I am An Architect, Not a Women Architect!

Ruchi Jain is an accomplished architect and urban planner with over two decades of extensive experience in architectural design, town planning, and project management. As the Director at Manish Jain & Associates since 2016, she has led numerous prestigious projects across India, including residential townships, group housing developments, commercial complexes, educational institutions, and large-scale urban planning assignments.

Ruchi draws inspiration from different sectors and applies innovative ideas across all work. Throughout her career, Ruchi has been instrumental in delivering sustainable designs, managing multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring green building certifications (IGBC Gold ratings), and securing regulatory approvals efficiently

In an exclusive interaction with Homes India, Ruchi walks us through the nitty-gritty of how women have busted the myth of Architecture being a men-dominated industry: 

Architectural practice is believed to be married intrinsically to technology. So, how are women architects proving professionally competitive in the Indian architecture market?

Architecture today is inseparable from technology. Women architects in India are proving to be highly competitive by embracing technology just as proficiently as their peers, and often adding unique value through multidisciplinary approaches, empathy-driven design, and attention to detail — all of which are increasingly prized in today's complex projects.

Moreover,   many women are leading innovations in sustainable architecture and digital heritage conservation, showing that professional excellence is driven by expertise and vision, not gender. I see technology as a field where continuous learning is key, and I’m excited to contribute to a profession that increasingly values diverse leadership and skills.

Equality and equal opportunities still seem to be a little illusional, as certain limitations are trickling in from outside the immediate inner circle of neutrality. How are women eradicating discrimination in the male-dominated sector?

Even though we talk a lot about equality today, in reality, women still face discrimination, especially in male-dominated fields like architecture.

However, women are actively working to break this taboo.They are leading large-scale projects, meeting tight deadlines, and climbing construction sites confidently—without letting anything hold them back. They’re proving through action that they belong in every space, from design studios to dusty site visits.

Speaking from personal experience, I see women working shoulder to shoulder with CEOs, managing directors, project managers, and contractors. They attend site meetings, take major decisions, and manage project budgets with authority and precision. They’re not just participating—they’re leading.

This presence and perseverance are helping break old stereotypes and gradually creating a more equal and respectful environment for everyone in the field.

Briefly explain how technology is playing a supportive and destructive role in women’s journey in architecture.

Supportive role:

Remote Work Flexibility: Digital tools and virtual collaboration platforms allow women to work from home or flexible locations—especially helpful for those balancing professional work with family responsibilities.

Digital Portfolios & Social Media: Women can showcase their work directly to the public and potential clients online, helping bypass bias in traditional hiring or promotion systems.

Destructive Role:

At the same time, the rapid growth of technology can create pressure to constantly keep up with new tools and trends, which may be harder for those who have limited access or time—especially women balancing work and family.

Do you think women can overcome all types of site gambling and tricks played by male labourers?

Women who are confident in their technical knowledge—about materials, construction methods, and processes—automatically earn respect. When people on-site see that you understand the work in detail and you're confident in your decisions, they start respecting you naturally

Many women win over teammates and juniors not just with authority but also by showing respect and professionalism. Once mutual trust is built, the work environment becomes smoother for everyone.

To inspire and to be inspired, what is the future of women architects in the sea of chauvinism?

In a field where chauvinism still exists in pockets, the future of women architects is not just about survival — it’s about leadership and transformation

To inspire and to be inspired, women architects are:

• Carving their own space in design studios, construction sites, and boardrooms with bold ideas and fearless leadership.
• Breaking stereotypes by leading large-scale projects, founding successful firms, and teaching the next generation.
• Using empathy and innovation to create spaces that are not just functional but inclusive and meaningful.
• Turning barriers into blueprints, proving that challenges are just opportunities in disguise.

The future belongs to those who build it—and women architects are not just part of that future, they’re shaping it. The sea of chauvinism may still exist, but women are learning to sail through it with confidence—and inspiring others to do the same.

  QUICK FACTS:

Education:

• Master’s in Town and Regional Planning – S.V.N.I.T., Surat (2003)
• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) – S.C.E.T., Surat (2000)

Professional Memberships:

• Member, Council of Architects
• Member, Indian Institute of Town Planners
• Member, Indian Institute of Architects

Language Proficiency:

• English, Hindi, Gujarati – Fluent (Read, Write, Speak)

Employment History:

• Manish Jain and Associates – Director (2016–Present)
• Gian P. Mathur and Associates – Vice President, Planning (2006–2016)
• Design Point Vizon India Consult – Head, Town Planning Department (2003–2005)