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India’s urban and cultural landscape is evolving rapidly, and women architects are increasingly at the forefront of shaping its future. Far from being limited by old stereotypes, they are transforming the profession through leadership, innovation, and a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and community-centered design. This World Architecture Day is an apt moment to recognize how their contributions are remapping the blueprint of Indian architecture.
For decades, architecture in India has been perceived as a male-dominated field. Women faced real challenges, from site-level resistance and restricted access to resources to limited representation in leadership roles. Yet today, women architects are emerging as influential voices in urban planning, design research, heritage conservation, and sustainable development. Their journeys are often layered with challenges, but those hurdles are increasingly being turned into opportunities for transformation.
Take Saumya Khanna of SSDA, whose work reflects a deep sense of empathy and innovation. Her designs prioritize inclusivity and integration with nature, demonstrating how architecture can enhance daily living while remaining environmentally intelligent. For Khanna, the role of an architect “goes beyond the building to the effect it has on daily life,” and she believes that women bring a collaborative approach to design, harmonizing aesthetics, functionality, and social impact.
Similarly, Vardha Aggarwal of Sculpt Design Studio is challenging traditional perceptions of women in the field. Known for handling large-scale projects, she emphasizes a design philosophy that is both creative and practical. Aggarwal’s approach demonstrates that women architects are no longer confined to residential or interior projects but are taking the lead in shaping urban spaces. She notes that architecture is “a profession where flexibility, vision, and emotional awareness meet,” qualities where women often excel in guiding design and decision-making.
Ekta Agarwal of Foaid Designs takes a story-driven approach to modern architecture, blending cultural preservation with contemporary needs. Her work reinforces the idea that women architects are not anomalies but integral to shaping India’s architectural heritage and advancing sustainability initiatives. Agarwal observes that representation in architecture “is no longer symbolic; it is structural,” reflecting a profession that is gradually becoming more equitable.
Across practices, a shared philosophy emerges: architecture today is no longer just about bricks, glass, and geometry. It is about systems, experiences, and futures. Women entering the field are increasingly outspoken about equity, playful in experimenting with form and function, and collaborative in practice. Their work is challenging norms, reshaping workflows, and mentoring the next generation of architects.
This growing presence of women in leadership is reshaping the cultural and professional balance in architecture. From educational institutions to policy discussions, women are reframing debates around sustainability, technology, and social responsibility. The focus is shifting from competition to contribution, from individual acclaim to community impact.
On World Architecture Day, architects like Saumya Khanna, Vardha Aggarwal, Gagandeep Kapila, and Ekta Agarwal exemplify a profession in transition, one where vision, responsibility, and innovation matter more than gender. While barriers remain, they are being reshaped. Through mentorship, intentional practice, and bold design thinking, women architects are not just constructing buildings; they are envisioning the future of India’s built environment.
