Our Team

Principal Architect

shefali@architecturebrio.com

Shefali Balwani is the Founder and Principal Architect of Architecture BRIO, operating between Mumbai and Rotterdam. With a robust architectural education from the C.E.P.T. School of Architecture in Ahmedabad and an exchange program at TU Delft in the Netherlands, Shefali brings a unique perspective to her work, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Prior to co-founding Architecture BRIO in 2006 with Robert Verrijt, they lived and worked in Sri Lanka. She has since led a diverse portfolio of design projects across India and Europe, specialising in high-end residential and hospitality projects. Her expertise lies in harmonizing architecture and interiors, with a strong emphasis on materiality, ensuring that each project is thoughtfully crafted to meet the needs of its users while responding to its environmental context.

A passionate advocate for design discourse, Shefali is a sought-after speaker at prestigious institutions and conferences worldwide. Her speaking engagements include DLS 2020 at the Malaysian Institute of Architects, Transfer Dialogues at GSAPP, Columbia University, the KVD Forum at CEPT, the Landscape Architecture Conference in Sydney, and the MASA conference in Bangalore.

She appeared in the BBC documentary “Worlds Most Extraordinary Homes” together with Robert Verrijt. The program featured their project the “Riparian House” in Karjat. Through her work at Architecture BRIO, Shefali continues to redefine the relationship between architecture and nature, striving to create spaces that inspire and elevate the human experience.

Principal Architect

robert@architecturebrio.com

Born in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Robert Verrijt received a Master of Science in Architecture at the TUDelft in 2003. His masters thesis was accoladed with the Dutch Archiprix award. Being fascinated by Geoffrey Bawa’s architecture, he moved to Sri Lanka shortly after graduating. He joined the office of Channa Daswatte where he assisted on a retrospective exhibition of Geoffrey Bawa’s work. The office gave him the opportunity to work on various residential and hospitality projects, located in a wide variety of landscapes and contexts, such as the Kurulu Bedda Boutique Resort.

Struck by the increasing disparities in the Indian subcontinent and the opportunities it offered to achieve impact, he decided to move to Mumbai in 2006. Shortly thereafter, he set up the practice Architecture BRIO together with Shefali Balwani. Robert is fascinated with the diversity of the Indian landscape. The diverse climates and geographies of India encourage truly specific architecture with unique experiential qualities.

Robert has taught at various colleges of Architecture in Mumbai and lectures extensively in India and abroad. He is one of the founding members of the Bandra Collective and leads the bB design Studio, dedicated to eradicating homelessness. Robert is a registered architect in The Netherlands.

Associate Partner

rohit@architecturebrio.com

Rohit Mankar is Associate Partner at Architecture BRIO and Head of Projects with a focus on technical development and the implementation of our projects. Rohit studied architecture from the School of Architecture at CEPT, Ahmedabad. He also holds a masters degree in Advanced Architectural Design from the University of Pennsylvania. Rohit has over two decades of experience, and began his career working across hospitality and residential design with WATG in London and in the US.

He was drawn by the opportunity to contribute to the emerging language of modern Indian architecture, drawing deeply from its traditional roots while also evolving to a vernacular modern future and in 2005 he founded Parallax Design Studio, a multidisciplinary design firm based in Mumbai. Over 15 years, his portfolio has included a variety of projects ranging from hospitality and offices to residences and product design. As a specialist in the hospitality space, he has worked with leading hospitality brands like Four Seasons, ITC and Radisson as well as collaborated with international design icons like Philippe Starck.

Rohit is a visiting Faculty member at Kamla Raheja Vidhyanidhi Institute of Architecture, Mumbai since 2018. He has also been a regular part of design juries in various architecture colleges over the years.

Business Associate

bhakti@architecturebrio.com

Born and raised in Mumbai, Bhakti graduated from Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture, Mumbai, in 2018. Her thesis ‘The Modern Necropolis’ attempts to use urban design strategies to reimagine spaces associated with death in the dense urban context of South Bombay. During her academia, Bhakti interned at Studio XS in Bangalore, where she worked on a private weekend home in Tamil Nadu that used local building materials and techniques. This experience helped propel her into her first full-time role: a two-year stint at Studio Pomegranate in Mumbai. At SPOM, she worked on the design and master plan of an eco-resort located in the Andaman Islands, which furthered her interests in contextually sensitive design approaches that involve using materials in their true form.

At Architecture BRIO, Bhakti has worked on a residential project in Hyderabad, while also being a part of an interior project team, which exposed her to the world of researching materials and coordinating with different agencies. After two years as an architect at BRIO, Bhakti has completed a marketing and business course with STOA, helping her transition into the role of a Business Associate. Bhakti believes that architecture can be a means to create social change and provide solutions to better the world for the less fortunate, and hopes to use her architectural knowledge and business nous to bring that dream to life.

Executive Assistant

admin@architecturebrio.com

Philomena Fernandes has been an Advisor to the Team Leader at BPO for nine years. She also worked as a teacher in a school. Her function as an Executive Assistant at Architecture BRIO is to handle different office activities and to act as a point of contact between the team and management, scheduling and coordinating client meetings and internal team meetings. Her curiosity towards the field of design piqued her interest and encouraged her to join Architecture BRIO.

