Architecture

Tarun Walecha | Director | RLaPL

What is Architecture?

A Career in Architecture is very intriguing. Internet is brimming with pages on How to get into Architecture, while one should first understand What is a Career in Architecture. The most authoritative source of information on Architecture is someone with real experience in it.

With 24 years of professional experience, Director Tarun Walecha understands Architecture. Here is how Director Tarun Walecha detailed Architecture:

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements.

How Director Tarun Walecha got into Architecture?

After doing my schooling from Sharda Public School New Delhi, I did B Arch from Manipal Institute of Technology and then did PGDEE from Sikkim Manipal University. After that, I did Project Management Course from IIT. In my initial years worked with various Architecture firms including Abhimanyu Dalal. Later, I started my own Architectural firm by the name R L Walecha & Associates Private Limited (RLaPL).

Director Tarun Walecha's Talk on Architecture

Exploring the World of Architecture: Insights from an Experienced Architect Architecture is not just about buildings; it is a profound blend of creativity, science, and societal needs. In this article, we will delve into the world of architecture by examining the experiences and insights from Tarun Valecha, a seasoned architect with over 24 years in the profession. With a rich educational background and a wealth of knowledge, Valecha provides a captivating view of what it means to be an architect, the skills involved, and the challenges one may face in this dynamic field. What Is Architecture? The Science of Designing Spaces Architecture is fundamentally the science of designing various types of buildings, from homes to educational institutions to medical facilities. It encompasses not only the aesthetic appeal of structures but also the technological and functional aspects. Valecha underscores that while certain specializations exist, architecture, in its broadest sense, is concerned with the design of all types of built environments. This discipline plays a crucial role in shaping our surroundings, responding to the evolving needs of society while ensuring functionality and sustainability in design. Education Foundation in Maths and Physics A robust background in science, particularly in mathematics and physics, is crucial for aspiring architects. As Valecha explains, these subjects enhance analytical abilities essential for tackling the complexities of architectural design. The analytical skills nurtured through mathematical reasoning facilitate better problem-solving when confronted with design challenges, thereby enriching an architect's capability. For instance, building a safe and functional structure necessitates a thorough understanding of load-bearing calculations and material properties—areas deeply rooted in physics and mathematics. The Value of Mechanical Drawings Learning mechanical drawing before venturing into architecture equips students with vital visualization and technical skills. Valecha highlights how these skills become fundamental in making precise technical drawings, integral to conveying design concepts effectively. This foundational knowledge aids architects in transforming their creative visions into actionable plans that can be executed on site. A poignant example is when Valecha recalls the essential role of mechanical drawings during initial project discussions, showcasing their importance in the design process. History and Sociology: Understanding Context Sociology and history are less apparent on the surface but are invaluable in developing an architect’s understanding of community and environmental context. Valecha asserts that familiarity with the evolution of architecture and societal needs can significantly inform design decisions. For example, architects who appreciate historical architectural styles are better equipped to create modern buildings that pay homage to cultural heritage, ensuring that new designs resonate within their communities. Skills Creativity as a Core Competency At the heart of architecture lies creativity, a vital skill necessary for crafting unique and innovative designs. Tarun emphasizes that to stand out as an architect, one must be able to see what others do not. Creativity enables architects to devise original solutions tailored to individual client needs. Valecha’s numerous projects reflect this, each showcasing different aesthetics and answers to functional requirements, demonstrating the significance of imaginative thinking in architecture. The Importance of Drawing Skills An architect's ability to draw serves as a critical means of communication. Valecha notes that whether it’s a freehand sketch or a precise blueprint, drawing is the architect's primary language to express ideas to clients and collaborators alike. Effective drawing skills allow architects to convey complex concepts in an understandable and visually appealing manner. For instance, during client presentations, Valecha’s sketches help to bridge the gap between raw ideas and tangible designs, fostering better understanding and collaboration. Positives Creative Stimulation and Job Satisfaction One of the most gratifying aspects of architecture is the constant creative stimulation that it offers. Valecha points out that no two projects are identical, which means every day presents new problems to solve and unique design solutions to create. This dynamic nature of work results in a profound sense of job satisfaction, as architects witness their creative visions come to fruition. Valecha's own experiences, filled with diverse projects, serve as a testament to the continuous intellectual engagement this profession demands and rewards. Embracing Challenges The architectural profession is inherently challenging, a characteristic that many practitioners find invigorating. Valecha illustrates that each client presents different needs and expectations, leading to unique hurdles in design. This ever-changing landscape requires architects to be adaptable and innovative problem solvers. For instance, Valecha recalls designing a residential space that had to accommodate unique family dynamics, showcasing how such challenges catalyze creativity and ultimately lead to rewarding outcomes. Challenges Work Opportunities in a Developing Market Despite the rewarding nature of architecture, challenges such as limited client appreciation for design and the architect's value persist, particularly in developing regions like India. Tarun reveals that many potential clients may not fully grasp the importance or benefits of involving an architect, often preferring to rely on more simplistic solutions. This underscores the ongoing need for architects to educate clients about the transformative potential of professional design. Understanding Client Needs Navigating client expectations can often be one of the most arduous challenges in architectural practice. Valecha emphasizes that clients may struggle to articulate their desires in architectural terms, requiring architects to interpret vague ideas into concrete design. This interpretive skill is essential for successful project execution, as it ensures that the final outcome genuinely reflects the client's vision, albeit in an architectural context. Keeping Up with Technology The pursuit of innovation in architecture is also hindered by the constantly evolving technological landscape. According to Valecha, staying updated with the latest materials and building technologies can pose a significant challenge, especially when advancements seen in global markets are not yet available locally. Architects must continuously adapt and seek out relevant training and resources to ensure their designs remain current and sustainable. A Day Of Architecture A Typical Day in the Life of an Architect Tarun Valecha shares that his day typically begins early, allowing time for organization and planning. This includes meeting with team members to discuss project timelines and challenges facing ongoing designs. Client meetings are crucial, as they facilitate collaboration and idea exchange, and site visits allow architects to assess construction progress. During such visits, architects often face the need to make on-the-spot adjustments based on challenges encountered, reflecting the dynamic nature of the profession. Valecha's insights convey that an architect's role extends from initial concept development to the intricate details of on-site execution, underscoring the need for continuous engagement throughout the construction process. In conclusion, a career in architecture offers an exciting blend of creativity, problem-solving, and continuous learning. Through the lens of Tarun Valecha’s experiences, we see that while the road may be fraught with challenges, the rewards of architectural design—creative fulfillment, job satisfaction, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society—make it a profoundly enriching profession. For those considering a path in architecture, it promises unique opportunities to make a lasting impact on the world around us.

