What does it take to design a space that feels like a story?
In this episode of The CODE: Construction. Design. Engineering., Rishabh Aggarwal sits inside one of Delhi’s most extraordinary interiors — PVR Home, Vasant Kunj — with the visionary behind it, Architect Smriti Raheja Sawhney, Founder of DesignEx.
Together, they decode the architecture, materials, and lighting that shaped this luxurious, emotionally intelligent space.
Smriti shares how brass, marble, and glass were layered to create warmth and drama, why lighting is not just about visibility but emotion, and how design can make people feel even before they understand why.
She also opens up about her journey — building DesignEx, the challenges of being a woman in architecture, and the reality of balancing creativity with business.
Whether you’re an architect, designer, builder, or design enthusiast, this episode is your front-row seat to the making of one of India’s most talked-about hospitality interiors.
🎙 Inside PVR Home — where architecture becomes experience.
EP129 — Doctor Concrete Part 6: The Science of Curing
In the final episode of our Doctor Concrete series on The CODE – India’s No.1 Construction Podcast, Er. Suneet Gupta — Civil Engineer, Concrete Technologist, and affectionately known as Doctor Concrete — breaks down the most misunderstood and overlooked step in concrete making: Curing.
We’ve talked about Batching, Mixing, Transportation, Placement, Compaction, and Finishing.
Now comes the step that ensures all of that effort actually works — Curing.
Curing is not just sprinkling water; it’s a controlled process that helps concrete gain its true design strength, durability, and resistance to cracks. Yet, it’s the step most people rush or skip.
In this episode, Doctor Concrete explains:
What curing really does inside the concrete structure.
Why continuous moisture is critical for cement hydration.
The right duration for curing as per IS 456:2000 (7–14 days minimum).
The best methods — ponding, wet gunny bags, sprinkling, curing compounds.
What happens when curing is delayed or insufficient.
The link between curing, durability, and life span of RCC structures.
Because the truth is simple — you can do everything else right, but if you skip curing, your concrete will fail.
🎧 Watch EP129 – Doctor Concrete: The Science of Curing now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
#DoctorConcrete #TheCODEPodcast #ConcreteTips #CivilEngineering #ConcreteCuring #ConstructionBasics #SiteWork #BuildingStrong #RCC #Infrastructure #ConcreteScience
EP128 — Doctor Concrete Part 5: The Art of Finishing
In this episode of The CODE – India’s No.1 Construction Podcast, we continue our 7-part Doctor Concrete series with Er. Suneet Gupta, Civil Engineer and Concrete Expert — widely known as Doctor Concrete.
After exploring Batching, Mixing, Transportation, Placement, and Compaction, we now move to one of the most visually defining and performance-critical stages of concrete work — Finishing.
Finishing isn’t just about how your slab looks; it’s about how it performs. Done right, it prevents cracks, improves durability, ensures better bonding for flooring, and gives concrete its final strength and character.
In EP128 – The Art of Finishing, Doctor Concrete explains:
What finishing actually means in concrete construction.
The right time to start finishing after compaction.
How to avoid bleeding water and laitance on the surface.
Tools and techniques — from wood floats to power trowels.
Common mistakes that lead to surface cracks and weak layers.
IS code guidelines for finishing and curing practices.
Why finishing too early or too late can ruin the top layer’s strength.
Doctor Concrete simplifies how proper finishing is not just an aesthetic step but a scientific process — one that directly impacts the life and quality of the structure.
