Women Architects Reshaping & Restructuring Perception Of Women One Building At A Time
By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Tuesday, 13 June 2023
The world of architecture is mesmerizing. It brings the right mix of science, technology and art. By that definition, an architect is nothing less than an artist. This field was however perceived to be better suited for men. But when have women quietly abided by the dictates of the patriarchal society.
As early as 1936 is when India got its first female architect in Perin Jamshedji Mistri. She went on to design many a marvel across the country while also paving the way for future generations of women architects in the country.
Close to a century has passed since Perin’s foray into the field and following her lead, several prolific Indian women architects have entered the field. In the current edition of Women Entrepreneur India magazine, we shine the spotlight on a few such women architects.
Lakshmi Narasimhan, Principal Architect, Aarabhi Design Build is one such name. Armed with a Bachelor of Architecture from BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore, and experience working with renowned architects in India, Lakshmi, for the last two decades has been orchestrating successful projects and enhancing people’s lifestyles through sustainable and aesthetic designs.
The magazine also features Sanjana Rana, Principal Architect, Acasa Studio. Sanjana, the proprietor and principal architect of Acasa Studio, is one of the leading lights steering the way in the field of architecture, delivering high-quality, innovative designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Manju Vani, Founder, Achi Architects is another celebrated name in the field of architecture. A childhood trip to the KRS Dam, combined with her great grandmother's inspiring tale of compassion towards the workers constructing the dam, deeply influenced Manju Vani, Principal Architect, Poche’ Design Studio and ignited her passion for architecture as a means to address practical issues.
The magazine issue also features the story of Kirthi Suvarnan, Principal Architect, Satkriya. Kirthi graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the National Institute of Technology Calicut. She started her career with De Earth and later she joined Space A.R.T before starting her own firm.
In this issue also read about Sapna Khakharia, Principal Architect, The Canvas Design. Having an extensive experience in the architecture domain, Sapna is making a benchmark in the global market by building long-term relationships with clients and creating holistic designs that are both aesthetically and functionally thorough.
Last but not the least we have Vaishnavi Tolety, Principal Architect, Yugen Design Space. Vaishnavi is a visionary leader who brings a fresh perspective to the world of architecture and design. Her unwavering passion for creating meaningful spaces and her collaborative leadership style make her a driving force behind Yugen Design Space's success in emerging as a leading full-service architecture, interiors, landscape, and design firm in Bangalore, undertaking projects pan India.
These women are reshaping and restructuring the perception about women architects one building at a time.
Do let us know your thoughts.