Bio:

The great architect, Bhawya Joshi is the founder and architect at Sallaka Studio LLC in Austin, Texas. Bhawya received her Bachelor of Architecture at Dehradun Institute of Technology in India and later moved to New York to pursue her Master of Architecture at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. Bhawya has worked for multiple firms, both in India and the USA. Bhawya also teaches Interior design at the Art Institute of Austin and Austin Community College as a professor.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

My grandfather was a draftsperson/artist and my father was a painter. I liked art but loved math and thus, Architecture. I fell in love with the built environment in my first year of college when I started learning about the history of architecture.

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What do you do?

After dealing with immigration and finally finding our footing in the US, me and my husband moved to Austin. I knew I wanted to have my own firm, so I passed my exams and got the license earlier this year and founded Sallaka Studio.

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What excites you in the work you do?

To be able to create biophilic spaces that are entwined in nature, that people connect with and feel better in the spaces, mentally and physically. I also want to be able to help and create opportunities for more women of color in architecture.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

History of Architecture always inspired me and I believe there's much to be learnt if we dive deeper into it. I was also inspired by organic architecture and the simplicity of modern architecture. Biophilic Architecture is what I want to create.

 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

As an immigrant from India, being a licensed Architect in the US by passing all my AREs was my proudest achievement. It allowed me to have my own firm and practice architecture with a voice for sustainable architecture and empowering women of color.

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Featured Project Name: 

Reflection

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Featured Project Location: 

Driftwood, Texas

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

November 2021

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Role in Featured Project: 

Architect

 

Featured Project Description:

The design for this house was inspired by the concept of Biophilia. The house has many spaces to connect with nature. The courtyard has a reflection pool in a central location. The courtyard provides privacy to home-owners in this corner plot. Large patio has large sliding doors, to create an open space that can be enjoyed by everyone. Clerestory windows, in the south with large overhangs, bring in light and avoid heat. The entire house is designed for through and through cross ventilation.

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Photography Credit:

Renderings