🎧 Watch EP128 – Doctor Concrete: The Art of Finishing now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
#DoctorConcrete #TheCODEPodcast #ConcreteTips #CivilEngineering #ConcreteFinishing #SiteWork #ConstructionBasics #BuildingStrong #RCC #SurfaceFinishing
EP127 — Doctor Concrete Part 4: The Art of CompactionIn this episode of The CODE – India’s No.1 Construction Podcast, we continue our exclusive 7-part Doctor Concrete series with Er. Suneet Gupta, Civil Engineer and Concrete Expert — known across the industry as Doctor Concrete.After discussing Batching, Mixing, Transportation, and Placement, we now move to the fifth and most crucial step in making strong, durable concrete — Compaction.Compaction is where the concrete truly comes to life. It’s the step that decides whether your concrete is dense, durable, and strong, or full of voids, honeycombs, and hidden weaknesses.In this episode, Doctor Concrete explains:What compaction really means and why it’s essential for achieving design strength.The difference between manual and mechanical compaction methods.How to properly use a needle vibrator on site — duration, frequency, and spacing.What happens when you under-compact or over-compact.IS 456:2000 guidelines on compaction and vibration time.Common on-site mistakes that reduce strength and durability.Practical site tips for contractors, engineers, and homeowners to ensure perfect compaction every time.Doctor Concrete simplifies what many overlook — that even a perfectly mixed and placed concrete can fail if not compacted right.🎧 Watch EP127 – Doctor Concrete: The Art of Compaction now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.#DoctorConcrete #TheCODEPodcast #ConcreteTips #CivilEngineering #ConcreteCompaction #SiteWork #ConstructionBasics #BuildingStrong #RCC
EPISODE 126: Are All Indian Hotels Starting to Look the Same? | Ar. Anil Badan on the Future of Hospitality Design
From Jammu to Nairobi, from the Himalayan slopes of Gulmarg to the tropical coastlines of Goa — Ar. Anil Badan, Founder and Principal Architect at Studio B Architects, has shaped some of the most iconic hospitality destinations across India and the world. With over 25 years of experience and projects spanning countries like Kenya, China, Pakistan, Bahrain, and Zambia, his portfolio includes names like The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Radisson Blu Agra, Taj Gateway Raipur, Park Plaza Lahore, Holiday Inn Noida, and many more.
In this episode of The CODE, we sit down with Ar. Badan to explore the evolution of Indian hospitality design — and ask the question that’s on everyone’s mind: “Are all Indian hotels starting to look the same?”
His journey from Genesis Interiors and Fab Interiors to establishing Studio B Architects in 2002.
The behind-the-scenes challenges of building in extreme climates — like the Khyber Himalayan Resort in Gulmarg.
What it takes to design 50+ hotels across continents — and how culture, climate, and context shape architecture.
The creative constraints of working with global hotel brands like Radisson, Holiday Inn, Lemon Tree, and Marriott.
Whether brand guidelines are killing creativity in Indian hospitality design.
Why many Indian hotels now look “copy-paste” and how the industry can reclaim originality.
The rise of boutique hotels vs. large chains — and where the real design innovation lies.
His take on Indian developers, ROI pressures, and the future of design individuality.
Fun segments including a rapid-fire round (his wildest client request, favorite project, and biggest design regret) and a “this or that” game revealing his personal preferences in design.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of The CODE with Rishabh Aggarwal —
Available on:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, and Audible
đź“° Read extended insights and design stories from this episode on:
Substack and Medium under The CODE by Rishabh Aggarwal
🧠What We Discussed:
Episode 125 — This Couple Designs Homes Together — and Still Talks to Each Other
Meet Ar. Vardha Aggarwal and Ar. Chirag Gupta, the creative duo behind Sculpt Design Studio, one of Delhi’s most exciting young design practices redefining contemporary Indian homes. Founded in 2019, their studio is known for crafting meaningful, human-centric spaces that blend emotion, function, and aesthetic ease — from luxury residences to boutique commercial interiors.
But today’s conversation isn’t just about design. It’s about what happens when love, architecture, and business collide under one roof.
We talk about:
🎙️ How couples survive running a design firm together.
đź’ˇ The biggest lighting mistakes Indian homeowners make.
🪑 One small change that instantly makes a home feel luxurious.
🎨 Styling secrets for modern Indian apartments.
🔥 2025 design trends — arches, curves, wellness, and warm tones.
🧠“Do architects secretly hate Pinterest boards?”
🏠“Homes should feel like a hotel suite or your favourite old sweater?”
⚖️ His view vs her view — open kitchens, function vs form, Vaastu vs modern planning.
💬 The weirdest client requests and the funniest design disagreements they’ve had.
