newest cultural hub, designed by Serie Architects on Dubai's Jaddaf Waterfront.

GoodHomes India

May 2019

No Child's Play

A special feature exploring six imaginative themed bedroom setups for children — from safari adventures to royal storytelling corners.

GoodHomes India

March 2019

Meet the Maker

A spotlight on the craftspeople and independent makers quietly shaping the world of Indian interiors and home design.

GoodHomes India

January 2019

Make Your Home a Smart Refuge

A practical guide to integrating smart home technology — from automated lighting to app-controlled appliances — into everyday interiors.

ELLE DECOR India

In Conversation With Bjarke Ingels

A candid interview with Danish architect and BIG founder Bjarke Ingels on designing cities, sustainability, and the future of architecture.

ELLE DECOR India

In Conversation With Matteo Thun

A profile interview with Italian architect and designer Matteo Thun on his philosophy of sustainable luxury and timeless form.

ELLE DECOR India

In Conversation With Neri & Hu

A portrait interview with Shanghai-based architects Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu — EDIDA Designers of the Year 2017 — on collaboration, identity, and modern design in China.

ELLE DECOR India

Sable Sanctum

An interiors feature on designer Deane Panday's dramatic Mumbai home — a masterclass in dark, rich aesthetics and curated luxury.

ELLE DECOR India

Rooted Interest: Andaz Delhi

A hotel feature on Andaz Delhi, exploring how the property weaves Indian craft traditions into its architecture, interiors, and guest experience.

ELLE DECOR India

A Day in the Life of Patrizia Moroso

An intimate portrait of Patrizia Moroso — creative director of the iconic Italian furniture brand — tracing a day in her world of bold color and design.

ELLE DECOR India

Fine Edge: Neri & Hu

A visual showcase of landmark Neri & Hu projects — the Suzhou Chapel, their Design Commune in Shanghai, and collaborative pieces for Poltrona Frau.

ELLE DECOR India

Tracing the History of Asnaghi Interiors

A brand profile of the 101-year-old Italian furniture house Asnaghi Interiors, tracing its origins in Brianza and its enduring vision for classical luxury.

ELLE DECOR India

EDIDA India 2016 Winners

Coverage of the ELLE DECOR International Design Awards India edition, celebrating the country's most outstanding designers and makers of the year.

ELLE DECOR India

Package Deal: Trunks Company

A compact brand spotlight on Trunks Company, the Indian label reviving the art of bespoke trunk-making with a contemporary twist.

ELLE DECOR India

New Frontiers

A design commentary on adaptable living and the future of multifunctional furniture — exploring how compact spaces are reshaping the way we design for urban life.

ELLE DECOR India

RCR Arquitectes

A profile of the Pritzker Architecture Prize 2017 winners and their philosophy of building for people — not spectacle — as embodied by the Soulages Museum.

Meet Tasneem

Hi! I'm Tasneem, a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and digital media.

I work with writers, brands and publications to sharpen prose, tighten structure and make writing sing.

Whether it's a 300-word blurb or a 10,000-word feature, I bring the same commitment to every project: reading closely, questioning gently, and always keeping the writer's voice at the center of the work.

Outside of work, you will find me reading, DIYing or planning my next big adventure – all with a steaming cup of coffee in hand.

Say hello
Tasneem Merchant

Resume

Download resume (PDF)

Experience

The Guardian US

Oct 2021 – present

Copy Editor, West Coast

Copy edited and fact-checked 4,500+ articles generating over 50 million views across politics, technology, features, art, design, and lifestyle.

  • Contributed to culturally competent house style by keeping terminology current with evolving social contexts.
  • Wrote and pushed app and web notifications for breaking news; updated Guardian US and International home pages.
  • Edited social media content for clarity, brand voice, and platform optimization.
  • Mapped and led onboarding program for new copy team members.
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with visuals, audience, and editorial teams on investigative projects and features.

GoodHomes India & Home & Design Trends

Oct 2018 – Jul 2019

Sr Copy Editor

Wrote, copy edited, and fact-checked 200+ features; streamlined processes for 2× faster production of web and magazine content.

  • Grew Instagram engagement by 25% and Facebook following by 15% through targeted social media promotion.
  • Won the Trends Excellence Award for D/Code — an annual design exhibition and speaker conclave.

BeautifulHomes.com, Asian Paints Ltd.

Sep 2017 – Oct 2018

Copy Editor

Managed a monthly editorial calendar of 250+ digital articles; developed social strategies driving 18,000 unique visitors per month.

ELLE DECOR India, Ogaan Media

Nov 2014 – Sep 2017

Copy Editor

Led all aspects of ELLE DECOR International Design Awards (India) 2017 — one of the publication's most successful events.

  • Spearheaded workflows to meet monthly submission goals of 150+ pieces.
  • Promoted twice: from Editorial Assistant to Junior Copy Editor, then to Copy Editor.

Education

Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

May 2020

MA, Arts & Culture Journalism

Recipient of three academic scholarships; published on Hyperallergic.com.

Jai Hind College, Mumbai

Aug 2011 – Aug 2014

Bachelor of Mass Media

Class valedictorian for Journalism; awarded the 2012–2013 Sumitomo scholarship.

Skills

Editing

Copyediting & fact-checkingHeadline & subhead writingHouse style developmentSocial media editingAudience adaptation

Working style

Cross-functional collaborationProject managementPublic speaking

Software

Adobe InDesignPhotoshopPremiere ProAuditionMS Office SuiteG-SuiteCMS platforms

Languages

EnglishHindiMarathiGujaratiUrdu

Let's work together

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Open to copy editing, editorial and content strategy roles.

hello.tasneemmerchant@gmail.comLinkedIn