IN CONVERSATION WITH SUCHI REDDY

Widely known for her positive and playful innovations around the world, Suchi Reddy leads the path ahead through design that is thoughtful and empathetic

- KASHISH KAUSHAL

Beyond the realm of design and built form, there is a narrow lane of thoughtfulness that is seldom walked upon. In most instances, one look at a building or an installation is enough to stimulate the minds and form everlasting impressions, but how many times has an architect forced you to think beyond the tangible? Someone who speaks directly to all the six senses and creates a symphony only you can sing?

Meet Suchi Reddy-an architect and designer born and raised in Chennai, India who ticks all the said boxes. Passionate about neuroaesthetics, the study of how built environments affect us—Reddy believes empathy is the foundation of great design.

Tracing her formative years, she knew architecture was her calling at the tender age of ten as she derived inspiration from her own home which was built differently. "It was designed by an architect, P.S. Govind Rao, which was unusual for those days. It opened to gardens on four sides and had an interesting quality of the flowing of space around a nucleus—which was a decisive experience for me. I am always searching for feelings of flow in my projects and working from there," shares Reddy.

Reddy studied at Good Shepherd School in Chennai, and then did a year at School of Architecture and Planning at Anna University before coming to the United States where she completed her architecture studies at the University of Detroit-Mercy.

The year was 2002 and the place was New York when Reddy laid the foundation of her award-winning firm Reddymade. Since its inception, the firm has been the torchbearer of formal experimentation, imaginative use of colour, and passion for innovative materials.