In this exclusive interview with Ar. Rosie Paul and Ar. Sridevi Changail, the founders of Masons Ink, recollect their memories from studying in college to commencing their architectural journey together.

Masons Ink, founded by Ar. Rosie Paul and Ar. Sridevi Changail is a people-oriented design and construction firm specializing in 3 verticals – sustainability, heritage conservation, and social architecture. They are a team of like-minded individuals striving to make a difference in the construction sector. Masons Ink believes that sustainability should no longer be a choice but the norm and is striving to make it more accessible to the common man. Determined to reach a zero-carbon footprint in their projects, they focus on R&D in the use and innovation of natural materials in construction. Masons Ink has been recognized internationally for its efforts in research and has represented India at various international scientific conferences.

Excerpts from the interview with Ar. Rosie Paul and Ar. Sridevi Changail of Masons Ink

Simran Khare (Co-Editor): To begin with the interview, I would love to get to know the story behind you choosing architecture as your career.

Ar. Sridevi Changail: I first got interested in architecture back in 8th grade when my family built our home designed by an architect. It was amazing to see a one-page brief turn into our cherished home. My mom and I were very involved, visiting the site 2-3 times a week. By 12th grade, despite being very confused and stressed, architecture was my top choice, and I was thrilled to get into Manipal, where we met.

Ar. Rosie Paul: Architecture wasn’t on my radar right from the beginning. I did consider aeronautical engineering, biotechnology, literature, anything and everything me and my friends were hearing of, but I did not find myself motivated enough. My mom was into interior design, so watching her got me a bit interested. Not being much of an artist myself, I just decided to explore architecture. It surprised my family since I hated sketching but gradually built up my skills.

Finally, I made it to architecture at the Manipal Institute of Technology. Five years later, it was a great time to go through many mistakes and learn from all of them. We weren’t class toppers but passionate about architecture. Our very first project together was on Egyptian architecture, which we loved. Electives in sustainability and heritage conservation further took our interest. By the end of the course, our core interests were clear, even if our future wasn’t fully defined.

Simran Khare (Co-Editor): We, as Indians, immensely draw inspiration from our families and our cultures for the way we choose to work and live. How do your childhood and your family influence your style of work which is sustainable and conservation-based?

Ar. Rosie Paul: In our childhood, certain things heavily influenced us. When we were about six or seven years old, we used to watch a lot of TV, including a show called Captain Planet. I don’t know if you know about it, but it featured a superhero dedicated to protecting the environment. Watching Captain Planet made us want to be part of his team and save the environment in any way we could. That show sparked our interest and commitment to environmental protection.

Ar. Sridevi Changail: It may sound silly, but cartoons like Captain Planet can significantly impact children. Subconsciously, you never know what influences a child can absorb. When we met later as young adults, we bonded over our shared memories of Captain Planet. We even found the show on YouTube and watched it again.

Ar. Rosie Paul:  It’s quite funny! Captain Planet wasn’t the only influence, but it did play a role in my desire to work for the environment. Coming from Kerala, both of us had the good fortune of experiencing traditional Kerala homes. Visiting my aunt’s or grandma’s house during the monsoons, sitting on the veranda, and watching the rainfall made me fall in love with the idea of being inside a home while staying connected to nature. These memories strongly influence our designs today. We strive to incorporate the joys and experiences of our childhood into our work. This is so that others can experience them as well.

Ar. Sridevi Changail: It’s the same for me. Although I didn’t grow up in Kerala, I spent most of my childhood outside. But we used to wait for the summer vacations eagerly. My dad is from a small village in Palakkad, and my mom is from Calicut, both having a rural charm. Your question made me reminisce about those simpler days of walking through paddy fields. There was no fear of snakes; we were just immersed in nature. On the way back from the temple, we’d randomly jump into a pond. Those experiences and the deep connection to the landscapes and nature have profoundly influenced how we approach architecture today.

