How do you describe your journey in this male-dominated industry?
It has been long journey… I graduated in 1991 & worked as an associate architect until 1999 – learning the profession thoroughly before I started my own practice. Meanwhile I also built my own house, where I have my office too, so it was something I could showcase & prove in this male dominated field. From then on works started trickling in & I have worked very hard, being on site, doing everything myself. My works have been published from early on itself & I have been getting projects by word of mouth. So that has helped too.
Who has been your inspiration in the process of your entire career?
Geoffry Bawa, Antonio Gaudi are my foremost inspirations. And my biggest influence is having worked with Architect Gerard Da Cunha & Architect Dean D’ Cruz on sites.
Which has been your first project? Where? What was it? How has been your experience?
I have been working on Raman Resort- Calangute, Goa since 1995. It was a set of different styles of cottages & the last cottage was finished in 2015. The client had given me a free hand & I could experiment with different materials & methods like exposed laterite masonary, domes, roofs etc. The joy of working on site with the workers with hand drawn drawings has been the best experience.
What type of projects captures your interest or rather interested to do?
Any project that is challenging & needs detailing is something that always interests me. I do not take up run of the mill jobs. So I usually do residences, boutique hotels & resorts, restoration of old Goan houses.
Your most challenging projects; where and why? Tell us more about the same?
Restoration projects are very tough… One has to be very careful how to handle the existing walls, roofs & yet adapt it to the modern day context with all the services integrated tactfully. A recent restoration cum addition I had to redesign the roof yet supporting some of the trusses while the work was going on. And the rains also play a major factor in Goa.
Tell us about your upcoming projects; where and what type; schedule of completions?
There is a resort of 9 villas project being constructed where the layout is the identical, but there are 2 designs for the verandah & roof and each one has different front verandah & facade. Another 4 villa project, some residences are in different stages of construction. A couple of restorations will also start soon.
Your wise words to next-gen stepping into this profession?
This is a profession that one has to work as in a marathon. There are no shortcuts & one cannot sprint into success overnight. One has to work hard, be on the field, be creative & respect the environment. There has to be an urge for learning every day & keep delivering good work every time.
