Q. How has been your journey all along in this industry ?
“Stay patient and trust your journey.”
Architecture is the Master of the Arts and to be a part of the profession has been a privilege. To walk this path with and guided by Architect Brinda Somaya brings great joy, collaboration, learning and inspiration to my work. As a practitioner of Architecture I have become a student of a variety of verticals such as Ecology, Archaeology, Sociology, History, Science and more. Architecture enables to encompass a wide breadth of subjects allowing us to think innovatively by learning and adapting new methodologies. Working in India has taught me that we live in times where the architect must be responsible for the built landscape that cohesively represents the nation and its people. The work done must be inclusive in nature, representative of the rich culture and heritage of our country and use resources and local materials appropriately. During the course of practice it has remained in the forefront of our work at SNK to produce high quality design while simultaneously upholding a sense of honesty and integrity within the industry. We as a community of professionals need to constantly work towards raising standards together.
Q. What are your observations about this profession and your overall experience working across different scale of projects?
Our practice spans 45 years and through that time there has been evolution of our methodology of working as the world changed, enabling us to adapt and innovate for new challenges. However, there are basic principles which remain the foundation of the practice and continue to be the basis of all the work we do. Each project is unique and has its own journey and narrative. Our process is research based and we begin with deep diving into the specific typology or area associated with the project. This allows for cumulative ideation and innovative thinking during the conceptual design process.
The diversity of our work has been an integral part of our studio since its conception. The typology of work includes corporate and commercial spaces, hospitality, residential, public buildings, educational institutions and campuses, retail, community spaces and more. When it comes to the scale of projects it has included a footpath or local garden to millions of square feet of an IT campus. As architects in India we impact less than 5% of the population as practitioners, which is mainly in urban areas. We have not really worked with the 1.3 billion people of our country. There is sufficient work available for us all and we must ensure that we are able to service the entire spectrum of projects that will nurture upliftment of the standards of living and quality of Architecture in our country.
Q. Are you open to experiment with different styles? What makes your work unique?
Each project is unique as is their story. Therefore it is inevitable that each one has its own distinct Architectural identity. We do commence our work on the basic architectural principles as mentioned earlier however, the context of the site, the client’s brief and vision statement, the geography and locations, local materials available all set out a distinctive palette for design of the project. If you look at our portfolio of work spanning the last four decades each project is unique, appropriate and different. We at SNK believe that this is the hallmark of our work.
Q. Which was your most challenging and thrilling project! Share with us more details about the same?
Bharat Bhavan II, the global headquarters for Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) in Mumbaiwas of great significance as this project resulted in the reflection of the immense narrative and journey of the Maharatna Public Sector undertaking. It shares the story of its mission statement in which sustainability also plays a very important role and it is integrated seamlessly through the entire architecture and design process.
To be able to complete this project during the COVID 19 pandemic while simultaneously commissioning works from Indian artists and craftsman for this project. This assisted them through the difficulties of the pandemic and was an important achievement for us as a studio. This project would not have been possible without the support of the client and the entire team of experts we collaborated with in the project.
Q. Architecturally if you had to change something about the city what would it be? Explain
When we look at the future of the cities, I look at the city I am in, where I have grown up and where I have continue to practice from- Mumbai.The city is a living organism. To think we are able to change it seems almost presumptuous. It may be re-planned, contoured, preserved, adapted by us as it morphs into its next form. With the immense density, lack of infrastructure and tremendous growth that is happening, the island is extending beyond the natural boundaries into the sea. Mumbai has a tremendous spirit, inspiring architecture, rich history and culture and these are all of the aspects that should not be lost in the concrete and steel construction which is also a need in the city. With extreme changes in climate that we are witnessing across seasons are signs that we needs to sensitize ourselves to the future impact this will have on the city and to plan for it is vital. As professionals our impact is in our individual projects but the need of the hour is also to come together with the local and state government and collaborate together for the future of the city.
Q. Your message to new architects and interior designers
The greatest challenge that I believe that architects in India face today is that we are highly undervalued. In order to change this each and every architect and designer will have to work individually towards practicing in a manner that is transparent, ethical and commits to a high quality of design and execution as per prescribed industry standard practices. Our cumulative efforts will allow us all to rise together and make the Indian Architecture and Design fraternity lead by example on a global platform.
It is a very exciting time to be practicing in India which also means that it is equally challenging. There is no substitute for hard work and patience remains a great virtue to maintain! As we say at SNK – ‘Live. Love. Learn’ – each day we must live fully, love the work we do and be learning something new.