Welcome to another edition of Media Matters, a Fublis interview series where we dive deep into the minds of media professionals shaping the industry today. In this series, we feature conversations with journalists, editors, writers, and other media experts, exploring their insights, journeys, and the evolving media landscape.
In this edition, we had the opportunity to speak with Darsan Babu, an architect, urban designer, and writer, who draws inspiration from creative giants like Howard Roark. Darsan brings a unique blend of architectural prowess and storytelling to his work, from founding his own practice, MinimalDetails, to curating architectural travel experiences and contributing to various platforms. His approach to design, influenced by mentors like Brijesh Shaijal and Nimisha Hakkim at Design Ashram, offers a deep dive into the world of architecture, urban planning, and the power of narrative.
Join us as Darsan shares his career journey, his thoughts on blending architecture and writing, and his advice for young architects aiming to make an impact in the field.
You describe yourself as a dreamer, thinker, and designer, drawing inspiration from Howard Roark. Can you share how these qualities shaped your early career in architecture?
Darsan Babu: Even though I grew up with a family background in civil and construction, it wasn’t until I stumbled upon The Fountainhead that I truly felt drawn to architecture. The character of Howard Roark resonated with me on a level that I hadn’t experienced before. His relentless pursuit of originality, his refusal to compromise, and his almost obsessive dedication to his vision mirrored something deep within me.
In college, I found myself constantly analyzing the thought processes behind designs, always looking for that out-of-the-box idea that would set my work apart. I’d often dive so deep into the conceptual side of things that I’d lose sight of the practical execution. There were times when I’d be standing in front of my professors, passionately defending a design that was more philosophy than architecture—so much so that they’d sometimes call it bluffing. But to me, it wasn’t bluffing; it was a reflection of the struggle between vision and reality, a theme that still drives my work today.
You’ve worked with esteemed professionals like Brijesh Shaijal and Nimisha Hakkim at Design Ashram Consultants. How did this experience influence your approach to design and architecture?
Darsan Babu: Working at Design Ashram was truly an experience like no other. It didn’t just make me a better architect; it shaped my entire approach to design. The atmosphere there was electric, filled with a sense of community that extended beyond just our office—it was the whole network of architects in Calicut. Being surrounded by such radical ideas and brilliant conversations every day was inspiring.
Nimisha ma’am and Brijesh sir, the principal architects of Design Ashram, were instrumental in shaping how I see design today. Through their work and thought processes, they showed me how design isn’t just about structures; it’s about shaping spaces according to how communities interact with them. Ar. Brijesh has been, and will always be, a mentor to me. His incredible people skills and the mind-blowing conversations we shared have left a lasting impact on how I approach both architecture and life.
As the founder and principal architect of MinimalDetails, what motivated you to start your own practice, and how does your philosophy of celebrating the extraordinary reflect in your projects?
Darsan Babu: The name MinimalDetails actually started as the name of my architectural blog, where I explored the beauty in the small things—how even the most minimal elements can carry profound meaning when detailed thoughtfully. That ethos naturally carried over when I decided to start my own practice. Applying everything I’d learned from my mentors and my own experiences as a keen observer of how spaces work, I felt ready to create something that was uniquely mine.
With two completed residential projects and three more in the works, MinimalDetails is my way of celebrating the extraordinary in the everyday. I’m deeply committed to creating spaces that are not only sensitive to people’s needs but also culturally sensible. For me, it’s about tailoring designs to meet client requirements while holding a deep respect for the architectural community.
Through my work, I aim to shift people’s perspectives on what architecture can be—from sustainability to modern aesthetics, I strive to surprise and delight, always putting usability just a step ahead of aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also work beautifully for the people who live in them.
Your experience as an Urban Designer at Pasighat Smart City Development Corporation Limited must have offered unique challenges. How did this role expand your understanding of urban design in practice?
