Practicing Architecture in Himachal Pradesh

It is often that I'm asked this question - "What is it like to set up and run an architecture studio in the mountains? Life must be so peaceful!" - and often, I have pondered upon this very question. Today - through the very first blog post on our website - I'll attempt to answer this question thoroughly.

The Challenges

While it may seem like a dream to start an architectural practice, the reality is far from easy. The obstacles are significant, and my journey was no different. Without any established network or credibility, it’s understandable why clients would hesitate to trust someone new with building their projects. After spending over five years in Dharamshala, I’ve encountered some key challenges that I want to share with you. Let’s dive in:

1. Weather

Himachal Pradesh is known for its beautiful weather, but when it comes to construction, this weather brings major complications. The monsoon season, from June to September, makes it nearly impossible to continue or accelerate building work. Additionally, the freezing temperatures in December and January further narrow the construction window. As a result, there are only about six months in a year where significant progress can be made.

2. Terrain

The mountainous terrain presents a unique set of difficulties. In our first project, the Trapezoid Cottage, it took over three months just to dig the foundations for the columns, as the ground was packed with stubborn rock that couldn’t be removed or blasted away. Understanding the terrain is critical because it allows you to provide realistic timelines for your clients, which leads us to the next challenge.

3. Timelines

In construction, every client wants the project completed as quickly as possible. On paper, timelines seem straightforward, but in Himachal, skilled labor is hard to come by, especially when you’re working on custom designs that differ from local norms. Expect delays as you adjust to the working styles and capabilities of the crew on site, leading to extended project durations.

4. Costs

Building in Himachal is generally more expensive than in flatter regions or urban areas. Shipping, transportation, and delivery logistics add to the cost, and when you factor in the need for skilled labor from outside the state, initial estimates can quickly balloon. It’s crucial not to provide any firm cost estimates until you’re confident or have previous experience executing similar work in the region.

5. Exposure

The peaceful mountain environment can easily lead to professional isolation. One of the biggest challenges I faced was maintaining exposure to new materials, techniques, and technologies. It’s easy to become out of touch or irrelevant if you don’t stay updated. Make an effort to attend industry events and stay connected to the latest trends. Your exposure is key to remaining competitive.

Conclusion

This post isn’t meant to discourage aspiring architects looking to work in the mountains. Instead, it’s meant to help you avoid the mistakes I made and deliver top-notch architecture in Himachal Pradesh. Not everything about mountain construction is a challenge – perhaps I’ll share the positives in a future post. Until then, this is Arjun, signing off, hoping to keep you updated on our studio and work in Dharamshala!