Office Assistant

admin@architecturebrio.com

Tapaswi is a highly experienced administrative professional currently serving as an Admin/Office Assistant at Architecture BRIO. With over two decades of expertise in front office and facility management, she has 14 years worked experienced with leading organizations including CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd., JLL India, and Sodexo Facilities Management Services Pvt Ltd.She specializes in administrative coordination, event planning, vendor management and customer service. Known for her organizational efficiency and calm problem-solving skills. Tapaswi consistently ensures smooth office operations while maintaining professionalism, accuracy and strong communication across teams and stakeholders.

Senior Architect

grishma@architecturebrio.com

Born and raised in Mumbai, Grishma graduated from the Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture in 2016. Since then, she has built a decade of professional experience across hospitality, residential, and conceptual projects, developing a practice grounded in clarity, material sensitivity, and technical precision.

Her time at Parallax Design Studio allowed her to work on hospitality projects at multiple scales, where her involvement from concept through detailed development strengthened her understanding of construction processes and material articulation.

Now, at Architecture BRIO, she continues to explore architecture through the lens of sustainability and contextual responsiveness. She is deeply engaged in the translation of ideas into built form, driven by a strong passion for creativity and building while navigating design intent, material exploration, and on-site realities with equal interest. Her work reflects a thoughtful approach balancing environmental responsibility, craftsmanship and spatial experience to create architecture that is both grounded and enduring.

Senior Architect

sakshi@architecturebrio.com

Sakshi graduated from Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mumbai, in 2016. Having spent her entire life in Mumbai, she decided to relocate to Bangalore to kick-start her professional career at Khosla Associates. There, she worked on numerous residential projects at various stages, which sparked her interest in exploring different materials and design details. After returning to Mumbai, she joined sP+a, where she led a multidisciplinary team for seven years, contributing to projects of diverse scales. This experience played a pivotal role in shaping her as a professional and deepened her passion for design beyond architecture. She values collaboration and maintains a constant curiosity in her work.

Sarvesh Alshi

Senior Architect

sarvesh@architecturebrio.com

Sarvesh Alshi has completed his bachelor’s in Architecture from L. S. Raheja School of Architecture, Mumbai in 2015 and masters in Architecture (majors in Architectural design and minors in Conservation) from CEPT University 2018. His professional experience after bachelor’s started with working at Parallax Design Studio for a year. Undertaken in collaboration with the National Museum of Denmark’s Serampore Initiative, his master’s thesis was awarded a Gold Medal. Later, he was associated with CEPT University and Center for Heritage Conservation for more than two years as an Architect, Visiting Faculty, Research Associate. Here he worked on the restoration of the CEPT Faculty of Architecture Building which was originally designed by Pritzker prize winning architect B.V. Doshi in 1962.

Being an advocate of a value-based understanding of the built environment, his interest lies in understanding the spatial meanings behind it. This interest coupled with the experience of dealing with heritage environments informs his attitude to strive for a sensitive approach towards design.

Hardik Dedhia

Senior Architect

hardik@architecturebrio.com

Hardik graduated from the KRVIA, Mumbai in 2016. His thesis “The Dense Urbitat” was in itch to explore super-block high-density housing and self-sufficient neighbourhoods as an idea for the future. At KRVIA, he was a part of an international exchange with the Urban Lab+ and attended a resident cluster meeting held in Switzerland.
After interning at Parallax Design Studio, he went ahead to join them full time in 2016 where he worked on a variety of Architectural and Interior design projects from concept to handovers. This enabled him to refine his technical knowledge, resolving complexities, attention to detail and apply organizing skills to set systems to maintain the creativity-efficiency balance.
Hardik has always approached design via the lens of building technology and strives to merge the two sides of the coin otherwise thought separately. He advocates this further
while teaching as an assistant professor at the AOA, Mumbai where he has been guiding design and technology studies since 2018. After 5 years of experience, he now looks forward to evolve with new knowledge & methodologies at the studio.

Ketki Gandhi

Senior Architect

ketki@architecturebrio.com

Ketki is a seasoned architect with over 12 years of diverse experience across projects of varied scales. A graduate of Pillai’s College of Architecture, she began her professional journey with reputed firms such as Malik Architecture (Mumbai), Stapati (Bangalore), and SJK Architects (Mumbai). These formative experiences shaped her design philosophy and strengthened her approach to both architecture and interior design.

She has led and contributed to a wide spectrum of architectural and interior projects across India, Bhutan, and Dubai, building strong expertise in context-responsive and research-driven design, construction methodologies, detailed working drawings, and material articulation. Over the years, Ketki has evolved into a thoughtful and detail-oriented architect who approaches every project with sensitivity—carefully balancing functional, emotional, and social dimensions to create meaningful and enduring spaces.

Beyond architecture, Ketki actively engages in product design, contemporary and modern acrylic painting, and architectural photography, reflecting her multidisciplinary creative spirit.

