Women are blurring the boundaries between alternative and mainstream, between modern and contemporary architecture. And between Entrepreneurship and architecture. One such woman architect, Neha Singhal Jain is a Co-Founder of Cathect Architects, and also has over a decade of experience in architecture, interior and urban design. She has an eclectic experience in these fields. She has worked on projects that involved designing a new city in Egypt and Turkey, and also on the projects like designing a play school in Noida, India.

Neha is a  member of the Council of Architecture, India since 2010. She co-founded Cathect architects with her partner Rishabh Jain in 2015. Her company aims to keep their clients at the centre of all design activity, right from the blueprints to the ribbon cutting. And that is why they follow a consultative approach to architectural creation, for all kinds of projects the firm undertakes, whether it is residential, commercial or industrial.

In an in-depth interview with the Women Entrepreneur India magazine team, Neha shares her entrepreneurship and architecture journey. Here are some excerpts from the interview.

Give us an overview of your architecture firm, Cathect Architects.

Before launching our firm, I and my partner Rishabh Jain worked in the industry for around five to six years. We have worked on a diversified range of projects involving interior design, urban design and architecture. Once we knew we have enough experience under our belt, we started Cathect Architects in 2015. Our main objective behind starting the firm is to make the design accessible for everyone and change the mindset that architectural design is a luxury and too expensive to afford.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience that you bring to the table. What are some key features of your expertise as an architect and an entrepreneur?

I studied architecture at the Faculty of Architecture at Manipal University, Karnataka. But I was drawn to architecture since childhood. When I was young, I got to travel a lot around the world with my family. And that is when I got fascinated by spaces and their designs and the different emotional effects that these spaces have on us. I also got lucky to meet and learn from some amazing architects.

After graduation, I worked with one of the best design firms in the world, Gensler in their London office. After working with them for a few years, I wanted to come back to India and give back to the place I belonged. I joined a Delhi-based firm, M:OFA Studio. I soon became a junior partner at the firm. Then, I got married and soon I and my partner decided to start a firm on our own to learn more on the business front, I also did a certificate course in Business Innovation.

At the firm, what I enjoy the most is the part of donning multiple hats. As an entrepreneur, I don't think you can restrict yourself to one role. I enjoy interacting with people hence I switch from being the business developer who onboards new clients to a vendor manager who manages multiple vendors for all the projects that we are working on.

Tell us more about the various roles & responsibilities that you currently shoulder at Cathect Architects? What are some of the most challenging aspects of your role as the Founder? How do you overcome them?

One of the key roles I have is that of business development. I am the face of the company and thus have to deal with all the enquiries and new clients. I onboard the new clients, help them understand the design process and ensure they are part of every decision that we make for their space including the budget. As a designer, I make sure that the design for the space is future-proof, and the client is getting value for every buck they are spending.

Hiring the right people with relevant experience, for our firm, also comes under my purview. We have a fun yet calm, proactive work culture and I ensure that everyone is collaborative and supportive towards their colleagues.

"We have a fun yet calm, proactive work culture &; i ensure that everyone is collaborative &; supportive towards their colleagues"

What are the significant milestones that you have achieved so far throughout your professional and entrepreneurial journey? What has been the guiding principle behind your success?

The most significant achievement I feel is that our firm is progressively growing and we're getting bigger projects in terms of budgets. We were two people when we started the firm and now we have evolved into a team of more than 10 people working with us.

And one thing that has helped me reach where I am is that I always kept myself updated with the key updates in the industry. I keep interacting with industry experts constantly to follow the exciting evolution in architecture and design.

As an entrepreneur, what would your one advice be to young women and girls aspiring to become business leaders & entrepreneurs in the future?

My advice is that you have to trust yourself even when others don't and believe that what you are doing is right. There will always be obstacles and restrictions, but these things don't define who you are. What defines you is your belief in yourself. You just need to move forward and grab the opportunities. That is the only way you can move forward.

Neha Singhal Jain, Co-Founder, Cathect Architects

Neha is an architect & an entrepreneur. She has over a decade of experience in architecture, interior & urban design.