I'm Shruti Saxena, a licensed architect and heritage professional with over seven years of experience delivering community-based and heritage conservation projects from inception to completion.

SHRUTI SAXENA

I'm Shruti Saxena, a licensed architect and heritage professional with over seven years of experience delivering community-based and heritage conservation projects from inception to completion.

Available to hire

I’m Shruti Saxena, a licensed architect and heritage professional with over seven years of experience delivering community-based and heritage conservation projects from inception to completion.

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
French
Beginner

Work Experience

Founder & Director at MAKUSA Architectural Design and Heritage Conservation Studio
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2023
Founded and led a heritage-focused design studio delivering two large-scale cultural and conservation initiatives in remote Himalayan regions. Partnered with the International Institute of Culture and Ethics (IICE) to deliver public cultural programs engaging over 200 community members, artists, and local authorities. Directed the Zanskar Festival, aligning cultural preservation goals with logistics and community participation. Adapted strategies to remote, high-pressure environments, achieving 100% on-time project delivery despite logistical challenges.
Architect & Project Manager at Arc Creation
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021
Managed design and delivery of sustainable residential and landscape projects, from concept to site execution. Coordinated multidisciplinary teams (architects, engineers, contractors), ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards were met. Acted as primary client liaison, translating design intent into buildable solutions across diverse environmental contexts. Supported environmentally responsive design strategies suited to mountainous and climate-sensitive regions.
Workshop Coordinator & Heritage Researcher at INTACH – Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Organized and delivered 10+ capacity-building workshops for artisans, students, and professionals on vernacular architecture and conservation techniques. Led hands-on training in lime mortar, Lakhori (Persian) brick, and traditional stone construction, contributing to skills preservation initiatives. Conducted field documentation of 10 historic temple sites, contributing research to INTACH’s national heritage database. Supported interdisciplinary research linking tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including folklore and craft traditions.
Freelance Architect & Cultural Researcher at Jaipur & Dehradun
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018
Delivered end-to-end architectural consultancy for small-scale residential projects with a focus on contextual and sustainable design. Conducted an in-depth architectural and cultural analysis of Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur’s principal public arts and cultural centre, examining its symbolism, spatial planning, and role in shaping cultural engagement and contemporary Indian modernist architecture.
Junior Architect at SamArch Design Studio
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2017
Supported concept design, detailing, and execution of residential and commercial projects. Specialized in material research and façade systems, improving durability and visual performance.
Architectural Intern at M/s Prabhakar B. Bhagwat – Landscape Architecture & Urban Design
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Contributed to the national “Reincarnating Varanasi” urban regeneration project, funded by the Prime Minister of India. Supported site analysis, mapping, and cultural programming for heritage-led urban renewal.

Education

Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Arts & Culture Management at Burgundy School of Business (BSB), Dijon, France
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage Studies at INTACH Heritage Academy, Delhi
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) at Dehradun Institute of Technology (DIT University), Dehradun, India
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2016

Qualifications

Workshop Participant, INTACH Heritage Academy Stone, Brick, Timber & Lime & Concrete Construction
January 11, 2030 - February 4, 2026
Practiced in Earth & Bamboo Architecture - Habitat Technology Group, Kerala
January 11, 2030 - February 4, 2026
Learned Architectural Photography & Darkroom Techniques by Mr. Sushil Khandelwa
January 11, 2030 - February 4, 2026
Competitions & Recognitions in NASA Convention (2012) - Industrial Design Trophy Special Mention
January 11, 2030 - February 4, 2026
IGBC Competition (2013) - Waste Management Initiative
January 11, 2030 - February 4, 2026

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Education, Media & Entertainment, Other