Simran Khare (Co-Editor): The process of commencing your own architecture studio, Masons Ink, comprises various aspects. Can you take me through the process or the journey of you two commencing your architecture practice together?

Ar. Sridevi Changail: As we mentioned, next year will mark 20 years of knowing each other. It’s been a long and meaningful association. We were roommates in college, and I never had to worry about project partners because I knew I could rely on Rosie. We did all our projects together. Through assignments and group work in college, we realized that we did connect in terms of aesthetics, labeling, ethics, and models. For me, many boxes were ticked. Right from college, it has been our dream to have a practice together. Now, I thought that you know, we would start much later, maybe at 40 or 45, but she had other plans. It’s all been good fun, though. So, right from college, there has been a clear dream of working together and carrying the friendship well into adulthood.

Ar. Rosie Paul: One thing we’ve always had is the ability to dream big. During our college days, we spent countless nights imagining what we could achieve. Those dreams, while often fueled by sleeplessness and excitement, were a significant part of our journey. I’m grateful that some of those dreams have come true. Of course, it’s not always easy—there are times when we question our choices. However, having someone to share these struggles with has been incredibly helpful. We’ve both faced challenges, but having each other has made it easier to stay motivated and positive. After college, we both decided to go to Auroville, inspired by a case study we did.

Auroville’s commitment to sustainability felt like an alternate reality where people lived their values. It was a wake-up call and reinforced our desire to work in this field. We chose to volunteer there instead of immediately seeking jobs. This allowed us to deepen our understanding of sustainability and heritage conservation.

I spent three years at the Auroville Earth Institute, eventually becoming the head architect. Meanwhile, she gained experience in conservation and pursued her master’s. When I returned, we decided to start our practice. Initially, we received support through project inquiries forwarded by my previous firm, which was invaluable. Although not every inquiry led to a project, it gave us a strong start. At that time, while I was juggling an NGO job in Bangalore and our projects on the side, she focused on our practice full-time. Despite the challenges, it all seemed to fall into place. We began with one project and then another, gradually building our portfolio. Eventually, we decided to formalize our partnership and give it a name, transforming our freelance work into a recognized firm.

Simran Khare (Co-Editor): How did you come up with the absolute out-of-the-box Studio name – Masons Ink?

Ar. Sridevi Changail: For us, it was clear that our practice would be more than just our names, Sri or Sridevi or Rosie Associates appealed to us because it reflected the broader scope of our architecture. At Auroville, we closely interacted with masons. Thus we realized that architects are just catalysts—the real work happens through the hands of those who build. We wanted to honor their contribution by dedicating our studio to them. Our name “Masons Ink” reflects this respect and the collaborative nature of our work, recognizing that architecture involves many different roles coming together.

Ar. Rosie Paul: We also focus on hands-on work, reflecting our belief that architects should be actively involved in the building process. Inspired by my experience in Auroville and the concept of “Masons Ink,” we decided our practice should embrace the hands-on approach. This means not just designing from the office, but understanding and experiencing the construction process firsthand. We aim to be as skilled as masons ourselves, appreciating the incremental nature of the building.

Simran Khare (Co-Editor): Both of you, as a team, believe in hands-on work and continue to do that. How essential do you think the hands-on process is, in shaping an architect and how does it help you shape your practice?

Ar. Rosie Paul: During our architecture studies, hands-on experiences with masonry were limited. We mostly observed masons at work, rather than actively participating. However, our time at Auroville changed this perspective. There, we worked closely with experienced masons, who taught us practical aspects of construction and provided invaluable feedback on our designs. This collaborative approach was eye-opening and became a core principle of our practice.

Working with mud as a primary material further emphasized the importance of hands-on involvement. Mud’s tactile nature encouraged us to experiment and engage directly with the material. Our practice now integrates workshops and outreach programs, teaching others about working with mud and its applications in construction. By involving masons, architects, clients, and students in a collaborative environment, we’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of masonry work. This has influenced our approach to design, making us consider practical construction methods and simpler details that are feasible and cost-effective, especially in rural settings.