Senior Architect

neetulakshmi@architecturebrio.com

Neethulakshmi completed her Bachelor’s in Architecture from TKM College of Engineering, Kerala. Her early professional years at Soumya and Jills Architects (SJA, Cochin) shaped her process-oriented approach with a focus on rigorous design methodologies.

Her interest in context-sensitive and user-responsive design led her to pursue a Master’s in Sustainable Architecture from NIT Hamirpur. This experience deepened her belief that sustainability should not just be a design approach but a way of living.

In 2021, she joined Samira Rathod Design Atelier (SRDA) in Mumbai, where she explored materiality, craftsmanship, and studio-led construction techniques. Projects like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (2022) and ‘The Kit of Parts’ exhibition allowed her to work across scales—from palm-sized objects to 20-foot shutters—sharpening her understanding of sensory architecture.

Now associated with BRIO, Neethu aims to continue expanding her technological abilities while staying rooted in humane, contextually sensitive design. She resonates with BRIO’s emphasis on balancing environment, culture, society, technology, and design—an approach she finds both meaningful and inspiring.

Neha Kotian

Senior Architect

neha@architecturebrio.com

Neha brings over nine years of experience in architecture and interior design. Her passion lies in transforming concepts into tangible realities to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable spaces.

After graduating from Pillai College of Architecture in 2016, Neha began her career at Malik Architecture, Mumbai. She worked on a wide range of architectural projects across India and Bhutan, gaining a deep understanding of various construction techniques and material applications.

She then co-founded the architectural firm Kulx Studio, where she was responsible for leading multiple interior design projects, including her notable work on the Javed Jaffery residence. Following a brief period as a freelance designer in Dubai, she brought her expertise to BRIO, where she continues to apply her passion for creating purposeful environments.

Manvi Gupta

Senior Architect

manvi@architecturebrio.com

Born and raised in Agra, Manvi embarked on her architectural journey with a profound appreciation for design and cultural heritage. She relocated to Jaipur to pursue her architecture degree at Jagannath University, where her passion for creating impactful spaces flourished. During her internship at Hoxton and Urban Architects in Noida, Manvi contributed to a villa project on an artificial island in Dubai, an experience that refined her skills in innovative and sustainable design.

Manvi’s professional trajectory extended across India, where she collaborated with several esteemed design studios. Her tenure of two and a half years at The Purple Ink Studio involved contributing to a diverse range of projects, including institutions to clubhouse. These experiences were pivotal in shaping her architectural philosophy, which emphasizes the significance of context, climate, and cultural nuances in design.

She joined Architecture BRIO to work on diverse projects and sharpen her skills for the intricate details that make a design truly exceptional.

Mahima Bhat

Project Architect

mahima@architecturebrio.com

Mahima graduated from the Academy of Architecture in 2021. She is dedicated to creating user-centric designs that enhance communities and is a lifelong learner who finds excitement in the journey from design conceptualization to the tangible reality of built structures.

Originally from Shirgaon, a small town near Ratnagiri, the contrast between her native village and her current residence in Mumbai inspired her thesis, “Krishi-kendra: Centralizing the Locale of Agrarian Mindset in Urban Expansion.”

Mahima completed her internship at Parallax Design Studio in Bandra, where she worked on hospitality projects and several competitions. After graduating, she joined Somaya and Kalappa Consultants, where she worked on various institutional projects. The diverse range of projects and clientele at both firms strengthened her foundation in technical knowledge, project planning, coordination, and management.

At Architecture BRIO, she aims to further her architectural knowledge by exploring design detailing, context-specific design, and sustainability in architecture.

Hriday Gandhi

Medior Architect

hriday@architecturebrio.com

Hriday Gandhi completed his bachelor’s in architecture from School of Environmental Design and Architecture, NUV. Soon after finishing his degree, Hriday spent a year in teaching undergrad architecture students. His thesis – “Re-devising Post Industrial Landscape for Public Use” was the runner up for COA National Award For excellence.

Born and raised in mumbai, Hriday has also spent considerable time in states like Gujarat and Delhi, pursuing opportunities to create & contribute to meaningful architecture. His work tries to explore the ideas of Timeless design through Frugal innovation.

Bhuvanesh

Medior Architect

bhuvanesh@architecturebrio.com

Based out of Vellore, Bhuvanesh graduated from VIT School of Planning and Architecture in 2022. His passion for envisioning new things made him pursue a career in architecture. He believes that atmospheres have a deep impact on people, and he’s oriented towards deducing and creating the same.

His fascination with exploring new cultures took him to Abin design studio in Kolkata, where he learned fresh perspectives and visited new places. Post graduation, he spent two years contributing to large scale institutional and residential projects at studio architectureRED in Chennai.

He spends time walking through unknown streets, taking impressions from nook and corner, tasting food from different cultures and being lost in art, music and cinema

Amruta Halgekar

Medior Architect

amruta@architecturebrio.com

Amruta’s journey in architecture has been driven by a desire to create environments that foster growth and exploration in design, drawing, and social connections with the surrounding environment. She believes that the value of architecture lies in its details and references that tells our history. Brought up in Belgaum, Karnataka, she moved to Mumbai to pursue her architectural education at Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute and interned at Anthill Design, Ahmedabad, played a pivotal role, teaching her to both challenge and refine her approach towards thinking, design, and research across projects of varying scales.

