What do you think is the most common mistake newcomers make when they first start out with an assignment? What advice do you have to give them in this regard?
Newcomers are always under the misconception that they are always going to be doing design work. But reality strikes soon enough, since all projects take a number of years from initial concept to construction -- there are a number of stages in between which aren't too exciting and take up a lot of time, but they need to be done.
More often than not, you are made to produce detailed drawings of components of other people's designs, which makes people want to venture out on their own at too premature a stage.
My advice is, be patient. There's so much to learn within the discipline that five years of schooling is only the tip of the iceberg -- practical experience is crucial. My advice would be to take up placements at firms of your choice and to get a number of years of experience before you venture off on your own. There's only so much you can grow if you start your own practice a little too early.
What are your long-term goals when it comes to your career?
Eventually, I would definitely like to have my own practice, but that's not any time soon. I plan on going back to school to do my post-graduation in 2009, followed by a few more years of work experience with internationally-renowned architects before I get down to opening my own firm. There's a lot to learn before that.
Who do you believe is India's leading architect today, and why? How has s/he inspired you and your career?
From a design perspective, I've frankly never looked at any of the architects from India as a source of inspiration. But I do respect Hafeez Contractor -- I definitely don't agree with his design sensibilities, although he's got to be doing something right considering he has almost monopolised the industry in the country. I would love to learn how he manages to market himself and bags such a fantastic number of projects -- that itself is half the battle won.
How does your career impact your personal life? Do you feel like you've had to sacrifice a few personal pleasures in favour of your job, or are you a workaholic who thrives under pressure?
As I mentioned earlier, the profession demands long working hours and it's hard to draw a line between my work and my personal life. At times you're working over 16 hours a day, seven days a week, so to some degree there's definitely a personal sacrifice. When I was working in New York, however, the long hours didn't stop us from having a social life -- even if we stopped work at 2 am, we'd go to a bar to grab a quick drink and unwind before stumbling home exhausted, only to return the next morning at 9:30 am. But I guess that's the price you pay for your dream career.
To answer your second question, I guess I'm a workaholic and am more productive when working under pressure. My dad always tells me -- keep busy and you'll keep yourself out of trouble!
Imagen: The model of a border station between the United States and Mexico, Rooshad conceptualised for a university assignment in 2003.
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