This episode is playful, opinionated, and full of real design wisdom — from lighting, luxury, and styling, to how couples navigate creativity together without losing their minds (or their clients).
If you’ve ever dreamt of running a studio with your partner, designing your own home, or just love hearing couples debate marble and mood boards — this one’s for you.
📍 Hosted by: Rishabh Aggarwal — Founder & Host of The CODE – India’s No.1 Construction Podcast
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, JioSaavn & YouTube
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🎯 YouTube Tags (for virality & discoverability)
EP124 — Doctor Concrete Part 3: Transportation & Placement of ConcreteIn this episode of The CODE – India’s No.1 Construction Podcast, we continue our 7-part mini-series with Civil Engineer Suneet Gupta, aka Doctor Concrete — the man who’s simplifying concrete science for everyone from site engineers to homeowners.After covering Batching and Mixing in the previous episodes, Doctor Concrete now explains the 3rd and 4th steps of making strong site-mixed concrete — Transportation and Placement.Most people think good concrete ends with a good mix, but Suneet reveals why what happens after mixing decides whether your concrete stays strong or starts failing early.In this episode, we discuss:What happens to concrete between mixing and pouring.Why delay in transportation can ruin your mix.How to maintain workability while moving concrete on site.The right way to place concrete in formwork to avoid segregation.Common on-site blunders that reduce the strength of even the best concrete.Ideal time limits between mixing, transport, and placement as per IS codes.Tips for small builders and homeowners to monitor quality control.Doctor Concrete brings his years of experience and site wisdom to explain how these seemingly simple steps — moving and placing concrete — can make or break your structure’s life.If you’re building your own home, managing a project, or just love construction science, this episode is a must-watch.🎧 Watch EP124 – Doctor Concrete: Transportation & Placement of Concrete now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.#DoctorConcrete #TheCODEPodcast #ConcreteTips #CivilEngineering #ConstructionBasics #ConcretePlacement #SiteWork #BuildingStrong
EP123 – What Nobody Understands About India’s Property Market | With Deben Moza (Knight Frank)
In this episode of The CODE – India’s No.1 Construction Podcast, Rishabh Aggarwal sits down with Deben Moza, a seasoned leader with over two decades of professional experience in architecture, construction/project management, and corporate relocations. Currently with Knight Frank, one of the world’s leading independent real estate consultancies, Deben has delivered projects across hospitality, residential, commercial, and retail sectors, with expertise in project management, workplace strategy, and construction consulting.
We deep-dive into the realities of India’s property market—the parts that nobody talks about openly. From delays, regulations, and ESG challenges to workplace transformations and the future of Indian cities, this conversation is packed with insights for developers, architects, civil engineers, students, and homebuyers alike.
🔑 Key Questions Discussed in This Episode:
How has Deben Moza’s career shaped his perspective on architecture, construction, and real estate?
What is Knight Frank’s philosophy of “partners in property” and why does trust matter in today’s market?
Is the Indian office dead—or just evolving post-COVID?
Which property sectors in India excite Deben the most, and which worry him?
Why does the Indian construction industry still suffer from cost overruns and delays?
Is sustainability in construction genuine, or mostly greenwashing?
What makes Indian real estate uniquely challenging compared to London, Singapore, or Dubai?
Are luxury housing prices in India a bubble waiting to burst?
Which Indian cities are getting urban planning right—and which are failing?
How can Knight Frank and consultancies like it help solve India’s affordable housing crisis?
What does the future of project management and real estate look like with AI, ESG, and global capital flows?
💡 Whether you’re a student, builder, architect, engineer, or investor, this episode reveals what nobody understands about India’s property market—but should.
Doctor Concrete Part 2: Mastering the MixIn this second episode with Civil Engineer Suneet Gupta, aka “Doctor Concrete”, we explore the Mixing stage—the step that brings together cement, aggregates, sand, and water into one cohesive blend.Mixing determines the workability, strength, and durability of your concrete. A bad mix can lead to weak structures, cracks, and costly repairs. Doctor Concrete simplifies the science and explains:The difference between hand mixing and machine mixing.Why uniformity matters for quality concrete.How much mixing is enough (and how much is too much!).Practical do’s and don’ts for site engineers and homeowners.This is Part 2 in our 7-step journey to perfect site-mixed concrete. Make sure you catch Part 1 on Batching and get ready for Part 3 on Transportation & Placement!
