Buckminster Fuller, Zaha Hadid, Jonathan Segal, B.V Doshi, Anupama Kundoo are not just successful thinkers and architects but are institutions by themselves. Architectural marvels developed by them are solutions to large and extremely complex design problems. Their entrepreneurial journey towards different discoveries and initiatives have been supported by an ecosystem that they relied on. However, these ecosystems are unique combinations of successful elements created by each one of them for themselves.

Their powerful vision has enabled to create these unique ecosystems, but for small, early and budding architects, an ecosystem with inbuilt growth elements should be inducted. As much as a business or social entrepreneur craves for an ecosystem, that can help them plug-in their ideas and release the final product, archipreneurs (architect entrepreneurs) look for a similar ecosystem.

In India, though the real estate and construction industries that depend upon architects have seen a splurge in demand and hence, increase in dependency on architects, there is a lack of an ecosystem to support the dependency. Also, the consumers, who need skilled and creative architects, do not have easy access to their portfolio, stories and credibility.

Now, the face of architecture in India is changing

Each year we see about 4000 architects graduate from colleges and until now there are over ~60,000 registered architects in India. These numbers look very discouraging when we know that there is a need for 5,00,000 architects to meet the growing needs of Indian home consumer.

To meet the needs and gaps of this segment, the industry is now collaborating with academia through various initiatives.

NCR-based real estate player Lotus Greens attempts to bridge the gap between the theory and practice of architecture for sustainable buildings. They have offered a project for developing 50 thousand sq. mtr. of group housing on its land parcel in Sector 150 in Noida. This is the first time that a live project was given to students. This was designed in a contest- model with the participation of over 35 architecture colleges across the country.

Indian Institute of Architects, A.P Chapter invited students to showcase their talent by representing their projects for the new capital city Amaravati, in a 3-day architect expo. This expo finally showcased 30 monumental projects.

International brands like Kohler and Grohe are exploring Indian waters by sponsoring events and award functions for Indian architects and recognise their talent.

The good news is that with the growing freelancing economy, architects see a promising future, provided there is some structure to support the growth. Architects in India need more.

....