What inspired you to co-found Architecture Dialogue in 2019, and how does your collaborative, research-driven approach shape your projects?
After leading the UK’s largest conservation practice in India, I recognised the constraints of an international firm’s ongoing involvement in government projects and sought a more hands-on approach.
In 2019, Vikram Desai, Sreenath Vinay Kumar and I came together to establish Architecture Dialogue. Despite our varied backgrounds and expertise, we were driven by a shared vision of delivering exceptional designs through a deeply collaborative process. Every project undergoes a rigorous design journey, incorporating discussions with collaborators and consultants, sustainability evaluations, and ongoing exchange of ideas — both internally and externally — to ensure thoughtful, well-rounded solutions.
Your designs emphasise “empathetic design.” Can you share a specific instance where this philosophy shaped a project, like the Nirbhaya Centre or Poomala Resort?
Every project we undertake is distinct, and we approach it with a fresh perspective, adapting our philosophy to suit its unique needs. For the Nirbhaya Centre, a women-centric project, we felt a strong responsibility to explore the concept of women designing for women. A dedicated team drew upon their collective experience, research, and established theories to develop key design principles that create a more responsive and supportive environment for women and children. Hence, these insights were transformed into concrete design strategies that shaped the project.
Similarly, for Poomala Resort, situated on the edge of the Poomala Dam, within a rubber plantation in an ecologically sensitive zone, our priority was to preserve the integrity of the site. In order to minimise environmental impact, a light-touch approach was adopted, using metal as the primary material to enable a fully reversible construction process that would leave no lasting footprint. The built forms were thoughtfully positioned, and every material was carefully selected to ensure the project remained in harmony with its natural surroundings.
How have you used steel in historic conservation projects, and how do you balance its modern aesthetic with the heritage of older structures?
Steel is a material of integrity, making it a fitting choice for heritage structures. We intentionally design it as a contemporary addition — distinguished by modern details and proportions — so that it stands as a clear yet respectful contrast to the historic fabric. This sleek integration ensures that every intervention remains authentic to its time, creating a dialogue between the past and the present while preserving the essence of the original structure.
How do you determine where to preserve traditional elements and where to introduce contemporary features, like steel, in historic buildings?
The conservation process starts with a thorough heritage assessment or a conservation management plan, focusing on three fundamental aspects: what exists, why it is significant, and how best to intervene. Key historic elements are identified and preserved using suitable techniques. Steel, whether already part of the original structure or introduced as a strategic addition, plays a crucial role in strengthening or adapting the building for contemporary use. Such decisions are made in close collaboration with structural engineers to ensure that any new additions enhance the building’s durability and functionality while respecting and complementing its historic character.
What materials or methods have you found most effective in ensuring historic structures remain sustainable while preserving their character?
When adapting historic structures for continued use, sustainability interventions are essential for improving their performance while preserving their heritage value. Key considerations include enhancing thermal efficiency, upgrading mechanical and electrical systems, and ensuring proper breathability. Common strategies involve adding insulation to walls and roofs, replacing windows and doors with double-glazed units, and incorporating internal insulated dry cladding. The challenge lies in seamlessly integrating these improvements with minimal disruption to the original structure. With careful planning, these interventions enhance comfort and efficiency, ensuring the building remains functional and sustainable without compromising its architectural integrity.
Looking back at your work in India and the UK, is there a project that changed how you approach architecture or conservation?
Every project, no matter where it’s located, has influenced my approach. One of the most formative experiences was the Solina Silk Factory, our first large-scale regeneration project in India, spanning a 22 acre site with multiple industrial heritage buildings. The scale and beauty of the structures, some 100 m long and only 10 m wide, were awe-inspiring. Converting these buildings for reuse required meticulous planning to ensure that any interventions were reversible. A dedicated, hands-on team conducted physical surveys and investigations, allowing us to develop context-sensitive solutions.
Similarly, my time in the UK, where my office was situated in Canterbury Cathedral — home to a colleague who served as the Surveyor of the Fabric — provided invaluable lessons. Witnessing the cathedral’s evolution over a millennium, much of our work involved undoing previous cement-based repairs that had caused damage. This required a long-term conservation strategy, with planning extending 100 years into the future to ensure sustainable interventions. This experience emphasised the importance of working with a committed community, conducting thorough research, and adopting a patient, forward-thinking approach to guarantee meaningful, enduring improvements.
Cityscapes of Tomorrow:
We are immensely excited by the diversity of our current projects, spanning various scales and typologies. Regardless of size, each project undergoes an equal measure of research and deliberation. Our vision for the future is deeply rooted in reflecting on the past. We believe in using common sense, minimising material consumption, and making thoughtful choices. We work with materials we have always used and that we understand — metal, brick, sparse concrete, and sometimes even reclaimed debris. This approach ensures that our designs remain relevant for the future while being informed by the past.