Install the LifePage App to:

(for Free) Watch Director Tarun Walecha’s full Architecture Career Talk

₹ Do a Self Assessment on Architecture to calculate your Dream Index, which is defined as:

According to Tarun Walecha your chances of success in Architecture is __%

Access your personalized Dream Index Report which will have all your Dream Indices sorted in descending order.

How to get into

Architecture?

If you are want to get into Architecture, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Architecture is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Architecture, what education and skills you need to succeed in Architecture, and what positives and challenges you will face in Architecture.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Architecture.

LifePage Career Plan

14 hour personalized guidance program

Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

Next: your Advisor helps you figure out how you will get into your chosen Career and how will you develop the skills needed for success in your Chosen Career.

LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Director Tarun Walecha's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/tarunwalecha

LifePage Career Talk on Architecture

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/architecture-6

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20181007-0002

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhgHeb_OkUA

(Tarun Walecha, Architecture, R.L.A.P.L, Housing and Infrastructure, Designer, Interior Design, Design Architect)

Similar Talks

Architecture

Anubha Kakroo
Dean, Faculty of Architecture | DIT University

[ 4 years & 4 months Experience ]

There are three basic necessities of life, which is food , clothing and shelter. Architecture constitutes of working for shelter. It deals with creating built environment for people which are safe and sustainable. It includes planning and building schools, houses, buildings, markets , among other things. All cities and villages we live in are also a product of architecture.

"After completing my B Arch and Masters in Industrial Design from School of Planning and Architecture, I worked for ten years. Later I did masters degree in Design Management from Brunell University, London. I am working as a Dean, Faculty of Architecture in DIT University."

Architecture

Swabhavi Agarwal
Architect | Various Assignments

[ 4 years Experience ]

The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings

"After completing my schooling from St Josephs Academy, Dehradun, I went on to do my Architecture from Chitkara School of Planning & Architecture, Chandigarh. I have been working as an Architect since 2013."

