Kavita Dhande is the Co-Founder and Senior Associate of Dandi Architects which is a Midlands-based Architectural studio which is driven by a passion for crafting beautiful spaces and buildings.
Kavita is also a RIBA Architect’s Ambassador, ABS Ambassador, BAA Board Member, BAA EDI Lead Open City Accelerate Advisory Panel member.
- Tell us a little bit about your business… / or the organisation you work for.
Dandi Architects specialises in projects of varying scales, from one-of-a-kind houses to bespoke extensions and new housing developments. We pride ourselves on delivering a design-led service that goes beyond mere aesthetics.
Our ethos, culture, and design approach are rooted in the commitment to creating high-quality, thoughtfully crafted environments. What sets us apart is our collaborative synergy with two integral entities: MazonInteriors360, and ProBuild360. Together, we form a dynamic trio, ensuring our clients benefit from a seamless blend of architectural vision, interior design finesse, and construction expertise.
At Dandi Architects, we navigate each project with a meticulous focus on providing cohesive and well-considered solutions. From project inception to completion, we work diligently to ensure our designs not only meet but exceed your expectations. We understand the importance of balancing creativity with practicality, and we take pride in creating spaces that inspire and align with your budget and specific requirements. We provide detailed costings of your project at any stage to provide you assurance of quality and cost.
With an eye for detail and a commitment to client satisfaction, we strive to make your entire design and build process as fluid as possible. We aspire for our works to not just be a collection of works but a testament to the relationships we build, the spaces we shape, and the dreams we bring to life.
- How did you get into the industry?
My enthusiasm for Architecture was established after a trip to Italy when I was younger. Thereafter, I developed a passion for detailing and designing all aspects of a building as well as a fascination with how they came to fruition. My admiration for the intricacies of a building is enthused by my love of craft and detailing. The construction and technology of building as well as the process from concept through to users and uses is my greatest intrigue in the subject as well as the culmination of the various skills, roles and responsibilities required for an architect.
- What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
The biggest opportunities are the range of sectors and scales of buildings and spaces that can be worked on. There isn’t a set role for an architect and the opportunities in design, delivery and detailing are endless. The greatest challenges are the routes to becoming an architect and obtaining correct and relevant experience.
- How would you describe your leadership style? (if not in a leadership role talk about your working style)
I am a great believer that there is huge difference between a boss and leader. A leader paves the way for their team and provides the skills, knowledge and opportunities they wish they had when they were training. My working style would definitely be rolling my sleeves up and undertaking any and all tasks I would expect my team to undertake.
- How do you get the most out of the people who work for you? (or work with you)
Getting the most out of people you work with is dependent on the individual. Getting the most out of people is about learning how best your team work or don’t work, learning their skill set and strengths as well as identifying where they could do with support.
- What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
The most crucial elements to a business running smoothly is having a clear and ambitious plan that is feasible!
- How has the past 12 months been for you?
The past 12 months have been a whirlwind. Moving from a large commercial practice in commercial residential to joining a contracting company and setting up an architecture practice specialising in high-end residential has been as exciting as it has been daunting!
- What will the next 12 months look like for you or your business?
(Hopefully), successfully have taken off as the new architectural company!
- What are the highlights of your career so far?
Qualifying despite life’s hardships and trials has been the highlight of my career to date.
- What’s the biggest professional / business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
How to manage and gauge difficult and toxic person(s) within a workplace has been something I have taken a number of lessons from. I apply these experiences on making me the best leader I can possibly be as well as identifying different learning and working styles that all in all impact the working environment and outputs.
- What’s the best piece of professional / business advice you’ve been given or would like to give?
“You set your goals and trajectory, there’s no title that can define someone with ambition and drive.”
