Welcome to Media Matters, the interview series by Fublis that brings you insights from media professionals including journalists, editors, and writers. In this series, we explore the journeys, experiences, and creative processes of individuals who are shaping the narratives in architecture and design.
In today’s interview, we feature Lipika Pandey, an emerging architect who has navigated an unconventional path, blending her love for architecture with writing and freelancing. Lipika shares her early experiences as a fresher architect, her passion for learning and personal growth, and her journey managing her blog, “The Anamika Pandey.” From her leadership roles in NASA India to her internships and mentorships, Lipika reflects on the challenges and lessons that have shaped her professional outlook.
Join us as we delve into her unique approach to architecture and her evolving career.
Can you share what initially drew you to architecture and how your journey as a fresher architect began?
Lipika Pandey: It wasn’t really architecture that I wanted to do, instead I was more inclined towards not doing the redundant engineering and medicine. I wanted to do something unique, something challenging, something that’s not restricted to just one task. So while figuring out I came to know about architecture and that when I decided that this is my course. Well after the roller coaster ride of 5 years i recently started my journey as a fresher architect in a firm in Delhi. And I must say it’s difficult, to be brutally honest, it’s difficult to manage work life especially with you are an architect (don’t even think that college life is difficult, I can’t say it’s not but work is dangerous). So be prepared xD.
How do you balance your enthusiasm for learning new skills with the practical challenges of starting a career in architecture?
Lipika Pandey: Well as I said, it’s difficult but once something gets stuck in mind then I have to do it, that’s my policy. So, day time is office time and night is my escape where I learn new things, do what I want to do, and relax as I want to (though nights seems like just an hour).
What motivated you to start freelancing as an architect, and how has this experience shaped your professional growth?
Lipika Pandey: After college while I was applying for job, I had enough free time, so I thought to utilise it to learn, to earn, and to make contacts.
How does managing your personal blog, “Echoes of Edifice” contribute to your development as an architect and writer?
Lipika Pandey: Its my dream project. I have been working on it for last five years and I am quite happy to see it’s growth. To write, research is not just enough. You need a lot of research (that too from authentic sources), you need to check it’s grammar, plagiarism, look for reference images, and then make the mix. Blend that can suit every taste. So ya, it’s like an exercise that help me teach management, research and a lot of things.
Reflecting on your time with NASA India, how did your roles from Unit Designee to National Editor influence your understanding of leadership and teamwork?
Lipika Pandey: Looking back at NASA days seems like I did a bachelors degree in it, 4 years long. When I was appointed the Unit Designee, I never ever thought that this journey would be so long, but I am glad that it did. There where good times and bad times. Managing seniors, batchmates, juniors, faculties and even college management along with NASA council was a tough job indeed, where no one wanted to listen to anyone. But communication is the key. Understanding people and making them work accordingly was the challenge. These years taught me a lot of stuff. Made me bond strong with some people and get to know some person’s reality. But this journey would really hadn’t been possible without teamwork. Thanks to all of those who were there by side always (if they know, they know xD).
Can you describe a memorable challenge you faced during your tenure with NASA India and how you overcame it?
Lipika Pandey: Well I can’t actually describe the matter but in a nutshell it was me with some of my friends (and batchmates) against a bunch of seniors and faculty. It’s was a difficult situation. But with these people by my side everything became easy eventually.
What was the most impactful lesson you learned from your internships at Hastaakshar Design Studio and the Laurie Baker Centre for Habitat Studies?
Lipika Pandey: For HDS, it was that whenever you are handed a task, which some other person did before, after completing never ever say that it was done by someone else so you didn’t corrected the mistake. The moment it’s handed to you and you can see that the things can be made better, do it, before the other person poke you for your negligence. When you hand over a task, no matter who did it before, it’s your responsibility.
At LBC, it’s the love for nature, nature materials, and sustainable way of construction. Loved being a part of that workshop.
How did your participation in the LIXIL Mentorship Program influence your approach to architectural design and your career goals?
Lipika Pandey: I got to know new things about architecture, construction, and techniques.
Looking ahead, what dreams or goals do you have?
Lipika Pandey: Well I believe it’s not a deal until it’s done, so I can’t actually disclose my dreams xD, but you’ll get to know. Infact you can easy guess it if you closely look at my journey, it’s evident.