Architecture

Junaid Khan
Project Manager | AK Associates

[ 6 years & 5 months Experience ]

Architecture is a general term to describe buildings and other physical structures, its the art and science of designing buildings and some nonbuilding structures. It's the style of design and method of construction of buildings and other physical structures.

"After doing my schooling from KCM School Moradabad, I did my graduation in B Arch from Gautam Buddha University, Lucknow. I have been working as a Project Manager in AK Associates since 2016."

Industrial Designing

Siddhartha Mukherjee
Architect | Artifacts & Habitats Sustainable Solutions

[ 3 years Experience ]

Industrial design is a process of design applied to products that are to be manufactured through techniques of mass production.

"I have done B Arch from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University and M Des from Industrial Design Centre, IIT Bombay. I worked at Godrej for 3 years. I am an Architect with Artifacts and Habitats Sustainable Solutions. I am an Assistant Professor at DIT University since 2017."

Earth Architecture

Swati Negi
Architect | Various Assignments

[ 6 years & 1 month Experience ]

Earth Architecture is a technique for building walls using natural raw materials such as earth, chalk, lime or gravel. It is an ancient building method that has seen a revival in recent years. The walls are simple to construct, non-combustible, strong, and durable.

"After completing B Arch from Sinhgad College of Architecture, Pune, I started working at Auroville Earth Institute where I worked for 2.5 years. Post that, I started travelling mainly to hill stations such as Ladakh, Spiti, Nepal and Uttarakhand and experienced working with various masons and traditional techniques. In 2017, I came to Dehradun and joined DIT as a visiting faculty and besides that I have been working as a freelance earth architect mainly using different natural building techniques."

Architecture

Malvika Ahuja
Architect | Malvika Ahuja Architects

[ 25 years Experience ]

Architecture is one of the most interesting and creative fields which anybody can work for, in which you are always doing some design work and in which we always follow some rules forms and functions. These are premium rules which are set be one of the masters of architecture. There are debating issues in it whether form follows function or function follows form. So people have different lines of thought about this issue. But Architecture is basically the study of the built form and it is been there for generations. And every city or place is remembered by architecture wonders or structures which are built there, like Coloseum in Rome, like Indian stupas or Taj Mahal.

"After completing my graduation in Architecture from Chandigarh College of Architecture, I started working with Kothari Associates for almost 18 years. After that, I started my own practice in Dehradun with the name Malvika Ahuja Architects."

Urban Designing

Resha Patil
HOD | DIT University

[ 20 years Experience ]

Urban design is the process of designing and shaping cities, towns and villages. In contrast to architecture, which focuses on the design of individual buildings, urban design deals with the larger scale of groups of buildings, streets and public spaces, whole neighborhoods and districts, and entire cities, with the goal of making urban areas functional, attractive, and sustainable.

"After my Bachelors in Architecture & Masters in Urban Design, I started working as an Architect and have worked on various projects at various organizations like SEA, Arcop, Akruti Nirman Ltd and Utopia Architects. I have 20 years of experience in this field. I am also working as an Urban Design & Green Building Consultant. I am working at DIT University as HOD of Architecture Department since 2016."

Architecture & Planning

Y S Pundir
Architect Planner | SIIDCUL

[ 21 years & 11 months Experience ]

Planning is the design of cities, towns and neighborhoods. Planning may include developing architectural guidelines for planned neighborhoods, or building massing studies for large urban projects.

"I did B Arch from Shivaji University, Kohlapur. I did Post Graduation in Infrastructure Development & Management from NICMAR, Pune. I started my own venture in 1997 by the name Map Age. I shifted to SIIDCUL in 2005 and am an Architect Planner there. I am also a Fellow Member of Institution of Valuers."

Architecture & Conservation

Mauli Mishra
Architect | Artifacts & Habitats Sustainable Solutions

[ 5 years & 1 month Experience ]

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements. Conservation is the process of maintaining and managing change to a heritage asset in a way that sustains and where appropriate enhances its significance.

"I did my B Arch from Government College of Architecture, Lucknow and M Arch from CEPT University. After completing my education, I got an opportunity to work with Tibet Heritage Fund and CEPT University. I also got an opportunity to work with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. In 2017, I started my own venture Artifacts & Habitats Sustainable Solutions and I also work as a visiting faculty at UPES, Dehradun."

Architecture

Amrita Ghosh
Assistant Professor | DIT University

[ 5 years Experience ]

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art.

