---
title: "Urban Design & Placemaking for Vibrant Public Spaces in India - mytribe"
description: "Transform your community with expert Urban Design & Placemaking. We specialize in sustainable urban development and adaptive reuse to create loved, people-centric public spaces. Ready to revitalize your area? Hire Aishwarya Tipnis Architects on Tribe today."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/studio.ata.delhi/urban-design-placemaking
last_updated: 2025-09-25
---

# Urban Design & Placemaking in New Delhi

By [Aishwarya Tipnis Architects](https://mytribe.in/studio.ata.delhi) · We co-create urban spaces with communities, reuse existing materials, and design places that fit naturally and serve local needs.

## Locations

Takes projects across India; Visit studio in Greater Kailash, New Delhi

### Travels to

- Takes projects across Delhi NCR (National Capital Region, National Capital Region)
- Takes projects across India (India, India)

### Visit at

- Studio at Greater Kailash, New Delhi (projects near Chittaranjan Park, Nehru Place, Kalkaji Mandir, Lotus Temple, Alaknanda, Hauz Khas, Siri Fort)

## Pricing guide (estimates)

These are indicative prices based on provider's past work. Enquire now to find out final quote.

### Adaptive Reuse & Hub Architecture

Full-scale architectural service for structures over 2,000 sq ft, including structural retrofitting, acoustic planning, and MEP integration.

Typically ₹300-550 per sq ft (estimate)

#### Architectural & Interior Design
* **Space Re-programming:** Layout redesign to convert historical footprints into modern functional spaces.
* **Structural Consulting:** Coordination with engineers for strengthening walls and roofs.
* **Acoustics & Lighting:** Specialized design integration for performance or high-traffic community spaces.

#### Conservation & Materiality
* **Restoration Specs:** Technical recipes for traditional materials like lime punning, stone cleaning, and timber treatment.
* **Modern Infill:** Design of contemporary insertions, such as glass partitions or steel mezzanines.

#### Service Integration (MEP)
* **Climate Systems:** Strategies for natural ventilation and light to reduce mechanical load.
* **Concealed Services:** Routing plans for electrical and plumbing lines to preserve heritage aesthetics.

#### Project Management
* **BOQ & Tendering:** Bill of Quantities creation for contractor bidding.
* **Site Supervision:** Regular monitoring to ensure construction aligns with conservation standards.

### Placemaking Strategy & Workshop

A 2-3 day engagement involving site reconnaissance, stakeholder identification, and a design charrette to produce a zoning strategy and feasibility report.

Typically ₹65K-1.3L per engagement (estimate)

#### Phase 1: Context & Discovery
* **Site Reconnaissance:** Senior architect visit to analyze usage patterns, memory of the site, and identification of dead zones.
* **Stakeholder Mapping:** Analysis of user demographics versus ownership structures to identify key decision-makers.

#### Phase 2: The Workshop
* **Design Charrette:** Facilitation of a 1-day on-site interactive session using restoration tools and techniques.
* **Vision Boarding:** Collection of community aspirations via sketches and reference images.
* **Conflict Resolution:** Mediation between diverse user groups to align on a common design ground.

#### Phase 3: Strategic Roadmap
* **Concept Note:** Digital report summarizing findings and workshop outcomes.
* **Zoning Strategy:** Diagrams defining potential usage zones (e.g., quiet areas vs. event spaces).
* **Feasibility Check:** Budget and timeline assessment based on the concept.

### Tactical Retrofit & Pocket Design

Design interventions for spaces up to 1,500 sq ft, focusing on material scavenging, upcycling scrap, and technical drawings for local fabrication.

Typically ₹1.5-3.3L per intervention (estimate)

#### Design & Concept
* **Integration Concept:** 3D views and sketches blending new interventions with existing natural or heritage elements.
* **Material Audit:** Inventory creation of on-site waste (wood, stone, metal) specifically for upcycling purposes.

