As we navigate the complexities of our built environment, it’s clear that architecture is more than just a profession it’s a powerful tool for shaping the world around us. For Shimul Javeri Kadri and her partners Vaishali Mangalvedhekar, Sarika Shetty and Roshni Kshirsagar, this is more than just a notion—it’s a guiding philosophy that has driven their practice for over three decades. Eschewing the predictable route, Shimul took a courageous leap, establishing her independent architectural practice in 1990 and cementing her reputation as a pioneering female architect. SJK Architects has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception as a solo practice. Over the years, the firm has grown in stature and size, evolving into a dynamic partnership with three like-minded architects who share Shimul’s passion for architecture that makes an impact.

Meeting Shimul and her partners in person was an absolute delight! The quartet’s vibrant personalities shone through, each one as captivating as their designs. Shimul exuded a fascinating presence, her warm smile tempered by an assertive demeanour that commanded attention. Her confidence was daunting, yet inspiring. Alongside her, Sarika’s calm and composed nature provided a soothing counterbalance, while Vaishali’s gentle yet observant approach added a layer of depth and nuance. Completing the quartet, Roshni’s keen eye for style and aesthetics infused the group with a sense of vibrant creativity, together forming a dynamic and formidable team. The afternoon was truly electrifying, as we found ourselves surrounded by visionary women, immersed in a palpable collective creative energy. It was fabulous to witness the synergy and camaraderie that fuels SJK Architects’ innovative approach.

We met at the SJK Architects’ office in Colaba, a space that serves as a vibrant showcase for the firm’s impressive portfolio and storied legacy, with every corner reflecting the team’s passion for innovative and exceptional design. The office walls are lined with meticulously crafted models of their most iconic projects, alongside shelves bursting with architecture books, sketches and eclectic art pieces, offering a glimpse into the firm’s rich design heritage. Even as we prepared for our conversation, the office hummed with creative energy, with various teams clustered together, intensely focused on bringing multiple projects to life.

As we delved into a conversation, we explored the firm’s evolution from a solo practice to a collaborative partnership and gained insight into their steadfast commitment to crafting architecture that is not only aesthetically striking but also thoughtful, meaningful and socially responsible. What resonated deeply was their acute awareness of the architect’s role as a steward of the built environment and its social implications. Here’s an excerpt…

Shimul, let’s start with a pivotal moment in SJK’s journey. Three years ago, the firm marked a significant turning point by evolving from a solo practice to a partnership. This strategic shift undoubtedly had a profound impact on the firm’s trajectory. Can you share with us the thought process and key drivers that led to this deliberate transition?
Shimul Javeri Kadri (SJK): It’s a lonely route as a solo practitioner. My decision to transition to a partnership was motivated by two primary factors. Firstly, it presented an opportunity to validate my long-held conviction that collaboration and democratic principles can be powerful catalysts for creativity. This theoretical framework, which I had nurtured for some time, could now be tested and implemented in a real-world setting. I strongly believe in the power of the collective.

I have witnessed Sarika, Vaishali and Roshni’s journey at SJK, and they embodied the qualities I valued: wisdom, emotional maturity and a shared vision. In each of their projects, they demonstrated a level of personal and professional growth that aligned with my own aspirations for the practice.

When you show trust in people and propel them to leadership roles, there’s a profound acceleration in their growth. With a clear vision guiding them, they’ve seized the reins with confidence, leveraging their unique strengths to propel our design excellence and thought leadership forward. Ultimately, the greatest challenges we face are those within. It’s been a privilege to observe my team cultivate the emotional maturity to navigate these complexities, emerging stronger, wiser and more resilient.

Interesting. The last three years have been crucial. As compared to your formative years, would you say that the past three years have been more defining and more impactful?
SJK: I believe that any beginning has a profound impact. Reflecting on the early days of my practice, 30-34 years ago, I’m reminded of the immense significance of those formative years. My first project left an indelible mark. I vividly recall the sense of trepidation I felt with each site visit. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

Literally, for me, this practice grew from a tiny 4x10ft room. For many years, my practice operated from a single bedroom in my home. Yet, despite the modest beginnings, I remained clear about what I didn’t want to do, and this clarity allowed me to focus on what truly mattered. By knowing what to avoid, I was able to cultivate my own unique approach and ultimately, forge a path that has led me to where I am today. In that sense, the first few years were more organic.

But what makes the past three years truly pivotal? In my view, this period has been instrumental in establishing systems for the future of the practice. We’ve been diligently developing standards, crafting templates and systematically institutionalising our practice—effectively laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and success.

While our earlier years were marked by intense theoretical exploration and project execution, the past three years have been dedicated to deliberate consolidation. We’ve been methodically creating systems, streamlining processes and taking a step back to assess our accomplishments and the impact we’ve had. This reflective period has also prompted us to ask fundamental questions: What kind of impact do we aspire to make? And how will we strategically achieve it?

