Shared Runner Up
Excellence – Hospitality
Shilpa Jain Balvally, Studio Osmosis, Mumbai
Shilpa’s dynamic and outgoing persona has been a key driver in ‘Studio Osmosis’ growth. As a partner her strengths lie in management, design process and methodology for the projects and understanding the client’s needs with the best possible sustainable yet creative solutions. Shilpa’s keen interest in healthcare design was honed by working at some very reputed firms in Boston and Houston apart from working with reputed Indian firms. Shilpa is an ardent glocal traveller who strongly believes that every new adventure, historic and cultural and food experience helps a creative mind breed newer ideas and this in turn gives a fresh perspective to design.
“WADE and Vertica Dvivedi has taken up the impertinent task of pioneering the concept and bringing together so many different women designers, architects, artists and professionals from various generations as well as across the countries of the sub-continent at such a large scale in a very short time.”
Do you think architecture has the power to build better communities?
All communities are a form of architecture and placemaking where they slowly develop organically or in a planned form. A great example is Dharavi which is a huge sustainable community that kept getting added based on organic development and space versus functional requirements.
How do the interactions in WADE help the fraternity?
Each year, we keep widening our horizons and expanding the way we can think, design, process and execute as well as collaborate. At WADE when we meet and interact with various other architects, designers and artists we get to understand and learn the different aspects of design, structure, art and materials that impact the entire process of thinking, conceptualising and their process which is great knowledge sharing.
Your opinion on WADE Asia and its objectives.
WADE and Vertica Dvivedi has taken up the impertinent task of pioneering the concept in India to bring together so many different women designers, architects, artists and professionals from various generations as well as across the countries of the sub-continent at such a large scale in a very short time.
WADE has had several inspirational talks, knowledge sharing session, helping women to dream and share those dreams and their success stories with great passion. It is a perfect event to make some long-lasting friends from the community which is truly important.
As a WADE Woman & WADE Winner, how would you contribute towards the cause & other fellow professionals?
I would be happy to share my experiences, and both our success stories as well as the mistakes and learnings behind them and help students as well as upcoming design-preneurs in all ways possible. If you can master the skill of connecting with others outside of our profession in a way that is inclusive and inspiring, you will allow for our best work as architects and designers to come to fruition. Be firm and yet have a good sense of humour. Stay inspired by beauty – music, art, nature, travel and little pleasures with family and stay away from negativity.
Note: This article was originally published on Surfaces Reporter December 2019 Issue.
