This essay problematises the notion of architectural ‘authorship’ as a historiographic frame for reading built environments in the context of late-colonial India. Within the author’s ongoing research project in architectural history in this particular context, as well as more widely, firstly, the cognitive limitations of reading modern architecture through the figure of the bona fide architect are examined and highlighted. Furthermore, the paper discusses the exigencies of translation in opening up the frame of authorship. This is seen in conceptual as well as empirical terms. Such problems emerge at the interfaces of both disciplines as well as cultures. Finally, it advances a conceptually ‘elastic’ mode of reading authorship through the objects and practices that architectural histories’ examine. In doing so, a shift in emphasis from the artefact to the process in the discipline and practice of architectural history and theory is argued for. It is finally posited how, rather than impose a preconceived story on such processes, being attentive to how meanings of terms transform across disciplinary as well as cultural interfaces can harness these challenges into meaningful potential for knowledge production.