Q. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to pursue a career in architecture?
After earning my architecture degree from Mumbai’s Sir J.J. College of Architecture in 1998, I embarked on a journey marked by creativity and growth. From my tenure at Ar. Sabu Francis and Associates, where I contributed to software development for architects, to my teaching role at Kamala Raheja Vidyanidhi College of Architecture (2000-2004), I cultivated my skills and passion. Since 2018, I’ve been engaged with Trust Groups by the ASCENT Foundation, fostering partnerships within the architectural community. Joining the PEATA India committee in 2020 further expanded my collaborative network with architects, engineers, and planners. In 2013, I was honored as the Young Architect of the Year at the Era Fame Awards, recognizing my contributions to landmark projects like Raheja Prime, Eastern Winds, Opus Prime, and Opal Square through my firm, APICES Studio Pvt Ltd.
Q. What are some of the new trends you’re observing in the field of architecture?
In the ever-evolving realm of architecture, emerging trends are reshaping the landscape. Wellness architecture takes centre stage, infusing designs with elements that prioritise occupants’ health and serenity. High-rise pods are redefining urban living, offering compact yet innovative spatial solutions within skyscrapers. A resurgence of metal buildings showcases their sustainability and aesthetic versatility. Meanwhile, architects are seamlessly integrating data centres into urban contexts, combining functionality and energy efficiency. These trends underscore architecture’s dynamic nature, adeptly addressing contemporary needs and aspirations.
Q. What excites you the most about the potential of AI-driven design solutions in shaping the architectural field in the years to come?
I definitely share the enthusiasm about how AI-driven design solutions can influence the future of building construction. I am excited about the rapid iteration of designs and how they would have a profound impact on productivity and innovation. AI can free up architects from menial labour and repetitive tasks so that they can focus on ground-breaking design. More than that, the ability to imagine buildings with complex geometry paves the way for brand-new feats of architecture. The integration of AI into the architectural field promises a new age of groundbreaking progress that will transform the very nature of building design.
Q. For those aspiring to make a positive impact through architecture, what advice would you give them to navigate the complexities of sustainability and innovation?
Aspiring architects who want to make a difference must take a calculated approach to the complex fields of sustainability and innovation. My advice is to have a growth attitude, one that welcomes change and improvement so that you can adapt to changing standards of practice. Work efficiently with people from different backgrounds, as this fosters creativity. Finding a happy medium between enhancing one’s technical abilities and developing one’s capacity to empathise with users is also crucial. Aspiring architects may make a difference by combining these ideas and using architecture as a tool to create a better, more sustainable future.
