Ever since I joined architecture school, it was my dream to work at the office of Zaha Hadid. Her work has been a source of inspiration to me throughout my academic career and I feel really priveleged to be part of her London office. The kind of exposure I get here is mind-boggling -- it ranges from high-end design to innovation in structure and cutting-edge technology.

Sadly, none of the firms in India come even close in terms of design methodology and professionalism and I think I need a lot more experience before I return. It would really stunt my professional growth if I decided to start my own practice at such a tender stage in my career.

Has it been a struggle -- what disappointments have you had to cope with in the course of your career so far?

Yes, definitely -- it's a struggle every day. The long working hours definitely take a toll on you and the ridiculously low pay is definitely not an incentive. Unfortunately, architects all over the world thrive on slave labour. It's a labour-intensive profession after all and newcomers tend to put in long, long hours making models and drawings, which at times kills your social life altogether.

Sometimes I wonder if it's all worth it, but I guess it's the job satisfaction at the end of the day that keeps you going.

What is your opinion of the current scenario and career opportunities? Do you believe that youngsters looking to make a foray into architecture today have it easy or not and why?

There couldn't be a better time than now for architects all over the world. There's an incredible amount of construction happening, especially in places like China, Dubai and even within India. There has been a greater demand for 'design' and a lot of architecture firms have been expanding very quickly, which has definitely benefited the job scenario.

But I still wouldn't say that newcomers have it easy. In fact, people are a lot more ambitious and competitive now, so to make a name for yourself I think its incredibly difficult. There's such a large sea of talent out there, that to get noticed is incredibly hard.

Do you believe in the 'lucky break' factor -- you've worked with two of the most prestigious names in the world so far -- or do you believe that you have to make their own opportunities if you want to forge ahead in this line?

Of course, there's a lucky break factor. You can be incredibly talented and if no one spots you, you'll end up working in a vacuum. Working with big names only enriches your experience but eventually you need that first break, that one incredible client and project to start off independently and I can't wait for mine.

Did you have a mentor, and if so, how did he/ she inspire you to steer your career in the right direction?

As cliched as it sounds, I guess that would be my father. Dad being an architect has always made it a lot easier for me to discuss my work with him. Be it big decisions or even my own ideas for projects, I have always bounced them off him first. He's been instrumental in all career decisions and I know he's always looking out for my best interests.

If you were to give some advise to youngsters trying to become architects today, what would it be?

Do not decide to become an architect with the thought of making millions. It's a popular misconception that architecture is a lucrative business -- it most certainly is not, especially for newcomers and this can prove quite disappointing, especially after investing five rigorous years in one's education. You've got to really love this profession to stick on.

What kind of criticism have you faced in this line, and how have you learned to deal with it?

Architecture has a lot to do with teamwork and the question of authorship is office-dissolved when you're working in a firm. New ideas and concepts need to be brought to the table every day and they are often criticised in front of your peers. This can prove quite a challenge, as most architects are said to have huge egos. But you have to remember that criticism of your work is in the best interests of the project and the firm, so don't take it personally -- instead, use it constructively.

In a way, an architectural education trains you to take criticism as well, since all our projects are reviewed by a panel of architects with the whole school looking on -- it can be quite daunting.

Image: This 6'x4' collapsible wooden screen won Rooshad the Edward Palmer York Memorial Prize in 2003.

Also read: 'We didn't get the job because we were 17'

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