Q. The evolution with time. Describe the journey of women architects/interiors then and now?
Having worked at Zaha’s office for almost 5 years and now running my own practice for over 11 years, there has not even been a single day that I felt that I don’t belong in this profession. I only believe in pushing the boundaries of design and am never thinking about any social implications being a women practicing Architecture, as the profession is balance for both men and women. We all face the same issue and challenges in the field of Architecture.
Speaking from my personal experience, I have gone through a very interesting journey in the field of Architecture and Design. After finishing my first Degree (Dipl. Ing. ) in Architecture from Konstanz Germany, I went on to pursue Masters in Architecture and Urbanism at the AA (Architectural Association School of Architecture London). I got the opportunity to join Zaha Hadid Architects and had an amazing career in the office for a period of 5 years, where I was Lead Project Architect for Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre, Eli and Broad Museum Michigan, Performing arts center Tripoli, Dubai Opera house to name a few. During the tenure at times I was leading teams with 40-50 architects with a single focus of delivering a high quality project to the client.
At Studio Symbiosis we have office in Germany and India, with Myself and Amit being the Founding Partners. Some of the key projects we have undertaken as Hilton Kathmandu and Ahmedabad, 890 acres Eco Park Delhi, 1200 Acre Trans Ganga Masterplan, 1200 Acres Allahabad Hi-tech city, Bangalore Railway Station, Gwalior Railway Station, 10 Housing project’s ranging from 10 Acres and above, to name a few.
The reason for me listing these projects is to communicate that with a female lead at the helm of the practice is no different. The scale of project’s we are working on shows that there are no boundaries and definitely no glass ceiling. I strongly believe that what you believe is what you become.
Q. What is your core strength that has worked for you, weathering challenges over the years?
Q. Over the years of your historical journey spanning numerous projects national and international could you recount your most challenging and rewarding projects?
Q. Which are your most favourite works?
Q. Would like to know more on your upcoming work? What new projects are you doing?
We are currently working on an interesting mix of project’s. Eco Park by NTPC located New Delhi will be biggest one of its kind in Northern Hemisphere. With this project we are converting an ash dyke into a project consisting of gardens, forests, lakes, bamboo cafes, fly ash brick structures, along with a plethora of spaces for the residents of Delhi NCR to come and unwind.
Also we are working on the Hilton Hotel in Kathmandu where the structure is almost completed now and the façade is about to start. Housing is an important aspect of architectural profession, as it is a core charter for architecture to create a space for people to live. We are working on number of housing project’s in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Jhansi, Ludhiana with a core thesis of how we can improve the quality of life of the residents.
I believe in the social responsibility as an Architect, so Aura an Air purification tower designed by us is very important to me, as with these systems we are looking at creating a sustainable future for the generations to come.