In conversation with Vasanth Packirisamy, Artist, Principal Architect and Partner at Firki Studio, a practice known for its fresh, modular, and idea-driven approach to architecture. In this episode of the High on Design Podcast, Vasanth reflects on the journey that shaped both him and the studio — starting from childhood curiosities to co-founding one of the best dynamic design collectives in the country.

He shares how Firki came into being, the story behind its name, and what it takes to build a five-partner practice that thrives on independence, experimentation, and shared vision. From navigating early struggles to building a culture where even interns have a say, Vasanth speaks honestly about leadership, collaboration, and the importance of giving people space to think differently.We talk about life with kids, how parenthood shifts your thinking, and the ever-elusive work-life balance. He also dives into the many strange (and often hilarious) client requests they’ve faced — and why every project is an opportunity for creative problem-solving. From artistic intent to architectural practicality, Vasanth unpacks how architecture must be judged after it’s built, and where the future of design is heading.This episode is full of real talk on studio life, shared ownership, design experimentation, and how to build work that feels both personal and powerful.Chapters:0:52 – Introduction1:26 – Becoming an accidental architect & business owner7:15 – Starting his professional journey13:46 – Marriage, jobs, and early business days15:32 – First few years of work 17:34 – Firki ended up with 5 partners20:31 – The story behind the name ‘Firki Studio’24:36 – How to approach looking at buildings & design29:12 – Unique and unexpected client briefs38:07 – Creating products while building spaces43:06 – The story behind Firki’s brick office50:23 – What it’s like raising a child when both parents are architects52:44 – How Firki Studio is decentralizing design57:23 – What’s coming next at Firki Studio59:13 – Staying inspired