What does it really take to start your own design firm? Is joining a developer a compromise or a conscious leap? At FOAID 2024, a dynamic panel of leading architects and designers gathered to share the real behind-the-scenes of navigating career paths in architecture — whether as founders of boutique studios, part of global firms, or embedded in the developer ecosystem.
Moderated by Carl Bhesania of Talati & Partners, the session featured candid insights from Huzefa Rangwala and Jasem Pirani (Co-founders of MuseLAB), Pritika Manjrekar (Founder, MoCo Design Studio), Shilpa Shinde (Head of Design, Raymond Realty), and Mahyar Vaid (Senior Director, Talati & Partners), the discussion, rich with personal stories and candid confessions, offered young professionals a front-row seat to the crossroads every architect eventually faces.
The Power (and Pitfalls) of Naming Your Practice
The panel kicked off with the story behind the names of two acclaimed firms — MuseLAB and Moco Design Studio. Jassem Pirani and Huzafa Rangwala from MuseLAB avoided using their personal names, choosing instead a name born from the concept of muses and inspiration. Similarly, Moco’s founder Pritika Manjrekar explained how she wanted to build a brand that was larger than herself, rooted in her design values of modernity and context.
These decisions were more than just branding — they were philosophical stands on how they envisioned the longevity and identity of their work.
Why Some Architects Choose to Stay Behind the Scenes
Not every architect dreams of founding a firm. Mahyar Vaid (Senior Director, Talati & Partners) shared why he chose to stay within the structure of a large, international firm. For him, access to diverse projects, robust infrastructure, and a rich culture of learning outweighed the desire to be a solo practitioner.
As he put it, “It’s like being a kid in a candy store — you have 3D printers, libraries, and a team. You’re not a one-man army.”
Working With Friends: Blessing or Burnout?
Starting a studio with your best friend? That’s exactly what Jassem and Huzefa did. While the idea seemed idealistic at first, it wasn’t without its early struggles. “We didn’t go to the same college or work together before,” they shared. “It took us two years to really figure out how to balance our creative energies.”
Their key learning? Knowing each other’s strengths, respecting silence when needed, and always putting the project first.
Developer vs. Designer: The Internal Tug-of-War
Shilpa, now a design leader at a major real estate firm, revealed how her early desire to design eventually evolved into a fascination with the mechanics behind real-world projects. Approvals, business plans, and margins — these became her new design challenges.
“I realized I could influence design in my own way — through planning, coordination, and decisions,” she noted. “But yes, I do miss sketching now and then.”
The Harsh Realities: Salaries, Stress, and Saying No
One recurring theme? The pressure of payroll. Whether in partnerships or as solo founders, every entrepreneur on the panel admitted that the month-end salary stress is very real. Some even confessed they didn’t take salaries for the first few years just to ensure team payments went out on time.
There was also honesty about taking up projects “for survival,” learning how to say no over time, and making peace with the fact that passion doesn’t always pay immediately.
Cons No One Talks About — Until Now
From lack of personal recognition within larger firms to the emotional exhaustion of carrying a business solo, the panel didn’t sugarcoat the challenges. “If you don’t show up, nothing moves,” one founder said. Another added, “We’ve never left a project midway — even when payments got delayed. It’s our baby.”
Conclusion: Choose Your Path, Know Your Why
This panel at FOAID 2024 was a much-needed reality check for anyone at a career crossroads. Whether you choose to start your own firm, work at a larger company, or become a developer’s design strategist — the decision must come from your core purpose.
As one speaker wisely said, “You need to know whether you want to create something bigger than yourself — or be part of something that already is.”
Watch the full episode now –
