Hello everyone,

I am applying to UT and am currently working on my Statement of Purpose, which is a critical part of the admissions process. I would appreciate any feedback or comments you might have.

Here is the essay:

The world through an architect’s lens is a captivating fantasy where each form and space crafts a unprecedented experience. From a young age, I have been aware of how architecture shapes & forms our lives. Growing up in a traditional row house in Ahmedabad I always pondered how a central courtyard influenced our daily lives.This curiosity matured into a deeper passion for architecture during my undergraduate studies at Sal School of  Architecture. Throughout those formative years i resonated strongly with the quote “ Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves”. This connection intensified while traveling across India, observing the rich visual arts and architecture shaped by its inhabitants. One important example was the Bhunga houses of Kutch - structures built by the locals of the community using traditional materials and technique. The round structures not only reflect the communities resourcefulness but also make the structures earthquake-resilient. Witnessing how architecture evolves with time & modernisation became the driving force throughout my academia and continues to fule my passion. 

During five years, each semester peeled away initial perception of architecture as mere aesthetical form and focused more on true essence of space-making and its impacts. In the early semesters, I studied the interplay of solid void through studying residences built by master architects such as Le Corbusier, the insights gained through studying the evolution of  form and space in response to the users of Shodhan Villa were particularly compelling. 

The curriculum placed strong focus on understanding the users and site context, and a design approach rooted rooted in analyzing the materiality & functionality, ensuring each approach is  context driven. This approach seamlessly aligns with the UT Austin’s studio philosophy.

The in depth exploration of my core and advanced architectural principles reinforced my belief that I am excellent fit for the M.Arch program at UT Austin. The shared emphasis on user-focused deign and comprehensive spatial design principles at UT Austin reflect my own professional and academic journey. 

Traveling abroad for  research studies broadened our horizons on different construction techniques too. During a research trip to Bhutan, I witnessed regional architecture built by villagers, highlighting community-built, sustainable housing. This inspired my design for a housing project in Ahmedabad aimed at a lower income groups, where I emphasized how construction techniques and materials influence sustainable design possibilities. The studio focused on community living and multifunctional spaces to empower users in their businesses. My internship at Play Design Studio in Auroville provided hands-on experience with materials and its practicality. The project i worked on at the office focused on adapting an old abandoned traditional house in southern India into a boutique hotel where modern needs met the traditional elements of the structure. 

In my final semesters, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and was accompanied by “Work from home”, which brought comfort to some people but possessed mental health issues for many, including myself. This prompted me to research on the impact of architecture on mental health, leading to my design thesis which focused on raising awareness about mental health problems with an urban insert in an often overlooked Indian context.

After graduation, I questioned why urbanization in Indian cities and housing schemes seemed to be forgoing the essence of tightly built cities and its climatical importance. In search to understand how region and climate shape architecture my journey led me to Professor Yatin Pandya, under whom i had the privilege to work for nearly three years.Our aspirations aligned 

aspirations allowed me to explore projects which embodied his approach to holistic design.There at Footprints.E.A.R.T.H I grew as an architect with a deep appreciation for the historic significance of Indian architecture. I learned not only about architecture but there i also worked on some research projects as well. 

I believe this Master’s program will further shape me into a self aware architect. The opportunities within the M.Arch program align perfectly with my goals. I am particularly eager to learn from Professor David Heymann, whose research and studio based in Ecuador fascinates me. I also admire Professor Coleman coker’s Gulf coast design lab studio, which promisingly will give a hands on and tangible experience similar to my work in Nepal on earthquake resistant construction techniques. Additionally i aspire to work with is Professor Benjamin Ibarra , whose research on the Mixtec - stone cutting offers great insight that i can compare with traditional techniques used in Mugal & buddhist ceremonial structures. I would like to take forward the parallels between the both further and learn more about the construction techniques used. 

The curriculum at UT will undoubtedly help me carve my path further into the United states , providing global exposure with the state-of-the-art facilities, along with eminent professors and a diverse student body from around world. This experience will give me a significant edge in the field moving forward. 

Thank you for taking the time to read and provide your insights!