What Does Architecture Look Like In A Tech-Driven, Climate-Strained World? | The Exchange

Key Concepts

• Community-Focused Architecture: The desire to create spaces that positively impact communities beyond individual clients, prioritizing social change and broader reach.
• Intergenerational Exchange: The value of mentorship and knowledge sharing between architects of different career stages (30 under 30 and 50 over 50).
• Ownership & Representation: The challenges faced by women in architecture, particularly regarding gaining recognition, partnership opportunities, and maintaining creative control.
• Balancing Creativity & Practicality: Navigating the tension between artistic vision and the financial/practical constraints of architectural projects.
• The Role of AI & Technology: The potential impact of AI and VR on architectural design and visualization.
• Sustainable Design: Incorporating environmentally conscious practices, such as rainwater harvesting and passive cooling techniques.
• Cultural Sensitivity in Design: The importance of understanding and integrating local cultural practices and needs into architectural projects.

The Exchange: Diana Kellogg & Pasana Lachagari – A Detailed Summary

Introduction

This discussion, part of the Forbes Women’s “The Exchange” summit, features architects Diana Kellogg (30 under 30) and Pasana Lachagari (50 over 50). The conversation explores their career paths, philosophies on architecture, and the challenges and rewards of community-focused design. The initial “speed exchange” established core values: perseverance and creativity as essential traits for architects, and discipline as a key habit for success. Both architects expressed a preference for contemporary architecture, with a shared aversion to “destructive” or overly trendy designs.

I. Career Trajectories & Defining Moments

Diana Kellogg began her career working for Annabelle Seldorf before establishing her own firm focused on high-end residential projects. A turning point came eight years ago, enabling her to shift towards community work, specifically in India, fulfilling a long-held desire to broaden her impact beyond individual clients. She noted the surprising resonance of ideas developed during her architecture school studio work in her current projects.

Pasana Lachagari received her Bachelor of Architecture in India, where she excelled in architectural sketching and prepared students for college entrance exams. She pursued a Master’s degree in the US, simultaneously building a business for an architect, eventually becoming a partner and expanding the firm internationally. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted an expansion into residential projects, previously reserved for friends and family. Lachagari also serves as a UN Echosac representative, focusing on community projects, including women’s housing in India and planned initiatives in Somaliland. A striking parallel emerged: both architects are increasingly focused on international work, with Kellogg expanding into India and Lachagari working on projects globally.

II. The Allure of Community Work & Financial Considerations

Both Kellogg and Lachagari emphasized a fundamental humanitarian drive within the architectural profession. They acknowledged the practical reality that financial constraints often necessitate taking on projects that don’t align directly with their passion for community work. Kellogg described her early career in New York City as primarily focused on residential projects to sustain her firm. Lachagari echoed this sentiment, noting the greater creative freedom and satisfaction derived from community-based projects, citing examples like incorporating classroom gardens and interdenominational meditation spaces into school designs. She highlighted the contrast between the open-ended creativity of community projects and the more rigid constraints of commercial work, where profit margins often dictate design choices.

III. Design Philosophy & Impactful Projects

Kellogg and Lachagari both believe that architecture has the power to transform lives. Kellogg recounted building a school for girls in a remote desert region of India, designed to create a safe and empowering space. The most rewarding feedback came from the girls themselves, who expressed a feeling of freedom within the school’s walls.

Lachagari shared details about a school she designed, which Kellogg recognized and praised for its innovative use of light and circular design. This school incorporates sustainable features like rainwater harvesting and is designed to promote religious tolerance through a shared meditation space. Lachagari also described integrating culturally relevant elements, such as platforms for social interaction, into the design of women’s housing, drawing on the strong sense of community prevalent in Indian culture.

IV. Maintaining Ownership & Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry

The conversation addressed the challenges women face in architecture, particularly regarding gaining equal opportunities and maintaining creative control. Kellogg asserted that women are often relegated to less visible roles within firms, while Lachagari emphasized the importance of founding or co-founding a firm to pursue desired projects and gain a stronger voice. Both architects acknowledged the need to actively assert their expertise and navigate power dynamics, particularly when interacting with male-dominated fields like engineering and construction. Lachagari noted that being a firm principal allows for more effective communication and collaboration with consultants and contractors. They both discussed the subtle but pervasive issue of having their ideas overlooked or attributed to male colleagues.

V. The Future of Architecture & the Role of Technology

Lachagari predicted that AI and VR will increasingly impact architectural design and visualization, allowing clients to experience projects immersively before construction. Kellogg emphasized the need for architects to be actively involved in addressing broader societal challenges, such as climate change and urban planning, arguing that their training equips them to be effective problem-solvers. Both acknowledged that the general public often lacks a deep understanding of architecture, but noted that children demonstrate a natural intuition for design.

Notable Quotes:

• Diana Kellogg: “I actually have to sort of do [invite others into the conversation] as a woman because men can come and just say do this do this do this do this.” (Highlighting the need for proactive inclusion in the design process.)
• Pasana Lachagari: “It is every architect's dream to do community work. Not just because of we um we're really nice people. Not just because of that, but also I think selfishly we get to be really creative on this projects.” (Acknowledging the personal fulfillment derived from impactful design.)
• Diana Kellogg: “The smile of a child…there’s nothing more changes your life.” (Emphasizing the profound impact of creating positive spaces for children.)

Technical Terms & Concepts:

• Echosac: Echoes of Sustainable Community Action – a UN initiative focused on community development.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for later use, promoting sustainability.
• Cavity Wall (Lorie Baker): A wall construction technique utilizing an air space for insulation, common in Indian architecture.
• VR (Virtual Reality): Technology that creates immersive, simulated experiences.
• AI (Artificial Intelligence): The simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems.

Conclusion

The exchange between Diana Kellogg and Pasana Lachagari revealed a shared passion for architecture as a force for positive change. Their conversation highlighted the importance of community-focused design, the challenges faced by women in the profession, and the potential of technology to enhance the field. The key takeaway is the need for architects to advocate for their expertise, prioritize inclusivity, and embrace innovative solutions to address pressing societal challenges. Both architects underscored the profound satisfaction derived from creating spaces that empower individuals and strengthen communities.