What can an architect do? This question frequently arises among graduates nagging about architecture careers. In India, some graduates and professionals mention such things as unbalanced work lives, low pay scales, self-sustaining struggles, and more in their careers. As a consequence, many individuals are wondering, ‘What can an architect do?’ beyond just the practice of designing and execution.
To those looking for an alternative career while staying committed to architecture and community. Yes, you can follow in the footsteps of some of the most successful influencers, who are architects but may not practice. Here are some of the successful Indian examples to answer the ‘What can an architect do?’
“Empowering Students Next Step”
Ethos was established in 2002 to raise awareness of our built environment. Furthermore, providing additional possibilities for aspiring professionals, and creating a platform, a network of young designers and civil engineers who will make decisions in the next years. Ethos has evolved into a bridge between college students and the professional world.
“Design Connect For Architects”
ArchitectureLive!, founded in 2011, seeks to make architectural information more accessible and equal for architects and interior designers. It encourages healthy debates on a variety of themes, such as the condition of architecture in India, competitions, internships, women architects, practice management challenges, and redefining architectural education, which piques public interest.
“Supports Business of Design”
Tanya Khanna, an architect, created India’s first communications agency in 2011, to create interesting narratives about the built environment. Over the last decade, the organization has expanded from a one-woman operation to a staff of over 50 people spread over more than five cities, generating discussion and outreach for many while democratizing architecture.
“Narrates Architecture to Millions”
Blessedarch Platform was created by an Indian architect, YouTuber, and content provider. With over 270K YouTube and Instagram followers, he links architects all around the world. After graduating from MUJ, he also took part in seminars and attended the Venice Architecture Biennial in 2018. Additionally, his thesis was placed in the top ten in the zonal NIASA competition.
“Captures visual poetry using pixels”
An architectural photographer and filmmaker based in Ahmedabad. After 20 years in business, he pursued his passion and became a full-time photographer. He works with UNICEF, many government agencies, and international foundations to document human intervention stories. Furthermore, His architectural photography demonstrates his documentary storytelling technique. Additionally, He has developed films for some of the country’s most prominent architects.
“Prints ticket to Travel through Architecture”
The author, who previously served as Director of CEPT University Press in India, established Altrim Publishers in 2010 to promote architecture and urban planning in India and Southeast Asia. She is now based in Chandigarh, India, where she is creating a series of architectural tourist guides.
“Tales of Design & Urban Beauty Through Comic Art”
An architect and urban designer produced Leewardists, a comic strip on architecture that has grown in popularity in the design world. Launched in 2014, he uses comic art to highlight the importance of design, sustainability, and urban planning. Kale also leads workshops and shares his work with students and professionals, resulting in a good impact on the community.
“Captures the untold monuments and heritage”
A renowned panoramic photographer believes that photography, as a powerful modern language, should be used to highlight neglected aspects. India Lost and Found aims to raise awareness of neglected Indian heritage, mobilize youth, and encourage tourism through an online resource and workshops. Additionally, the initiative seeks to redefine heritage as a living ecosystem and engage colleges in content creation.
“Digital Guidance for Millions”
Design professional with a background in architecture and urban planning, specializing in graphic communication. She aims to empower students and professionals to elevate their design narratives. Understanding software challenges and the importance of a strong portfolio, she also shares tips and tricks to refine graphic skills, bridging the gap between creativity and technology for a confident and impactful design journey.
“Hosts a ground-breaking podcast”
Dr. Nirmal Kishnani is an important player in sustainability for over 20 years, influencing discussions in Singapore and Asia. Ecogradia is a platform for sustainable architecture and urbanism, with a podcast that provides inspiring tales and solutions from professionals, and also empowers individuals to create resilient, egalitarian ecosystems for all species.
“Lighting dreams, curating platform for indie-designers”
As an architect and lighting designer, he has exhibited his work in India’s most interior design exhibits. In India’s design revolution, indigenous designers create high-quality interior and lifestyle goods. Furthermore, Design Democracy is a festival and exhibition that brings together businesses, designers, and architects, encouraging networking and displaying.
“Transforming Communication Design for Better User Experience”
The Managing Director and Founder of Design Factory India. He is a multi-specialist designer with over ten years of experience in interactive public places, branding, and digital design. Furthermore, he promotes strategic thinking, technological use, and design as a non-silo process. He has also worked on multidisciplinary projects such as the Museum of Socialism and Design Village.
“Unite students, crafting net-zero dreams for a sustainable future”
With experience at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements, the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy, and CEPT University, he serves as Director of Solar Decathlon India. Furthermore, he leads the Core Team, monitors progress, advises on the next steps, and coordinates outreach with institutions and educators to boost participation and collaboration within the Solar Decathlon India ecosystem.
“Designs, curates stories, and bridges art and architecture”
A Mumbai-based architect and urban designer with degrees from L.S. Raheja College and the University of Maryland, he coordinates projects with UDRI, teaches at KRVIA, and writes for various magazines. He is currently working on the “Cinema – City” initiative. Despite being the Deputy Director at KRVIA, he travels across India to conduct workshops, deliver lectures, and pursue his passion for filmmaking.
“Inspiring Minds, Sharing Knowledge Through E-Books & Social Media”
Since 2015, he has dedicated his platform to teaching people about architecture and design. With two well-received books totaling 10,000 sales, He contributes daily content to encourage others around the world, driven by enthusiasm and competence in this sector. He says ’I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge and passion with a global audience.
“Passion to record thoughts and ideas of Indian creators”
An Indian software designer, currently leads the Design Team at PropertyGuru, a South East Asian property purchasing and rental platform. He is also known for his podcast, Audiogyan, which has been running since 2016 and features 300 interviews around design and the arts. His work encompasses print, poster, and typographic design.
“Through multimedia, aims to archive Indian ideas & thoughts”
An architect and partner of Matter, an architecture, design, and content firm that he founded alongside Maanasi Hattangadi. Matter is a content initiative and publishing platform celebrating Indian ideas in architecture and design. It also fosters a community of architects, designers, and thinkers, curating meaningful work and archiving insights through diverse multimedia formats.
“Promoting architecture’s role in societal change and awareness”
Ela manages research, programming, and publications. She has been involved in organizing and planning exhibitions, conferences, and other events for the Foundation. Ela is also a visiting faculty for the Master’s program at Balwant Sheth School of Architecture in Mumbai, India.
“Cultivating spaces for equitable, vibrant spatial education”
The Society for Environment and Architecture is an Indian collective of architects, artists, designers, and activists. It aims to create equitable, multidisciplinary academic spaces for spatial studies. Furthermore, focusing on emerging South Asian contexts, and fostering an ecosystem for spatial culture rooted in relevance, equality, justice, and joy.
“Elevating Heritage Documentation and Photogrammetry’s Impact”
With expertise in documenting built heritage, he teaches Design and History at the CARE School of Architecture and has led workshops on heritage documentation and photogrammetry. As a workshop instructor, he inspires and creates photogrammetry’s impact in India.
To conclude, What can an architect do? Can empower students next step…Can host a ground-breaking podcast…Narrates architecture to millions…And what not?
I hope the above-mentioned examples truly inspire your alternative path in architecture.
Content Writing And Research By: Ar. Baarat Krishna
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