Indian women architects at the top of their game

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Indian women architects at the top of their game

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we took the opportunity to speak to the leading female architects and planners in the country. These ladies are on top of their game and are steadfastly forging a path for others to follow. Here’s what they have to say when asked how being a woman enhances their practice:

Anupriya Sahu, Alankaram
As a furniture brand known for melding together elements of culture, technology and fine craftsmanship, Anupriya Sahu’s Alankaram has gained global acclaim and recognition. Their sleek, contemporary designs are rooted in traditional and vernacular sensibilities, and they offer both customised designs as well as ready-made ones. “I believe in equal opportunities when it comes to designing or any other facet of life. Women are naturally gifted when it comes to combining design and functionality, and therefore create practical pieces that are apt for contemporary homes. These little details extend beyond knowing classic colour schemes. Plus, having a women-led practice makes hiring artisans in the rural sector easier,” says Sahu.

Varsha Jain, Creative Architects and Interiors (CAI)
Varsha Jain, the Principal Architect and co-founder of CAI, a practice based in Chennai, is known for her nuanced approach to design. She shares, “Women have the ability to multitask. Management is an inherent part of every woman’s life, so we’re able to perceive the true client briefs through multiple layers, and analyze them in terms of accessibility, landscape, functionality, and connectivity. My formative years in Pune where I studied, taught me the skills I use in my projects even today, like design detailing and space-saving solutions. I believe that architecture is an amalgamation of art and science and every space we design reflects the needs of humankind. Spaces should be contextually transformative and evolving as well as user-friendly and open to being perceived in different ways. In architecture, we need to keep changing with time. The ability of women to evolve and change based on their circumstances has helped me stay up to date with relevant design practices.”

Sneha Gurjar, Director, CEM Engineers
First established in 1984, CEM Engineers is one of India’s leading comprehensive project consultancies that provides services in master planning, architectural design, structural engineering, MEP engineering, construction administration and project management. Sneha Gurjar, its director, says, “Design and architecture are extremely fulfilling professions. Every new project is equally demanding and requires one to work relentlessly. It is not the best return on investment regarding the time spent, but one of the most fulfilling choices. My journey in the industry has been quite humbling and simultaneously broadening. It has taught me new ways of introspecting on my work and working on myself. I firmly believe in simplifying complex designs and engineering problems with compatible design solutions and prefer to adopt an inside-out approach to a project. My vision is to work and contribute towards developing our societal and economic growth as a nation-building activity.”