Building on the belief that good architecture is physical expression, is Umamah Khalid, the brains behind Architect Indesign. While there may be a clichéd style statement floating that goes “less is more”, Khalid opposes it with confidence and states and I quote, “more is more”. Inspired by Andrea Palladio and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Khalid strives to fuse different design languages and create a new experience of space. I share a candid chat with the architect, about career, architecture and what’s next for her and you can tell she is a woman on a mission. Excerpts follow:

How would you describe yourself as a person?

When it comes to my work ethics I’m ambitious, optimistic, resilient and ready to take on challenges.

How did you decide to pursue architecture as a career choice?

I was always intrigued by my surroundings, the urban fabric, houses, buildings and cities. As a child, I was exposed to this profession and it’s all I’ve ever known and I keep learning more about it every day.

What are the biggest challenges and attractions of your job?

Architecture is not just about good design it’s also about running a practice professionally that engages clients and an entire team of professionals to come together to efficiently execute a project. It demands to build trust and managerial tasks that enable a firm to run smoothly. The perks of the job are pretty obvious you get to put your design out there and have people experience your vision. Architectural design is influential and dictates how people will inhabit a space. That immense control allows you to impact lives of people through design.

Do you have a signature style?

Styles can at times be limited, so I do not stick to a certain style while designing. My design comes from a process of function and need, styles are what a building wants to tell the world about itself and usually become the client's decision or a response to context or trend.

Tell us more about Architect Indesign. How was it founded?

Architects Indesign was founded with the conviction that the built environment should promote productivity, enhancing users and visitors quality of life while contributing value to the environment. We believe good architecture is the physical expression of sound ideas and creativity generated from teamwork, integrity, and innovation. Rather than work from a predetermined approach, we strive to create environments that are a thoughtful response to their program mission, budget, physical setting, and functional purpose.

How important is teamwork in an architecture firm?

Teamwork is not only important in architecture but in all businesses as it promotes an atmosphere that fosters loyalty and friendship. These close-knit relationships motivate employees in parallel and align them to work harder, cooperate and be supportive of one another.

What skill has served you best in your architecture career?

Time management and decision making are the most essential assets of an architect. My communication and organisational skills have always benefited me while dealing with clients and executing projects most efficiently.

How do you get past your creative block?

Creative blocks often occur in a designer’s mind. Sometimes I make an algorithm of all the processes involved in the project and work my way out through the design brief. At times I even talk to myself to unravel the blocks in my head or discuss with my team. I also look at precedents for that building typology in an attempt to seek inspiration. If all else fails I take a break from work, meditate and look at horses in search for peace. Animals have always relieved me from stress and once I feel rejuvenated I return to work and for some odd reason, everything just falls into place.

How do you balance function with an aesthetic appeal?

My approach to design has always been functional that responds to the needs of the client. The client makes decisions about what he/she prefers aesthetically. The priority is always on its functionality over its aesthetic, my taste is quite minimal.

Tell us something about the current trends you see and the potential, in your opinion, in Pakistan?

People are moving towards smaller and functional homes. The major shift is towards energy-efficient residences where the windows are larger with decorative false ceilings. I like how people are focusing more on outdoors now.

How do you find inspiration?

Traveling; experiencing architecture and precedents in design often inspire me. The bad design also compels me to design better through an informed and responsive approach.

What’s THE dream?

The dream is to design sustainably by using less invasive strategies and of course to leave behind a legacy.