SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & GREEN CITIES | Q&A WITH CHIRAG AHLUWALIA
Continuing our series spotlighting emerging professionals at STARQ, we sat down with our Junior Designer, Chirag Ahluwalia, to discuss his approach to architecture and his passion for sustainable design.
Q - What excited you about working and joining the STARQ team?
CA - “My approach to architecture is driven by a desire to create meaningful change, recognizing that every building can influence both its surroundings and the people within it. One of the many reasons that drew me towards STARQ was the opportunity to work closely with the expertise of the team’s Directors and contribute to the upliftment of our environment by learning more about the design of green façades and facade systems for the sake of urban biodiversity.”
Q - Having worked at STARQ for a year now (especially as it is a small multidisciplinary business), has your view of the field changed at all, and if so, in what way?
CA - “Working at STARQ for the past year has been a refreshing change, as it is my first experience with an architectural firm in the United States. The office fosters a strong work-life balance, which I truly appreciate. Having previously worked at small and medium-sized firms, what stands out to me most at STARQ is the emphasis on networking, supported by initiatives like The Façade Tectonics Conferences and various workshops aimed at fostering growth and continuous learning. Additionally, the guidance and feedback from both Principals at STARQ have been extremely valuable in helping me understand their expectations, enabling me to contribute more effectively to the team’s success.”
Q - Looking towards the future, where do you see architecture heading and what would you like to see more of in the future? (ex: trends, specific design choices, etc.)
CA - “In an Architectural and Façade Consultancy firm, I visibly see the evolving limits of architecture, and by extension, exterior façade design. Materials and systems are becoming more efficient, with technology playing a significant role in this progress. While highly engineered glass and unitized curtain wall systems are developed to maximize safety, durability, and other material parameters for high-rise buildings, there is a rapidly growing trend toward green façades. In my view, this trend will greatly impact our relationship with the natural environment and contribute to reducing carbon emissions, especially in cities and areas where ground space for greenery is limited.”
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. We are excited to see what lies ahead!