"I did B Arch from NIT, Patna. I worked at Sathe & Associates, Bangalore for 9 months and at Arcop Associates, Gurgaon for one and a half years. I then did M Tech from IIT, Roorkee. I am Assistant Professor at DIT University."

Architecture

Purnima Verma
Architect | Various Creative Assignments

[ 7 years & 10 months Experience ]

Architecture is a profession where you learn about how to deal with spaces. Not only you work on buildings but also on landscape and softscape.

"After completing my masters, I started working as a Freelancer and take up projects for Architecture and Energy Efficiency. I am also teaching at DIT University."

Design and Architecture

Rajesh Jain
Architect | Ichinen Architects (P) Ltd

[ 27 years & 7 months Experience ]

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art. Historical civilizations are often identified with their surviving architectural achievements. Architecture can also mean a general term to describe buildings and other physical structures. The art and science of designing buildings and non building structures. The style of design and method of construction of buildings and other physical structures.

"After completing my schooling from Grasim School Nagda, I did my Bachelors of Architecture from NIIT, Bhopal. Thereafter, I started working as an Architect with Consulting Engineering Services, Delhi. I worked on several Government projects like pilot project of metro line and airport and have been to Muscat & Turkey for the projects. Later, I started my own architectural firm named Ichinen Architects (P) Ltd."

Urban Planning

Riyan Habeeb
Architect & Urban Planner | CEDAR

[ 9 years & 11 months Experience ]

Urban planning is a technical and political process concerned with the development and design of land use and the built environment, including air, water, and the infrastructure passing into and out of urban areas, such as transportation, communications, and distribution networks and the provision of municipal services to residents and visitors. Urban planning deals with physical layout of human settlements.

"I graduated in Architecture from NIT, Hamirpur. After working as an architect for few years I went on to do Masters in Urban & Rural Planning from IIT, Roorkee. I am an Architect & Urban Planner with CEDAR (Centre for Ecology Development & Research)."

Teaching Architecture

Kartik Vora
Professor | DIT University

[ 30 years Experience ]

Teaching Architecture is when teachers create lesson plans and deliver lectures on architectural design concepts and the history of the field. Teaching Architecture is when teachers create lesson plans and deliver lectures on architectural design concepts and the history of the field.

"I did my graduation from CEPT, Ahmedabad and started teaching at Academy of Architecture, Mumbai, as well as doing research in Architecture. I have been working at DIT University as a professor since 2017."

Architecture

T S Aswal
Managing Director | Aswal & Asociates

[ 44 years & 7 months Experience ]

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural symbols and as works of art.

"After completing my graduation in Architecture from Sir JJ School of Architecture, Mumbai, I did Diploma in Clay Modelling and Architectural Assistant from the School of Arts, Lucknow. After that, I have worked with PWD, Lucknow and M E S (Dept of Defence) at the Army Headquarters. Later on. I started my own architecture firm, Aswal & Associates in 1986 in Dehradun and have been running and working there ever since. I am the Managing Director of the company."

Architectural Research

Kartik Vora
Professor | DIT University

[ 33 years Experience ]

Architectural Research includes Architectural processes, Architectural products, Architectural performance. The first stage, process, refers to research into processes involved in the design and construction of buildings, and thus might include for example issues of representation, theories of design, modelling of the environment, and so on.

"After completing my graduation from CEPT, Ahmedabad, I started doing research on various projects. I was the Chief Researcher for festival of India Exhibition in Russia, Japan & Germany. I also worked with SOM Foundation in Chicago. Since 1984, I have been working as a consultant for various projects."

Architecture

Chhabi Mishra
Director (Architecture Department) | DIT University

[ 27 years Experience ]

Architecture is both the process and the product of planning, designing, and constructing buildings or any other structures.

"After completing my B Arch from JJ College of Architecture, Mumbai and Masters in Landscape Architecture from University of Wisconsin Madison, US, I started working as Campus Master Planner/Project Manager at SmithGroup JJR, Ann Arbor, Michigan. I worked there for almost 8 years and later I started working with J Robert Anderson as a Senior Planner. I have worked with many other international organizations like Bosse and Turner, Austin TX, Neighborhood Planning and Zoning Department. In 2009, I came back to India and in 2014, I joined GD Goenka University and founded the Architecture Department of GD Goenka University. In May 2018, I joined DIT University as the Director of Architecture Department."