#### Technical Documentation
* **Fabrication Drawings:** detailed joinery specifications for local carpenters or welders to construct flexible furniture.
* **Lighting Plan:** Tactical lighting design including string lights or focused spots for night safety.

#### Execution Support
* **Prototype Review:** Quality check of the initial furniture or paving unit.
* **Site Visits:** 3 to 5 visits to supervise aesthetic execution and structural safety.
* **Vendor Guidance:** Instructions for local labor on non-standard upcycling techniques.

## About Urban Design & Placemaking

### Why We Do What We Do

I’m passionate about turning everyday corners of the city into places that just *feel right*. Sometimes, the best urban design isn’t flashy - it’s the stuff that feels like it’s always been there, blending in so well people forget it was ever different. That’s what placemaking means to me.

### How I Work With Spaces and People

- Co-creating is the heart of my process. I don’t just show up and decide what goes where. I run workshops, talk with locals, and try to work out what makes a space tick. The final design always reflects the vibe of the people actually using it.
- I’m big on adaptive reuse in urban design. If something’s already there, I’d rather fix it up than tear it down. Repurposing old materials and spaces - with a little jugaad - keeps things sustainable and unique.
- Using local materials is a no-brainer for me. They help the design fit in and keep things eco-friendly.
- Heritage isn’t about keeping things stuck in the past. I look for ways to give old places a fresh life, so they stay relevant.

### Projects I’m Proud Of

- Turned a forgotten corner at Woodstock School into a lively outdoor hub under the deodars.
- Restored a haveli in Old Delhi, making it a community spot for art and events.
- Brought daylight into a cramped attic workspace from the 1920s.
- Revived Chandernagore courtyards for pop-up art and dinners.

### Beyond Design: Sharing What I’ve Learned

I run workshops for locals and students, helping others shape their own spaces. With my Restoration Clinic, I offer free support to people trying to save heritage properties, guiding them through the process step by step.

## Highlights

Browse through Aishwarya Tipnis Architects's best work.

### [Featured](https://mytribe.in/studio.ata.delhi/urban-design-placemaking/featured)

- ![A once-disused attic from a 1920s building, reimagined as a vibrant, light-filled workspace. By introducing a central skylight, we transformed a dark, forgotten area into a functional and inspiring environment, demonstrating how sensitive retrofitting can unlock the hidden potential in heritage structures.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/56bd9e91-2714-4abc-bf3a-fc3328fb9f38)
- ![This lively hub at Woodstock School is a testament to placemaking. We transformed an ordinary corner under the deodars into the school's social nerve center, a space co-created with the community that now feels like it has always belonged.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/694d70c1-46ba-44b6-9742-2f534eec6835)
- ![Restoration is about reviving the spirit of a place. Here in Old Delhi, we brought a historic haveli back to life as a cultural center, carefully preserving its aged patina while making it a vibrant backdrop for art, culture, and community gatherings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6a2eccfc-210b-4453-aa45-a1ffc88fcff5)
- ![In response to the pandemic, we reimagined a disused open space into an outdoor learning environment. Using materials already on-site, these curved benches and quiet corners demonstrate circularity and how thoughtful design can create spaces for contemplation and connection.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1c6e8d1b-2113-4e96-8030-a0f232264cef)
- [Video: Can a contemporary music department exist within a heritage building? This video explores the transformation of a space at Woodstock School, finding the fine line between honoring the past and integrating modern technology to create a state-of-the-art black box theatre.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/04f7891e-fe10-4982-9f53-02a86c81f8e9)
- ![A glimpse into the complex structural retrofit of Parker Hall at Woodstock School. This image showcases the engineering and innovation required to adapt a heritage building into a modern performance space, balancing technical challenges with conservation concerns.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/476dedbe-d6a9-4060-b6f6-d8dc9fed023c)
- ![Co-creation is the heart of my process. Here, I am engaged in a workshop with Masters of Urban Design students, exploring urban policy and adaptive reuse. Mentorship is a key value, helping shape the next generation of architects.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cdbd60bd-f195-490e-815f-17be60f60291)
- ![Our design philosophy is rooted in environmental consciousness and circularity. This restored haveli courtyard, with its repurposed elements and focus on sustainability, embodies our commitment to creating spaces that are both beautiful and responsible.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/25b8d21d-7d2b-409d-8225-fb7729a13450)

