The summer internship at Aishwarya Tipnis Architects (ATA) and its sister organisation Jugaadopolis was an eye-opening experience that combined heritage conservation, urban revitalisation, and design research in a way that felt both rigorous and creative. ATA’s work is deeply rooted in the theory and practice of sustainable built environments, while Jugaadopolis often explores the lesser-known layers of urban history and community narratives. Together, the two create a space where design thinking and cultural research meet. The studio itself has a lively and welcoming atmosphere—conversations about local events, the best food spots, and current reads have a way of brightening even the busiest days.

Over the summer, I assisted with policy research and mapping for adaptive reuse projects. This allowed me to understand how reusing existing buildings is deeply intertwined with India’s socio-cultural and legislative fabric, in both rural and urban contexts. Conducting the literature review was both challenging and rewarding—I often found myself tracing threads through policy documents and academic work, sometimes even encountering the studio’s own research and publications along the way.

One of the most valuable aspects of this internship was the chance to learn directly from experienced professionals. Even a brief discussion with someone who has spent years in the field provided insights that would be difficult to gain elsewhere. I also observed how the studio’s approach to projects is grounded in its values, particularly in involving local communities and stakeholders. A day trip to a heritage structure being carefully brought back to life after decades of neglect reinforced the importance of designing for public meaning rather than private profit.

This internship has helped me refine my own professional goals and better understand the role I want to play at the intersection of design and research. I was able to carry my bookish interest of ‘lived experience of a built environment’ to mapping the policy inconsistencies and legislative trends regarding sustainability, noticeable growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from ATA and Jugaadopolis and for the generosity and openness with which the team shared their work and perspectives.