Darsan Babu: Working as an urban design intern at Pasighat Smart City Development Corporation, under the Indian Government, was a truly eye-opening experience. Being in Arunachal Pradesh, I was immersed in the challenges and opportunities of designing cities and towns in a region so rich in cultural diversity. Collaborating with planners and designers from the state government and Tractebel, the project management company, gave me a front-row seat to the complexities of urban design in practice.
What really expanded my understanding was seeing how architecture and urban planning adapt to different demographics and cultural contexts. It was fascinating to observe how design could be expressed so differently across various places, yet still respond to the core needs of the community. Plus, the role gave me the chance to travel extensively throughout the Northeast, each journey offering humbling and valuable learning experiences. It wasn’t just about design; it was about understanding the pulse of a place and how urban spaces can enhance the lives of the people who inhabit them.
Besides architecture, you have a strong presence as a writer, contributing to platforms like TheAbsurdArchitect, SMART Official and Medium. How does writing complement your architectural practice?
Darsan Babu: In addition to architecture, I also lead the content for The Absurd Architect, where I have the freedom to let my creative thoughts flow without constraints. Unlike other platforms, this space allows me to explore ideas in their most abstract forms—sometimes instead of sketching out a concept, I find that writing it down can be just as powerful. It’s not just about architecture; it’s about any creative endeavor that resonates with the architectural mindset.
Writing for platforms like The Absurd Architect, SMART Official and Medium has been incredibly complementary to my practice. It’s given me a way to explore and articulate ideas that might not always fit neatly into a blueprint. Researching for these articles has also exposed me to a wide range of architectural topics from around the world, broadening my understanding and inspiring new approaches in my design work. Writing allows me to connect with other architects and creatives on a different level, sharing insights and perspectives that go beyond the visual and into the realm of thought and reflection.
What are some of your dreams or goals in architectural writing?
Darsan Babu: My goal in architectural writing is to go beyond just documenting designs—I want to influence and inspire people by offering unique perspectives on everything architecture. It’s about opening people’s eyes to the possibilities that architecture holds, not just in terms of structures, but in how we think, live, and interact with our environments. Through my blogs and articles, I hope to spark conversations, challenge conventional thinking, and present ideas that resonate on a deeper level. My dream is to keep pushing the boundaries of what architectural writing can be, making it a space where creativity and critical thought come together to inspire change. Maybe even talk about that for a TedX show!
You also curated for World Architecture Travel, blending travel with architectural insights. How did this experience influence your perspective on global architecture and design trends?
Darsan Babu: My role as a Curator for World Architecture Travel has been a transformative experience, deepening my understanding of how architecture shapes cultures and vice versa. Organizing and planning architecturally curated trips across India and around the world has not only broadened my horizons but also fueled my passion for learning. It’s fascinating to see how different cultures express their identities through architecture, and how those designs, in turn, influence the people who live within them.
Connecting with renowned architects across India and beyond has been incredibly enriching, allowing me to gain insights into global design trends and the diverse ways in which architecture interacts with society. Whether it’s through expeditions or research on various topics related to buildings, technology, and culture, every experience has reinforced my desire to delve deeper into this ever-evolving field. The constant urge to learn, upskill, and express myself in this dynamic society keeps driving my passion for architecture forward, making each new project or journey a chance to see the world in a new light.
What advice would you give to young architects just starting out? How can they make a real impact in the field?
Darsan Babu: As Jimi Hendrix once said, “I know the mechanics of a guitar and I let it flow during a concert.” In the same way, use your early years to soak up as much knowledge as you can—whether it’s mastering software, learning how to bend steel, or even baking bricks. The goal is to equip yourself with the skills and understanding needed to bring your ideas to life.
Your path should have a trajectory that aligns with your vision, but don’t be afraid to change course if your vision evolves along the way. Embrace that change—it’s part of your growth as an architect. The most important thing is to stay curious and committed to learning, so when the time comes to let your creativity flow, you can do justice to your thoughts and see them come alive in your work. That’s how you make a real impact in the field.
