How do you describe your journey in this male-dominated industry?
Given the universal nature of design, it’s surprising that gender disparities exist in such a creative and inclusive industry as ours. However, the numerous women I met and interacted with in this field have reaffirmed my belief that women can overcome stereotypes. As a result, I advise women not to be intimidated by numbers but to express themselves clearly and without fear of being firm in their assertions. While having a “woman’s perspective” is important in architecture and design, their specific knowledge and expertise are just as essential, if not more so.
Which has been your first project? Where? What was it? How has your experience been?
Our first project at Studio IAAD was the building structure for Crayons, which was once an abandoned industrial shed in the centrally placed NSIC district of Okhla, New Delhi. We repurposed the shed into a modern business space as an adaptive reuse project. We renovated the dilapidated brick building into a dynamic office space for an advertising agency to improve the work atmosphere and promote creative thought.
For us, the entire experience was tremendously thrilling. Everything about the project appealed to us – from the location and setting to the end-to-end execution of architecture and design. Additionally, the clients had a creative background and readily comprehended our design approach, which was a bonus.
What type of projects captures your interest or rather interested to do?
Across my career span as an architect, I have worked across various verticals and typologies – and every one of them has interested me in its way. We’ve worked on projects of all sizes, and right now, it’s the breadth of work that interests us more than the type of building. We’re more interested in projects that enable us to be deeply involved from the time of inception, involving not only the building’s architecture but also the interior design – it’s the entire, all-encompassing design process that appeals to and intrigues us.
Your most challenging project; where and why? Tell us more about the same?
Every new project comes with its own set of difficulties – and I love how it challenges my creativity. Cove & Emaar Digi Homes are the two that come to mind for me. North Goa’s Cove is a popular vacation spot. The 5,000-square-foot home avoids unnecessary ornamentation in favour of a strong identity. The site’s level was raised by 6 feet and levelled with the arterial road to provide seamless beach views. The climate-conscious material palette keeps the home cool and ventilated during the summer.
The challenge for Emaar was a one-year deadline to design a dedicated Builder’s Experience Centre. The design goal is to create an elevated living experience that stimulates the senses while also establishing a connection between the inside and the outside. At Emaar, we achieved just the same with a design narrative enlivened by a passion for creating immersive experiences through the interplay of colour palettes and materiality.
Tell us about your upcoming projects, where and what type; the schedule of completions?
The entertainment industry has resurfaced. At the moment, we’re working on entertainment centres, community centres, and community houses.
Your wise words to next-gen stepping into this profession?
Learning is a two-way street – and there’s so much we learn from the next gen. However, I feel that the new-age architect should take a sustainable approach to design spaces that improve one’s quality of life. They should draw inspiration from nature’s inherent beauty and balance, which they should reflect in their work. It’s also important to have a thorough understanding of the physical location’s environmental data and the region’s local weather patterns.