Doctor Concrete Part 1: The Art of Batching
Welcome to the first episode of our fun and insightful mini-series with Civil Engineer Suneet Gupta, aka “Doctor Concrete”. In this part, we dive into the first step of making the best possible concrete while site mixing – Batching.
Batching is all about getting the proportions right—the exact measurement of cement, sand, aggregates, and water. Without this precision, the concrete’s strength, durability, and workability suffer.
Doctor Concrete breaks it down in a simple, engaging way, explaining:
Why batching is the foundation of good concrete.
The difference between volume batching and weight batching.
The common mistakes people make at construction sites.
Practical tips for homeowners and site engineers to ensure quality.
This is Part 1 of a 7-step series covering Batching, Mixing, Transportation, Placement, Compaction, Finishing, and Curing. If you’re building your own home, working on a site, or just curious about how strong concrete is made, this is the perfect place to start!
Stay tuned for Part 2: Mastering the Mix coming soon.
EP120 - Is Delhi Still Liveable? answers A.K. Jain, Former Commissioner DDA | The CODE | Podcast
00:43 Delhi's history by A. K. Jain04:00 Edwin Lutyens story, Kingsway camp and Raisina Hills 06:52 SPA in 1969 and Joined DDA in 197607:17 Floods are a test for planning08:21 Kingsway camp mein toh paani bharega hi..09:37 Story- How Agencies came up12:09 1951 had 5 lakhs refugees come to Delhi and...14:15 DLF made GK and Rajouri Garden15:02 Delhi needed 2 things.. 16:14 Defining roles- DDA and MCD17:15 Ford Foundation helped with first MPD18:18 Delhi master plan should be a model for other cities18:52 1962 first master plan of Delhi and 62 cities followed the same20:15 Re-settlement of slums in Delhi during emergency and some numbers22:00 Many colonies and residential plotting (with names) happened23:00 In 1962 masterplan, 20% green cover24:40 "Jo kaam karta hai toh criticism bhi hota hai..."25:00 Mentions different criticisms received for different regions...28:20 Transport is the backbone of any masterplan..29:18 2002 saw Delhi metro 29:52 Kya heavily dense population actually ek problem hai? surprise.33:00 Builders demand high rise but we have realised...35:54 Multi storey lobbyist arguments become invalid as the city becomes dysfunctional37:31 There are many unauthorised colonies in Delhi.. is that a problem?39:43 What is Regularising of colony40:42 Unauthorised colonies are not slums, political parties misuse this term43:00 What is an urban village?45:22 Story of Delhi sealing drive in 2006 and master plan 2021 and 204148:17 Bhurelal Committee48:58 then...Gun fired in Jahangirpuri50:00 Amendments done to master plan and mixed land use came in52:14 3-4 new things in MPD 202153:18 previous MPD did not consider Environment factors55:00 We proposed that public transit should be free but DTC and DMRC did not have the budget56:11 We said flyovers are a temporary solution but elections..57:48 Delhi drainage was designed in 1970 for 35 lakh population, is it possible to re-do the drainage in Delhi for current and future situation? YES. 59:08 Delhi has 14 departments to solve the problem of drainage and irrigation!!! But...1:00:44 There are 28 major drains that are 600 kms in length in Delhi1:02:05 In 1962 master plan, Yamuna, Ring road, Leaders memorials and Samadhis1:04:00 In 1982 10,000 acre land was planned to be developed near the Yamuna but was reasonably rejected and DDA agreed 1:09:18 For MPD 2041 I suggest to plan for short term and keep moving forward with definite goals..01:10:00 5 things to focus on for MPD 204101:15:41 Delhi nullahs ka waste jaata kahan hai?? Shocking!01:18:00 This can be sorted very quickly, it is an engineering problem.01:19:32 Embankments along the river and areas at risk01:22:19 Best 3 points of MPD 20211:23:06 The Language in MPD 2021 was not biding and was soft01:26:42 One street rule you would like to change 01:30:14 What should NCR towns learn from Delhi's failures01:33:55 Should Delhi NCR have a unified regional body? Centralization of power…01:36:30 Delhi should have setup UMTA for last mile services? Hear this story..01:43:00 Liveablity