In this exclusive interview, we have the privilege of speaking with architect Ponni Concessao, co-founder and principal architect of Oscar & Ponni Architects. From her pioneering beginnings as the first female student at NIT Trichy to her advanced studies at Cornell and Harvard, Ponni has consistently pushed the boundaries of architectural practice. Her firm, which started as a modest two-person practice, has now grown into a multidisciplinary powerhouse undertaking diverse projects across hospitality, institutional, and government sectors. Join us as she shares insights into her remarkable journey, the evolution of her firm, and her steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovative design.
Q: The firm started as a two-person practice between you and Mr. Oscar and has now evolved into a multidisciplinary practice that delves into projects across various categories, including hospitality, institutional, government offices, and buildings. Could you shed some light on the journey of the firm?
A: We’re a firm that has evolved from handling small projects to taking on very large ones. There’s a historical reason for this. I graduated from NIT Trichy, the National Institute of Technology, where I was fortunate to be the first female student among 1,000 boys. At this institute, we learned to manage large projects and spaces. Later, when I studied at Cornell and Harvard universities in the US, I had similar experiences with large volumes of space. While working with Edward Barnes and John Lee Architects in New York City after graduation, my first project was the AT&T Tower, a 42-story building in New York City, which remains a remarkable landmark.
From the outset of my career in architecture, I’ve been accustomed to dealing with large volumes of space. Our first project in Chennai, after returning from the US, was a 200-acre campus, the PGP campus in Namakkal, Salem. We applied our academic and professional experiences from the US to our work in India. Our firm has grown from campuses to institutional projects, with one of our largest projects being an IT park covering 4 million square feet in Chennai. Each floor plate was 200,000 square feet. Managing large volumes of space has never been a problem for us, thanks to my academic and work background.
Q: What’s the ground reality of sustainability in India today? How strongly is this concept being practiced and implemented by companies in India?
A: Sustainability has been a core tenet of our practice from day one. One key lesson I learned from my time in the US is the importance of understanding vernacular and contextual situations, something emphasized at Harvard and Cornell. Addressing contextuality and vernacular, climatic, and heritage conditions ensures a successful project.
Almost all of our projects are either LEED-certified or IGBC certified. Even if certifications are not pursued, we integrate sustainability as a fundamental principle in our projects. Our clients, from 25 years ago to today, have always welcomed this approach. For example, in our campus projects, including those at Sastra University, we incorporate courtyards that act as giant heat exchangers, bringing in fresh air and expelling hot air. In tropical architecture, this is crucial. I’ve been fortunate to have clients who are highly aware of sustainability issues, making it easier to implement these ideas naturally in our projects.
Q: You recently completed one of the most prestigious institutional and government projects in India, the Telangana State Secretariat building. Could you share with us the design process and strategies adopted by you for the project?
A: To begin with, I’m the first woman in Asia to design a secretariat. We had to compete with the top architects in the country for this project, and the competition lasted 12 months. We had numerous interactions with the government and their technical committee, which had specific parameters. After a rigorous selection process, we were chosen by the Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. K. Chandrashekar Rao. This was my first project dealing with a state government on such a large scale. I commend the Telangana government, especially the Chief Minister, for their support and appreciation of a design that reflects the true heritage of Telangana.
The inspirations for the design came from the temples and palaces of Telangana, and we incorporated sustainability principles to the fullest extent. This is the only Secretariat in India to be designed by a woman and the first IGBC Gold-rated Secretariat in the country. We used the latest construction technologies to complete the 1.2 million square feet building in just 24 months. We lived on-site and had frequent meetings with the government, sometimes from 10 PM to 2 AM. I give a lot of credit to the Chief Minister for his unwavering support, despite any gender biases that may exist.
Q: How was your experience working with a brand like dormakaba, and what are your thoughts about their services and product portfolio?
A: Dormakaba is an excellent choice for international projects. I handle many MNC and corporate projects where quality products are critical. Dormakaba meets all the quality challenges I demand as an architect trained in the West. I prioritize cutting-edge products, and dormakaba delivers these without compromise. Their products can withstand India’s unique challenges, such as a dust-laden environment and demanding climate conditions. Our clients prefer durable, long-lasting products with a “fit and forget” policy, and dormakaba fulfills these requirements. We are very happy with their products and services.