After graduating in 2021, she worked with Thirdscape Design Studio and Room for Architecture in Belgaum. During her time there, she contributed in conceptualizing ideas and detailing that brings balance in complexities of construction and worked with various agencies to address the cultural, social, climatic, and technical aspects of the projects.

Amruta is passionate about exploring cities, nature, history, heritage, food, and culture. Seeking to bridge these experiences through her design work. She views architecture as a collaborative process, one that shares values and connects with people.

Sajanish Repalle

Medior Architect

sajanish@architecturebrio.com

Sajanish is from Coimbatore. Born in Andhra Pradesh and brought up in various cities across Tamil Nadu, he completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree from CEPT University (2018–2023). During his academic years, he developed a keen interest in model making, detailing, and photography.

He interned at Ini Chatterji & Associates in 2022, later rejoined the firm as a Junior Architect for nine months, and subsequently served as a Project Architect for 21 months. During his time in Goa, he gained valuable hands-on experience through frequent site visits and close interactions with artisans. He worked on two residential projects featuring hybrid wood–steel structures, where he developed a strong understanding of engineered timber construction technology.

Zoya Ajani

Junior Architect

zoya@architecturebrio.com

Zoya completed her bachelor’s in architecture from KRVIA, Mumbai in 2023. She has always been intrigued by unconventional materials, developed interests in their tactility, in exploring joinery mechanisms, alongside creating stimulating designs that best suit the context and its inhabitants. An eye for detail, combined with a yearning to explore sustainability as a foundation for all designs, her thesis as well as her other academic work explore socially responsible and climatically sensitive architecture.

Her constant curiosity and thrill in resolving challenges that come with unfamiliar materials has previously pushed her to explore mud, glulam timber and bamboo. She believes that BRIO’s design ideologies align with the way she sees herself working in the future and looks forward to bringing an added vigour to the practice. She hopes her time at Brio to enhances her design competence and helps shape her technical knowledge base.

She has previously gained experience as an architectural intern at GRCA, an exclusive practice based in Bangalore that has successfully executed several projects ranging from factories, apartments, and houses all across the country. During this period, she worked on the architectural designing, detailing and interiors of a residential project in Tumkuru, another in Mumbai, and one set against the backdrop of the Nandi Hills. It was the principal’s humble and honest design approach that she respected the most.

Chaitanya Gajbhiye

Junior Architect

chaitanya@architecturebrio.com

Chaitanya Gajbhiye is an Architect, an Artist, an Animator, and a Filmmaker from India.
He is a graduate of the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi after having completed a successful internship at Pt. Biro Benda, Bali, Indonesia under the guidance of Ar. Alexis Dornier. He served as the National Secretary of the National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA India) in the Executive Council of the 65th Year. With an ambition to provide aid to need-based and deserving students, he undertook an initiative to start NISF – NASA India Scholarship Funds during his tenure as the National Treasurer for the 64th year. He has conducted Trophies and has overseen various Programs and Conventions as a part of NASA India and believes that the initiatives aid in students becoming at the forefront of growth in architecture. He strives to advocate for social change through his design practices. He was a silver medalist at the Asian Contest of Architectural Rookies Awards for 2020 and bagged the Popular Choice award at AYDA for the same year.

Chaitanya’s worldview has been enhanced by avid travel experiences, shaping his cultural perspective, and influencing his creative endeavours. As a filmmaker, Chaitanya has highlighted his creative prowess through several animated short films, earning recognition at various events. Proficient in Blender, a 3D animation software, he not only crafts compelling animations but also imparts his knowledge through filmmaking and Blender workshops at zonal and national conventions. His animated short film “2050” received an honorable mention at the Sunhak Peace Prize Award in 2020, reflecting his commitment to impactful storytelling and artistic excellence.

Heet Shah

Junior Architect

heet@architecturebrio.com

Heet, is an optimistic generalist, raised by individuals with strong cultural values. He graduated from Rachana Sansad’s Academy of Architecture, Mumbai University, where he was exposed to diverse roles & learning strategies developing himself into an ‘abled candidate’ for almost every role in the architectural realm.

His interests in decoding human behavior in a social context, coupled with the study of humanity & its evolutionary origins – intrigued him to design ‘a Modern Museum’ for his thesis. The idea behind this ‘unconventional institution’ was to convey the narrative of ‘non-linear time’ & give back the local community a landmark. He believes that a ‘sense of belongingness’ to a space creates room for ‘personal identity’ & thus he attempts to translate that sense into an elementary spatial organization.