is an Abstract concept..01:44:21 Liveability defined by me..01:46:48 Power politics..01:47:24 How do you find Delhi’s future?01:48:21 Can ordinary citizens and RWAs push and be the catalyst for betterment in Delhi?01:49:00 Public participation in planning exists as a provision but…01:50:28 He sent his suggestions but no acknowledgement happened01:51:00 If they are not responsive.. they are useless01:55:00 If Liveability is triggered by govt and citizen actions only, what are the steps each can take for progress01:56:30 Hum China se bahut peeche reh gaye hain…01:57:37 Singapore humse bahut peeche tha…they are thought leaders of the world01:58:38 Advice for young professionals and students of AEC industry
In this episode of The CODE – India’s No.1 Construction Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Adv. Harshul Savla – Real Estate Developer, World Record Holder, Author, and one of India’s most decorated thought leaders in the property sector.
Dr. Savla is the Managing Partner of M Realty (Suvidha Lifespaces), which has successfully delivered over 2 million sq. ft. of development across Mumbai City in the last 30 years. He holds a Ph.D. on REITs from the University of Mumbai and is pursuing a second Ph.D. on RERA from the Department of Law, University of Mumbai. With degrees spanning MBA from JBIMS, LL.B from Government Law College, and LL.M in Environmental Studies, his academic depth matches his industry experience.
He also holds the World Record for “Maximum Books Authored on Real Estate Sector”—18 published works, many of which are Amazon Bestsellers. Recognized as a “Young Thought Leader” more than 25 times by CRISIL India, Economic Times, CNBC TV18, ET Now and others, Dr. Savla brings unmatched insight into India’s real estate landscape. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of Statistics and Research at CREDAI India & CREDAI MCHI, and Chairman of Business Process Automation at CREDAI National Youth Wing.
If you’re an architect, civil engineer, developer, investor, or just curious about India’s property market, this episode will give you both clarity and controversy.
Timestamps:
0:00 - How has research shaped the way you do business?
01:36 - REITs in India: Do you think REITs will truly democratize real estate investments in India, or will they remain limited to big institutional players?
03:19 - On RERA: You’re pursuing your second Ph.D. on RERA. Do you think RERA has genuinely protected homebuyers, or has it ended up burdening developers with red tape?
04:40- RERA is like "Sharma ji ka beta"
06:28: RERA is certifying the project, not the developer
07:04 : Does marketing the project as "RERA approved" really make it a safe investment?
08:44 We need to have synchronization between local authorities and RERA
10:19 Books & Records: You hold the world record for maximum books authored in real estate. Which book do you think changed the industry narrative the most, and why?
12:26 Data & Research: As Chairman of Statistics and Research at CREDAI, what trend do you think is most under-discussed in Indian real estate right now?
14:33 Trust depletes when scams like those that Dholera happen
16:39 Developers’ Reputation: Many people still equate developers with delays, cost escalations, and false promises. As a developer yourself, do you think this reputation is earned—or unfair?
17:29 EODB (Ease of Doing Business) and Single window approval is just a term and not real in India
18:45 Affordable Housing: Governments keep promising “Housing for All” by 2022, 2024, 2026… Why do you think India is still struggling to deliver true affordable housing?19:00 An interesting analogy why affordable housing is a dream and not reality in India
21:01 Investor vs. End-User: Is Indian real estate still more about speculation than actual housing demand? Are we building homes to live in, or to flip?
22:21 RERA Reality Check: If you had the power to rewrite RERA today, what’s the first clause you would remove—or add?
22:42 Young Thought Leader Awards: You’ve been awarded as a “Young Thought Leader” 25 times by big corporations. Some critics say these awards are more about networking and PR than actual contribution. What’s your take?
