This Women’s day let’s look at some very important women who have contributed to Indian architecture. These women broke barriers and redefined the way India looks at women architects, and architecture, here are a few of them that you need to know about –
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Brinda Somaya
She completed her Bachelor of Architecture from Sir J.J. School of Architecture in Mumbai, then did her Master’s in art from Smith College in Northhampton, and a design course at Cornell University. After which she returned to Mumbai and began her career in 1978. Brinda spent time in rural India and got a lot of inspiration from vernacular architecture. Her buildings showcase India’s rich architectural styles and they look traditional and are also very sustainable.
Her creative work has won her many prestigious awards like the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage award, she was also the first to woman to win the Wienerberger Golden Architect Award for lifetime achievement, and many many more.
Abha Narain Lambah
If you think Architectural Conservation in India, the first name that will come to mind is Abha Narain Lambah. She has a master’s degree in architectural conservation from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. Since she started working, she has shown how her research, respect for culture, and attention to minute details help to refurbish many iconic Indian heritage sites.
Her impeccable work with delicate structures has won her many awards like Sanskriti Award, Eisenhower Fellowship, and the Attingham Trust and Charles Wallace fellowship and many more. She was also nominated (2016) as one of the top 20 women in architecture by ArcVision.
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Sheila Sri Prakash
She is one woman you should not forget when it comes to Indian architecture, she is the very first woman in India to have started her own architectural practise! In 1970, when she started, architecture was a very male-dominated industry and they did not take kindly to her. Yet, she completed her Bachelors in Architecture from the Anna University School of Architecture and Planning and then started working.
Her tenacious spirit is what makes her one of the most influential female architects in the world today. Sheila Sri Prakash has designed and completed over 1200 architectural projects, and a slew of awards. Her awards include – Top 100 most influential architects in the world by Giornale dell’Architettura, Sustainability Champion of the Year for 2019, and many more.
Shimul Javeri Kadri
Having studied architecture in Mumbai at the Academy of Architecture, and Urban Planning at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, she came back to India in 1990 and started her own firm. Her work is focused on enhancing and using natural elements like sunlight, wind, natural materials, she combines this with modern technology and materials to give buildings their unique, clean and captivating look.
Her firm SJK Architects and she, have won plenty of awards like the Prix Versailles Award in 2016, Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design Award 2016, World Architecture Festival Small Project of the Year Award 2012 and more.
Anupama Kundoo
With an architecture degree from J. J. College of Architecture, University of Bombay and a doctoral degree from the Technical University of Berlin, Anupama Kundoo set to change the way we see architecture and the materials used for it. With an aim to use “waste materials, unskilled labour and local communities” to construct; along with investing in material research that minimizes environmental effects, her buildings stand out amongst the crowd.
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She has been internationally recognized for her work and published many books on the sustainable and conscious building. She has won many noteworthy awards such as Architect of the Year (2003), Architect of the Future (2000) and many more.
Samira Rathod
Samira Rathod is the Principal Architect of Samira Rathod Design Atelier, a Mumbai-based firm that specializes in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. She is known for her innovative and sustainable designs, which often incorporate traditional Indian elements.
Rathod has a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Mumbai. She has worked with some of the leading architectural firms in India, including Hafeez Contractor and Sanjay Puri Architects. In 2012, she founded her own firm, Samira Rathod Design Atelier.
Some of Rathod’s most notable projects include:
- The Shree Ramkrishna Mission Ashram in Mumbai, which is a LEED Gold certified building.
- The Aashray Foundation School in Mumbai, which is a school for underprivileged children.
- The D’Monte House in Mumbai, which is a heritage restoration project.
Rathod has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including:
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- The NDTV Design Award for Best Residential Project (2017)
- The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design (2018)
- The Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2020)
Aishwarya Tipnis
Aishwarya Tipnis is the Principal Architect of Aishwarya Tipnis Architects, a New Delhi-based firm that specializes in heritage conservation and sustainable design. She is known for her sensitive approach to restoration and her use of local materials and traditional techniques.
Tipnis has a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She has worked with some of the leading architectural firms in India and the United States, including Hafeez Contractor, Sanjay Puri Architects, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. In 2006, she founded her own firm, Aishwarya Tipnis Architects.