### [Adaptive Reuse: Breathing New Life into Old Buildings](https://mytribe.in/studio.ata.delhi/urban-design-placemaking/adaptive-reuse-breathing-new-life-into-old-buildings)

- ![By introducing a large skylight and removing partitions, we turned a cramped attic into an expansive, light-filled learning space. This project at Woodstock School shows how bold interventions can respect a building's history while adapting it for 21st-century needs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d7509440-63dc-47f4-88e5-7d5addce2854)
- ![A closer look at the transformed attic space, where modern lighting and flexible furniture meet the original wooden ceiling structure. This adaptive reuse project focuses on creating comfortable and sustainable environments that bring nature and light indoors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2fa72e05-8672-44b7-a556-8614910c529d)
- ![Another view of the repurposed 1920s attic, now a state-of-the-art workspace. The design prioritizes natural light and an open feel, making a once dingy and uninhabitable space both functional and inspiring for the staff.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0d051a93-2746-4ebc-ae9f-24cbf9264d1b)
- ![This cozy nook within a transformed heritage building at Woodstock School serves as a quiet space for study and collaboration. We restored the original windows and used natural materials to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that connects students with their surroundings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e7b48731-3f50-4a63-9877-dbf04545d5bf)
- ![A still from an interview discussing the transformation of a dark attic into this vibrant workspace. This project, completed remotely during the pandemic, taught us invaluable lessons in collaboration and the power of design to bring light into forgotten spaces.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6aaffb47-56a4-4886-82ae-a3668a3ed6cd)
- ![A render of the completed Parker Hall, illustrating our vision for a modern performance venue within a historic shell. The design integrates state-of-the-art acoustics and theatre systems while respecting the original architectural elements of the space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2cf33bce-69c4-4f4f-ac01-931da4b8ed84)
- ![The view from the audience at the reimagined Parker Hall. Our retrofit design focused on creating an intimate yet grand performance experience, ensuring every seat has a great view and connection to the stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1871d3b6-3152-4b56-a9c6-de41579fecf4)
- ![This image, combining a render of the finished theatre with our core philosophy, emphasizes that we are a reuse practice. Retrofit projects are our passion, allowing us to blend good design with solid engineering and innovation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aa8f62f1-5ae4-421d-a8a2-5718806ba726)
- ![An aerial view showing the Parker Hall retrofit project nestled within the dense deodar forest of Landour. This perspective highlights the challenge and importance of building within a sensitive natural and historical context.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ffa8efcf-0d59-4c25-be08-cc3186b0c137)
- ![Another drone shot capturing the scale of the urban insert at Woodstock School. The new roof structure is visible, showcasing how we integrate modern engineering with the existing heritage buildings and landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/abf31102-7aba-4314-b39b-820f2a8ec2e9)
- [Video: This video details the successful transformation of Woodstock School's music department. We created contemporary practice rooms, studios, and a black box theatre within a heritage building, integrating technology and aesthetics to enhance the space's collective memory.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a5cd7da-65a2-4e7c-aa88-3360bb2a478b)

### [Placemaking: Designing Spaces for People](https://mytribe.in/studio.ata.delhi/urban-design-placemaking/placemaking-designing-spaces-for-people)