Ar. Sridevi Changail: This hands-on experience has deepened our compassion for the hard work involved in construction. Spending even a day under the sun helps us appreciate the challenges faced by masons. This empathy extends beyond our own practice, influencing how we approach all our projects. We are committed to respecting the workforce and fostering compassion in every aspect of our work.

Simran Khare (Co-Editor): Client interactions are quite enlightening at times considering the diversity in cultures and backgrounds that we deal with as architects. Your work majorly consists of communicating with diverse local communities and cultures. Could you share some of your interactions with clients or communities that left an impact on you?

Ar. Rosie Paul: Working in rural contexts presents unique challenges and opportunities compared to urban settings. Unlike cities, where communication is primarily through drawings, WhatsApp, and meetings, rural projects often require us to simplify drawings significantly to ensure they are understood by local masons. The experience of traveling to these sites transforms our approach and mindset from urban to rural, involving direct collaboration with both clients and masons. Language barriers, as we work in South India with various local languages, add to the complexity.

Despite these challenges, the experience is enriching. For instance, we prioritize training local masons rather than bringing city contractors to rural areas, aligning with our sustainability principles. In one project, a local mason introduced us to traditional stone slab construction methods. This insight led us to adopt a simpler, culturally appropriate design that integrated local techniques. These interactions not only refine our designs but also ensure they are contextually relevant and sustainable, reflecting the local culture and environment.

Ar. Sridevi Changail: We gain significant insights from rural communities, which complement our research on natural additives and materials. Direct engagement with these communities is both educational and inspiring. We also visit and document vernacular settlements to learn from traditional practices, enriching our understanding and approach to using natural materials.

Simran Khare (Co-Editor): With the dominance of urban living today, the villages of India still hold the core of “The Real Indian Living” by using natural building materials and being sustainable. What is your perception about this and how does your work reflect this thought process?

Ar. Sridevi Changail: Our projects at Masons Ink are almost evenly divided between urban and rural settings. When we start a new project, we first document and study the existing buildings and their vernacular styles in the area. We often find that modern constructions lack distinct regional character, making it essential to revisit historical and traditional designs. While the past is not without its flaws, there is much to learn from it. Historically, buildings used locally available materials, promoting sustainability by minimizing the transport of resources.

Additionally, traditional designs often address climate and comfort intuitively, with thoughtful placement of openings and the use of verandas that can inform our modern practices. Looking to rural solutions can provide answers to contemporary urban challenges, such as water scarcity and rising temperatures. Moreover, the slower pace and natural environment of rural areas can be revitalizing, offering a stark contrast to the fatigue often felt after city site visits. Despite the significant migration trends in India, rural communities remain vibrant and insightful sources of inspiration for architects and builders.

Simran Khare (Co-Editor): The finesse in your designs today is achieved by going through various ups and downs throughout the years of your experience. Mistakes are the best guides for a better future. What were some of those projects or incidents that molded you into the architects that you are today?

Ar. Sridevi Changail: As we celebrate a decade of running our practice, we reflect on the series of lessons learned from various experiences, including our mistakes and how they’ve shaped our approach. This could be the subject of a podcast in itself. From the commercial aspects, like improving our contracts for better protection, to evolving how we communicate designs and manage on-site issues, we’ve learned a great deal. A significant portion of our time now goes into managing and resolving problems rather than just designing. One crucial takeaway has been the importance of documentation. We maintain a “learnings” document for each project, noting mistakes and insights. This document is shared with new team members to help them avoid previous errors. We also emphasize honesty in addressing oversights, whether from our office or contractors. By facing issues together and being transparent, we foster better processes and maintain strong client relationships.