During his Bachelors, Heet had been actively participating in competitions and won accolades in multiple National & International competitions, related to healthcare & contextually sensitive socio-cultural briefs. Alongside that, he had consistently been the Team Lead for documentation, installations and projects in Academy. During his internship at Parallax Design Studio, he was exposed to the Hospitality sector typology. Later, he also assisted as a freelancing Architect on a Resort in Himachal Pradesh, alongside designing products for craft clusters in collaboration with Tisser India using sustainable local material techniques.

Being an advocate of a value-based understanding of the built environment, Heet has joined BRIO with an attitude to get prepared for what may come & develop a practice which strengthens self-belief.

Sahil Mascarenhas

Junior Architect

sahil@architecturebrio.com

Sahil is a graduate of Asmita College of Architecture in Mumbai, where he developed a deep passion for design. Originating from Vasai, Sahil has long been committed to expanding his architectural knowledge. His career goal is to practice architecture in a manner that benefits the community, a vision that guided his thesis project, ‘Interpretation Centre for the East Indian Community’. This project aimed to address the needs of marginalized groups by providing an innovative architectural solution that offers a space for voicing opinions and showcasing history and culture.

During his internship at Studio PPBA, a boutique firm in Pune, Sahil gained valuable experience in sustainable and humane architectural practices. He contributed to a range of projects, including private residences and community initiatives.Following his graduation, Sahil joined ACKM Design Studio in Mumbai, where he spent a year developing his skills in site management and practical application of architectural principles.

Sahil is eager to further refine his expertise in sustainable design, adopt a more contextual approach to architecture, and enhance his attention to detail at Architecture BRIO.

Aakriti Khanna

Junior Architect

aakriti@architecturebrio.com

Aakriti has completed her Architecture from the Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture and Environmental Studies, Mumbai in 2023. With a keen eye for detail and a research-based approach, she works towards enhancing human experiences at various scales. She offers valuable hands-on experience gained through her internships and academic projects. Her strong design sensibility and adaptive nature facilitates effective ideation that contributes to productive design development, documentation, and client interactions in rapidly changing environments.

Her Bachelor’s thesis, titled “Sitopolis: Food and its Production in an Urban Fabric,” aims to rekindle people’s awareness and relationship with food, through architecture. It seeks to re-imagine the food system through efficient and sustainable production, storage and distribution; ensuring quality and nutrition while striving towards food security. The thesis also emphasizes on engaging the community within these greener, softer spaces in our future cities.

She has previously worked with RAD Co + Lab, a Mumbai-based firm, where she contributed to architectural design for residential and commercial projects as well as furniture and product design. Additionally, her experience at KNS Architects on residential projects also provided her with practical insights into site co-ordination and the understanding of various materials.

Aakriti’s perspective has been enriched by her avid travels, where she delights in exploring the art, culture and cuisine of the places she visits. She believes that BRIO’s design philosophy aligns perfectly with her professional aspirations and is looking forward to enhancing her design capabilities and broadening her technical knowledge and is eager to contribute to the firm’s success.

Saurav Kadam

Junior Architect

saurav@architecturebrio.com

Saurav graduated from Pillai College of Architecture, New Panvel, in 2022. During his studies, he interned with M/s Prabhakar Bhagwat (Landscape India), gaining exposure to master planning projects of significant scale and developing a keen eye for detail within broader project contexts.

Hailing from a diverse cultural background—a Maharashtrian from Southern India raised in Mumbai—Saurav’s upbringing fuelled his curiosity about cultural dynamics, which in turn extended in his thesis, ‘Multiculturalism – Reimagined Through a Public Gathering Lens,’ which explored the integration of cultures in rapidly evolving urban settings. He advocates for architecture that is sensitive to its context and climate.

With these values post-graduation, Saurav continued his learning journey at KSM Architecture, Chennai, as a Junior Architect. KSM’s ethos of sustainable, energy-efficient modern design aligned with his values. Here, he contributed to projects spanning schools, offices, and private residences, engaging in design development, detailing, and on-site execution.

Driven by his passion for context-sensitive design, Saurav joined Architecture Brio, renowned for their innovative approach and contextual sensitivity.

Kanchan Pawar

Junior Architect

kanchan@architecturebrio.com

Born and raised in Mumbai, Kanchan graduated from the Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute of Architecture, Mumbai. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong interest in context-based and sensory architecture, believing that every space should be thoughtfully designed to engage the senses and positively influence human behavior.

Her thesis, “Beneath the Canopy”, explores how architecture can enhance the quality of life for individuals with limited lifespans by creating spaces that prioritize comfort, dignity, and healing through thoughtful design, the integration of nature, and multisensory experiences.

Kanchan gained professional experience as an architectural intern at Collage Architecture Studio, a multidisciplinary practice in Bangalore. During her tenure, she contributed to various projects, including residential, interior, and commercial designs. Following her graduation, she completed the LxS Europe Summer Architecture Program 2024, an intensive 180-hour course analyzing award-winning European architecture projects with a focus on advanced design strategies and critical thinking. Her team project, “Adaptive Reuse Industrial Heritage Architecture Design Solution for Lisbon Fablab Innovation Center”, received an Award of Excellence for its sensitive and practical design approach.

At Architecture BRIO, Kanchan aims to deepen her understanding of sustainability and refine her approach to contextually sensitive and socially responsible architecture.