- ![A student finds a quiet spot to work at the community hub we designed for Woodstock School. The flexible urban furniture, made from upcycled wooden decks, allows for various uses, from solo study to group gatherings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3f9b4810-1c6f-4b54-9da4-56e692cde1a1)
- ![The newly created community space at Woodstock, complete with a small cafe kiosk and planters made from local materials. Our placemaking philosophy is to create invisible designs that blend seamlessly and are loved by all.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/407c0299-d9de-4c10-93cc-6f9c76413e70)
- ![An overhead view of the flexible seating arrangements at the Woodstock School hub. The modular furniture can be reconfigured for different events and group sizes, demonstrating our focus on creating adaptable urban spaces.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9d8eed6b-5364-447b-9f8a-97fdaaa8759f)
- ![The cafe kiosk under construction amidst the deodar trees. This image captures the process of creating a new community nerve center, using local building techniques and materials to ensure the structure belongs to its environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1cedb231-171d-4e5d-8701-f9de3b212028)
- ![The curved wooden benches in this outdoor learning area offer a place for contemplation with a view of the Himalayas. This space was built during the lockdown using materials found on-site, a true example of circularity and resourceful placemaking.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4448ad84-c34f-4683-bfad-4892bd4cf6f8)
- ![The completed outdoor classroom, nestled against a historic building at Woodstock School. The design uses natural contours and materials like river stones and reclaimed wood to create a serene learning environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ae064849-03c5-4217-84d2-5f0f2d7a0ce3)
- ![A detail shot of the craftsmanship in the curved benches, made from upcycled wood. This highlights our commitment to circular design and finding beauty in repurposed materials.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/574c73da-938a-4b88-b970-56cd2e4da92d)
- ![The texture of the placemaking project, showing the contrast between smooth, reclaimed wood and natural river stones. Every material choice is intentional, designed to create a space that is both tactile and visually integrated with its surroundings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9aff438f-f4c6-43a2-94a7-f9387eda6789)
- ![A high-angle view showing how the outdoor learning space is carved into the hillside. This project demonstrates how we can reimagine disused areas to meet new needs, like the demand for open-air classrooms during the pandemic.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f85be60b-e3ac-4658-b6b2-752ad78dd7d5)
- ![A pop-up dinner transforms the courtyard of the Nrityagraha in Chandernagore. Temporal events like this have the power to reactivate heritage spaces, making them relevant and reinforcing their cultural value for the community.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2c51e63d-573a-4cc0-b036-671247b8445a)
- ![A community gathering inside a heritage house in Chandernagore. Our work often involves facilitating events that bring people together, using the inherent flexibility of traditional architecture to create spaces for dialogue and connection.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/512ddd66-0eb4-4db8-b6ea-2b60c41fd625)
- ![The Thakurdalan of a heritage house in Chandernagore becomes a stage for a panel discussion. This is adaptive reuse in its most fluid form, where simple interventions can transform a space for a new purpose.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/66a9cb8b-8e41-40d6-b6f6-4dff58d2d3be)
- ![Advocating for adaptive reuse as a tool for placemaking during a panel discussion at Town Hall Delhi. Events and functions are a powerful way to demonstrate the potential of heritage spaces for social and economic development.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/adee96da-97f9-4441-ab5a-0b16280d9ee7)
- ![A local resident shares her views during a community meeting in a Chandernagore courtyard. Placemaking is a two-way conversation, and bringing diverse voices together is essential to creating spaces that truly serve their users.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/02f95724-64e3-4715-9ed7-e9b8dd47b5ff)
- ![The courtyard of a heritage home set up for a community dinner. Simple additions like string lights and tables can completely change the atmosphere of a place, making it a venue for shared experiences.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/82b832bf-e387-44a9-9445-01568a41f9df)
- ![The facade of a heritage building in Chandernagore, illuminated for an evening event. Lighting is a simple yet effective tool in placemaking, highlighting architectural details and creating a warm, inviting ambiance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/323265d2-f4c3-4229-ba92-901ea4e4bd2c)
- ![A 'Wish Box' art installation by students in a public space in Chandernagore. Engaging the community through creative and interactive installations is a key part of our placemaking strategy, making the design process inclusive and fun.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/39cf829a-3eb1-4860-b1fd-cb661e2bcd19)

