Architecture
Blending Tradition, Context, and Innovation in Architecture
Sameep Padora, founder of sP+a (Sameep Padora and Associates), is a renowned architect known for bridging traditional values with contemporary design solutions.
In this interview, Sameep shares his thoughts on the origins of his practice, his approach to sustainable design, and the future of architecture in India.
Your firm is known as sP+a. How did you come up with the name, and would you change it if you could?
The name “sP+a” is actually quite simple. It stands for “Sameep Padora and Associates.” It’s a result of some pretty unimaginative branding when I first started. If I rebrand today, I’d probably think it through a bit more. Around 2015, we started doing more researchoriented work, and I considered changing the branding. We called that vertical “STAR-e,” which stood for Sameep Padora and Associates Research. It was an attempt to right some of the branding wrongs.
What inspired you to start sP+a, and what were the early challenges?
I started my practice almost by accident. After completing my undergraduate studies in Mumbai, I worked on small projects that seemed to resonate with people. This gave me confidence that maybe I was doing something right. When I returned from my master’s program, I thought I’d give it a try for a while to see how things would pan out. Looking back, it was quite naive. There are so many aspects beyond design—like organisation and finances—that are crucial to running a practice. If I had found a practice I admired with room to grow, I might have joined them instead. But in hindsight, I’m glad I ventured out on my own to explore what I could bring to the table.
Your work is deeply rooted in context. How do you balance respecting tradition with introducing contemporary design?
Context is often seen as something static, but it is actually quite dynamic. A building that was constructed 200 years ago is a part of its context, but the context has evolved since then. Today, we live in a networked world where global ideas can enrich the local context. The challenge is to understand what is of value locally while also recognising how global knowledge can inform and enhance local design. For me, it’s about using context as a tool to understand the past, project the present, and anticipate the future.
