What motivated you to pursue architecture and how would you describe your journey from aspiring to be an architect to achieving that goal?
Architecture wasn’t a childhood dream—it happened by chance. Growing up in Madurai, architecture wasn’t something I encountered often, but at NIT Trichy, I was exposed to it through diverse peers with a deep passion for the field. Their enthusiasm and perspectives inspired me to explore what resonated with me. Over time, I realised that architecture offered an outlet for my creativity, design skills, and passion for improving lives.
During the pandemic, I was working with a renowned firm in Kolkata, which was transformative. I learned about design along with the intersection of art, culture, people, and architecture. It helped me realise that architecture is more than creating buildings—it’s about how structures adapt to their context and impact lives. Grasping these nuances shaped my design philosophy and paved the way for me to become the architect I am today.
Elaborate on some of the challenges or criticisms that you have faced during your journey and how you believe they can be addressed.
There are challenges, and through my experience, I have learnt that it is a societal issue. People often expect different things based on gender. I have worked alongside various architects, and when they know a person is a man, they ask certain questions, while the questions directed at me are often very different. The challenges are clear, but the solution begins with talking about them.
The solution is to start by acknowledging the problem. I believe change will come. The world is becoming more open-minded, and society is evolving. I hope for progress, and it starts with people like us. By supporting each other, we create space for other women who may not have the same privileges. Helping them advance in their careers isn’t a bias—it’s about addressing the inherent discrimination that exists and compensating for it.
How have you used steel in your projects, and what strategies do you use to advocate for its inclusion?
Steel has been an integral part of my projects from the beginning of my career, often becoming a natural choice for installations and structures with symbolic significance. Over time, my approach to using steel became more deliberate, particularly with projects like Billion Impressions, where the material’s strength and versatility were key to achieving ambitious design goals. For this project, our client, Tata Steel, emphasised showcasing steel’s potential, which allowed us to push the boundaries—bending, twisting, and scaling it to meet both design and structural needs.
My strategy for advocating steel focuses on its functionality and adaptability. I highlight its structural capabilities, long-term cost-effectiveness, and potential for transforming projects. Rather than using steel as a superficial aesthetic element, I emphasise its purpose-driven applications to solve challenges, enhance durability, and create designs that other materials cannot achieve.
Having been part of various projects, which one stands out as your favourite, and how would you describe its process from conception to completion?
I have worked on projects across the country and abroad as well, but social impact projects stand out as my favourite areas to work on. Recently, we worked on a community housing project, called One Day House, designed to uplift homeless individuals living on the outskirts of villages through government schemes. Despite challenges like budget constraints and relying on local materials and skills, it was incredibly rewarding and enjoyable for designers to bring this vision to life.
The use of prefabricated steel roofs instead of conventional concrete was key in speeding up construction, ensuring that durable homes were provided quickly. The project demonstrated the practicality and humanitarian value of steel, proving that with the right approach, material choices can have a significant social impact. From conception to completion, the process was both challenging and fulfilling, with the final result being a meaningful solution to a critical problem.
How do you innovate with different concepts and materials, and how do they align with the final outcome, especially with steel and other materials?
During the concept stage, it’s essential to forget about constraints and focus purely on creativity. Our team often begins by exploring the most imaginative ideas without thinking about the practical limitations, allowing us to push boundaries and think beyond the obvious. Only after this initial phase do we start refining the design and introduce real-world considerations like materials, structure, and functionality.
When working with steel or other materials, this approach lets us create innovative solutions that might not be possible if we focused too early on the constraints. We let creativity lead the way and then make the design feasible by incorporating the right materials, including steel, to achieve the desired outcome. This flexibility and creative freedom are key to developing unique concepts that truly stand out, with the materials playing an essential role in bringing the final vision to life.
How do you ensure that materials are used innovatively and sustainably to meet a project’s unique needs while considering its social impact?
The challenge is allowing materials to naturally respond to a project’s needs rather than preselecting them for novelty. Experimenting can be valuable, but forcing materials into a design for the sake of trendiness is not a part of my approach. As architects, we must adapt and evolve with changing times while ensuring our choices remain purposeful.
Sustainability is at the heart of our process, especially with durable materials like steel. Its recyclability and longevity are key factors, but we also focus on design details and finishes that ensure longevity and minimise the need for constant repairs. A structure that demands frequent maintenance undermines sustainability.
Beyond material selection, locally sourcing them plays a vital role. We work with local vendors, craftsmen, and labour, which helps reduce transportation emissions while supporting the local economy. Effective communication with these local teams ensures sustainable outcomes and strengthens community involvement. This approach highlights how sustainable practices can be achieved through thoughtful material choices and methods, both on and off-site.
How would you describe the challenges and progress in fostering diversity and inclusion in the architectural field, particularly for women?
Interestingly, women who pursue architecture often feel a subtle nudge towards interior design or areas that seem less tied to heavy construction work—likely influenced by societal stereotypes. While the industry remains male-dominated, gradual progress is visible as more women challenge norms, claim their space, and succeed despite systemic biases. However, beyond the need to work twice as hard to earn a seat at the table, what makes it even harder is the scepticism from those who don’t believe you deserve to be there in the first place.
The industry requires significant progress, especially in how we welcome and support newcomers and those from diverse backgrounds. Having been exposed to numerous aspects of the field, I have come to recognise the value of diversity – people from different genders, classes, and backgrounds bring unique life experiences. When individuals with diverse perspectives collaborate on a project, it adds tremendous value. Unfortunately, the misconception that a single perspective is sufficient still prevails but the truth is that embracing diverse viewpoints consistently leads to impactful and meaningful outcomes.
Have you observed any emerging trends in the industry, and how do you see innovative concepts or technologies shaping its future?
After the lockdown, people have become more aware of the importance of connecting with nature—incorporating green spaces in homes and offices, and embracing natural ventilation. We used to struggle to communicate these ideas, but now there’s a growing understanding of their value, aligning with how designers have always viewed them. It’s a positive trend.
While there are still fleeting facade trends, the real shift towards sustainability and reconnecting with nature is what stands out. Additionally, the rise of AI offers exciting possibilities, and we’re particularly exploring automation in fabrication and home systems. There’s a lot of promising technology on the horizon.