Simran Khare (Co-Editor): Recently, the United Nations, reported about building a sustainable home with mud which features your firm. How do you think was this experience and looking at the future how do you plan to spread awareness about sustainability and natural building systems to our society?

Ar. Rosie Paul: Being recognized by the United Nations for our work in sustainable living has been both a significant affirmation and a great responsibility. It reassures us that we are on the right path but also reminds us to continuously strive for a positive impact. The construction industry is one of the highest polluting sectors, and it’s crucial for architects to actively contribute to climate action. This awareness was lacking in our education and, as such, should be emphasized more in architectural studies. At conferences like COP26, COP27, and COP28, we encounter skepticism about our presence in the construction industry, highlighting the need for more architects to engage in sustainability discussions.

Simran Khare (Co-Editor): Inspiration is a dominant factor. It drives the design towards the goal and inspiration can be drawn from anything around us. So, would you tell me about some of your hobbies or interests that help you draw inspiration for your unique style of designs?

Ar. Sridevi Changail: As everyone should know architecture doesn’t leave much room for hobbies, and while I have a list of unfinished ones, such as learning guitar or hitting the gym daily, travel is a passion we both share. We seize every opportunity to explore new places, finding inspiration from our surroundings. For us, there’s never a true vacation; even when relaxing at a resort, we’re keenly observing details. My partner, in particular, is dedicated to studying mud and its uses. On a trip to Ladakh, for example, she insisted our taxi stop so she could collect beautiful purple-colored soil samples. She dreams of someday opening a museum of soil, showcasing her global collection.

Simran Khare (Co-Editor): A sense of satisfaction is required when we put our heart and mind into any work we do. This sense of satisfaction is subjective and depends on every person and the situation. How do you find a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your work as an architect, beyond just the completion of projects?

Ar. Rosie Paul: Working on architecture projects evokes a range of emotions. There’s the excitement when signing a new project, akin to the thrill of childbirth—intense and challenging but ultimately rewarding. As architects, we relish the opportunity to tackle the challenges and deliver solutions that become homes or spaces for long-term use. The process has its ups and downs, with the finishing stage being particularly stressful.

Managing multiple projects nearing completion heightens the stress. But seeing the final result and how clients transform the space into a home is incredibly fulfilling. Beyond this, what truly inspires us is witnessing the impact our work has on people’s lives, especially in rural projects. We often see a direct positive change in the livelihoods of those involved, whether through acquiring new skills or improving their quality of life. This profound effect on individuals and communities motivates us to continue our efforts and strive for a greater positive impact.

Simran Khare (Co-Editor): As we conclude the interview, what is the one message that you would like to give to the people on practicing sustainability?

Ar. Rosie Paul: We often emphasize that achieving 100% sustainability in a home is challenging because the building itself involves significant embodied energy. However, striving for maximum sustainability is crucial. Even if you fall short and achieve 60% or 80% sustainability, it’s still a positive impact compared to not considering it at all. Sustainability involves more than just material choices; it requires considering environmental, economic, and social contexts. The key is to make the effort—aiming high is better than not trying at all.

Ar. Sridevi Changail: As a conservationist, my advice to younger architects and students is to approach sites holistically. Even if there’s an existing building—regardless of its age or beauty—the first step should be to assess how to add value to those structures. It might seem ironic, but I would advise building less. Educate your clients on the benefits of using space conservatively and that not every room needs to be excessively large. This approach is a fundamental step toward sustainability.

The journey of Ar. Rosie Paul and Ar. Sridevi Changail, the founder of Masons Ink, exemplifies a profound dedication towards sustainability, heritage conservation, and social architecture. They engage directly with natural materials like mud and work closely with local communities and masons. Which ensures that their designs are not only sustainable but also contextually relevant and culturally sensitive. Masons Ink stands as hope and inspiration in the architectural world. It demonstrates that with passion, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability, it is possible to create spaces that commemorate the past, serve the present, and preserve the future.