The OG Women in Design: Dr. Ponni M Concessao exemplifies how focus and perseverance can forge an extraordinary legacy against all odds

Dr. Ponni M Concessao – the prolific architect and nation-builder’s projects have redefined India’s design landscape with their scale and impact. A firm believer in women’s empowerment, she found inspiration in the inimitable Zaha Hadid – the pathbreaker who shattered ceilings in a male-dominated field. Just like her icon, Ponni’s passion and innovative design philosophy have birthed architectural marvels across India. From the monumental Dr. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat to ISRO’s futuristic Gaganyaan Space Center, Ponni’s projects exude national pride. Her repertoire also includes sustainable educational hubs, IT parks, hotels, and social service initiatives empowering the underprivileged.

Who were your biggest inspirations or role models? How did they influence or motivate you?

My inspiration and role model in architecture has always been Architect Zaha Hadid. Her passion and innovation in architecture and design have been very inspirational to me. She has been the epitome of women’s empowerment in a very competitive field that was the traditional preserve of men.  Her contribution to architecture has been one of the major milestones in architecture in terms of a new age style of design vocabulary and design philosophy. She has been the winner of unique awards and has done global projects that have defined new age architecture.

What accomplishments from your career so far are you most proud of? What projects, designs, or impacts give you the greatest sense of fulfillment and pride?

I consider myself as a nation builder and I cherish the projects that has national value such as the Dr Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat and the Gaganyaan Space Center for ISRO at Sriharikota. These two projects along with the numerous educational, IT parks, universities, schools, hotels, unique homes and NGO projects built along sustainable lines are the most fulfilling.  My accomplishments are not just as a creative architect but also a strong contributor to architectural education and research by way of lectures, paper presentations and workshops.

My forays into social service by way of building schools, noon meal centers and toilet blocks for underprivileged school going girl students as well as work for the differently abled and leprosy eradication has occupied my time besides my practice. I am a strong proponent of women’s empowerment and have delivered lectures and projects.

How have you seen the landscape for women in architecture/design change over the course of your career thus far? What shifts are you most encouraged by or proud to see?

There have been tectonic shifts in the landscape of women in architecture/design change over the past three decades and it is something to cheer about.  Indian society and government policies have been supportive towards women. However, mindsets in rural India are yet to change. Though the percentage of women in architecture/design schools are more than 50%, less than 1% of women actually become principal architects and have leadership positions and I am sure that this will also increase rapidly. Teaching faculty has seen a jump in women’s participation in architectural education and this has created an increase in quality students graduating every year.

Architectural tastes and sensibilities have really evolved in India over recent decades. What are some of the most striking changes you’ve witnessed or been a part of when it comes to design styles and sensibilities in this cultural context?

India is now a major player in the global economy, and it is heartening to see that Indian tastes and sensibilities have become globalised with a strong stylized Indian design vocabulary.  Another interesting change that I have observed is that clients are making a vigorous return to traditional Indian heritage architecture with a strong emphasis on sustainability.  Reduction of the carbon footprint has become a hallmark of larger projects as Indians have made strides in this specific field which has percolated into architecture/design projects especially large projects.  Post-covid has been the greatest influencer in this regard. Using local materials and labor has been lessons learnt by builders, governments and architects.

What more work needs to be done when it comes to opportunities or representation for women in your field? What advice would you give to young women hoping to pursue similar careers?

My office has more women than men and the highest paid employees in my office has been women.  This has been one of the factors that has propelled my firm to be an award-winning practice and therefore I am a great proponent of women’s empowerment. Government policies of tax credits, education and subsidies can be linked to more firms driven by women.  My advice to potential success seeking young women is to be stay focused, fight social conditioning, work hard and avail of every opportunity given to them. I did it and I am sure every young woman can do it.  Discipline, dedication and devotion to goals are the only way to achieve success.

With your impressive body of work and so much already contributed to the field, what personal projects or passions would you still like to explore?

I would like to build bigger and better projects.  We have a pan India practice as well as designed projects abroad. I love challenges and being in the forefront of building design and construction will always be my passion. Art has been a passion and hobby that has complemented my architectural practice. Doing more work on sustainable design, fight climate change, putting India on the global map of architecture and design as well as creating a niche for women architects/designers by way of legislations and policy making will a natural byproduct of my experience as an architect.