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In this male dominated industry, certain women have created a distinct mark through their work. As the world celebrated the Women’s Day this month, Construction Week salutes the spirit of some of these special women. Pics & coordination by Mexy Xavier
She is: Brinda Chinnappa Somaya
Her role: managing director & principal architect, Somaya & Kalappa Consultants Pvt Ltd
Her journey: Completed her MA from Smith College, USA after graduating from Sir JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai. Her work spans corporate, industrial and institutional clients and extends to public spaces which she has rebuilt and sometimes reinvented as pavements, parks and plazas. These include the Colaba Woods, Ganeshpuri Temple and pavements in South Mumbai.
Her thoughts: “Development and progress must proceed without straining the cultural and historic environment. The architect’s role is that of guardian – his/hers is the conscience of the built and un-built environment.”
She is: Dr Archana Hingorani
Her role: CEO & executive director, IL&FS Investment Managers Ltd
Her journey: BA (Economics) with post-graduate qualifications in management (MBA) as well as a PhD in corporate finance from the University of Pittsburgh, USA. Over 22 years experience in the financial services business, teaching and research. Has been instrumental in IL&FS’s foray into the private equity business and has made investments with an aggregate capitalisation value in excess of $8.2 billion.
Her thoughts: “Maybe 2009 is a very rough year and in India we are going to feel it more since we won’t be growing at the pace we are used to. These are challenging times and they call for focus on core skill sets.”
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She is: Abha Narain Lambah
Her role: conservation architect & historical building consultant
Her journey: Masters degree in architectural conservation from the School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi. Received various fellowships. Only architect to win 5 UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards. Projects include restoration of the BMC HQ, Elphinstone College, Tata Palace (Deutsche Bank), Mani Bhavan, Sir JJ School of Art and the now famous Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Road precincts.
Her thoughts: “After making numerous presentations to several officials for two years, I directly enlisted locals for Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Road restoration. This group now meets every Monday to take stock of the effort, encouraging other stakeholders to take charge of their own areas and contribute positively in the protection and upgradation of their neighbourhoods.”
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