How has your experience in this industry been so far?
My experience in the architecture and construction industry has been quite humbling and continually broadening. It has taught me new ways of introspecting my work. I am a firm believer in simplifying complex design and engineering problems and prefer to adopt an inside-out approach to a project. My vision is to work and contribute toward the development of our societal and economic growth as a Nation-building activity.
As the Director of CEM Engineers — a comprehensive project consultancy — my role requires me to supervise projects at the design and execution stage. Over the years, working in both Government and Private sectors, I have been involved with large-scale projects of critical nature, some requiring major engineering solutions for execution. I believe that my work ethic comprises the perseverance and patience required for delivering large-scale developments and achieving exceptional results with each project.
Your overall working experience across a range of project sizes?
I strongly believe in simplifying complex design and engineering problems and labelling an inside-out approach to a project. Over the years, as a Design head, I have contributed to the development of several projects, including mission-critical facilities, radiochemical laboratories, nuclear safety structures, nuclear waste management facilities, communication infrastructure and blast-resistant facilities.
My association with heading such complex and meaningful projects have helped me expand my experience and the skill-set needed for my industrial expertise. The complexity of design and understanding required in developing these projects is a challenging process involving innovation at both the design and project delivery end. The multi-disciplinary engagement, the long-term impact and the continual growth that these large-scale developments foster drive my intentions to continue working and challenge myself.
Are you willing to try various styles? What differentiates your work?
Construction projects are unique and are driven by several factors impacted by project cost, project schedules and quality. To streamline the various industrial processes, projects must be executed with an aligned vision of thought that combines social and sustainable consciousness with robust designs and cutting-edge building technologies. Drawing from a rich legacy of advanced research and innovation to create sustainable and durable projects, we operate to contribute to India’s broad construction landscape significantly.
The work ethic resonates with phrases such as working towards a sustainable, equitable and secure infrastructural future and imagineering better cities for rapidly changing urban environments. To support our thought throughout our work, we present a comprehensive approach at all stages of project development — from concept to design to execution and project management. The key strategic differentiation, which is the client experience, is well guarded by the interdisciplinary knowledge of a project’s life cycle and the interdependent relationship between design, engineering and construction. Thus, every design decision is made considering its impact on cost management and its value to architecture.
Which was your most difficult or exciting project? Could you please provide us with additional information about this ?
Often the most difficult projects are also the most exciting ones. A project that I am presently working on is one that I find extremely exciting. The project involves a radio-chemical laboratory setup.Radioisotopes are increasingly employed in medicines, agriculture and research laboratories. These laboratories are heavily regulated and require elaborate precautions in design and layout, the work process and servicing. Moreover, radiation science is a highly specialized field, and a considerable amount of sustained research is being carried out globally as such concepts and definitions change and evolve rather rapidly.
Radio-chemical laboratories work on the concept of zones, much like hospitals, etc. except these are far more regulated. We had to get our hands on the drawing board and customize the space to suit the sterile functioning while ensuring that spaces did not assume a cold character.
What would you change about the city’s architecture if you could? Please explain.
Mass urbanization of Indian cities has drawn attention from federal bodies to media and the built-environment enthusiasts to collaborate and work collectively towards an effective solution. Presently, Indian cities are caught between two realities — an exponentially growing ecosystem of inhabitants and inadequate supporting infrastructure to support basic living amenities.
The situation presents itself as both a challenge and an opportunity to create innovative solutions. Such solutions must be cost-effective, accessible to a vast majority of urban Indians and bench-marked to global standards of end products. A significant shift in the design strategy and a technically advanced construction framework must be continually developed for our city’s infrastructure. Moreover, the design must resonate with our unique and diverse sociopolitical and cultural environment. Eventually, such solutions must be
accepted by multiple stakeholders and possess the capacity to integrate with both public and government institutions.
Your advice to aspiring architects and interior designers.
I would advise young industry professionals to learn the operative art of collaboration and adding value to their team. As designers, we must learn and develop skills constantly throughout our professional journey. The only person one should envy is the previous version of themselves and must seek positive reinforcement at the place of their work.
As women operating in the construction industry, we must ensure that stereotypes are broken throughout the workforce when an opportunity strikes. Additionally, digital operations have enabled people to be available without the limitation of physically being present at offices, providing a much-required work-life balance. Circumstances never limit one’s growth but by their own will, so work towards that want of excelling.