24:59 The Future of Developers: With tech disruption, AI, and fractional ownership platforms—do you think the traditional role of the “big developer” is slowly dying?26:05 FUN Segment
28:15 Quick things to write a book in 30 days
30:06 If I gave you ₹100 crore to invest today—where in India would you buy land?
🏛️ Why do Indian homes need courtyards again? In this episode of The CODE Podcast, I sit down with Ar. Pathik Joshi, co-founder of Kypad Design Office LLP, to explore how traditional Indian values are merging with modern architecture to create homes and cities for the future.
Ar. Pathik Joshi is a graduate of KRVIA, Mumbai, and holds a Master’s in Urban Design from the University of Texas, Austin. With global experience at Humphreys and Partners Architects and as a partner at Kalayojan Architects, he has led large-scale urban projects like metro stations, institutional campuses, and even the International Christian Worship Centre in Nigeria. Today, through Kypad Design Office LLP, Pathik blends international expertise with cultural rootedness, designing projects across India, Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Africa.
💥 If Mumbai was to start from scratch tomorrow — what would you design differently?
đź’Ą Why are courtyards making a comeback in modern Indian homes?
💥 What are the 3 biggest design mistakes Indian homeowners make — and how can you avoid them?
đź’Ą Will our cities in 2050 feel more like Dubai, Copenhagen, or something uniquely Indian?
đź’Ą How can parametric and computational design make homes more human?
DM Residence – a 53rd-floor apartment that blends Western functionality with Eastern aesthetics.
NG Residence (The Zest Nest) – a 3000 sq.ft tranquil family home in Malad, Mumbai.
Wishlist Mansion – a 23,000 sq.ft multigenerational home reimagining the traditional aangan.
🎧 Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of Indian homes, courtyards, and cities.
🔔 Subscribe to India’s No.1 Construction Podcast for more conversations with leading architects, designers, and builders shaping the built world.
👉 Comment below: What’s one feature every Indian home should have?
👤 About the Guest❓ Tough Questions We Asked🏡 Projects We Discussed
EP 117 – Legacy Meets Density: Can Indian Cities Be Humane Again?
Guest: Shivang Bansal, Principal Associate Architect, Vastunidhi
In this episode of The CODE, we dive deep into the evolving DNA of Indian cities with Shivang Bansal, second-generation architect at Vastunidhi, one of North India’s most enduring multidisciplinary firms.
Son of founders Anil and Shallu Bansal, Shivang is redefining legacy through the lens of systems thinking, urban responsibility, and humane design. With degrees from SPA Delhi and The Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL), he brings a sharp, research-backed approach to architecture that’s rooted in real-world Indian complexity.
🎙 In this conversation, we explore:
How a second-generation architect balances legacy vs reinvention
What it’s really like working with both your parents in the same firm
The state of urban density in NCR—from Noida to Faridabad to Gurgaon
What it means to design with “dignity” in high-density developments
Why FSI addiction and glass tower culture may be harming Indian cities
The difference between global theory and Indian execution
How architecture is a systems problem, not just a design problem
The future of mixed-use, walkability, and coexistence in Indian urbanism
How to design spaces for people you’ll never meet, with humility
Whether Indian architects are too obsessed with aesthetics
🧠Shivang also drops insights on how Indian architects can adapt without losing cultural and contextual grounding—along with spicy takes on client expectations, regulatory frameworks, and his vision for the next decade of urban transformation.
Don’t miss the fun rapid fire and “This or That” round where Shivang reveals:
A building in NCR he’d happily see demolished
What he’d ban outright in a new city masterplan
Why walkability is more powerful than expressways
🎙️ EP 116: Walking 2500 KM to Redesign India: Gita Balakrishnan on Why Architecture Needs a Revolution
What drives someone to walk 1,700 kilometers across India — not for fame, not for fortune, but for architecture?
