Today we’d like to introduce you to Vijay Sarma.
Hi Vijay, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
At a young age, after returning from school, I would watch my mother make oil paintings. She would use her Oil colors and paint on canvas, ceramic plates and even earthen flowerpots. This became slowly engraved into my muscle memory and I would pour through her art books and soon Matisse, Monet and Van Gogh became part of a boy’s imagination, and I would imagine strolling through Paris cityscapes and Italian Vineyards basking in Van Goghs sunny wheatfields. It was while pouring through these art books that I discovered that Art also influences Architecture. An application of art in the real world. Encouraged by my mother I was delighted to be accepted in Architecture school in India.
After earning my architecture degree and practicing for a few years in new Delhi, with my then mentors encouragement I applied to and was accepted at several schools for my master’s degree.
In the past 25 years I have worked across design, construction, and real-estate analytics — experiences that taught me how creativity and practicality must coexist. Today, as Design Director and Partner at IDD Architecture, I focus on projects that bring that balance to life — blending art and technology, sustainability and human connection.
I have always been able to imagine 3d forms in my mind and what inspires me most is watching an idea evolve from my mind to the real world, and seeing people thrive in the environments we create. Whether it’s a home, a workplace, or a community center, my goal is to craft spaces that tell a story — one that feels deeply personal yet universally human.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Architecture practice is not financially rewarding and in context of current white collars jobs that require professional Licensure it would be in the lower third. Additionally, the hours are long, some firms expect 60-70 hours with no overtime from their employees.
For a small firm like ours, a lot of our clients are unwilling to pay market rate fees and expect advisory consulting, research and solutioning for little or nothing. An upcoming firm like ours produce drawings and documentation as required by Municipalities to permit Building Contruction, these are called “Building permit drawings” in the construction industry.
It does take a special kind of client who appreciates creativity and design. The majority of clients approach architecture as a means to a financial end, whether it be a Shopping strip or Multifamily Building. As an architect you have find the opportunity for design within these constraints, while all the time keeping a wary eye on construction budget.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our journey began with a focus on medical and surgical facilities, leveraging our specialized knowledge to become the top choice among medical office architects. Over the years, we’ve expanded our expertise to include education, municipalities, multifamily apartments and residential projects.
We want to give the client a project that is a manifestation of themselves. We consider ourselves a conduit to enable their visions.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My parents of course have financially supported me in the long journey. My mother who influenced me to become an architect.
I would also mention the first Architect with whom I worked out of undergrad School who mentored me and saw in me potential.
More recently my Business Partner who provides the Business direction without which a small company would not be able to stay afloat financially.
Pricing:
- High end custom home design in the 30K fee range. This would include 3D visualizations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iddarchitecture.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svsarma?igsh=MWdhNndleXpwYTVvYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
