What motivated you to pursue architecture and establish 42mm Architecture, how has this journey shaped both your personal and the firm’s design philosophy?
As for me – it just happened, I did not grow up thinking I would be an architect. I became interested in architecture since I saw it as a field of synthesis, where you bring different aspects of various fields, such as art, history, culture, climate and technology. Unlike traditional colleges where one must slog themselves in classrooms and libraries, architecture offers the freedom to engage the creative side of the brain. It gives one the liberty to use the right side of their brain, the creative part.
The conception to construction of a building is an extremely interwoven and complex process. Combining thousands of pieces and parts to develop a building is the most exciting component of the architectural process that motivates me.
Among the projects you have worked on, ranging from luxury homes to commercial spaces, which one stands out as your most creative work, and what made it memorable?
The pool house is a singular bold expression, yet designed and detailed to an unreal level to balance function, utility, structural challenges, and contextual sensitivity. It achieved a minimalistic stance — my personal interpretation of good architecture.
The most creatively satisfying project was our concept proposal for an open design competition held by SPA for their new campus. Our design objective here along with fulfilling the programmatic requirements was to make a positive environmental intervention. Design scheme which actually gives and regenerates the existing environment rather than exploiting it. A morphological operation was done on the proposed build blocks which responded to the contours of the site which was situated at Delhi Ridge.
How have your philosophies, experiences, and focus on sustainability shaped your design process, and which architects or emerging trends have influenced your style?
Our design process is guided by a deep-rooted philosophy centred on sustainability, driven by three key factors: planning, context, and value engineering. Planning plays a pivotal role, with 90 per cent of our projects being Vastu-compliant, blending traditional wisdom with scientific principles to create harmonious and energy-efficient spaces. Contextual understanding ensures that our designs thoughtfully respond to the environment, cultural heritage, and community needs. Lastly, value engineering enables us to optimise resources, balancing cost-efficiency with high-quality construction and sustainable material choices, ultimately delivering innovative and responsible architectural solutions.
Elaborate on your relationship with steel and how you integrate it into your designs while balancing innovation, client needs, and project constraints like quality, budget, and schedule.
Our relationship with steel is rooted in its versatility and structural efficiency. As a material, it excels in handling both compression and tension, making it ideal for creating bold, innovative forms while maintaining structural integrity. Its lightweight nature allows for faster construction timelines, helping us meet tight schedules without compromising quality. We integrate steel thoughtfully to balance client needs, optimising it for budget efficiency while pushing design boundaries. This approach enables us to deliver durable, aesthetically refined solutions that seamlessly blend function and creativity.
How do you balance social, cultural, and environmental context with evolving technologies to tailor each project to its unique criteria and end-user needs?
Firstly, we thoroughly research the social, cultural, and environmental context of a project analysing its unique identity and needs. Secondly, we craft a plan that responds to geographical and environmental factors while leveraging local resources like region-specific materials and craftsmanship. Lastly, we integrate global innovations and technologies, ensuring the design remains forward-thinking yet rooted in its context, resulting in authentic, sustainable spaces that adapt to evolving user needs.
As a female architect, what challenges and setbacks have you faced in your career, particularly in construction and site work?
Architecture is a profession sustained not just by design skills; it takes a large team to bring every space together, requiring extensive project management, teamwork, and coordination. Even after 15 years of practice, as a female architect, I still encounter initial barriers with site supervisors and on-site workers. It often takes time for them to gain confidence in my skills and experience to follow technical instructions. Women in the field often have to work a little harder to reach the same level of recognition — but we all knew it would not be easy. As Zaha Hadid famously said, ‘If you want an easy life, don’t be an architect.’
How did you tackle the challenges and address the initial resistance from supervisors or workers on-site and what strategies helped steer the team toward innovative solutions?
We tackle on-site challenges by spearheading innovative concepts and ensuring smooth integration with consultants and contractors. The initial resistance from supervisors or workers is addressed through open communication, collaborative problem-solving, and clear demonstrations of the long-term benefits of adopting new ideas. By fostering adaptability and offering hands-on guidance, we build trust and alignment among all stakeholders, which ensures that creative solutions are employed for successful project execution.
How would you effectively navigate and guide the upcoming generation of architects, especially women, as they embark on their professional journeys?
My advice to young professional women is to be bold in their career choices — be experimental, not reserved. Moreover, they should invest their formative years in gaining technical knowledge, execution strategies, and management skills. They must work tirelessly and create a strong foundation for their professional journey. One of my key learnings is that ‘Knowledge is Power’ – this outshines everything in any situation. I do feel staying relevant in a changing world requires continuous learning, innovation, and awareness of trends, which can be nurtured through travel, collaboration, and effective communication.
How do you integrate sustainable, research-based design while staying adaptable to emerging trends, particularly in large-scale projects like a national museum or centre of arts?
Sustainability in our projects is addressed through a three-fold approach: thoughtful planning, smart service integration, and responsible materiality. Firstly, thoughtful planning serves as the foundation where sustainability begins. We prioritise passive design strategies that optimise natural light, ventilation, and spatial flow. Secondly, smart service integration is essential, ensuring that mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems align with energy-efficient solutions. Lastly, responsible materiality forms the third pillar of our approach, with a focus on selecting materials that are not only durable and beautiful but also eco-conscious.
Are there any emerging trends, methodologies, or software you’re looking to incorporate into your designs to improve efficiency and the overall project process?
We leverage emerging technologies to enhance design efficiency and streamline project processes. BIM integration, particularly through Revit, plays a crucial role in coordinating services and improving collaboration among consultants. For project management, software like InDesign optimises time management and task organisation. Additionally, we use Premiere Pro for impactful presentations, effectively communicating design concepts through dynamic visuals to ensure clarity and engagement with clients and stakeholders.
The Creative Context:
If I were not an architect, I would still find myself pursuing a creative field that merges both art and technique — like cooking, a longtime passion of mine. I can imagine myself as a chef, crafting flavours with the same precision and creativity I bring to designing spaces. Both fields share a love for innovation, balance, and crafting meaningful experiences.