In this powerful episode of The CODE, host Rishabh Aggarwal sits down with Gita Balakrishnan, architect, educator, mentor, and founder of Ethos, ACEDGE, and the unforgettable movement Walk for Arcause. Together, they explore one of the boldest questions of our time:
Is Indian architecture broken — and can it be healed?
🔥 From her early days as a young architect to mentoring thousands of students and literally walking across India to reconnect design with people, Gita shares insights that will shake up everything you think you know about architecture, education, and social responsibility.
We cover:
The shocking disconnect between architects and the people they’re supposed to serve
Why our cities are turning into concrete chaos — and who’s really to blame
Whether architecture has become a playground for the privileged
Her wildest and most humbling moments on the road across India
Why every architecture student should live in a village
The biggest lie in architecture education today
The problem with starchitect culture, “glass buildings,” and why rural India may hold the answers to our future
🎯 Plus: Rapid fire, “This or That,” design confessions, controversial hot takes — and Gita’s unfiltered advice for young architects, civil engineers, and designers trying to find their way in a world full of noise.
🔚 And don’t miss her final mic-drop moment:
“The future of Indian architecture is ______.”
If you care about design, people, the planet — or just want to know how one person can create real change — this is the episode you cannot miss.
🎙️ Episode #115: “The Harsh Truth: Why Civil Engineers Are Struggling to Find Jobs in 2025”Intro:Harkunwar Singh isn’t your typical CEO. As the Founder and driving force behind NOVATR, he’s on a mission to bridge the gaping disconnect between what civil engineering students are taught—and what the industry actually needs.With a background in architecture and deep roots in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) ecosystem, Harkunwar has spent the last few years building one of India’s fastest-growing platforms for upskilling engineers and architects, helping thousands future-proof their careers through industry-relevant learning.In a time when thousands of civil engineers graduate each year only to end up unemployed or underpaid, Harkunwar is confronting the uncomfortable truth most institutions don’t want to admit.About the Episode:Why are civil engineers struggling to find jobs in 2025?It’s not a lack of demand. It’s a lack of skills that match today’s industry needs.In this raw and revealing episode, Harkunwar Singh joins Rishabh Aggarwal on The CODE, India’s No.1 Construction Podcast, to break down the harsh reality facing fresh civil engineers today.We talk about:Why civil engineering is becoming one of the most oversaturated yet underemployed professionsThe outdated curriculum problem and how it’s failing studentsWhat companies are really looking for when they hire engineersWhy learning software alone won’t save your career—and what willNOVATR’s role in redefining engineering education. Visit this link to know more : https://hubs.la/Q03B8XkN0A roadmap for students and professionals to reinvent themselves before it’s too lateIf you’re a student, a parent, a college professor, or an engineer wondering “Why is my degree not enough anymore?” — this episode is a must-listen.It’s uncomfortable, it’s honest, and it might just change the way you look at civil engineering forever.
EP 114 – Building Offices Like Startups: Aryaman on Disrupting India’s Interiors Industry
What if office interiors were built like startups—agile, data-driven, and delivered in 90 days flat? 🚀
In this episode of The CODE, we sit down with Aryaman Vir, a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree, two-time founder, and the force behind Morpho Dimensions, the flagship interiors brand from Morphogenesis. At just 28, Aryaman is turning heads by merging tech-native thinking with design and construction to create high-performance workspaces at lightning speed.
With a multi-million-dollar exit in proptech already under his belt, Aryaman brings his startup mindset to India’s commercial interiors space—integrating engineering, procurement, and project management into a seamless workflow. He’s not just building offices; he’s reimagining how India designs, builds, and scales workspaces.
🎧 In this episode, we explore:
✅ The 90-Day Delivery Model – How Aryaman’s team builds office spaces end-to-end in record time
✅ Designing Like Software – Why iterative, agile workflows are the future of interiors
✅ The Tech Stack – BIM, AI, VR, and the tools making Morpho Dimensions future-proof
✅ Function vs. Form – Why beauty alone isn’t enough in workplace design anymore
✅ Procurement Precision – Turning vendor chaos into a scalable engine
✅ Sustainability & Speed – Can you deliver fast without compromising green goals?
