Winner
Excellence – Residential, (Above 3000 sqft) – Architecture
Anjali Mangalgiri, Grounded, Goa
Anjali finds it stimulating to think of design along with the added constraints of project economics and budgeting, the challenges of efficient project management and quality control and finally the realities of the maintenance of buildings post client occupancy. As one of the few Indian female principal architects under the age of 40, leading her own architectural practice, Anjali is conscious of the need to give back to the industry by way of mentorship opportunities. She is an amateur potter, a wannabe gardener and on the personal front, as a mother of two girls, is keen to talk about the challenges and pressures faced by new mothers who choose to return to the workplace soon after giving birth.
Do you think architecture has the power to build better communities? How?
Clever architecture and urban planning has the potential to bring large number of people together. Several examples can be found in public parks as well as common spaces designed in housing complexes. Shared services can be provided in such community spaces that bring down costs and make places ecologically sustainable and build better communities. An excellent example are the panchayat level community centers in Goa that provide shared facilities for events, sports and exhibitions that are utilised by the whole village and act as a catalyst to bring the community together.
What is your takeaway from the event?
WADE ASIA gave me the opportunity to interact with several talented and high achieving women in the field of art and architecture. I now understand that I am not alone in the struggles of being a woman in a competitive industry specially while we are trying to balance motherhood along with our careers.
What does networking mean to you?
Networking is a big buzz word in the industry but honestly I am happiest with my head down working on my projects. Sometimes my work attracts like-minded people to me and they become my network.
“WADE ASIA gave me the opportunity to meet many high achieving women. I now understand that I am not alone in the struggles of being a woman in a competitive industry specially while we are trying to balance motherhood along with our careers.”
As a WADE Woman & WADE Winner, how would you contribute towards the causes?
I strongly believe in openly sharing my stories. I am currently pregnant with my second child and I have been running my own independent practice for the past 9 years. I would love to share the experience of balancing motherhood and running a practice with younger women.
Your opinion on WADE ASIA and its objectives.
Because of WADE ASIA, women in the industry coming together to form a strong fraternity. It is a great idea and a much needed one. In today’s competitive environment, we women must support each other and further our common interests. This is an excellent venture and I hope it grows in its support to the women in the industry. All the best!
Note: This article was originally published on Surfaces Reporter December 2019 Issue.