As we transitioned into a partnership, our core premise was that design should be democratic. We envisioned a platform where every voice is not only heard but also seen. It takes a diverse group of talented individuals to bring a building to life.

This collaborative spirit is often overlooked in the architecture world, where only a select few receive recognition. We believe that our field is, in fact, a collective endeavor much like filmmaking. While the lead actors may take centre stage, it’s the entire crew that brings the production to life.

As we look to the future, our goal is to create an inclusive and nurturing environment that empowers talented individuals to take the reins. We’re committed to fostering a culture that celebrates diversity, creativity and collaboration, ensuring that our practice remains a vibrant and dynamic force in the years to come.

That’s interesting. The firm now functions as a collective of like-minded individuals. Sarika, Vaishali and Roshni, it would be interesting to know each of your initiation into SJK and your individual career trajectories.
Sarika Shetty (SS): All three of us have witnessed the entire trajectory. My own journey, however, has been uniquely intertwined with the firm’s growth. As an intern, I joined SJK without any prior work experience, and I’ve never worked elsewhere since. I recall interviewing with Shimul and persistently following up with the receptionist until she finally offered me the internship. At the time, I had no clear plans or expectations. When Shimul asked me about my five-year goals, I boldly declared that I would have my own firm by then.

However, as I immersed myself in SJK’s culture, I discovered an environment that fostered growth, valued individual contributions and encouraged innovative thinking. This transformative experience shifted my trajectory, and I’ve never looked back. One month down the line as an intern. I got an opportunity with the clients of the Ayushakti Ayurvedic Health Centre, who came to Shimul to build their own home in Mumbai. This is in a place called Royal Palms, which is very close to where the national park is, and it is a part of, where the national park extends. For some reason, Shimul was not around, and she showed confidence in me to go and do the first brief taking for this project with the clients. I think I very successfully took their brief taking exercise to imbibe what the client wants and to not be in the city of Mumbai and be in the midst of nature, and that is what their dream was.

My first project was a significant institutional undertaking. I worked closely with Vaishali on this project. Today we are in the 22nd year of development of that very campus, which is now a thriving university. I vividly recall starting with a modest building on that campus and witnessing its incremental growth and evolution over time. This project has been an interesting experience, as I’ve had the privilege of revisiting and contributing to its expansion. Within just three weeks of joining SJK, I accompanied Vaishali to the site in Warangal, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. I believe the opportunities presented to me early on were instrumental in shaping my professional trajectory.

The stability and responsibility that came with working at SJK fostered an environment where individuals could thrive. I think it was a two-way street. The firm provided us with opportunities at the right time, and we, in turn, brought a strong desire to learn and absorb as much as we could. As a team, we were driven by an insatiable curiosity and desire to learn, which served us well during that era and continues to inspire us.

Vaishali Mangalvedhekar (VM): My journey at SJK Architects began when I stumbled upon an article featuring the Synergy Lifestyles Office in a magazine. What caught my attention was the stunning staircase detail, with cables supporting cantilevered steps and crisp, meticulous detailing. At the time, I had just completed a research course at IIT focused on climatically driven architecture and simulation studies.

One of my early projects at SJK was designing a factory for Synergy Lifestyles in Karur, Tamil Nadu. Shimul handed me a tracing sheet with a north light truss design, aiming to bring daylight into the factory’s core. Drawing from my IIT learnings, I intuitively felt that the concept deserved further exploration. I proposed an alternative solution—a monitor roof. Shimul reviewed my idea, grasped the intent, and elegantly transformed the structure with a sweeping, curved roofline, prioritising a humane and gentle experience for the end-users. Even as a young architect, I was given the opportunity to express my thoughts and learnings, and bring them to the table.

Roshni Kshirsagar (RK): Before joining SJK, I had a brief stint with another firm, lasting only three months. I was interviewed by Sarika and Shimul in back-to-back sessions, and they offered me an offer almost immediately. I asked for a couple of days to think, and Sarika jokingly suggested I start the day after tomorrow.

At the time, I was 23 or 24, fresh out of college with only a couple of short-term jobs under my belt. I believe the reason I clicked with Sarika, Vaishali and Shimul was that we shared similar values and personalities. This bond helped us work seamlessly together.

Initially, I worked closely with Sarika and Vaishali on various projects. They were handling projects independently, and I learned a great deal from them. The SJK style of throwing people into new challenges helped me grow, and I soon found myself leading a massive home store project, including brand identity design. When the two senior team members working with me got married and left the project, I was left to navigate it on my own. This experience taught me invaluable lessons, not just technically but also in building relationships with clients and collaborators.

