‘Experience is my biggest strength’
Architect Jimmy Mistry finds experience and flexibility are the keys to success, reports Sharanya Misra Sharma
Coming from an engineering background, Jimmy Mistry made it big as an architect on the basis of years of experience coupled with inherent designing skills.
His company Della Tecnica’s most recent project has been theDella Adventure Park at Lonavla in Maharashtra.
How did you come to be an architect?
I have actually had no formal education in architecture or design. I passed out from a college in Nagpur in 1991, after graduating in mechanical engineering.
I started my career by doing odd contracting jobs and executing projects. I worked with the Italians for three years as an importer that basically gave me a lot of experience and understanding of building materials, execution, design and layout. With this experience, I entered the field of interior design by doing turnkey interiors. Then, with this expertise, I realised that I could enter the field of architecture. It’s almost like a dream come true.
Do you think a background in architecture is essential to be successful in this field?
Yes it is helpful. But worldwide exceptions like me are there. What is essential is experience. Newcomers should realise that even though strong inherent designing skills are important, so is the knowledge of other areas that this profession demands – technology, basics in engineering, execution, materials etc. Moreover, I think that the syllabi across universities are not good enough to equip students of architecture with what is required on field.
What is the scope of growth in architecture?
In any field, the scope of growth is great provided one is willing to give it time. The demand is everywhere. But you should be patient and know that big clients or phenomenal projects will not come your way immediately. One needs to prove oneself and display calibre through work. Also, look around and compare
your work with others’ works and try and learn from everything you see. Lastly, apart from the designs in your country, look at the international scaenario as well.
Highlights
. Mechanical engineering from a Nagpur college
. Contract jobs
. Worked with Italians as an importer
