South Asian Heritage Month (18 July to 17 August) is a chance to celebrate South Asian cultures, histories and communities. This year's theme, free to be me, highlights personal stories of identity, community and self expression.
What does it mean to be "free to be me"?
We're spotlighting stories from built environment professionals of South Asian heritage. Below are personal reflections around the theme in professional practice - learn about South Asian architects who have inspired them along the way, and discover the buildings that embody the message "free to be me".
Free to be me: a poem by Anjna Farmah
Anjna is a British Punjabi Chartered Surveyor specialising in residential development at Places for London. She focuses on developing schemes across London that offer much-needed affordable homes, curated mixed uses and long term healthy social spaces. Her passions include thought leadership on how equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) can be integrated into business strategies.
"Free to be me is a poem about autonomy, the power of being yourself, and knowing your value."
Satish Jassal
Satish is a RIBA award-winning architect with a diverse portfolio. His expertise extends from bespoke domestic residences, often in sensitive locations, to social housing, including net-zero carbon homes in operation. He is a trustee of CDS Co-operatives, a community-led housing association, and is on the London Borough of Harrow design review panel.
How does the South Asian Heritage Month theme apply to your professional practice?
"Starting my own architectural practice was a leap of faith. Yet, it has gifted me the freedom to design edifices and spaces that echo my personal experiences and diversity of thought. This adventure has unshackled my creativity, allowing me to manifest my authentic self through my designs, rather than moulding my vision to fit someone else's. The gratification I derive from my work is immense, and it's a joy to see others appreciate my creations.
I've had numerous conversations with people from a South Asian background, of a similar generation to me, who aspired to become architects but felt it was an unattainable dream. My journey is not just about me, but about paving the way for the next generation who, like me, believes in the transformative power of architecture to create inclusive spaces for all, not just the privileged few. It's a thrilling prospect to be part of this change, and I am filled with excitement for the future."
Which architects of South Asian heritage should be elevated and celebrated this month?
"I wish to pay tribute to three remarkable South Asian women who have made significant strides in the fields of architecture and urban planning. Their contributions have not only reshaped the built environment but have also championed diversity and wellbeing within the sector.
Pooja Agrawal is a visionary who identified a skills gap in the planning system and took the initiative to address it. She co-founded Public Practice, an organisation that supports architects and other placemaking professionals in building their careers in the public sector. Her innovative approach has significantly enhanced the built environment, demonstrating the transformative power of architecture when applied to public service.
Rumi Bose is an urbanist whose work across the sector has consistently advocated for good design, empowering numerous architects to create award-winning architecture. Her commitment to excellence and innovation has left an indelible mark on the cityscape, raising the bar for architectural design.
Priya Martin is an architect at Mace who has been involved in large-scale, challenging public sector projects. Despite the demands of her role, she has made it a priority to promote diversity and wellbeing within the construction sector. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive and healthy work environment is commendable and sets a positive example for others in the industry."
Which building speaks to you in terms of "free to be me"?
"In South Asian societies, multi-generational living is a norm, fostering mutual support and diverse viewpoints. From my experience, these intergenerational households often create expansive, supportive communities.
Recently, we completed intergenerational homes for Haringey Council, forming part of a 46-home masterplan, Rowan Court, centred around a new public square, seamlessly integrating with an existing council estate. Existing residents of the estate where offered these new homes first, keeping them close to their communities."
Dhruv Gulabchande
Dhruv is a British-Indian architect and Associate Director at RIBA Chartered Practice HFM Architects in London, with over 11 years of experience in retrofit and refurbishment across commercial, healthcare, and heritage sectors. He is a Technical Studies Tutor at UAL Central Saint Martins, focusing on climate and culture through manifesto-led storytelling. He proudly leads Narrative Practice, a platform dedicated to improving diversity and representation in architecture through long-term mentoring.
How does the South Asian Heritage Month theme apply to your professional practice?
"As someone whose diasporic family was reliant on social welfare and council housing, succeeding in architecture is uncommon. Through Narrative Practice, I mentor and support creative young people from similar underrepresented backgrounds, creating inclusive environments where they can freely express their identities, thoughts, concerns, and aspirations. This platform allows individuals to address their own intersectionality, especially those navigating multiple cultural identities.
'Free to be me' aligns with a broader need within our communities to embrace and celebrate diversity. Historically, the field has been dominated by certain demographics, often overlooking the rich contributions of those from varied backgrounds.
In teaching and professional practice, I advocate for the exploration of personal narratives and cultural contexts, as I have done, urging young people to draw inspiration from their own experiences and backgrounds. This not only reinforces their own design practice but also challenges the homogeneity too often found in architectural discourse. By creating an environment where individuality is valued and mutual respect is emphasised, we can help build confidence for others’ professional journeys."
Which architects of South Asian heritage should be elevated and celebrated this month?
"I’d like to celebrate several people who have made a significant personal contribution to my own career.
