Introduction: MARK SELVARAJ, Director, LandTech AEPC Private Limited, approaches steel not as a statement material, but as a practical solution to modern construction challenges. For him, steel’s greatest strength lies in its ability to balance design freedom with execution efficiency. He believes steel is quietly reshaping the way architects design, engineers execute, and cities evolve. In this conversation with SSMB, he reflects on steel’s expanding design vocabulary, the importance of collaboration, and why speed, precision and adaptability are becoming its greatest advantages.
How does steel enhance the design flexibility and architectural freedom in your projects?
Steel offers far greater flexibility, both in design and execution. One of its biggest advantages is the speed with which projects can be delivered. It is resilient, readily available, requires relatively low maintenance, and enables us to respond more efficiently to our clients’ expectations.
Beyond these practical benefits, steel significantly reduces construction challenges while allowing architects greater creative freedom. Whether it is achieving longer spans, exploring unconventional forms or simplifying execution, steel provides possibilities that are difficult to achieve with conventional materials. For us, it has become an important enabler of both design innovation and project efficiency.
“Steel reduces construction challenges while giving architects greater freedom to innovate.”
How do you balance aesthetic intent with structural performance when incorporating steel into your designs?
The steel industry has evolved tremendously over the last decade and a half. Earlier, steel was largely confined to structural framing, but today the range of products and systems available has expanded significantly. Pre-engineered systems, advanced flashings, profiled sheets and improved fabrication techniques have opened up entirely new design possibilities.
As architects, we are constantly learning about these developments and exploring how they can translate into better buildings. Today’s steel systems allow us to experiment with curves, colours, finishes and complex forms without compromising structural performance. That evolution has made it much easier to achieve the balance between architectural expression and engineering efficiency.
In what ways does designing with steel support your broader sustainability objectives and long-term environmental goals?
Steel naturally supports a more sustainable approach to construction. Faster execution reduces project timelines, while prefabrication minimises material wastage compared to conventional construction methods.
Equally important, steel enables us to deliver projects more efficiently with lower overall resource consumption. When shorter construction periods, reduced waste and improved lifecycle performance are considered together, steel becomes more than just a practical material, it becomes a responsible choice for sustainable development.
What are some common misconceptions about steel that you frequently encounter in the industry?
The most common misconception is that steel construction is prohibitively expensive. While the initial cost may appear higher, the difference is often far smaller than people assume, particularly when compared with high-quality conventional construction.
More importantly, steel delivers significant savings in project timelines. Faster construction means earlier occupancy, quicker project completion and lower indirect costs. In dense urban environments where time directly influences project economics, these advantages often outweigh the marginal difference in material costs.
As the industry continues to mature, I believe more developers will begin evaluating steel based on overall project value rather than upfront expenditure alone.
“In urban projects, time is often the biggest cost. Steel helps save both.”
How do you collaborate with engineers, fabricators and execution teams to ensure seamless delivery of steel-intensive projects?
Successful steel projects begin with clear communication. We provide detailed design briefs covering the structural scheme, framing configuration and overall design intent before engaging with fabricators.
Based on these inputs, discussions take place around technical specifications, costs and execution challenges until the most practical solution is achieved. Once fabrication begins, precision becomes critical. Advanced surveying equipment, laser alignment systems and quality checks ensure accurate positioning of anchor bolts, structural members and installation levels.
Our project management team closely monitors every stage to ensure that design intent is translated into execution without compromise.
Which advancements in steel materials, fabrication methods or digital modelling tools are you most excited about today?
Digital technologies are transforming the way steel projects are designed and executed. Modern Building Information Modelling (BIM) platforms allow architects, engineers and contractors to work with integrated project data from the earliest stages.
These systems help quantify materials accurately, coordinate multiple disciplines and identify potential issues before construction begins. We also rely extensively on CAD-based platforms to manage building data, material quantities and detailed engineering information throughout the design process.
The level of precision and coordination these digital tools provide continues to improve, making project delivery more predictable and significantly more efficient.
How do you envision steel influencing the evolution and resilience of India’s future urban infrastructure?
Steel has already begun transforming India’s urban infrastructure in ways that were uncommon just a decade ago. Earlier, its application was largely limited to industrial buildings. Today, it is increasingly being used for pedestrian bridges, skywalks, metro stations and various urban connectivity projects.
In many metropolitan developments, steel has become the preferred structural solution because it enables faster construction with minimal disruption to surrounding urban environments.
I believe this trend will continue to accelerate. As Indian cities become denser and infrastructure projects demand greater speed, flexibility and resilience, steel will play an increasingly central role in shaping the country’s urban future.
“India’s urban landscape is increasingly becoming a steel story and that transformation has only just begun.”
