Introduction: In this edition of Design with Steel, Sriram Ramakrishnan, Principal Architect at FHD Group, offers unique insights into how steel serves as a cornerstone of architectural versatility and innovation. With cross-continental experience spanning India and the U.S., Sriram unpacks the material’s potential beyond structure — into storytelling.
What role does steel play in achieving architectural versatility in your projects?
Steel is an integral part of every design. Some buildings are showcased as steel structures, while in others, steel is not visible to the naked eye. However, it is still present, whether as part of RCC, exposed elements, or facade materials. When discussing architectural versatility, most visible architectural forms involve steel in some way. As a material, steel offers malleability, ductility, and unique tensile strength, making it highly effective in achieving architectural forms and spaces.
How do you balance aesthetics and functionality when designing with steel?
Architecture is a balance of aesthetics and functionality — two sides of the same coin. A truly functional design naturally shapes its own aesthetic, much like patterns found in nature, following the principle of form follows function. When materials are engineered for efficiency and structural integrity, their inherent properties influence the final design. In the case of steel, its sleekness and the forms shaped by gravitational forces create a distinctive architectural expression.
How does designing with steel support your approach to sustainability and green building practices?
Often perceived as a mined material rather than a sustainable choice, steel can play a significant role in eco-friendly construction. We have designed buildings that utilise natural ventilation, reducing structural load and minimising material usage. Its lighter weight makes it ideal for naturally ventilated structures while also allowing for better daylight integration. This creates new opportunities to enhance sustainability in architectural design.
“Sustainability is not about subtraction — it’s about intelligent subtraction. Steel helps us get there.”
What are some misconceptions about designing with steel that you have encountered?
Having worked in the US, I found steel to be a standard construction material, deeply embedded in industrial practices. In India, however, there is a common misconception that steel is primarily an engineering material, often associated with parking garages, industrial structures, and transportation hubs. While it certainly serves those purposes, steel is present in almost every building we admire. When used thoughtfully, it can be integrated into a wide range of building typologies, enhancing both functionality and design.
In your opinion, how does steel compare to other materials when addressing modern architectural challenges?
There are many building materials available, but a good one should perform well in structure, function, execution, maintenance, and aesthetics. Steel is one of the most significant inventions of mankind, as it meets all these criteria in unique ways. It does not require additional aesthetic covering or structural support; steel inherently fulfils both roles. In steel buildings, the form naturally follows the function, making it a pure and versatile material that satisfies all the requirements of an architect.
What is the most creative or unconventional use of steel you have implemented or admired?
We recently completed a project involving a shaded auditorium for the International School of Hyderabad. Typically, steel is seen as an industrial material, but we wanted to use it in a more human-centric way. By allowing people to see and touch the steel, it becomes an integral part of the spatial experience rather than just an engineering solution to a technical problem. We are proud to have used steel thoughtfully and qualitatively to enhance the spatial quality of the project.
How do you approach collaborations with engineers and fabricators when working on steel-intensive projects?
When working with steel, it is crucial to collaborate with the engineer, fabricator, and all stakeholders from the beginning. Unlike other materials, steel does not allow for a design to be hidden behind aesthetics. What you create must be both an engineering and architectural solution, and it should be manufacturable without complications. By involving all stakeholders early on, you can develop a solution that is precisely manufactured as per the design without deviations. That is why we prioritise collaboration from the very first stage.
What advice would you give to upcoming architects exploring the potential of steel in their designs?
The only advice I would give to an architect is to focus on what a good design requires in terms of form, space, and function, and then choose the material that best fits those needs. Steel is an incredibly versatile material that can work with a wide range of designs. Rather than designing around what a truss can do, focus on what you want to achieve. You might need a truss, a space frame, or a facade, and steel can be used effectively in all these applications.
What role do you think steel will play in redefining urban landscapes and infrastructure in India?
You can see steel being an integral part of the urban landscape in the US or any developed economy. Steel is used in urban lighting, furniture, signages, plant protection, and even in temporary structures – since steel structures can be made in Industry at mass quantity for required quality, and it also has a long life. In terms of infrastructure – even if you see a toll both on a highway, most components of that structure will most probably be steel and other metals. The newly designed steel bridges are not just functional but also iconic landmarks.
Why This Matters:
Sriram’s perspective elevates steel from a material of necessity to one of expression and elegance. His cross-cultural practice is reshaping how India sees steel not as a compromise, but as a creative constant in building smarter, greener, and more human environments.