### [Heritage Restoration: Preserving India's Architectural Soul](https://mytribe.in/studio.ata.delhi/urban-design-placemaking/heritage-restoration-preserving-india-s-architectural-soul)

- ![The main hall of a 19th-century haveli in Old Delhi after restoration. We revived the space as a contemporary home, restoring the original checkerboard flooring, intricate door arches, and installing a period-appropriate chandelier to bring back its former grandeur.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3bb344f5-4048-4fa4-a2f1-f471a781eb1f)
- ![The same haveli hall before our intervention. The space was dilapidated, with decaying walls and blocked-off windows, hiding the architectural beauty that lay beneath.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6cc21b9c-fd39-40f4-9cf7-ea8ff04ee6fe)
- ![During the restoration process, we carefully uncovered and repaired the original marble flooring, including the intricate Greek key border. This detail work is crucial for preserving the authentic character of a heritage building.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a6cde646-f090-4aa3-bddc-0e816f0eca45)
- ![The haveli hall mid-restoration, with craftsmen meticulously laying the restored floor tiles. This phase shows the labor-intensive process of bringing a historic interior back to life, piece by piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/847e9ccd-b949-42d9-90c7-53f658ac6a79)
- ![A site visit during the haveli restoration. The process involves constant supervision and collaboration with skilled artisans to ensure every detail aligns with the conservation plan and the building's historical integrity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/74ea8f72-37ea-4d30-9f81-bda95934ecc3)
- ![The haveli hall nearing completion. The walls have been replastered and painted, the flooring is complete, and the electrical work is being finalized, showcasing the dramatic transformation from neglect to elegance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6d855a5c-4233-4748-b530-2a01a9cf0604)
- ![The restored courtyard of the Kathika haveli in Old Delhi, now a thriving cultural center. The project proves that restoration is not just about walls and plaster; it's about bringing people and life back into a historic space.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b44bd634-c347-45c8-88fa-eab3379d55aa)
- ![An 18th-century streetscape in the Darbargarh of Sihor, Gujarat. This is the starting point for a revitalization project, where our goal is to understand the urban fabric and restore the area's historic character.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c92e7023-0c2b-4987-9fb3-b658d786eed9)
- ![This grand 19th-century haveli, once overlooking a river and now lost in a busy bazaar, is the subject of a new restoration and adaptive reuse project. Our work begins with a meticulous plan to breathe fresh air into this locked-up piece of history.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c7e5b8a9-26e8-41bd-b45b-15633a9b8342)
- ![The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation plaque for our restoration of The Doon School's main building. This honorable mention recognized our comprehensive approach, which balanced modern upgrades with the preservation of the building's historic character.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/84e731dc-ee39-461f-947e-83618168cc12)
- ![Posing proudly at the unveiling of the UNESCO award plaque at The Doon School. This project was a significant opportunity to apply our heritage conservation principles to a beloved institutional landmark.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ec403c06-b7b5-4cc9-89a7-08a591912da0)
- ![Attending the award ceremony at The Doon School. Such projects are a collaborative effort, and it is always a pleasure to celebrate the successful restoration of a heritage building with the community that cherishes it.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8db5ecb5-ba24-4e3e-8d5e-d98a06a096ae)

### [Education & Mentorship: Sharing the Craft](https://mytribe.in/studio.ata.delhi/urban-design-placemaking/education-mentorship-sharing-the-craft)

