Shalini Kakani: Building Spaces, Shaping Legacies
“Hold on to your values, even when the world wavers. Trust in the quiet power of your energy, and it will carry you through storms and into your light.” – Shalini Kakani
In a city where rapid urbanization often threatens to overshadow cultural roots, architect and planner Shalini Kakani has spent over two decades bridging tradition and innovation. As the Principal Architect at Vartulah Design Associates in Hyderabad, and Principal at JNIAS School of Planning and Architecture, her journey reflects not just professional excellence but also the quiet strength of a woman who has carried responsibility with dignity and vision.
Following Her Father’s Footsteps
Architecture is more than a profession for Shalini—it is a family legacy. Her father, a respected architect and town planner, played a pivotal role in shaping Hyderabad’s urban fabric with integrity and foresight.
“My father was my greatest inspiration,” she recalls. “He embodied honesty, humility, and a deep sense of purpose in public service. His work continues to guide me even after his passing.”
Carrying forward this legacy, Shalini earned her Gold Medal in B.Arch, followed by a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from JNAFAU. Today, while pursuing her PhD at SPA Vijayawada on the spatial rights of informal workers, she channels both academic rigor and practical wisdom into her projects.
The Dual Challenge of Home and Career
Shalini’s professional path has been anything but easy. Beyond the deadlines and demands of her work, she faced personal trials that tested her endurance. Managing her children’s education and well-being almost single-handedly, she also weathered financial setbacks and several obstacles.
“Those years were among the toughest,” she admits. “Balancing professional commitments while holding my family together required everything I had. But giving up was never an option.”
Instead of breaking her, these challenges built resilience. They shaped her into a leader who understands that strength is not just about ambition—it’s about persistence through adversity.
Achievements Rooted in Purpose
Over her 20-year career, Shalini has worked with some of Hyderabad’s most respected names, including Mr. G.S. Gupta, Mr. Rajkumar Malpani, Mr. Sunil Surana, Mr. S.A. Huda IPS, and Mr. Aditya Gowra. Her portfolio spans residential and commercial architecture, interior design, and landscaping, always grounded in sustainability and cultural relevance.
Her dedication to mentoring is equally impactful. As Principal of an architecture institution, she leads with a hands-on approach, guiding students through real-world projects and encouraging them to think critically about the social role of architecture.
In addition, she has actively participated in heritage conservation efforts, advocating for the preservation of Hyderabad’s historic sites. “Our built heritage is not just stone and mortar—it is memory, identity, and a bridge to our cultural roots,” she says.
Her contributions have earned her prestigious recognition, including the She Inspire Leadership Award by IWLA, an honor that she describes as “a celebration of resilience and purpose.”
Living by Values
At the heart of Shalini’s work lies a set of principles she refuses to compromise on: hard work, honesty, and integrity. She believes these values form the foundation for innovation, leadership, and trust.
“In architecture, as in life, the temptation to cut corners is real. But staying true to your principles ensures that your work stands the test of time,” she explains.
Current Projects: Designing for Legacy
Shalini is currently leading the development of a design school, a project close to her heart. This institution, expected to be completed within the year, aims to cultivate design thinking, innovation, and responsibility among future architects. “Education is where lasting impact begins,” she notes.
Her other projects include a landscaping initiative for Dadawadi Jain Seva Samasthan in Hyderabad, developed in collaboration with Pranava Group, where she is creating serene, culturally-rooted outdoor spaces. Alongside, she continues to work on residential interiors, designing with context and sustainability at the forefront.
Looking Ahead: Carrying Forward a Family Tradition
Architecture for Shalini is not just a profession but a family calling. As a third-generation architect, she feels the weight and pride of carrying forward a legacy that began with her grandfather, who served the Nizams in the early 1900s, and was carried forward by her father, the town planner who shaped Hyderabad’s growth.
Now, with her son pursuing architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, the legacy continues into its fourth generation. “It is not just heritage—it is responsibility,” she reflects. “I want to expand my work in education, research, and practice so that architecture remains connected to people, culture, and sustainability.”
Advice for Young Women
Her journey, marked by challenges and achievements, has made Shalini deeply empathetic to the struggles of other women in demanding fields.
Her advice is both practical and profound:
“Balance work and life with strength. Let your struggles shape your wisdom, and carry your truth with quiet grace. Success is not about noise—it is about authenticity and resilience.”
The Quiet Power of Resilience
Shalini Kakani’s story is not one of shortcuts or overnight recognition. It is a story of decades of discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to values stronger than circumstance.
Her philosophy resonates in every project she takes on: creating spaces that are functional yet soulful, innovative yet respectful of history, ambitious yet humane.
As she continues her journey, her words linger as both advice and affirmation:
“Hold on to your values, even when the world wavers. Trust in the quiet power of your energy, and it will carry you through storms and into your light.”