Mansi Gohil

Junior Architect

mansi.g@architecturebrio.com

Mansi was born and raised in Bharuch, Gujarat, and later moved to Vadodara to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. During her time at the university, her passion for exploring cultural influences on architecture and creating designs that respond to public needs began to take shape.

Her internship at Samira Rathod Design Atelier provided her with valuable experience, particularly in contributing to the design of the Kochi Biennale Pavilion. This opportunity further honed her interest in the intersection of art and architecture. Additionally, her involvement in designing products for The Kit of Parts Exhibition at an art gallery in Colaba expanded her creative horizons, leading her to explore the field of product design.

Mansi has always been drawn to addressing urban socio-economic and cultural issues through the lens of design. Her thesis, “Forest of Claims,” examines the Aarey Milk Colony, highlighting the impact of urbanization on forests and the need for greater environmental awareness. It proposes a center to foster dialogue and encourage local initiatives, promoting a deeper sense of responsibility toward conservation.

After completing her degree, Mansi worked on several freelance projects before joining BRIO, where she aims to further develop her expertise in contextually responsive design and refine her skills in design detailing.

Alfiya Shaikh

Junior Architect

alfiya@architecturebrio.com

Driven by a curiosity about the intersection of technology and design, Alfiya approaches architecture as a discipline that harmonizes innovation with cultural and environmental sensitivity. She holds a B.Arch from Pune University and an M.Arch in Architectural Tectonics from CEPT University, where she specialized in structural detailing, as well as parametric and computational design. Her bachelor’s thesis, “Re imagining Gulmarg: A Sustainable Winter Sports and Tourist Destination,” explored computational design strategies for extreme climates, establishing her focus on context-driven design and parametric form exploration.

Balancing academics with freelance projects, she gained practical experience in translating ideas into built form. She is committed to redefining parametric design, often viewed as an isolated or alien addition to architecture, by demonstrating its potential to enhance and innovate the Indian architectural fabric. Currently, she is advancing her skills in BIM technologies to integrate digital tools throughout the design and construction process.

Beyond architecture, she draws inspiration from existential literature, finding in authors like Dostoevsky, Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, and Edmund Freud a deeper understanding of space, emotion, and narrative in design.

For Alfiya, architecture is a lifelong journey of learning and creation—an opportunity to leave behind a tangible legacy that resonates across generations. Through her role at Architecture BRIO, she aspires to contribute to projects that seamlessly marry technological innovation with contextual sensitivity.

Shriya Parab

Junior Architect

shriya@architecturebrio.com

Shriya began her architectural journey in the landscapes of Goa during an internship with Dean D’Cruz’s Mozaic. There, she discovered how spaces tell stories—stories of the people who live in them, the cultures they reflect, and the environments they inhabit. Each project, from intimate details to large-scale visions, deepened her curiosity about how design can shape and nurture connections.

Graduating from the School of Environment and Architecture, she carried with her values of empathy and contextual sensitivity, developed through hands-on experience and thoughtful reflection. Now at BRIO, she sees every project as a page in a larger story—a story of interaction between place, people, and nature. Her work seeks to create spaces that not only exist but also resonate, inspire, and sustain—inviting communities to thrive within them, while exploring how the contextual environment weaves itself into the built fabric.

Ditya Bharadwaj

Junior Architect

ditya@architecturebrio.com

Ditya graduated from Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi in 2022 and aims to direct her academic training towards the design and study of everyday spaces. Her thesis, In Between Enclaves, examined the significance of walkable spaces and their role in shaping urban life and collective behavior.

Following graduation, she worked with Collective Project, where she gained valuable exposure to detail-oriented design and the discipline required to translate ideas into built form. These experiences deepened her interest in creating environments that balance functionality with cultural and social responsiveness. At BRIO, Ditya looks forward to working with the team to bring forward thoughtful, human-centered spaces that respond to user needs and elevate the quality of everyday living.

Outside of work, she enjoys experimenting with cooking, urban sketching, and trying anything new. She also loves hiking and cycling—finding inspiration in the energy and openness of the great outdoors.

Akshith Shetty

Junior Architect

akshith@architecturebrio.com

Born and raised in Mumbai, Akshith graduated from IES College of Architecture with a strong inclination towards sculptural and experiential design. He interned at INI Design Studio in Ahmedabad, contributing to masterplanning and housing projects, and later spent two years at ADND working on boutique villas and interiors. His thesis explored the idea of sacred experience in architecture, translating spatial atmospheres into the design of a public library as a contemporary sanctuary. Deeply interested in photography, he brings a keen eye for composition and light, striving to create architecture that is both lived and beautifully captured.

Drishti Jain

Junior Architect

drishti@architecturebrio.com

Drishti Jain is an architect who graduated from L.S. Raheja School of Architecture in 2024. She began her professional journey with an internship at Edifice Consultants, where she worked on hospitality interior and architectural projects, strengthening her understanding of large-scale design, materiality, and detailing.

