Pioneering Parametric Design: The Journey of Khushbu Davda & Seeja Sudhakaran

In a field traditionally dominated by men, architects Khushbu Davda and Seeja Sudhakaran have emerged as pioneers of Architecture in India. As co-founders of Studio Emergence, they are redefining design methodologies by seamlessly blending technology, nature, and functionality to create cutting-edge architectural solutions.

Their journey began at IES School of Architecture in Mumbai, where they instantly connected over a shared passion for innovation. Over time, their creative synergy led them to explore diverse ventures, including a successful product design business. However, their true calling lay in parametric architecture—a revolutionary design approach that resonated deeply with both of them. Determined to master this methodology, they pursued their master’s degrees at Elisava School of Design and Engineering in Barcelona, where the seeds of Studio Emergence were sown.

Upon returning to India, they established Studio Emergence, specializing in parametric architecture—an approach still in its early stages in the country. Their journey was anything but easy. As women in a male-dominated industry and advocates of an unconventional design philosophy, they faced a dual challenge: educating the market about the value of parametric design while simultaneously securing projects. Despite these hurdles, they persevered. Nine years later, their portfolio boasts projects that challenge norms and push the boundaries of form and function.

Studio Emergence has worked on a diverse range of projects, each unique in complexity and impact. From the Hybrid Planetarium in Visakhapatnam, inspired by NASA’s first black hole image, to a resort nestled in the rugged terrain of Rishikesh, and a 60-story high-rise in Mumbai’s northern suburbs, every project has been an opportunity to reimagine architectural possibilities. They specialize in luxury second homes with their expertise in customising experiences with biomimetic design.

“When we started, our voices were often unheard, and getting a seat at the table was a battle. But today, our expertise is recognized, and we are invited to panels and events to share our insights and journey,” says Seeja. Their dedication to evolving architectural narratives has earned them key consulting roles on significant projects, such as the Science Park in Nerul and the Raheja Platinum Façade, where they have leveraged parametric tools to enhance structural design, aesthetics, and efficiency without escalating costs.

For Khushbu and Seeja, parametric design is not about imposing a predetermined form but about responding to context, climate, and user needs. Their approach integrates biomimicry, drawing inspiration from nature to create structures that harmonize with their surroundings. Digital fabrication is a core component of their process, allowing them to work with complex algorithmic modeling and optimization-driven design. Their expertise in computational tools ensures their designs meet global standards of precision and efficiency.

Collaboration is central to their success. By partnering with architects, engineers, and consultants, Studio Emergence ensures their projects are not only aesthetically compelling but also structurally optimized and cost-effective. This collaborative spirit, combined with technological advancements, has positioned them as leading voices in India’s parametric design landscape.

Beyond their professional achievements, Khushbu and Seeja are also navigating the rewarding yet demanding journey of motherhood—balancing a thriving career with raising a two-year-old and a three-month-old. Their story is one of resilience, passion, and breaking stereotypes, paving the way for future generations of women in architecture.

Today, Studio Emergence stands as a testament to the power of vision, determination, and innovation. By pushing the boundaries of design thinking and embracing computational tools, Khushbu Davda and Seeja Sudhakaran are not just reshaping skylines—they are reshaping the future of architecture in India.