The architecture market segment is a competitive one with more and more players entering the industry on a regular basis. This has pushed the existing players to work around the clock and be innovative constantly. One of the most pioneering names in the Indian architecture space is Anjali Rawat Architects. The company was founded in 2010 and by the year of 2012, it had established itself as a known design firm and has grown to become a multi-disciplinary firm. I have previously worked with some of the most renowned architects in Mumbai. I'm passionate for design, art and architecture. This drives the firm's design principals and process.

Anjali Rawat Architects works on a wide spectrum of design projects. Architectural projects include commercial, residential buildings, and many, while Interior design projects range from show flats, sales offices, club houses, offices, retails, and many. The firm strives to create design that inspires, approaching each project, regardless of size & scale, with an understanding that architecture has a unique power to influence lifestyle and society.  Anjali Rawat is the Founder and guiding force behind the company and her passion for constant innovation has been a major catalyst in the sustained growth of Anjali Rawat Architects.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur, Anjali talks more about her professional journey and how she succeeded in this highly competitive market segment.

1. How did you develop an interest in architecture and decide to venture out on your own?

I always used to get amazed by the sight of construction works since when I was a child. I had relatives professionally working as Civil Engineers. So, I had chances to have a closer look into the field. I was creatively gifted as well, which led me to this choice of career. I completed my Degree Course in Architecture (B. Arch) from University of Mumbai, followed by a Certificate Course in Urban Infrastructure Planning from CEPT University, Ahmedabad.

2. What are the various roles & responsibilities that you currently shoulder at Anjali Rawat Architects?

I act as the Creative Force of the company. From laying down the conceptual foundations of designs, conveying them to the clients to monitoring the execution happens to be my wide scope of work. My Team helps me with the Drawings, Graphics and Visuals to help me convey my designs better to the clients. But I prefer to select every finish personally, be that a Stone, a Fabric, a Veneer or any finish material of that kind. On the back of last two years, working remotely felt to be challenging at first. Sites were much difficult to be handled 100 percent offsite. Drawing maximum productivity while working from home was difficult at times. But eventually, we figured the best way out of it. We were working on a 1000 sqft 2BHK and a 10,000 sqft Penthouse simultaneously. Juggling between those contrasting scale of projects wasn't easy at all. But we enjoyed both the processes.

3. What are some of key design philosophies or aesthetics that you leverage while designing spaces?

I believe Style is a reflection of one's personality. Every architect has his core ideologies and principles which are seen in finer details of the design. A real architect never steps away from his inborn style. Straight lines are very evidently seen in my design sensibilities. It is a metaphor for strong principles. I love my architectural space to be clean and decluttered. 'Less is More' is my mantra. We at ARA focus on details. We believe details bring out the real beauty of the space. At the commencement of any design, we work a lot on the form of the design as that forms the main crux of the entire design. All elements of the design integrate seamlessly. We explore a plethora of textures and shades in our design. My style can be said to be contemporary and modern; we follow bespoke design for every client. All our designs reflect an intelligent use of scale and proportion travel and global exposure have a significant influence on our style of deign. We are on a constant quest for perfection as architecture for me is an art.

”All our designs reflect an intelligent use of scale & proportion travel & global exposure have a significant influence on our style of deign"

4. In your opinion what have been some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved so far in your professional journey?

I was thrilled to have my work published in some of the known Magazines like Elle Décor, Interior Exterior, Society Interiors, etc. over the time. We recently also finished a luxurious 10,000 sqft apartment in South Bombay. We have been working on a 1.2 lacs sqft commercial space for one of the architectural projects. These are some milestones that I look upon when I peek into the past. Last year, I was also rewarded with the honourableiGen 21 award. Achievements like these motivate me even more to work harder and better on the upcoming projects.

5. What would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

I would tell young women to come out of their shells. Girls are considered to be good at creative careers, we see a lot of girls working backhand for design projects. But I'd suggest them to push and take the lead of those projects. It isn't uncommon for a girl to handle the site execution anymore. You can be good at the technical drawings part, but you can get better if you're exposed to site execution. Understanding details gets easier there. Being versatile helps to get the confidence and become a Leader and an Entrepreneur eventually. You just need to leave the comfort bubble.