Brinda Somaya, born in 1949, is an architect and urban conservationist with over 200 projects. She studied at Sir JJ School of Architecture and Smith College, and founded Somaya and Kalappa Consultants Pvt Ltd in 1978.
Architect Brinda Somaya, trained in modern and contemporary architecture, focuses on vernacular architecture in her projects. She believes architects serve as guardians of the built and unbuilt environment, serving functional purposes while being socially and culturally relevant. She advocates for reinventing, recycling, and restoring architecture.
The Goa Institute of Management, completed in 2011, spans 50 acres and includes four buildings. It was built with ecologically positive practices, using laterite and rainwater harvesting. The campus combines natural vegetation and built structures.
Nalanda International School, Vadodara, was designed by Brinda Somaya, incorporating Indian heritage and culture to create a serene learning environment, incorporating Nalanda University's Gurukul aesthetics.
The school boasts high vaulted ceilings, shaded classrooms, jaalis, and pergolas, with locally produced bricks, natural stone flooring, and terracotta tiles. Its low-cut rooftop tiles protect from sun, while the jaalis regulates temperature and serves as a thermal mass.