Some of Tipnis’s most notable projects include:
- The restoration of the Royal Opera House in Mumbai
- The restoration of the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad
- The design of the Akshay Pratishthan in Delhi, a school for underprivileged children
Tipnis has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including:
- The Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2016)
- The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation (2018)
- The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Award for Excellence in Heritage Conservation (2020)
Chitra Vishwanath
Chitra Vishwanath is a Bangalore-based architect and urban planner. She is the founder and director of Chitra Vishwanath Associates, a firm that specializes in sustainable architecture and urban design.
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She has a Master of Architecture degree from the University of California, Berkeley. She has worked with some of the leading architectural firms in India and the United States, including Hafeez Contractor and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. In 1998, she founded her own firm, Chitra Vishwanath Associates.
Vishwanath’s work focuses on creating sustainable and livable communities. She has worked on a variety of projects, including residential, commercial, and educational buildings, as well as urban planning schemes.
Some of Vishwanath’s most notable projects include:
- The design of the IIM Bangalore campus, which is a LEED Platinum certified building.
- The design of the HSR Layout Master Plan in Bangalore, which is a sustainable urban planning scheme.
- The design of the Vidyapeeth School in Bangalore, which is a school for underprivileged children.
Vishwanath has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including:
- The Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2010)
- The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Award for Excellence in Sustainable Design (2012)
- The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation (2018)
Vinita Chaitanya
Vinita Chaitanya is a leading female architect in India, known for her glamorous and India-proud designs. She is the founder and principal architect of NA Architects, a firm based in Bengaluru.
Chaitanya received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal, and her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating, she worked with several renowned architectural firms in India and the United States before starting her own practice in 2007.
NA Architects has a portfolio of diverse projects, including private residences, commercial spaces, and hospitality venues. Chaitanya’s signature style is characterized by its use of luxury materials, intricate detailing, and bold colors. Her projects are often inspired by traditional Indian architecture, but they are also infused with a modern sensibility.
Chaitanya has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including:
- The Emerging Architect Award from the Council of Architecture, India
- The Young Architect Award from the Indian Institute of Architects
- The Design Vanguard Award from Architectural Digest India
Chaitanya is a role model for aspiring female architects in India. She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the architectural profession. She is also a passionate advocate for sustainable design and the use of local materials.
Chaitanya is a force to be reckoned with in the Indian architectural landscape. Her work is both glamorous and India-proud, and she is a role model for aspiring female architects everywhere.
Sonali Rastogi
Sonali Rastogi is an architect and urban planner based in Delhi. She is known for her work on sustainable architecture and her commitment to environmental protection. She has a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Delhi and has worked with several leading architectural firms in India and abroad.
Some of her most notable projects include:
- The Design of the LEED Gold-certified Mahindra World City, Jaipur: Rastogi was one of the lead architects on the team that designed the Mahindra World City, a sustainable township that is home to over 100,000 people.
- The Development of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Delhi: Rastogi was involved in the planning and design of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, a 900-acre park that is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park is designed to improve the water quality of the Yamuna River and to provide a recreational space for people from all walks of life.
- The Design of the Sustainable Housing Project for the Urban Poor, Ahmedabad: Rastogi has designed several sustainable housing projects for the urban poor in Ahmedabad.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the notable achievements of Indian women architects in the field?
A. Indian women architects have made significant contributions to architecture. For instance, Brinda Somaya is known for her conservation work, and Sheila Sri Prakash is a pioneer in sustainable design.
Q2. How has the role of Indian women architects evolved over the years?
A. Over the years, Indian women architects have broken barriers and taken on diverse roles. They have expanded into urban planning, interior design, and sustainable architecture, influencing the industry positively.
Q3. Are there any prominent Indian organizations or initiatives supporting women architects?
A. Yes, organizations like the Indian Women Architects and The Association of Women Architects and Designers (AWAD) provide support, mentorship, and a platform for networking to empower women in architecture.
Q4. What challenges do Indian women architects face in their careers?
A. Indian women architects often encounter challenges related to gender bias, work-life balance, and limited representation in leadership roles. However, they continue to overcome these obstacles with determination.
Q5. How can aspiring Indian women architects kickstart their careers in the field?
A. Aspiring women architects can begin by pursuing a relevant degree, gaining practical experience through internships, and seeking mentorship from established professionals. Networking and continuous learning are also essential for career growth.