Academic, curator and lecturer Shumi Bose pushes the boundaries of critical thinking. Her work with Architects for Gaza, alongside KoozArch, Holdspace and CSM, models her consistent, widespread commitment. Over my past four years of growth, Shumi's support has been dynamite in advancing my learning.
Pooja Agrawal, the pioneering force leading Public Practice, brings talent into local authorities to create inclusive, sustainable communities. Her prior work with Sound Advice, amplifying diverse voices and promoting social equity, greatly inspired me during the early stages of Narrative Practice.
Kindly supervising my EPQ-focused research, Ash Goyal advocates for equity in architecture. As Associate Director at AHMM and Architecture Race Forum member, his extensive experience highlights his understanding of challenges faced by underrepresented groups.
Dipa Joshi, an architect with nearly 30 years of cross-sector design experience, champions diversity in practice. As a former Mayor’s Design Advocate to the Mayor of London, she regularly participated in design reviews, and has contributed to the Greater London Authority handbook 'Supporting Diversity'. Her support as a mentor is underscored by her recommending me be involved in RIBA's campaign this month."
Which building speaks to you in terms of "free to be me"?
"The Tara Theatre in Earlsfield is a beacon of inclusivity and cultural representation. It champions South Asian voices through politically charged productions that explore complex global issues. The commitment to co-creation and new narratives enables a democratic space for artists and audiences alike.
I discovered Tara Theatre while living in Earlsfield and became a regular visitor, drawn to its community-focused agenda and inclusive atmosphere. The space not only offered me a personal connection to my cultural roots but also inspired my professional work. While teaching at the University of Sheffield, Tara Theatre was used as a precedent for our second-year brief, specifically components of community engagement and cultural exchange.
Tara Theatre's history of activism and social change is evident in its bold visual identity and straight-talking verbal approach. Founded in 1977 as a response to a racially motivated murder, the theatre has nurtured South Asian artists and taken its message worldwide. Its contemporary approach and dedication to South Asian stories continue to inspire and provide a platform for diverse voices, making it a true embodiment of 'free to be me'."
Rupali Sharma-Patel
Rupali is a Principal Engineering Leader for Built Environment within Transport for London (TfL). She has led several initiatives to increase representation within the profession. She won a We Are the City Rising Star Award (2022), was a highly commended finalist in the Asian Women of Achievement Awards (2022), and was named among the Top 100 Women in Engineering by the Women's Engineering Society in 2021.
How does the South Asian Heritage Month theme apply to your professional practice?
"In addition to supporting London’s economy and population, TfL is committed to building an inclusive workforce which is representative of London and the theme ‘free to be me’ provides an opportunity to explore the unique culture and experiences of the South Asian community.
One in five people in London are from South Asian Heritage, therefore by being curious and inquisitive, my team and TfL colleagues can create outcomes for London’s communities.
We are currently confronting numerous societal and environmental challenges. In addition to the climate emergency, the profession must also attract and retain a diverse pool of talent. Although there are several initiatives to diversify the profession, the pace of change is slow, and efforts to support progression of women from intersectional backgrounds are not yielding significant benefits.
In the transport and built environment sectors, representation of protected groups at leadership level remains low and therefore the collective experience of large sections of community is not considered in decision making. Occasions like South Asian Heritage Month are therefore a useful reminder about the work that still needs to be undertaken to create an inclusive and equitable profession.”
Which architects of South Asian heritage should be elevated and celebrated this month?
"I would like to elevate and celebrate the work of two greats of South Asian architecture - Geoffrey Bawa from Sri Lanka and Charles Correa from India.
Although they were both proponents of modern architecture, they individually developed a recognisable style which responded to the local climate, context and communities.
The use of traditional materials, methodologies of working and responsiveness to the local climate is evident in their buildings and speaks to the current challenges the profession and world are facing."
Which building speaks to you in terms of "free to be me"?
"The RIBA award-winning Elizabeth Line, an outcome of the successful collaboration of many organisations and hundreds of talented professions, epitomises 'free to be me'. This public transport infrastructure project has had a transformational impact on London and connected communities across the capital, providing a way for people to explore, experience and understand its diversity."
Further resources:
What architecture can learn from South Asian culture
In this professional feature, learn about the concept of sevā (or sadaqa) and how it underpins some South Asian architects’ approaches to design.
Remembering Minnette de Silva: the architect in a sari
In this blog, Sumita Singha OBE explores the contributions made by Sri Lankan architect, Minnette de Silva, to the built environment and gender equality.
Diaspora Digest: Areesha Khalid depicts the mood and atmosphere of her childhood home
Areesha Khalid channels memories via 'Diaspora Digest', an imagined magazine cover to create impact and cultural candour, earning her a commendation in RIBAJ's Eye Line drawing competition 2021. More recently, Areesha has developed the concept and taken it to the next level - read more on WePresent.
