Starting an independent architectural practice is no small feat, especially when trying to balance heritage with contemporary client demands. For Architect Gayatri, the founder of the Madurai-based firm “Mutram,” the core philosophy of her practice revolves around integrating traditional architecture in modern design. By adapting the classic central courtyard concept into smaller urban spaces, she brings natural thermal comfort and a deep sense of cultural connection to contemporary homes.
Today, she successfully runs her practice, deeply rooted in traditional design philosophies while navigating the complexities of modern construction, tight budgets, and societal biases. In this interview, Ar. Gayatri shares her insights on client management, the importance of thermal comfort, and her vision for the future of architecture in Tamil Nadu.
The Philosophy Behind “Mutram”
Ar. Vidhya Lakshmi: “Mutram” is a beautiful Tamil word, but it’s not commonly used in everyday conversation anymore. What is the philosophy behind naming your practice Mutram?
Ar. Gayatri: For me, the idea of a Mutram (courtyard) stems from a very young age. I remember watching movies featuring homes with central courtyards—scenes of children playing in the rain, families making sweets during festivals, and a strong sense of connection. I always had a deep desire to live in a house with a courtyard.
As I studied architecture, I realized that a Mutram isn’t just about aesthetics; it provides thermal comfort, acts as a social and community space, and serves as the heart of daily family life. I try to incorporate this concept into all my designs. Even if space constraints prevent a full traditional courtyard, I strive to bring the effects of a Mutram—like thermal comfort and cross-ventilation—into modern buildings.
Ar. Vidhya Lakshmi: Bringing a regional identity like a courtyard into modern design must be challenging, especially with space constraints. How do you integrate this into your workflow?
Ar. Gayatri: The courtyard is the center of my planning. I determine how to orient the building around it, aligning horizontal and vertical axes to ensure cross-ventilation flows from all rooms toward the courtyard.
A courtyard doesn’t necessarily have to be a massive empty space; it can be integrated into a staircase, a passageway, or a central double-height living room ceiling with clerestory windows for passive ventilation. The theme and comfort of the Mutram must be present, even if the physical form adapts to the space.
The Design Workflow: Understanding the Client
Ar. Vidhya Lakshmi: Working in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities is quite different from working in metros. How does your workflow progress from getting a client to convincing them of your design?
Ar. Gayatri: The first and most crucial step in my design approach is understanding the client’s lifestyle. I want to know their daily routines, habits, and values. Ideally, I prefer to visit their current home to see how many people live there, how their kitchen is organized, how much storage they use, and what their daily utility needs are. For instance, I note how often they use the utility area, whether they need space to wash their feet, or where they store cleaning supplies.
After studying their routine, I visit the site to understand its constraints, such as the building’s orientation and how to cut harsh sunlight while maximizing thermal comfort. We then have a rough zoning session where we discuss Vastu positioning and functional needs. I usually create between two to six concepts until the client is fully convinced. Spending more time meeting and talking with clients builds a friendly relationship, which leads to better communication and makes the project much easier.
Budget Management and Innovative Solutions
Ar. Vidhya Lakshmi: I noticed you use a lot of architectural elements creatively. How do you manage client budgets?
Ar. Gayatri: If a client says they don’t have a budget constraint, I have the freedom to do anything. But if they have a strict budget, I plan accordingly. One of my key strategies for cost-cutting is the innovative use of Mangalore roof tiles. They are my trump card. For example, in a balcony, I inverted the Mangalore tiles inside out to create an interesting workflow and aesthetic while keeping costs down.
I also suggest alternative foundation methods like pile foundations instead of normal ones, or using pillar slabs depending on the project’s scale to make it more affordable. I avoid unnecessary expenses like complex texture paints and prefer simple lime finishes.
Ar. Vidhya Lakshmi: Could you share an example of how you applied these techniques?
Ar. Gayatri: I recently designed a project in Madurai on a very narrow plot—just 13 feet by 40 feet. The client wanted the upper floor left open for future rental construction, but primary ventilation was only available from the front.
