Women’s Day Special - “A sneak peek into the Journey of an Indian Female Architect”

Despite encountering obstacles in my journey so far, I consider myself lucky and have always been clear in voicing my own decisions and not letting others decide for me. After having a child, I noticed a difference in how I was perceived, with questions about whether I would continue my career. But with the support of my family and colleagues, I found a balance that allowed me to keep working. Their support was crucial in overcoming the challenges of parenthood and maintaining my professional career.

It is important to note that, while internal support has been key in my journey, external support from my suppliers, contractors has also helped me achieve my set goals. Being a healthcare architect, I particularly must deal with a complex process which demands intricate planning at every stage. The never-ending challenge which any healthcare facility poses is ‘flexibility’ in the planning of spaces for the simple reason that patient care is a continuous growth in terms of technological advancement which any healthcare facility should be capable of absorbing with time and minimum augmentation of spaces available. This particularly calls for evaluation of materials and choices which can aid my work at site in a faster and hassle-free way. For instance, my preferred choice in the last few years has been drywall partitions. This is also at the back of the various advantages associated with such kind of a system. Recently in one of our projects – CAPFIMS (1100 bedded super speciality hospital – Delhi), Saint-Gobain Gyproc particularly came up with wonderful impact-resistant drywall partition solutions which are durable, soundproof, fire resistant, and more importantly aesthetic-wise pleasing, compact and lightweight installations which fit just appropriately. Thus, with the advancement of the sector and the foray into alternate building materials, the time commitment in the sector is also seeing a gradual shift, making it all the easier for women to consider viable options without having to make sacrifices.

It takes you your wits to keep your focus straight and continue in your professional life, otherwise, there are many ‘exits’ in the life of a female architect which she can either take willingly or be forced to choose one at one point or another. Maintaining a balanced life is an everyday challenge for her not because she cannot handle it efficiently but rather, because she is passionate about her career and wants to accomplish it with full heart and soul even if she must walk the extra mile to finish her daily duties without complaints as well!

So, my advice to all the women starting in this field will be – Be Confident, Be Focused, Take Ownership – even of your mistakes, state your views clearly and your peers will listen to you – when YOU make yourself heard. Believe me, you will be recognized when your knowledge will mark your presence even in the boardrooms full of men.