Global honour for Brinda Somaya
It was a proud moment for both Mumbai and India when Brinda Somaya, respected architect and urban planner was conferred with the American Institute of Architects’ honorary fellowship in Boston over the weekend. In an exclusive interaction with this diarist, she shared that the recognition was deeply humbling and profoundly meaningful. “To be elevated to the College of Fellows is not merely a personal milestone it is a collective celebration of the values, ideals, and work that have shaped my architectural journey over the past four decades.”
She added, “Architecture has always been an act of service. It goes beyond constructing buildings it is about healing spaces, conserving collective memory, and empowering communities. It is about holding a dialogue between the built and the un-built, the past and the future. Whether through the careful restoration of sacred heritage or the design of inclusive contemporary institutions, my work has remained anchored in sustainability, cultural continuity, and social equity.
” Somaya felt honoured to be acknowledged on a global platform for these principles, by a jury of distinguished peers. “It is a powerful affirmation that voices from India, with all their layered histories and aspirations, have a vital place in global architectural discourse.” For the celebrated path-breaker, “The journey continues with purpose, humility, and renewed dedication.”