- ![Students of Urban Design from the School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi, engaged in a workshop on urban policy. My goal is to make complex topics like urban regeneration and adaptive reuse accessible and practical for the next generation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6bd3ed9f-26b8-4359-bcf1-92d23137c688)
- ![A close-up of the collaborative process during a workshop. We use hands-on tools like maps, sticky notes, and role-playing cards to simulate real-world urban planning challenges and encourage creative problem-solving.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c049e5e7-b6c9-49a4-9f3d-f2fef7d3b778)
- ![Another group of students deeply focused on the workshop task. These intensive sessions are designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice in heritage conservation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/75967ec8-2928-44e8-8bc4-528cd1b5371b)
- ![Guiding students through a complex mapping exercise. Mentorship is about providing direction while allowing students the space to explore their own ideas and develop their unique perspectives on urban design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ac7836c0-3840-4876-96e0-4cf5345d73f9)
- ![The workshop in full swing, with multiple teams collaborating on their urban regeneration strategies. It is inspiring to see such engagement and passion for the future of our cities from these emerging architects.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/434c450f-1a51-4305-87e2-724ce8f4417a)
- ![A look at the foundational elements of our practice: architecture, urban design, heritage conservation, and visual communication. These sketches and diagrams are part of our process and are used in our summer internship programs to teach our multidisciplinary approach.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/52bf9bce-433a-4cf1-925f-b028a039a28c)
- ![Our studio thrives on multidisciplinary collaboration. This image from a past summer internship captures the spirit of co-creation, where design thinking and cultural research meet to produce innovative ideas.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f8617364-ee6e-405a-a280-4d31ad9fe83a)
- ![With a talented intern at the end of her program. It is an absolute pleasure to host and mentor young professionals in the studio, and I am grateful for the fresh energy and ideas they bring.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cad7fbac-9463-4596-9fa9-5c3b111a8f6a)
- ![A testimonial from an Urban Design Intern from 2024. Hearing that the experience enhanced her understanding of conservation within urban contexts is incredibly rewarding and reinforces the value of our mentorship program.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/79f2bdf2-797c-4b28-9274-f83a2e369c79)
- ![Another wonderful testimonial from a summer intern. My goal is to offer a profound new perspective on understanding the urban context, and I am grateful to provide these invaluable opportunities through my studio.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/20ff7ff9-9845-4e47-baec-b108db5a8cc2)
- ![Sharing my thoughts on the future of practice, urban conservation, and adaptive reuse at a talk in Delhi. Sharing knowledge is a core value for us, situating our work at the intersection of academia and practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3507034f-611e-406f-8799-88994284501f)
- ![A poster for a postgraduate program where I spoke on 'Emerging Trajectories in Urban Conservation'. Participating in academic forums allows me to contribute to the evolving discourse on heritage and climate change.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8303ea29-cb2c-4634-8ddc-2542aefed361)
- ![A keynote presentation at the D-arc Build Expo, discussing the complexities of urban heritage in India. These events are a welcome break to widen my experiences, meet inspiring professionals, and share our work with a broader audience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/44b9cca5-0349-4bde-a90c-fba903604004)
- ![It was an honor to serve on the jury for the Outlook Responsible Tourism Culture & Heritage Awards. These events bring together passionate artists and professionals who are all working towards a more sustainable future for tourism.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3f9cd75-e760-4369-9eb7-91a5876de962)
- ![Pictured with fellow jury members at the Culture & Heritage Awards. Collaborating with other illustrious experts is always an inspiring experience that enriches my own practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e46e3e70-c9c8-4287-935e-c3cd2e426437)
- ![Presenting our work on creative placemaking at the 7Experiences Summit at Auckland University of Technology. It was my first foray into a conference outside my core domain, sharing how architecture can create powerful shared experiences.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8bf1db16-95d7-4820-a10c-83c023443429)
- ![Sharing the story of the Woodstock School community hub with an international audience in Auckland. This image shows the project being used by students, illustrating the real-world impact of successful placemaking.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d4038891-c556-42a9-8dc0-58686af28341)
- ![Taking 'The Restoration Toolbox' to various communities, from student conventions to workshops with local stakeholders. Our goal is to empower heritage lovers with the tools and techniques to save more buildings in their cities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b1364f25-aee7-4d43-8079-ee196f8fb3fa)