After graduation, she joined NUDES Architecture, where she worked across diverse scales and typologies. She contributed to the design development of Guwahati International Airport Terminal 2, a large-scale project that allowed her to engage with natural and locally sourced materials such as bamboo, an approach closely aligned with her design interests. Her role also involved project coordination and client collaboration.

At BRIO, she brings a disciplined, context-driven, and collaborative approach to architecture.

Pranjal Tak

Junior Architect

pranjal@architecturebrio.com

Pranjal completed her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Rachana Sansad’s Academy of Architecture, Mumbai, in 2025. She is deeply committed to creating spaces that respond sensitively to people, place, and purpose, and believes that thoughtful design should not only enhance everyday life but also harmonize with its surroundings and adapt to evolving needs.

She gained professional experience during her internship at IMK Architects, Mumbai, where she was part of the hospitality team. Site visits during this period exposed her to the living conditions of construction workers and their families, an observation that inspired her thesis project “AABHAS – A Sense of Home, a Sustainable Model for Migrant Construction Workers.” The project was recognized with an Honourable Mention in the Charles Correa Gold Medal 2025, shortlisted for the COA Awards, and awarded the second-highest marks in her institution.

She begins her professional journey at Architecture BRIO, aiming to strengthen her technical expertise and refine her design sensibilities, with a focus on hospitality projects and their sensitive response to site and context.

Shaurya Jain

Junior Architect

shaurya@architecturebrio.com

Shaurya is an architect and graduate of the School of Architecture, CEPT University. Originally from Indore, his academic journey was shaped by rigorous design exploration with a strong emphasis on process (practice) . He trained at vir.mueller architects in New Delhi, where he developed an appreciation for material precision and detail, and at Junya Ishigami + Associates in Tokyo, where he was exposed to a refined, philosophy-driven approach to space. He looks forward to reflect BRIO’s practice of a thoughtful and context-responsive architectural outlook.

Tushita Thumati

Junior Architect

tushita@architecturebrio.com

Tushita’s architectural journey began in Hyderabad, shaped by an enduring curiosity about the purpose and impact of spaces. Her early questioning evolved into a deeper understanding of how environments influence their users, and the responsibility architects hold in shaping meaningful experiences.

She pursued this interest at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, where her commitment to equity and empathy in design culminated in her thesis on “Least Restrictive Environments.” Her academic work, along with her internship at Kruthica Architects in Hyderabad and Atelier Tsuyoshi Tane Architects in Paris, reinforced the value of detail-oriented, sensitive, and contextually rooted design, an approach she finds closely aligned with BRIO’s practice and one she aspires to contribute to further.

Etasha Sighat

Junior Architect

etasha@architecturebrio.com

Born and brought up in Mumbai, she developed an early understanding of the city’s density, diversity, and layered history, inspiring her to pursue architecture. She graduated from Balwant Sheth School of Architecture,NMIMS in 2025, her academic journey and studio travels deepened her appreciation for contextual and experiential design.

During her internship at Case Design Studio, Mumbai, she worked on a housing project in Zanzibar, gaining insights into landscape integration, local materials, and sustainable strategies.

Her bachelors thesis “Revitalization of Industrial Mills in Mumbai” focused on revitalizing Mumbai’s industrial mills through adaptive reuse, climate-responsive design, and community-oriented spaces. Her approach closely aligns with Architecture BRIO’s philosophy of research-driven, sustainable, and context-sensitive architecture, where she began her professional journey.

Gwyneth Dias

Senior Interior Designer

gwyneth@architecturebrio.com

Gwyneth is an Interior Designer at Architecture BRIO with experience across residential, workplace, and mixed-use projects. She graduated as an Interior Architect from Raffles Design School, Mumbai in 2011.

She has worked on projects in and around Mumbai, leading them from concept development through detailed design and on-site execution. Her approach is human-centred and grounded in function, with strong emphasis on long-term durability and alignment with client lifestyles.

Gwyneth believes contemporary interiors should be clear, purposeful, and enduring. She brings a calm, measured and assured approach to projects, working closely with clients, consultants, and site teams to ensure design intent is translated into built spaces that perform seamlessly over time.

Mansi Sankhala

Interior Architect

mansi.s@architecturebrio.com

Mansi is an architect working across architecture and interior design projects. She graduated from the Viva School of Architecture, Mumbai, in 2021.

Her work is guided by curiosity, material exploration, and sensitivity towards aesthetics, proportion, and detail. Having worked on large-scale architectural projects as well as residential and commercial interiors, she brings a balanced understanding of scale and spatial resolution.

Her design approach values experimentation and learning through process, focusing on materiality, detailing, and spatial composition.

Pratik Gawde

Interior Designer

pratik@architecturebrio.com

Born and raised in Mumbai, Pratik completed his Interior Design Diploma from Rachana Sansad College. He began his career as an intern under the designer who conducted his external viva, followed by a four-year tenure with one of the city’s leading designers. During this time, he gained valuable experience working on residential projects and show flats, which honed his design sensibilities and space planning skills.