Sometimes, I think about how certain decisions can alter the course of one’s life. My interview at SJK, for instance, was a chance encounter. I had travelled to Ahmedabad with friends for an event called 12 on 12 at CEPT, where I met Sarika and the team. One of my friends had an extra ticket, and that’s how I ended up meeting the people who would change my professional life.

Shimul, listening to all three of your partners, I understand one aspect about you, that you place immense trust in your team, and it is your confidence in them that eventually led them to this path. What is it that each one of them brings to the table?

SJK: I vividly recall reviewing Vaishali’s resume and thinking, ‘Wow, I hope I can hire her!’ While the details of the interview itself are a bit fuzzy, my initial impression of her credentials has remained etched in my memory.

And Sarika, she stood out for her exceptional brightness. What struck me most was her remarkable ability to single handedly manage an entire project as an intern—a feat that, to this day, remains unparalleled by any intern in the history of SJK. Sarika injects a fantastic energy into our team, bringing a keen perception of the environmental landscape and a finger on the pulse of the world around us.

Vaishali, on the other hand, brings a wealth of wisdom and a gentle, compassionate approach to the table. She is approachable and trusted, someone that everyone naturally turns to for guidance and support.

Roshni was one of the few interior designers to join our firm, and she brought in an interesting perspective and a softer approach to design. All three of us were architects, so, our focus was more on the form, on creating great architecture. There was a prevailing mindset among architects that interior design was secondary to architecture.

For a Mumbai-based practice like ours, this was a common trajectory for growth. However, having Roshni on board, with her distinct perspective as an interior designer, was invaluable. I believe that in the last three years, she has truly elevated the importance of interior design within our practice. Her expertise has not only complemented our architectural work but has also established interior design as a robust and essential discipline.

SJK has a remarkable portfolio of work, ranging from residences to institutes, resorts and commercial spaces. Could you take us through some of your breakthrough projects? We’d love to hear about some of the projects that have pushed the boundaries of architecture and design. And some more, where each of you have found it challenging or memorable.
SJK: Each and every project has been challenging. One of our notable projects was the Mahindra Automobile Design Studio in Mumbai, a classic example of adaptive reuse. The design brief was to create a neutral but ‘designed’ space for automobile stylists. What made it even more interesting was that we had to transform a series of industrial sheds into a state-of-the-art styling studio for the automotive industry. Our task was to retain the original footprint and steel portals while creating a cutting-edge facility that would house offices, architectural functions, workshops, display areas and recreational spaces.

The challenge was to work with the existing structure, which lacked documentation and posed significant load bearing challenges. Our approach to revitalising the site involved strategic adaptive reuse, breathing new life into existing industrial structures. We carefully assessed the infrastructure, deciding what to retain and what to discard. The smallest shed was completely dismantled, while the larger sheds’ structural skeletons were preserved.

The roofs and walls were stripped away, exposing a fragile network of steel portals and purlins. Rather than replacing them, we chose to retain and strengthen this imperfect structural system. The unique, irregular rhythm of the portal frames became an integral consideration in our design intervention, influencing the office architecture that would eventually occupy the space.

SS: The SR University in Warangal, which was also my first project has been with our firm for 22 years. Over the years, we’ve incrementally, expanded the campus, and our current work marks a significant departure from our previous efforts. While we once focused on traditional academic blocks, our present approach is centred around creating immersive, experiential spaces that redefine the way students learn, live and interact on campus. This shift towards experiential design is poised to revolutionise the campus experience.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve witnessed an entire generation of students pass through the campus. With a minimum of 12,000 students at any given time, the numbers are staggering. If you do the math, that’s approximately 240,000
individuals who have been influenced by our design over the past two decades. It’s a truly humbling thought.

Like Shimul mentioned, our firm has made a significant impact through various projects, especially in the past three years, primarily focusing on publicfacing initiatives rather than private residences. We’ve deliberately chosen to prioritise projects that benefit the broader community, such as hospitality, cultural institutions, education, retail and office spaces. These projects have a profound influence on people’s lives, particularly in the realms of education and institutional design. The way we design these spaces can shape the human experience, impacting how people think, learn, and interact. For instance, in education, the physical environment can reinforce a school’s pedagogy, influencing not only students but also their families.

VM: For me, it would have to be the hotel project in Bodh Gaya. The project offered us an opportunity to craft an immersive architectural experience that embodies the essence of Buddhist philosophy. We drew inspiration from traditional Buddhist architecture, incorporating timeless features like vaults, corbelled arches and stepped jambs to evoke a sense of memory and connection.

But we also wanted to convey the emotional resonance of Buddhism—its emphasis on simplicity, compassion and
serenity. We employed a range of subtle gestures, from the thoughtful use of materials to the layered, contemplative spaces. Throughout the hotel, you’ll find nods to Buddhist symbology and philosophy, from the artwork to the signage, which also helps guide visitors through the space.

