Ar. Brinda Somaya is one of the most respected names in Indian architecture and urban conservation. Since establishing her practice as Somaya & Kalappa in 1978, Somaya has achieved a level of accomplishment and accolades that few women practitioners have enjoyed. Her projects include institutional campuses, public spaces, and historical building restorations. With a design approach that integrates contemporary architecture with cultural traditions, Somaya has dedicated her career to creating spaces that respect both the heritage and social dynamics of the communities they serve. Nandini Sampat – Somaya’s daughter and Principal Architect at the rechristened firm of Somaya Sampat – is carrying forward the legacy of responsible, sustainable, and culturally sensitive architecture and has, over time, made herself indispensable to the practice.

My inclusive design process skilfully reflects the cultural diversity of India’s 1.4 billion people. I blend contemporary architecture with cultural traditions, cultivating a just society that celebrates new experiments while proudly preserving the past. I have spent over four decades designing spaces where architecture, heritage, and social equity converge.

After completing my Bachelor of Architecture from Mumbai University and a Master of Arts from Smith College in Northampton, USA, I established my practice, Somaya and Kalappa Consultants (SNK), in 1978 in Mumbai. It is now known as Somaya Sampat. My portfolio spans diverse projects—from creating vibrant institutional campuses and rebuilding an earthquake-ravaged village to reverentially restoring an 18th-century Cathedral—each a testament to my belief that history and progress need not be at odds. My work embodies a profound respect for both place and people. 

Architecture of Sensibilities

I draw from the vibrant soul of India: its rich tapestry of crafts, traditions, history, landscapes, colours, and above all, the resilience and ingenuity of its people. My work is profoundly shaped by these influences, resulting in projects that are not just designs but stories deeply rooted in Indian culture. My connection to the Indian landscape is visible in each project, reflecting an authentic blend of arts, crafts, traditions, and values that uniquely define the Indian experience.

I believe that "The Architect's role is that of guardian – they are the conscience of the built and un-built environment." This philosophy underpins my work, which encompasses large orporate, industrial, and institutional campuses and extends to public spaces, some of which I have rebuilt, and others reinvented as pavements, parks, and plazas. At my studio, civic responsibility is just as important as design excellence. Over the years, my studio has taken multiple initiatives to address pressing urban challenges. I have worked in the slums of Mumbai and have designed orphanages, animal hospitals, and other social pro-bono projects.

To view the entire article Click Here