In this exclusive episode, Ar. Khushru Irani, the founder of localground in Pune, takes us through his journey in architecture, which prioritizes social development.

Localground was founded in March 2017. The practice searches for an appropriate response to the places it works, inspired by a specific context, culture, environment, and building technology. The studio designed various projects, including educational buildings, institute campus plans, adaptive reuse projects, and social sector buildings.

Working with and for the social sector is integral to their practice. They work with local municipal corporations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to further their social agendas.

1. Can you share the key moments and experiences that shaped your architectural journey, from entering the field to starting your own practice?

Khushru Irani: I grew up in Bombay, surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic architecture—South Bombay’s Art Deco buildings, Horniman Circle, and cultural landmarks like the NGMA and the Museum Institute of Science. This rich architectural environment shaped my early interest in design. Even as teenagers, my friends and I would often photograph buildings, unknowingly setting the foundation for my future career.

When I moved to Pune to study architecture at Abhinav Kala Vidyalaya, with resources minimal, teaching was exceptional. The experience taught me that people matter more than infrastructure. I also interned with Rahul Mehrotra in Bombay, working intensely in a small office that emphasized creativity and focus. After graduating, I joined Christopher Benninger’s firm, CCBA. Where I gained hands-on experience managing large projects and learned to never compromise on principles.

Later, I pursued Urban Design at UC Berkeley, where the program’s grounded approach to cities, streets, and neighborhoods deeply influenced me. Working with WRT in San Francisco further reinforced the importance of engaging with communities and shaping public spaces with purpose.

Returning to India, I eventually started my practice full-time in 2017. Building it from scratch is a journey filled with struggles, learning, and exciting breakthroughs. Despite the challenges, it’s been deeply fulfilling, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

2. What motivated you to focus on this transformative and often untapped aspect of architecture?

Khushru Irani: Both the firms I worked with—CCBA and WRT had a profound influence on my understanding of architecture’s role in the social and public sectors. At CCBA, Christopher brought a deep sense of service-mindedness to his practice. This sensibility was instilled in me early on. I worked on several institutional projects for various clients, many of which were in the public sector. Through this, I realized the power of architecture to serve the public good, beyond just the aesthetic or functional aspects.

Similarly, at WRT in San Francisco, the emphasis was on public-facing projects for government agencies, city councils, and community groups. I actively engaged with communities and navigated the complexities of working in the public sector.

The work was often low-fee but high-impact, involving extensive community engagement, public presentations, and working within tight budgets. These projects were not always glamorous, but they were incredibly fulfilling because they made a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Over time, I came to realize that this approach to architecture aligned deeply with my values. After facing a period where new work was scarce, I made a conscious decision to choose my struggle. I decided that if I was going to face difficulties in my career, I would choose to focus on work that made a real social impact, even if that meant sacrificing financial gain. I chose to work with government agencies and non-profit organizations that were making a difference in the social sector. Particularly in areas like affordable housing, education, and public spaces.

This conscious decision led our practice to collaborate with clients dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized communities. Even if the process was challenging and sometimes frustrating. Public sector work often involves navigating bureaucracy, facing resistance, and compromising on designs due to political or administrative pressures. But I’ve come to accept that flexibility and patience are key in this field. It’s not always about getting your design exactly as you envisioned. It’s about finding a way to make a positive contribution within the constraints of the system. 

For me, the true satisfaction comes when I see the impact our work has on people’s lives. Whether it’s creating spaces for education, healthcare, or public welfare. I’ve come to view my role not just as an architect, but as a citizen first. Someone who contributes to the betterment of society through the work I do. This approach requires sacrifices, both financial and professional, but it’s been a path that’s incredibly meaningful to me. Ultimately, I believe architecture should be about contributing to your immediate context—whether that’s a local community, a city, or a broader social framework. It’s a long journey, but one that I am deeply committed to.

3. How do you believe architecture can shape the way individuals perceive and interact with social environments? Considering its important role in transforming how people and cities function.

