The essence of an architectural project is totally dependent on its design. Consideration of the client’s dreams and aspirations is also very important in the design process to provide them with the right experience. Satkriya is seamlessly catering to the requirements of clients by designing spaces that are experiential and transforming. The firm always keeps its clients’ tastes and preferences as the top priority and also attempts to achieve interior atmospheric comfort through strategic design. Under the leadership of Kirthi Suvarnan, the firm is known for its optimized planning that suits the true intent of the spaces.

Kirthi Suvarnan has graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the National Institute of Technology Calicut. She is an Associate Member of the Indian Institute of Architects. She started her career as an Architect with De Earth and later she joined Space A.R.T where she headed a studio of architects and designers involved in various projects. Then she started her own firm Satkriya with her partner in life and business, who is also an Architect and got various projects in the residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors. Along with that, she has also significantly been involved in several projects in the public domain like Anganwadi, rehabilitation center, and gender studies institute, to name a few.

Kirthi Suvarnan engages in an exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur Magazine, let's hear from her.

Introduce us to Satkriya. Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and some of its most unique features.

Satkriya believes in serving a greater purpose and goodness by molding people and thereby society. To achieve this, we try to pursue architectural power such as design to endure, withstand the test of time, and be timeless. We believe architecture can create our very fabric of everyday life because what we wake up to every morning, or how we stay connected every day reminds us of our humanness and that our lives are drawn out of what surrounds us. We understand the client's needs by reading between the lines and trying to stay true to ourselves. We aspire to branch out into parallel dimensions in graphic design, product design, promotion of arts & crafts, be a creative incubator, engage with the community, and attempt to enhance people’s everyday lives towards a hopeful, and beautiful tomorrow.

" If we put our minds & pave the way ahead, nothing is impossible, & everything truly falls into place"

Throw some light on your design process while working on a new project. Where do you draw your inspiration from as a creative professional?

Our design process begins with several interactions on different levels with our clients to understand them and their needs. Analysis of the site and its potential inspires us to understand where to open out, where to close, where to elevate, and where to stay low in terms of engaging with the elements of nature. Site-specific unique features also inspire us to create a pivot to design that could drive the entire project. Lastly, our constant interaction within the firm inspires each other in bringing out new ideas, tackling challenges, and bringing fresh perspectives to our projects.

What are some of the most critical challenges you encounter as an architect? How do you overcome these roadblocks?

As an architect, what we build stays in people’s life whether the project is good or failed, and in the hustle of day’s work, one could get carried away in jumping at poor decisions tackling time schedules, and piling deliverables. To overcome this, I have taught myself to step away from the desk and remember why I am doing this which helps in taking conscious and honest decisions. Creativity can always get side-lined in the pursuit of keeping the business afloat and to deal with this one should always keep their passion for the job alive.

Tell us about the top three milestones you have achieved throughout your journey. What has been your success mantra?

Creating an organization perspective that resonates personally with us and can be extended to our team and our clients thereby, creating a workspace that is inclusive, empowering, and nurturing, and creating an approachable brand, where one need not be intimidated to walk into and express their constraints are the top milestones I have achieved in my journey. Believing in greater goodness has been driving our success story so far and our clients have been open to the ideas we propose to achieve this at every step.

What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?

If we put our minds and pave the way ahead, nothing is impossible, and everything truly falls into place. Being women, we face challenges on our way, but they are only to be faced by your determination and grit. Being honest in your ways and actions will also be seen, if not today, then tomorrow and it will reap positive results and credibility.

Kirthi Suvarnan, Principal Architect, Satkriya

Having a work experience of over a decade, Kirthi Suvarnan is passionate about designing buildings that create a memorable impact in people’s lives.

Educational Qualification: Bachelor in Architecture

Awards of Recognition:

• Winner - Gold Leaf Award for Institutional category projects by the Indian Institute of Architects, Kerala Chapter, 2021
• Runner Up - Young Emerging Architect in 2021