The industry includes an impressive range and variety of roles – but unless you are on the inside it can be hard to know how to break in, let alone progress to the top. In this series, we talk to professionals about their often surprising career twists and turns
How long have you been working and what is your current job?
I am an architect from India with a specialisation in sustainable environmental design from the Architectural Association in London. I work at White Arkitekter as an architectural designer and sustainable design coordinator.
I have been involved in projects including the Velindre Cancer Center in Wales, focusing on building physics and carbon lifecycle assessments as well as being part of the design team.
I also voluntarily support Nostos Homes, an NGO based in the UK, as a design consultant where we build homes for the forcibly displaced people with pilot projects deployed in Africa and India.
What were your initial career ambitions? (Would your 16-year-old self be surprised at what you’re doing now?)
Growing up in Delhi, India, I was constantly exposed to rising temperatures and alarming pollution levels and so have always felt a strong desire to contribute to environmental solutions and improve our quality of life. The impacts of climate change have become immense, making it imperative to explore alternatives.
My interest in architecture was ignited by stories of my grandfather’s displacement after India’s independence, which instilled in me a desire to address housing challenges for vulnerable communities.
Looking back, my 16-year-old self would be proud of the path I have taken. Combining my passion for sustainability with architecture feels like a true gift and working with a remarkable firm like White Arkitekter has been immensely rewarding.
White has built the vision that, by 2030, all our architecture can be regenerative and climate-neutral through design excellence – a bold but fitting goal that aligns perfectly with my own ambitions.
Who or what helped you to get to where you are today?
My education – particularly my master’s degree in sustainable environmental design guided by exceptional professors – laid a strong foundation for the work that I do today. Mentors in the field, along with the support of my peers and colleagues, have been instrumental in shaping my career path.
However, the unwavering support of my family has been the strongest pillar. Their belief in me, whether studying in south India or now working in London, has been invaluable.
Another key driver has been my passion for sustainability and architecture. It’s something I constantly live and breathe. My commitment to this field goes beyond what is statutory and fuels me to continuously strive for a meaningful impact.
Did your choice of subjects/qualifications in school/education help or hinder your ability to get a job in the sector?
The exposure I gained from studying in India, where I learnt about India’s diverse architectural practices, to London, where I expanded my global perspective, has been invaluable. My focus on sustainability has been a significant advantage, especially in securing roles that align with my passion for environmental design. Working with White’s sustainability-driven ethos has been a natural fit for my career trajectory.
Have you had to overcome any barriers to get where you are today?
Moving to a new country and starting my career here was a challenge, but so was navigating the rapidly evolving demands of sustainability in architecture. Staying current requires constant learning, attending industry events, taking courses, and doing certifications.
Engaging in research and publishing my work has also helped me stay connected with industry leaders and stay ahead of trends. Overcoming these challenges daily is an essential for my professional growth.
What are the best and the hardest parts of your job?
The best part of my job is seeing the tangible impact of sustainable design strategies on projects and knowing that we are contributing to a better future. The hardest part, however, is balancing design demands with client expectations, regulatory requirements, and the challenge of pushing for innovation in every project.
My biggest focus is ensuring that sustainability is not just about compliance with regulations but also about embracing responsibility and accountability to reduce environmental impact while significantly enhancing user well-being.
A project I am particularly proud of is the recent refurbishment of our office in Farringdon, a 1960s office building, where we applied circular economy principles by maximising reuse, reducing waste, and creating an inspiring, adaptable, and efficient environment for employees.
What do you know now about the industry that you wish you had known when you were at school?
I wish I had known more about the global perspective on sustainability when I was in school. Environmental design trends differ significantly across regions, influenced by socio-economic factors. This diversity can slow regulatory progress, but it also presents unique opportunities for innovation.
In our work across Europe and in the UK, I have seen how the demands for sustainable design vary greatly. However, maintaining a central commitment to integrating best practices, regardless of regional differences, is a core belief that drives our work here.
As a new starter, what most surprised you about the industry?
I was surprised by the level of complexity involved in integrating sustainability into design. I knew it wouldn’t be easy when it comes to practical application, but trying to do something that requires the industry to shift – add regulations, standardise processes – really makes navigating innovative solutions tricky.
It’s not just about making things look good, function well and have a working strategy for but also about deeply understanding environmental impacts and shifting through various constraints to create truly meaningful long lasting sustainable solutions.
What advice would you give someone coming through the school system now about choosing a construction-related career?
I can’t stress enough the importance of gaining hands-on experience and exploring various aspects of the field through internships or projects. My own work experience at Morphogenesis, a leading firm in India focusing on sustainability, and now working at White Arkitekter has broadened my perspective immensely, and I am grateful for these experiences and for learning from people with such a vast, varied wealth of experience.
Sustainable design is becoming increasingly critical, so focusing on this area will give you a real edge. Stay curious, open to learning, and don’t hesitate to explore new technologies and methodologies beyond what’s traditionally used.
What one thing would you change to make it easier for someone to find the right career in the sector?
I would improve access to career guidance and mentoring programs that provide insights into different roles and specialisations within the field. Early exposure to various career paths can help individuals make more informed decisions and find the right fit for their skills and interests.
Any other advice/comments?
Keep your passion for sustainable design at the forefront of your career. The field is constantly evolving, and staying engaged with new developments, continuously seeking ways to innovate, questioning everything will help you make a meaningful impact.
Now more than ever, we need individuals in the field willing to push boundaries to fully understand the evolving dynamics of construction and design.
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