Of course, Bodh Gaya’s climate can be unforgiving, so we prioritised passive design strategies to mitigate the heat. We partnered with local families to handcraft 80,000 clay tiles, which not only insulate the vaulted
ceilings but also support the local community.

SS: For us, it is all about honouring our roots to remain in touch with our distinctive sensibilities. And that’s why we lean towards cultural architecture. Our interest in cultural architecture pushes us to look at culture as a repository of a society’s sense of beauty and its learned technologies. Our work is inspired by historical wisdom, vernacular materials and techniques—curating and contemporising them to enhance lives today. Take for instance, the Museum for Jain Heritage in Koba. The architectural design of the museum seeks to translate religious values into built form, going beyond the literal. For the design, we questioned the conventional notion of a museum as a ‘black box’ and looked at it through the lenses of context, climate and community.

RK: All projects are challenging. But if I were to pick one, it would have to be the Forest of Chintz (an Indian luxury label that makes statement accessories and haute couture). As with all our projects, even for this retail project, I turned towards our rich for inspiration. The continuous monolithic stepped display is reminiscent of the traditional stepwells of India. But before building these steps, we documented all of Forest of Chintz’ collections, measured their sizes and created an inventory. We didn’t create generic steps; the depth and dimension of each step was designed according to the accessories. The challenge was to encourage the customers to engage with the products.

What underlying philosophy or set of values unites the partnership and guides your collective decision-making?
SJK: For us, it’s about crafting spaces that touch hearts and minds. We’re guided by a set of core principles that inspire us to create architecture that’s deeply connected to people, culture and the environment. We believe in tapping into the soul of a place, evoking emotions and memories through simplicity and purity. Our designs are infused with a deep understanding of local culture, history and context. Beauty, in all its forms, is at the heart of our work. We strive to create spaces that uplift and inspire, fostering a sense of community and connection. Sustainability is woven into every aspect of our design process. We collaborate with natural systems, harnessing sunlight, wind and local materials to create spaces that are both comfortable and sustainable. Ultimately, our goal is to create transformative spaces that exceed expectations and realize hidden aspirations.

Sustainability has become a ubiquitous term, but its significance is often lost in the noise. As the building industry is a leading contributor to environmental degradation, I’d love to delve deeper into your perspective on sustainability. Does your approach encompass not only environmental sustainability but also social and economic aspects, recognizing the intricate relationships between these dimensions?
SJK: For me, sustainability encompasses not just environmental considerations, but also social and cultural dimensions. We’re meticulous about selecting materials that minimise our ecological footprint. Culturally, we strive to preserve and celebrate India’s rich heritage, particularly in rural areas, through projects like museums and hotels. Our approach to cultural sustainability focuses on honouring the collective visual memory of communities, keeping traditions alive while embracing evolution, and allowing cultures to adapt and flourish.

RK: I’d like to share an exciting project we’re currently working on—a hotel in Hampi. Vaishali is leading the architecture, while I’m focusing on the interiors. What’s particularly thrilling is the opportunity to infuse the space with local craft and culture. Through extensive research, visits and collaborations with NGOs and craft clusters within a 50-km radius, we’ve identified exceptional artisans and skills. We’re not only celebrating these traditional skills but also transforming them into functional, utilitarian products that add depth to the space. One of the most rewarding aspects is the impact on the local economy. We’re working with a textile designer from the Ilkal Saari region of North Karnataka, known for its impoverished farming communities. Together, we’ve created a stunning Ilkal textile, which we’re incorporating into the guest rooms. This project has been an incredible journey, allowing us to work with talented individuals, learn about their craft, and make a positive impact on the community. It’s a testament to the power of contextual design and its potential to drive meaningful change.

VM: Like Shimul and Roshni mentioned, these things are fundamental to our organisation. Whether we’re designing a small detail or a large-scale project, there are a few core principles that guide our approach. We’ve distilled these principles over time, and they’re woven into the fabric of our design process. We’re deeply contextual. We consider the cultural, climatic and topographical nuances of each site. This approach ensures our designs are thoughtful, responsive and sustainable.

We have a profound respect for craft. We believe in the beauty of human hands shaping materials, as evident in projects like the Leaf House in Nirvana. By working with local artisans and using readily available materials, we create buildings that are not only functional but also come with a strong narrative.

Our designs are guided by a deep commitment to sustainability. By being contextual and climatically responsive, we’ve always designed buildings that work in harmony with their surroundings. This means incorporating passive design principles, minimising energy consumption and maximising natural light and ventilation. These principles inform everything we do, from the smallest detail to the largest project. They’re the foundation upon which we build, and they ensure our designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially, culturally and environmentally sustainable.

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