Our Guiding Principles for Heritage Architecture
Architecture is more than just construction; it is a conversation with history. Here is the design philosophy that shapes every space I transform.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About Our Guiding Principles
My design process starts with listening to the building, not just the client brief. Whether it is a neglected haveli or a derelict industrial site, I look for ways to repurpose existing materials rather than clearing for new construction. You can see this in my approach to material audits, where I inventory on-site waste to upcycle, and in my workshops, where I help owners become active stewards of their own spaces instead of passive residents.
Architecture as a Living Dialogue
I believe that the most sustainable building is the one that already exists. My practice focuses on the intersection of heritage conservation and modern functionality. Rather than viewing old buildings as relics to be frozen in time, I approach them as living structures that must adapt to contemporary needs to survive.
Circularity and Jugaad in Design
Circularity is not just a buzzword; it is a fundamental constraint that forces innovation. By implementing a material audit at the start of every project, we identify what can be upcycled—from timber joinery to stone elements. This is where 'jugaad' comes in. It is not about makeshift fixes; it is about clever, engineering-backed solutions that utilize local hands and local resources. This approach reduces the carbon footprint and creates a design language that feels authentic to the site.
Placemaking as Community Building
My work extends beyond the building envelope. Through my Restoration Clinic and various workshops, I aim to demystify the technical aspects of heritage conservation. Design is most successful when it is co-created with the people who use the space daily. Whether we are transforming a quiet courtyard into a public hub or reviving an attic into an office, the goal is to make the space feel like it has always belonged to the community.
Bridging Academia and Practice
Having spent two decades in this field, I situate my work at the intersection of rigorous academic research and practical site application. From my PhD studies to hands-on site visits, every project informs the next, allowing us to refine techniques in climate systems, structural retrofitting, and MEP integration without compromising the heritage character.
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