Interviewer: Banaji C Associates has been practicing for over sixty years. How would you describe the evolution of your legacy across two generations?
Ar. Jamshed Banaji: The practice was established in 1960 by my father, Ar. Daday Banaji, and it has grown organically with each generation. When I joined in 1994, it was about understanding that vision and creativity must always be grounded in care and integrity. My education at the University of Wisconsin and Arizona State University broadened my perspective, and later, founding Zaar Line allowed us to extend the firm’s capabilities into turnkey contracting while staying true to our core values.
Ar. Nirmala Banaji: I bring a complementary lens to this legacy. My background in textile design and business management, along with my education at LS Raheja, has shaped my approach. My work is rooted in understated elegance, modernity, and proportion— qualities that define how our multicultural team approaches every project.
Interviewer: Materials seem central to your work. How do you see “material as language” in your projects?
Nirmala: For us, materials are not just decorative choices; they are the vocabulary of design. Tactility shapes how people experience space. Our portfolio reflects this—from intricate wooden shutters and ornate metalwork to geometric glass panels and coffered ceilings with integrated lighting. Each material is chosen for how it will perform, age, and feel, and that commitment to craftsmanship ensures we meet contemporary functional demands.
Jamshed: When materials are treated as language, they communicate warmth, luxury, restraint, or openness without needing to shout. That quiet clarity is very important to us.
Interviewer: You often speak of intentional design. What does that mean for Banaji C Associates?
Jamshed: In an era of maximalist statements, we champion intentional design as both an emotional and spatial strategy. Intentional design doesn’t mean absence; it means purpose. Every element earns its place. Whether it’s a colonial revival residence set in lush landscaping or a luxury jewelry showroom that merges traditional opulence with contemporary clarity, we invest a lot of thought into why something exists in a space.
Nirmala: When a space is intentional, it feels calm, grounded, and intuitive to inhabit. That’s when design becomes truly timeless.
Interviewer: Your work spans heritage homes, contemporary residences, banks, and showrooms. How do you design for longevity across such diverse typologies?
Nirmala: The common thread is designing for permanence. Trends fade, but proportion and integrity endure. From heritage and contemporary residences to commercial projects like GSM Bank and Anish Silverline, and our retail showrooms, we focus on landscape, context, and cultural memory. These layers ensure that the spaces we create remain relevant and cherished for decades.
Interviewer: Mentorship and the future of practice clearly matter to you. How do you engage with the next generation?
Jamshed: I find particular joy in assembling the right teams to meet each client’s unique needs, and mentorship is woven into that process. Young architects need to understand that care is as important as creativity—that’s the foundation of timeless work.
Nirmala: Looking ahead, sustainability and thoughtfulness will continue to guide us. The future of Indian residential architecture lies in respecting heritage while embracing modernity, not as opposites but as collaborators. If we remain committed to thoughtful simplicity, material honesty, and emotional intelligence, we will continue to create spaces that truly transcend time.
