You have made a transition from law to architecture. What inspired this and how did it shape your approach to design?
From the beginning, I envisioned a profession which would allow me to have an impactful role, provide a service and lead towards an egalitarian or equal society. This led me towards pursuing law. I became a lawyer but realised that the field lacked creativity, despite the invaluable lessons learnt along the way. The transition from lawyer to architect was tremendously beneficial, especially in research, grasping information, analysis, and understanding the core of businesses, all of which were important to make me the architect I am today.
Creativity is a vital aspect of my life, nurtured by the rich heritage of Mumbai, and my travels across India. Growing up with my mother as an architect, I was immersed in a rich environment of culture and architecture. I realised while transitioning that embracing creativity is a lifelong pursuit, and it’s essential to wake up each day fuelled by a passion for your work. Regardless of the field, all work demands hard effort; without passion for what you do, it becomes challenging to stay engaged. I discovered a deep passion for architecture, and now, 16 or 17 years later, it feels as though I graduated from architecture school just yesterday. I was lucky to find my calling!
What challenges did you face in restructuring the firm and adopting new strategies, and how have they impacted your growth as a woman in architecture?
When I joined the studio, there was a need to formalise contracts and integrate modern technological systems. There was also a shift in using the technology we employ, from AutoCAD and Revit to various rendering software, and AI as well. These changes were made with great effort and my legal background helped streamline business operations and ensure a structured approach towards project management. Staying updated with the latest advancements, upskilling, and balancing traditional drawing with new digital tools became essential for the studio’s development. This ongoing journey of learning and adapting allows us to remain efficient while continuously refining our skills.
It is a male-dominated industry, and it is frustrating since there are so many women who study architecture, often outnumbering the male students, yet not transitioning into the workforce. Their presence continues to decline over the years. While balancing family, distance, and personal commitments presents challenges, women can thrive with the right support and confidence. Architecture demands determination, and women have that drive. We just need to ensure they are encouraged, supported, and equipped to stay the course. This shift must happen if we want to see a more balanced, inclusive future in architecture.
How do you balance functionality and aesthetics using steel?
One would not find any similarity in our projects, since each requires different vision, materiality, context, building technology, and usage; each project embodies its own identity and uniqueness. Our approach is rooted in a strong Indian ethos of agile design, with the natural philosophy of sustainability. This encompasses passive design strategies, natural ventilation, contextual considerations, and local materials, all of which reduce our footprint. By blending these principles with an understanding of the user’s needs, budget constraints, and aesthetic values, we create spaces that reflect not only our creativity but also the rich heritage of craftsmanship and art found throughout India.
How do you blend traditional Indian arts with modern architecture and integrate innovative methods or technologies in your projects?
Indian arts, crafts and vernacular architecture play a vital role in our work, by incorporating history and heritage into contemporary designs through traditional construction methods. I believe that buildings are storytellers and they should integrate elements of the past, reflecting their users and era while being future-ready. Across projects of distinct scales, we have incorporated elements like Madhubani art, reworked traditional interiors, and vaulted arches built by master artisans.
The approach to incorporate these concepts differ by project, from individual buildings to large campuses, allowing us to support contemporary designs while honouring traditional practices. We encourage our clients to allocate a portion of the budget to support local arts and crafts as well. When designers and architects actively integrate these practices, we contribute to keeping these crafts alive for future generations.
How do you advocate for steel in your projects? Can you share some notable projects that showcase its versatility and the challenges encountered?
Steel is a fundamental building material in India, integral to standard RCC construction, and has evolved with innovative applications. It supports the adaptive reuse of historic structures, like old warehouses and textile mills, enhancing existing steel frameworks, to pioneering modern designs. As a primary structural element, it offers sustainability and efficiency, and the integration of renewable solutions, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Although India is gradually catching up in adopting steel broadly, increasing awareness of effective construction methodology is essential for its wider use. The initial costs may be higher, but the time and labour efficiency make it a smart choice.
We utilised steel for a residential home on a steep site, facing challenges in transporting materials and securing skilled labour. PEB structures helped us complete most of the work off-site, ensuring precision and high-quality finishes. Once transported, the components were efficiently assembled into a modern structure. Steel’s flexibility enabled quick on-site construction. Transportation through narrow hilly roads required cutting smaller sections, prompting innovative solutions.
What do you believe the future holds for architecture in India, especially in terms of sustainability, steel construction, and innovative design approaches?
India is on the cusp of greatness, with a surge of creativity and innovation transforming the architectural landscape. As we embrace this exciting time of rapid development, it’s also crucial to approach construction with care and sensitivity. We must consider technological advancements, such as AI and the welfare of our labour force, ensuring inclusivity by integrating women into the industry and upskilling them to take on diverse roles beyond traditional labour.
This pivotal moment calls for a collective effort to uplift the entire industry, emphasising ethical practices and a commitment to quality architecture. As we navigate this, it’s essential to maintain clarity and a strong ethical foundation, ensuring that we produce architecture that reflects our heritage and values while fostering a sustainable future.