Khushru Irani: Architecture, to me, is deeply intertwined with how we experience life. We wake up in buildings, work in them, unwind, heal, and celebrate in them—whether it’s a home, an office, a hospital, a cinema, or a restaurant. Almost every moment of our lives is spent in spaces shaped by architects. That makes it undeniable that architecture plays a fundamental role in influencing how we live, interact, and function as a society.

Because of this, I believe creating these environments is not just a profession—it’s a privilege and a profound responsibility. Architecture isn’t something we’re entitled to practice simply because we’ve studied it or earned a degree. It demands more than technical expertise; it demands intention, humility, and purpose. Until we acknowledge that, we risk approaching our work with a mindset of self-indulgence rather than service.

That’s why I feel it’s so important to constantly reflect on our role as architects. What position do we occupy in society? What values do we bring into our practice? These questions shape not just the kind of work we do but also the impact we leave behind. It’s about going beyond aesthetics to create meaningful, thoughtful spaces that respond to people’s needs and aspirations. At its core, architecture should empower and inspire—it should foster connection, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging. That, I believe, is the true purpose of our work.

4. Your studio is housed in a 100-year-old building located in the Cantonment area, which exudes a unique character and reflects Pune’s rich architectural context. Could you share your journey of renovating and repurposing this historic structure?

Khushru Irani: The studio has been an integral part of our practice—a space where we’ve spent years shaping ideas, projects, and collaborations. The building itself has a rich history; it was originally a single-family home, part of a much larger 10,000-square-foot structure. We occupy only a small portion—about 1,400 to 1,500 square feet. But, the journey of adapting it into our workspace was both challenging and deeply rewarding.

When we first took over the space, the building was in a state of disrepair. It required extensive restructuring—strengthening the foundation, rebuilding sections, and repairing walls that had partially collapsed. Beyond that, we focused heavily on restoring its character. We salvaged and repaired original elements like doors, windows, handrails, and floors, and even had to rebuild the roof.

The context of the neighborhood added another layer to the process. It’s an eclectic area, blending old and new houses, a diverse mix of people, businesses, and cultures. That dynamic energy shaped how we approached the renovation, striking a balance between preserving the building’s heritage and adapting it for modern use.

We were very conscious about knowing when to stop. Often, when we were unsure about what to change, we chose to do nothing. We stepped back, observed, and let the space reveal itself over time. Just because something looked old didn’t mean it had to be replaced or fixed. Sometimes, it needed to simply exist as it was, with its imperfections and stories intact.

Interestingly, the studio didn’t feel ‘complete’ when we first moved in—it evolved with us. Over the 12 years we’ve been there, we’ve added elements, modified spaces, and adapted it as our needs changed. It has remained a living, breathing project rather than something frozen in time.

The space has also grown to become more than just an office. It’s a place where we’ve hosted talks, events, and gatherings. It’s been a platform for exchange and dialogue, and in many ways, it has shaped the ethos of our practice. Looking back, it’s been an incredibly fulfilling process—one that continues to evolve even today.

5. With technology advancing at such a rapid pace, how are you integrating and harnessing its potential in your architectural practice to enhance design, innovation, and functionality?

Khushru Irani: I would describe our practice as relatively simple and grounded. We focus on designing buildings that are straightforward to construct. Relying on well-tested, standard construction methods rather than pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge technology. Within this framework of accessible and proven processes, we aim to create environments that engage people in meaningful and positive ways.

When it comes to technology, I see it in two parts—technology inside the studio and technology outside, on the construction site. Inside the studio, we work with tools that are basic but effective. We haven’t deeply ventured into AI, parametric design, or advanced digital modeling techniques. Although, we’re aware of these technologies and their growing relevance. Our process remains analog, rooted in sketches, models, and drawings. That said, we are open to incorporating tools when they add value—for example, we’ve discussed experimenting with VR headsets to give clients a more immersive experience of their projects. While we haven’t adopted it yet, we’re certainly not opposed to leveraging such tools when they align with the purpose of our work.

