Welcome to another edition of Media Matters, Fublis’ exclusive interview series where we connect with influential voices in the media landscape. In this segment, we delve into the minds of journalists, editors, writers, and other media professionals who shape the narratives we encounter every day.
Today, we are excited to feature Priyanshi Shah, a skilled architectural writer and content editor with a unique blend of architectural insight and storytelling expertise. With a background in architecture from the Institute of Design, Environment, and Architecture in Ahmedabad, Priyanshi has skillfully merged her architectural training with a passion for writing, creating compelling content that bridges the gap between technical design and engaging narratives. In this interview, Priyanshi shares her journey from academia to professional writing, discussing how her early experiences shaped her approach to content creation, her challenges in balancing architecture’s technical and creative aspects, and her evolving role in the media industry.
Join us as Priyanshi shares her perspectives on the intersection of architecture and writing, her experiences in the field, and her advice for those looking to blend these disciplines effectively.
How did your studies at the Institute of Design, Environment, and Architecture in Ahmedabad shape your passion for architecture and writing, and how did your first internship experience with Our People Tree influence your career path?
Priyanshi Shah: In my early college days, Architecture didn’t capture me as I had imagined. But as time passed my curiosity for spatial planning, the play of volume, light and shadow transformed my notions of Architecture. Writing isn’t something I initially pursued in college, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, when time slowed down and in that moment of isolation, I began diving deeper into architectural ideas, not just as a designer but as a storyteller. I started to write, directing my thoughts into words by reading books mainly on philosophy and psychology, contributing to respected publications which in turn helped to shape my approach to Architectural Writing. My Architectural Internship with Ar. Parth Shah and Ar. Brinda Shah, Our People Studio transformed my perception of Architecture. They taught me discipline in both architecture and life, emphasizing that, in the end, it’s you and your design – the truth. They guided me to focus on understanding simplicity and complexity at various levels within architecture to define the quality of work.
How did your education and early experiences lead you to combine architecture with content creation?
Priyanshi Shah: I am a Learner. Learning from professionals and friends has taught me the importance of observation and awareness in both architecture and life. Leonardo Vinci, Peter Zumthor, Juhani Pallasmaa, Freud, Martin Heidegger, B.V Doshi, Carl Jung, Vincent Van Gogh, Paulo Coelho and especially Rumi played a meaningful role in shaping my thoughts, perceptions and writing. Architecture is a graphical way to convey ideas not just about creating spaces but understanding the diverse parameters that transform structure. Comprehending both the tangible and intangible elements illustrates the core of creation. This realization inspired me to craft poetic portrayals not just realities about spaces, but grasping how they sense, what they symbolise and what photographs fail to convey.
How did working as a researcher and content writer at The Architects Diary shape your approach to architectural topics?
Priyanshi Shah: Working as a researcher and content writer at The Architects Diary sharpened my ability to critically examine architectural topics. Learned to divide the content into sub-topics to engage readers while ensuring precision and depth. This experience helped me craft articles on a diverse range of architectural styles, projects, and trends. The journey with The Architects Diary altered my knowledge of technicality, and SEO writing style and continues to influence my work today.
What role did your freelance projects with Studiopraxis play in your development as a content creator?
Priyanshi Shah: Ar. Maneesh Kumar, Principal of Studio Praxis and Amolakh, entrusted me to write an Architectural narration on Kamala Cafe, Ahmedabad. It was my first attempt at storytelling rather than just noting the facts about the structure. I realized the essence of narration that evokes emotion bringing spaces to life for readers in an engaging way. I continue to work with him on various innovative products/projects and push myself to craft narratives that tell a tale of people and places.
What are your primary responsibilities as a Content Editor at Building Material Reporter?
Priyanshi Shah: Building Material Reporter Magazine, based in Delhi, focuses on Man, Mother Nature, Material, Innovation and Building Industry, engaging readers to share and learn from one another. As a Content Editor & Curator, my role is to collaborate with Designers/Architects whose work aligns with Magazine themes and standards. Together, we then create an engaging narrative that can be published across various BMR Media platforms – Print, Website, Social Media, E-books, SMARTEX Expo, Smart Design Conclave and Awards.
How do you balance architecture’s technical and creative aspects in your writing?
Priyanshi Shah: Reading, exploring and experiencing Life, I’ve come to appreciate the small things that bring a smile to my face. Observing people, and understanding their emotions, culture, lifestyle and behaviour have added depth to my understanding of formulating creative narration. As an Architect, my experience allowed me to understand the technical aspects of the building and spaces. I can curate content with a nuanced perspective, ensuring that the portrayals I draft are both objective and insightful. It helps to bridge the gap between technical attributes and engaging storytelling, blending both to articulate a tale that resonates with people.
What challenges do you face when translating architectural concepts into engaging content, and how has your writing helped bridge the gap between architects, designers, and a broader audience?
Priyanshi Shah: The most significant challenge is the absence of storytelling in today’s content. I believe the journey of the space never starts from its entrance to the structure, rather it emerges from the designer’s mind in myriad shades and expressions and conveys the challenges, the manifestations, the experiences, and encounters in the form of lines and shapes. In today’s context, Architecture has become trend-based rather than fostering a sense of belonging in the spaces. I don’t believe social media is harmful, but focusing just on gaining followers without meaningful content is challenging. Creating narration-like storytelling has developed a niche for me where esteemed designers approach me to write a story for their designed spaces. It expanded my reach in the building industry with a broad perspective in providing content that resonates with both professionals and enthusiasts. Throughout the history of Architecture, design styles, structures, and philosophy have been widely discussed. But I think the 21st century will bring a paradigm shift telling a tale on “Human and Expression”.
What tips do you have for managing the demands of both architecture and content creation?
Priyanshi Shah: First, Write for Yourself. The writing about the building or any piece of art should be like a blooming flower, with beauty in its expression and simplicity at its core. The facts of the building are one aspect of the story but the adventure of constructing, acting with hands to feel textures, the knowledge of details, and the interpretation of our ideas in a tangible form formulate a story to be remembered, even when we’re not there, it tells a tale. – and that’s the impact I want to create through my storytelling narrations. Writing requires immense attention to our daily life and how we transform that observation into our theatre of expression. The mundaneness of life and the chaos of our understanding create a bridge through which words flow and the tale can be felt universally. Start Observing and never stop writing even if you think it’s not worth it. I always ponder on this question can anyone teach the essence of writing? I believe that skills and style can be formulated and shared to create a better narrative but the core of any piece of writing belongs to the individuality of the author.
What advice do you have for others who want to blend architecture with writing?
Priyanshi Shah: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” – Leonardo Da Vinci
We live in a world of chaos and technology where changes are taking place every moment in time. A provoking piece of writing or a beautiful composition of music has the power to relate to people in their suffering in life. For content writers, it is necessary to understand such depth which makes them unique and truthful in their work. When the depth is not understood then the writing becomes just a narrative of facts and observations. Be truthful, accept and learn from your mistakes. Explore places and have conversations with people, learn from professionals, and find solace in silence to foster creativity.