### [Our Guiding Principles](https://mytribe.in/studio.ata.delhi/urban-design-placemaking/our-guiding-principles)

- [Video: A feature from WION News for Women's Day, where I discuss my journey as a woman in architecture. I share my story of carving a niche in adaptive reuse and overcoming challenges in a field where I was once told "men design, women decorate."](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4661451a-0ba6-428e-862b-15b8b54bba89)
- ![A book cover from one of my projects, 'Engagements in the Courtyard: Restoring a Haveli in Old Delhi'. This reflects my mission to demystify heritage conservation and make it accessible to all, moving beyond nostalgia to find a future for our past.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0799d1e5-79ab-45bc-8fe1-da0ca2940eba)
- ![My PhD thesis on the role of adaptive reuse in regenerating derelict industrial heritage sites. After more than 20 years, I am proud to have academically solidified the ideas I first explored as a student, proving that heritage conservation is a vital part of mainstream architecture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3df8996f-8754-4656-a773-cbe9fc60e5a2)
- ![A manual I prepared for homeowners on the conservation of heritage buildings in Shahjahanabad. My work has always been about empowering the people who own, live in, and care for heritage to become its primary stewards.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f6c55860-8e67-4fbf-a8c5-d1f1821606e7)
- ![A look back at my architectural thesis from 2003, where I first flirted with the idea of adaptive reuse. These early explorations laid the foundation for a two-decade career dedicated to making heritage relevant.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7cedfbfb-5862-4189-ba2f-23646b9d459a)
- ![Collaborating with engineering experts on-site for an urban insert project. Good design must be backed by solid engineering, and this collaborative spirit is essential to bringing our innovative and sensitive heritage projects to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/11ee3864-9a84-4944-b4f0-323ea044a8d1)
- ![Discussing a physical model with clients and collaborators on-site. The design process is a hands-on, interactive dialogue, ensuring the final vision is shared and understood by everyone involved in the project.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d709bbe5-deb4-4b77-a67e-240890e10c47)

## Meet your expert

[Aishwarya Tipnis Architects](https://mytribe.in/studio.ata.delhi)

### My story

Old buildings have always spoken to me – not literally, but you know, they’ve got stories. That’s why I started ATA, with my small gang in Delhi. We’re all about mixing old soul with new ideas. We work with clients, engineers, and locals, bouncing ideas off each other. Our Jugaadopolis thing keeps us sharp, sharing and learning with students. Every job, whether it’s reviving a Darbargarh or jazzing up an attic, is a full-on adventure for us.

### My work

- **What We Do**: We design for heritage conservation, adaptive reuse architecture, retrofit design, placemaking, interiors, and run workshops.
- **Reuse, Retrofit, Reimagine**: We transform tired spaces into lively ones, seeing potential where others see rubble. No demolition, just new life.
- **Circular Design & Jugaad**: We use what’s on-site, upcycle, and work with local hands. Smart, sustainable, a bit of jugaad (clever fix).
- **Bold but Sensitive Touch**: Our heritage building retrofit is modern but respects the old bones. Design blends in, not shouts.
- **Placemaking with People**: We build for and with communities. Outdoor classrooms, music spaces, hubs – all about impact that lasts.

## More services from Aishwarya Tipnis Architects

- [Heritage Conservation & Adaptive Reuse](https://mytribe.in/studio.ata.delhi/heritage-conservation-and-adaptive-reuse) · ₹250-1,200 per sq.ft (estimate)
- [Architectural Education & Workshops](https://mytribe.in/studio.ata.delhi/architectural-education-workshops) · ₹1,000-5,000 per participant per day (estimate)

## Book

To book Aishwarya Tipnis Architects, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Urban%20Design%20%26%20Placemaking%20by%20Aishwarya%20Tipnis%20Architects.)