On the construction side, we engage with technology in specific ways, particularly when it comes to sustainability—be it solar energy systems, water conservation methods, or wastewater recycling. These aspects are critical to our projects, and we ensure we’re updated with the latest developments in these areas. However, we don’t lean heavily towards high-tech construction techniques or even traditional low-tech methods that require specialized skills. Instead, we focus on learning how to build well with accessible materials and processes—approaches that can be easily understood, replicated, and scaled.

One of the principles that drives our practice is to make architecture more approachable—not just in its design but in its execution. We aim to create buildings that are simple yet inspiring, so that others can look at them and say, “Why can’t I do that?” This philosophy extends to materials as well. We tend to work with materials we’re familiar with—materials we understand in terms of durability, weathering, and performance in different climates. While this approach might sometimes make us seem conservative, it also ensures reliability and practicality.

Of course, we’re aware of the constant evolution in materials and techniques, and we’re always evaluating where it makes sense to take risks and innovate. But our focus remains on balancing new possibilities with a strong connection to our design philosophy—one that values simplicity, accessibility, and timelessness. Ultimately, we aim to create spaces that are rooted in practicality yet resonate deeply with people, proving that technology and tradition can coexist harmoniously.

6. With such a distinctive architectural journey behind you, what do you envision as the next chapter of your career? Where do you see yourself and your practice evolving in the coming years?

Khushru Irani: Honestly, I wish I had a clear answer! But I think that’s what makes life as an architect so exciting and fulfilling—the unpredictability, the possibilities, and the constant evolution. We rarely know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but we can certainly imagine and hope for the best.

For me, the goal is quite simple—to continue loving what I do more each day. If I can achieve that, I think it’s a good day, and life feels meaningful. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do the kind of work we’re doing, and my focus is to keep engaging with it in the most patient, resilient, and thoughtful way possible.

As for the future, I think it’s extremely exciting. India is at such an interesting juncture right now—there’s so much happening, so much being built, and there’s an entire generation of young architects doing some truly incredible work. It’s inspiring to be a part of this ecosystem.

When you think about it, we’re a nation of 1.5 billion people and only about 150,000 architects—so we’re an incredibly small community. And yet, the impact we have is disproportionately large. That’s both humbling and empowering, because it reminds us of the responsibility we carry.

Architecture isn’t easy. It’s a complex, layered, and deeply challenging process, and doing good work requires so many things to align just right. But that’s also what makes it so rewarding. So, as I look ahead, my focus is to keep pushing, keep learning, and keep building spaces that hopefully resonate with people. And as for what comes next—I’m excited to find out!

7. As we approach the end of our interview, what would be one piece of advice you would like to share with the young listeners tuning in?

Khushru Irani: For young architects who have just graduated, my advice would be to carefully choose the people and environments you work with. Those early experiences will shape you profoundly, and the lessons you absorb in those formative years can be difficult to unlearn later. So, take the time to reflect on your values, your aspirations, and the kind of work you want to be part of—and then seek out mentors and practices that resonate with those ideals.

For young practices, my suggestion would be to stay focused, work quietly, and let your work speak for itself. Don’t get caught up in the pursuit of recognition, awards, or validation. Instead, focus on doing meaningful work with integrity. It’s okay to share and publish your projects, but avoid chasing things that don’t come naturally—don’t force them.

Most importantly, build your practice on a solid foundation of principles, values, and a clear ideology rather than constructing it around image, reputation, or branding. Practices built on substance and purpose are the ones that truly stand the test of time.

Conclusion

With this interview, Ar. Khushru Irani enlightens us on how one as an architect can do more than just design structures. He takes on this inspirational journey of making social change with architecture as a medium. Emphasizing being a citizen first and an architect second. Immerse into this inspirational interview on our YouTube channel for more information.