Pragya Bharati is an Architect who believes “Architecture is another form of Art”. She grew up in Kolkata, a city brimming with Art and culture. She completed her Master’ degree in Architecture from the University of Sydney (usyd), NSW Australia. She has been working in the Design industry for the past 5 years. She co-founded Upscale Architects, which believes in designing with nature, engaging culture, and sustaining them both with a touch of contemporary luxury.
She is also the Founder of ArTecture where she saw the vision that art has the power to transcend borders, connect cultures, and inspire change, this is just the start of something big. She is also a Design Juror and guest lecturer at the USYD and UNSW which are top-ranking universities in Australia.
How can architecture continue to evolve as a form of art while maintaining its responsibility towards sustainability and cultural heritage in the modern world?
As an architect, I view architecture as a living form of art, evolving through mindful design. To ensure sustainability, I prioritize eco-friendly materials, adaptive reuse, and energy-efficient solutions. Cultural heritage is equally vital; it grounds our designs in tradition while inspiring contemporary innovation. I believe in crafting spaces that narrate stories—fusing aesthetics with purpose. By blending modern techniques with timeless traditions, architecture can inspire, sustain, and celebrate our collective identity while shaping a responsible, artful future.
In what ways do you envision “ARTÉCTURE” bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary artistic practices, and how does it promote global cultural exchange?
From the age of three, when I first held a paintbrush, art became my world—a realm where creativity and imagination thrived. Growing up in Kolkata, a city steeped in art and culture, I was surrounded by vibrant traditions and inspiring stories that shaped my love for artistic expression.
As life unfolded, I became an architect, merging structure with creativity. Yet, my passion for art remained unwavering, leading me to establish ARTÉCTURE. To me, architecture is more than design; it is the art you walk into—a space that tells a story, blending form, function, and emotion.
Through ARTÉCTURE, I strive to bridge the worlds of art and architecture, creating designs that resonate with cultural richness while embracing modernity. It’s my way of celebrating art, not just on walls or canvases, but in the very spaces we inhabit—a living, breathing testament to the power of creativity.
This journey is a reflection of my belief that art is timeless, and when woven into architecture, it becomes an experience—one that inspires, connects, and endures.
Architectural education must evolve to seamlessly integrate interdisciplinary arts, sustainability, and emerging technologies. Having lived in Australia while pursuing my M’Arch at the University of Sydney, I now serve as a design juror at both the University of Sydney and UNSW. In my role, I emphasize the importance of fostering creativity grounded in cultural understanding, eco-conscious thinking, and hands-on exploration of cutting-edge tools like AI and parametric design. By nurturing these principles, we can shape architects who craft meaningful, innovative, and sustainable spaces for the future.
As the principal Architect of Upscale Architects, my aim is to create spaces that seamlessly blend contemporary luxury with the essence of nature and culture. I approach this by integrating natural materials, biophilic elements, and cultural motifs into modern designs, ensuring every space feels both sophisticated and grounded.
The challenge lies in striking the perfect balance—maintaining the elegance of luxury without overshadowing the organic charm of nature or the authenticity of cultural influences. It requires thoughtful material selection, innovative techniques, and a deep understanding of context to craft spaces that are timeless, meaningful, and harmonious.
Over the past eight years, my constant travels have exposed me to diverse cultures, art forms, and architectural styles worldwide. From the intricate craftsmanship of Moroccan tiles to the minimalism of Japanese design, each experience has profoundly influenced my philosophy. I believe in blending cultural essence with artistic expression, creating spaces that honor tradition while embracing modernity. This journey has taught me that architecture is a universal language, capable of connecting people through shared stories and timeless design.
Architecture is a powerful force in shaping the identity of a city or community. It tells the story of its culture, history, and values through the spaces we create. As architects, it’s essential to weave in local traditions and materials while staying open to global trends. By balancing both, we can design spaces that feel deeply connected to their roots, yet remain relevant and innovative, creating a sense of pride and belonging for the people who experience them.