✅ India’s Interiors Industry – Is it ripe for disruption or resistant to change?
✅ The Future of Workspaces – Aryaman’s vision for offices that perform, adapt, and inspire
🔥 Plus, we ask the tough questions:
đź’Ą Are legacy construction firms in India about to be disrupted?
đź’Ą Is sustainability still treated as a checkbox in commercial interiors?
💥 And should “Instagram-friendly” design take a backseat to functionality?
🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Audible, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.
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Designing Emotion: Architect Milana Maladkar on Why Spaces Must Feel Alive | The CODE EP 113What makes a building more than just walls and a roof? Architect Milana Maladkar believes it’s emotion. In this powerful episode of India’s No.1 Construction Podcast – The CODE, Milana takes us inside her philosophy of creating spaces that don’t just function but breathe, inspire, and connect deeply with those who experience them.🌱 Key Takeaways in this episode:Why architecture needs to move beyond utility and aesthetics to emotionally resonateThe role of light, material, and scale in making spaces “feel alive”Challenges of balancing client demands, budget, and artistic visionHer journey from early influences to becoming a voice for human-centered designThe future of architecture in India: Can we embrace soulful, sustainable spaces?✨ Whether you’re an architect, a designer, or someone who simply loves beautiful spaces, this conversation will leave you rethinking how design can shape human emotion and experience.🎧 Listen to the full episode on:SpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon MusicAudibleJioSaavn📲 Follow us on Instagram for more insights: @indiasno1constructionpodcast#EmotionalDesign #TheCODEPodcast #MilanaMaladkar #ArchitectureInIndia
EP112 | Ashish Jauhri on Why India Must Stop Copying the WestWhy is India’s architectural identity being diluted by Western influence? In this thought-provoking episode, Ashish Jauhri, Director of Architecture at DSP Design Associates, joins The CODE to ask the tough questions—and share bold answers.We explore:✅ His early influences growing up in Chandigarh’s modernist backdrop✅ Why blindly copying Western aesthetics harms India’s culture, climate, and communities✅ Real project stories where “global ideas” clashed with local realities✅ His vision for architecture that is timeless, sustainable, and truly Indian✅ A roadmap for young architects: innovate locally, respect cultural context, and design for people—not prestige💥 “Architecture isn’t about glass towers or global trends—it’s about creating spaces where our people and culture can thrive.”This is not just an episode. It’s a call to action for India’s design community.👉 Where to Listen:Watch & listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, and Audible.📱 Follow us on Instagram for more insights, behind-the-scenes, and updates: @indiasno1constructionpodcast🎧 Hit play and join the conversation that could redefine India’s design future.#TheCODE #AshishJauhri #IndianArchitecture #DSPDesign #UrbanDesign
🎙️ EP 111 – Designing Campuses that Breathe: Net-Zero Thinking with Hari RamanWhat does it take to design a campus that’s not just sustainable on paper but alive with environmental intelligence? Architect N Hariraman joins us on The CODE to break it all down.With over a decade of experience in crafting eco-campuses for Infosys and TCS, global research exposure from CEPT, Stuttgart, and Cincinnati, and a deep understanding of net-zero frameworks, Hariraman shares the hard truths about what makes buildings actually perform.In this episode, we dive into:🌱 What a real net-zero campus in India looks like — beyond solar panels and green ratings🏢 Passive design moves that slash energy loads and elevate user comfort🔥 Why most “green buildings” in India may be little more than marketing badges⚡ His research on photovoltaic-integrated shading devices and their future potential👩‍🎓 What architecture schools must urgently teach in a world facing climate crisisAnd yes, we even ask him the big one: Should full-glass facades be banned in India’s hot climates?This is an unmissable conversation for architects, engineers, developers, and sustainability advocates dreaming of a smarter, greener, future-ready India.🎧 Listen now to EP 111 of The CODE on all major platforms:✅ Spotify✅ Apple Podcasts✅ Amazon Music✅ JioSaavn✅ Google Podcasts✅ Audible✅ YouTube#TheCODE #NetZeroDesign #SustainableArchitecture #GreenBuildings #EP111