He later transitioned into commercial and retail projects, where he developed strong expertise in design execution and project detailing. With over six years of industry experience and a strong foundation in both drawings and design, he joined Architecture BRIO to further deepen his knowledge of materials, detailing, and textures, and to contribute meaningfully to diverse and challenging projects.

Aarunima Singh

Junior Interior Designer

aarunima@architecturebrio.com

Aarunima Singh is an Interior Design graduate from CEPT University, Ahmedabad. She has gained professional experience through internships at renowned practices including Ravi Vazirani Design Studio and Renesa Architecture & Design Studio. Her professional journey has exposed her to diverse domains such as retail, hospitality, and F&B projects, strengthening her design sensibilities. Passionate about creating immersive spatial experiences, Aarunima blends functionality with aesthetics while being attentive to context and user experience.

Ninad Naik

3D Visualiser

ninad@architecturebrio.com

Ninad R. Naik is a Senior 3D Visualiser with over 12 years of experience in architectural visualization, dedicated to transforming architectural ideas into powerful visual narratives.

His professional journey includes 4 years at Architype3D, followed by 7 years at Architecture BRIO, where he currently works as an In-House 3D Visualiser. In addition, he has 2.5 years of freelance experience through Ninad Visuals, collaborating with various national and international architecture and design firms.

He specializes in high-end interior and exterior visualisations across residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. His approach combines technical precision, advanced lighting and material expertise, and a refined design sensibility to produce photorealistic imagery that not only represents architecture—but enhances its narrative.

Vishal Bakrania

Model Maker

vishal@architecturebrio.com

Vishal D. Bakrania is a highly experienced Architectural Model Maker with 28 years in the field. Skilled in both handcraft and CNC methods, he has developed a deep expertise in translating architectural concepts into precise, tangible models. His work spans residential, commercial, and large-scale projects, reflecting his adaptability and craftsmanship.

Over the years, he has collaborated with leading architects and firms, including Krishkant Mistry in Mumbai, Abhikram (Ar. Nimesh Patel), HCP Design, and various freelance projects in Ahmedabad. These experiences have honed his detailing skills, technical proficiency, and ability to communicate design ideas effectively.

After working at Prabhakar B. Bhagwat until July 2025, Vishal joined Architecture BRIO, where he continues to craft models for diverse projects, bringing precision, creativity, and problem-solving to each architectural representation.

Pritika Kapur

Model Maker

pritika@architecturebrio.com

Born and raised in Mumbai, Pritika Kapur nurtured a passion for creativity and art from an early age. She earned her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts (Applied Arts) from Viva Institute of Applied Art, where subjects like Exhibition Display Design and Stagecraft deepened her interest in architectural model making.

Academic projects in branding, campaigns, and exhibitions honed her design thinking, precision, and execution. An internship at Tetsip Media (Bespoke Wallpaper) further refined her eye for detail through bespoke wallpaper projects.

Now at Architecture BRIO, she continues to advance her expertise in intricate detailing, context-driven design, and transforming ideas into impactful physical models.

Rohit Gondhali

Quantity Surveyor

rohit.g@architecturebrio.com

Rohit is a Civil Engineer with 12 years of experience, including 6 years as a Site Engineer and 6 years as a Quantity Surveyor. Over the years, he has worked with some of the leading firms in Mumbai, gaining valuable exposure and expertise in project execution and cost management. He is happy to be a part of the BRIO team and looks forward to contributing his skills and experience to its projects.

Anoshak Contractor

Intern

anoshak@architecturebrio.com

Anoshak contractor is studying at Rizvi College of Architecture in Mumbai, loves everything design, and believes that asking the right question matters more than arriving at the right answer.

He is tuning his focus towards architecture through a very temporal lens, as he believes it’s the most sustainable way forward — why build something permanent for a world that’s constantly changing?

He also emphasises an architect’s duty in providing solutions, not buildings — meaning that if the solution is not a building, we should not build.

Jayur Shah

Intern

jayur@architecturebrio.com

Jayur Shah, born and brought up in Vadodara, is pursuing his undergraduate degree at the School of Environmental Design and Architecture, NUV. He views architecture as a medium to shape experiences and communicate stories.

Through an adaptive-reuse study program in Europe, he explored a variety of spatial conditions that enriched his design perspective. Since completing his second year, he has interned with multiple architectural practices, gaining meaningful on-site exposure.

Outside academics, he enjoys travelling, discovering new cultures, meeting new people, and also has keen interest in cricket.

Divyesh Butani

Intern

divyesh@architecturebrio.com

Originally from Rajkot and a student at CEPT University, Ahmedabad, Divyesh brings an inquisitive perspective to the design of spaces and environments. He is driven by a desire to see how early-stage concepts evolve through the practical layers of a project—from the technical performance of materials and site topography to the broader socio-economic impact of a finished structure.

Divyesh is a natural problem-solver who enjoys diving into the finer details of a design. By integrating AI into his workflow, he balances creative exploration with efficiency. At Architecture BRIO, he is focused on bridging the gap between imaginative ideas and the realities of professional practice, with a specific interest in how contextual research and site conditions shape the final architectural outcome.