Sustainable Building Architect & Technologist Interview

Energy-Efficient buildings not only reduce carbon footprint and minimise resource consumption but also promote a healthier living and working environment for occupants.

Anurag Sonar, our next pathbreaker, Facade Engineer at Eckersley O'Callaghan (London), focuses on façade performance which ensures buildings are functional, compliant and resilient to various environmental challenges, such as weather and climate change.

Anurag talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about being drawn to the challenge of merging aesthetics with engineering and sustainability, leading him to the emerging area of Façade engineering .

For students, the field of architecture is ever evolving, with new technologies and methods emerging regularly. Find what excites you and integrate that into your work.

Anurag, can you share your background with our young readers?

I grew up in Nashik, a semi-urban city renowned for its historical temple architecture and natural beauty, which fostered my appreciation for both history and nature. My father's background in physics and work as a radio mechanic, along with my mother's artistic talent, deeply influenced me. As a child, I enjoyed sketching and solving puzzles, which sparked my interest in art and problem-solving.

In school, I participated in regional drawing competitions and was involved in the Boy Scouts, where I developed a love for hands-on activities. I chose to major in Science and Mathematics in college, driven by my fascination with understanding complex systems. My natural curiosity and interest in the intersection of art and technology guided me towards considering architecture or engineering as a career path. The combination of creative visualization and technical skills continues to inspire my professional journey.

During my studies, I became particularly interested in detailed design. I was drawn to the challenge of merging aesthetics with engineering, which is why I eventually transitioned into Façade engineering after post-graduation.

What did you do for graduation/ post-graduation?

I completed my Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) from the University of Mumbai. After gaining some professional experience, I pursued my post-graduation with an MSc in Building Technology from the Technical University of Delft, Netherlands . This program deepened my understanding of advanced building systems and technologies, which played a crucial role in my shift towards façade engineering. Combining architectural design with cutting-edge building technology has allowed me to approach façade projects from both a creative and technical perspective.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in Facade Design/ Engineering?

From the beginning of my architecture studies, I was fascinated by how buildings could be more than just functional structures-they could also be designed to stand out, express creativity, and yet perform efficiently. I always had a strong interest in how the exterior of a building interacts with the environment while maintaining its aesthetic value. This naturally led me to the field of façade engineering, where I found the perfect balance between architectural design and technical problem-solving.

Another key influence was my desire to work on large-scale, impactful projects. Façades play a critical role in a building's energy performance, sustainability, and overall look, and being involved in these aspects motivated me to take on the unique challenges that façade engineering offers.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted?

During my BArch in India, I had the opportunity to study at both the Laurie Baker Center and the Auroville Earth Institute. These places are known for their focus on sustainable and cost-effective construction, with an emphasis on using locally available materials. Laurie Baker's philosophy of low-cost, environmentally friendly architecture really appealed to me because it aligned with my early interest in sustainability.

At the Auroville Earth Institute, I learned about earth construction techniques, like compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) and vaulted structures. Working with natural materials gave me a hands-on understanding of how to design buildings that have a minimal environmental impact. These experiences exposed me to the importance of material science in architecture and inspired me to think beyond conventional building methods.

The projects I worked on during this time were rooted in vernacular architecture and sustainability, and sparked a broader curiosity about how materials can influence building design. Although my focus wasn't specifically on façades at that time, this exposure to innovative and sustainable material use was a pivotal moment in my career. It led me to explore the intersection of architecture and technology further, which ultimately pushed me towards my Master's in Building Technology, where I began focusing on façades, especially with a material science perspective.

Can you tell us how did you decide to specialise on Facades?

After completing my architecture degree, I realised I wanted to specialise in something that combined both design and engineering. Initially, I gained experience by working on projects that had a strong focus on façade design. This helped me understand the practical challenges of implementing complex building envelopes. I then decided to pursue my Master's in Building technology at TU Delft, which provided me with a solid foundation in advanced construction technologies and materials.

The MSc in Architecture and Building Sciences was structured into four key segments: façade design, sustainable design, computational design, and structural design, with a focus on integrating advanced technologies and materials. The first part of the course provided foundational knowledge, covering essential topics like building physics, structural mechanics, and material science. A standout experience was the hands-on Bucky Lab project, where we built 1:1 scale prototypes, giving us practical exposure to real-world challenges in design and construction.

In the second part, I chose projects that aligned with my interests: Design Informatics, Structural Design for Glass, and Bridge Design. These group projects allowed each member to specialize in a specific role. I particularly enjoyed the collaborative aspect, which gave me an opportunity to focus on my strengths and learn from my peers.

The third part allowed for more specialized focus. I opted for a complex projects course called MEGA, where I took on the role of a façade designer. This was a pivotal moment in my career because I collaborated with professionals in the façade industry and learned the fundamentals of façade design. This experience had a profound impact on my future interests, particularly in façade engineering.

In the fourth part, we engaged in advanced material design using computational tools. I worked on a project called Earthy, which involved designing an automated system for constructing a healthcare center in the Al Zaatari refugee camp. This project showcased how computational design and material science can be applied to solve real-world problems.

Finally, the thesis, which spanned over nine months, allowed me to bring together my interests in sustainability, façade design, and structural glass. My thesis focused on façade product development, incorporating hands-on prototyping and both structural and thermal assessments. This project encapsulated the essence of the master's program and further solidified my passion for façade engineering.

During my masters, I worked at Yeh Designs, initially as a freelance architect before transitioning to a role as a technology consultant on a research and development project. During this time, I designed a scheme for a carbon-neutral, off-grid tiny home using biobased materials. This project provided me with the opportunity to engage in both research and design within a technology-integrated framework.

I also signed up for a Sustainable Design course which was part of a summer school program I attended after completing my master's degree. Sponsored by the Dutch embassy in Portugal, this two-week program began at the TU Delft campus and concluded in Covilhã. We were assigned tasks focused on regenerating the urban campuses sustainably, with a specific emphasis on the unique climatic conditions of each location. Given the small scale of both cities, the university campuses had a significant student population, resulting in a substantial share of energy consumption. Our team developed several sustainable strategies that aimed to positively impact the cities, particularly in terms of energy use and efficient waste recycling. This experience further solidified my commitment to sustainable design practices.

After completing my Master's, I applied my academic knowledge to real-world projects, which helped me refine my skills. Gradually, I took on more challenging projects and responsibilities, ensuring I was always learning and evolving in the field.

I made sure that I worked on projects where I could closely interact with both architects and engineers to understand the intricacies of façade systems. I focused on gaining practical experience by getting involved in the technical aspects of façade design, such as material selection and performance evaluation.

How did you get your first break?

My first break came after I completed my BArch, when I started working at Se-Arch an architectural firm in Mumbai, where I contributed to various hospitality projects. In this role . click apply for full job details