To solve this, I placed the kitchen at the back (as they requested for privacy) and raised the roof level there, using clerestory windows to vent out smoke and heat. Instead of a permanent concrete slab for the front extension, I used a temporary truss with Mangalore roof tiles, which provided thermal comfort and could easily be dismantled and shifted to the upper floor when they decide to expand. We managed to build a well-lit, cross-ventilated 600 sq ft space with a double-height ceiling for a total budget of just 17 Lakhs.
Navigating Challenges: Vastu, Contractors, and Gender Bias
Ar. Vidhya Lakshmi: What are the biggest challenges you face during execution?
Ar. Gayatri: Budget changes are a primary issue; sometimes clients suddenly change their budgets, or we have to pause projects entirely if funds run out, as I strongly advise clients not to go into debt just to finish a design.
Another major hurdle is sudden Vastu changes. After finalizing concepts and laying the foundation, clients sometimes consult a Vastu expert and demand structural shifts midway. Explaining and convincing them why certain design decisions were made for their ultimate comfort becomes a huge challenge.
Ar. Vidhya Lakshmi: Does being a woman architect affect how clients and contractors perceive you?
Ar. Gayatri: Yes, unfortunately, the societal mindset is a massive challenge. Civil engineering and construction are still seen as male-dominated fields. I have had clients deny me projects simply because I am a woman. Even when I provide proper, logical explanations for a design choice, some clients will only trust it if a male civil engineer or Vastu expert validates it.
People often judge you just for being a girl, and they easily trust a male counterpart’s word over yours, regardless of talent or knowledge. To navigate this, I sometimes bring my brother with me to the site; just by having a man standing there, people feel more confident and trust the project more.
The Heritage vs. “Glass Box” Dilemma
A major hurdle in implementing traditional architecture in modern design is shifting the mindset of clients who are drawn to Western aesthetics. Many modern builders default to constructing highly glazed “glass boxes” that mimic foreign styles but require heavy, unsustainable air conditioning. By demonstrating the scientific benefits of older, regional building techniques—such as thick walls, proper overhangs, and natural cross-ventilation—Gayatri helps clients see the immense value of maintaining regional identity within their modern lifestyles.
Ar. Vidhya Lakshmi: As someone practicing in a heritage-rich city like Madurai, what are your thoughts on modern construction trends?
Ar. Gayatri: There is a deeply rooted mindset where people want to mimic Western culture. They want shiny, white, glass-filled buildings because it feels “foreign” and modern, completely ignoring our ethnicity and climate needs.
If you look at 50-year-old buildings in Madurai, they feature thick walls made of lime and have an incredible natural thermal comfort. Today, people are building “glass boxes” that require heavy air conditioning, completely missing the point of sensible, climate-responsive architecture. When clients come to me asking for these gimmicky glass elevations, I patiently sit with them, show them images of old Madurai buildings, and explain the science behind sloping roofs, overhangs, and natural screening. Sometimes it works; but if a client adamantly insists on an unsustainable glass box, I politely decline the project, as I believe architects have a social responsibility to build sensibly.
Ar. Vidhya Lakshmi: What is your stance on renovating older buildings versus building new ones?
Ar. Gayatri: Restoration is almost always the best option if the building’s authenticity can be retained. Older buildings often have incredibly strong foundations, like jack arches, and a natural thermal comfort that is impossible to replicate with today’s materials. If a client asks me to demolish an old house, I first look for the scope of renovation, trying to retain the foundation and pillars, and simply updating the interiors to make it a livable, modern space.
The Future: AI, Education, and Practice
Ar. Vidhya Lakshmi: With rapid technological advancements like AI coming into play, how much does it influence your design process?
Ar. Gayatri: Technology and AI are important and quite helpful. While not every building requires extreme technological integration, AI is a fantastic tool for generating multiple visual options for clients quickly. If a client wants to see how their building would look with a traditional finish versus an industrial look, AI can generate those images, making it much easier to communicate ideas and understand their preferences.
Ar. Vidhya Lakshmi: Finally, how do you view the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience?
Ar. Gayatri: Both are equally important. Academic experience and regular interaction with students help us understand the dynamic mindset of the upcoming generation and future trends. However, practical knowledge is vital. What you learn on a whiteboard doesn’t fully translate until you are on-site, experiencing the space, and understanding what works and what doesn’t. Internships and the traditional “Guru-Shishya” method of learning directly from practice are indispensable for any young architect.