Aryaman's story resonates with many young architects: starting with a strong academic foundation, studying Architecture in India, gaining exposure through competitions and collaborations, and then navigating the leap to a global stage and building a career without a Master’s. He interned at BIG during his undergrad years and now holds a full-time position at their London office—an opportunity that remains a dream for many in the AEC space.
In this conversation, Aryaman opens up about:
Early days at the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi
Like most architecture students in India, Aryaman followed the usual cycle: studio work, juries, semester projects, and internships. It began with studying Architecture at SPA, Delhi.
What stood out for him was a nagging sense that his work lacked clarity. A realisation that grew as he compared himself to global standards.
As he recalls: “I was doing everything right — but still felt behind.”
So, how did he move from that realisation to building a global-standard portfolio? Check out the interview to uncover!
The turning point: Realising the gap
Aryaman’s perspective shifted when he began exploring portfolios from schools such as AA, TU Delft, and Bartlett. He noticed something striking:
“The portfolios weren’t just filled with visuals. They had a clear process. You could see the thinking behind the design. They were communicating an idea, not just showing drawings.”
This approach reshaped how he presented his own work and influenced the steps he took next.
Upskilling with purpose
Aryaman didn’t wait for a master’s abroad to upskill—he turned himself into a one-man powerhouse. From cracking new software like Grasshopper, Rhino, and Revit , to reworking old projects and chasing raw, honest feedback, he pushed until complexity became clarity.
Applying to BIG: strategy over show-off
When the time came to apply to BIG, Aryaman took a strategic approach. He curated just three projects, each with a sharp narrative highlighting the problem, process, and outcome.
His goal was not to dazzle with flashy visuals but to demonstrate clear thinking—and an awareness of when not to overdo it.
As he explains: “I didn’t try to fake complexity or add things just to look fancy. BIG isn’t looking for that. They want clear thinkers who can work in teams and communicate ideas.”
Follow along to see what portfolio tips for young architects actually work.
Lessons for young architects
Looking back, here are a few lessons I’d share with students and young professionals:
You don’t need a master’s degree abroad to grow. What you do before a degree matters more.
Every design tells a story—be clear, concise, and selective in how you present it.
Keep learning, seek feedback, and act on it—that’s how real growth happens
But what does it really take to apply these principles and stand out globally? If you're curious about getting to know the full story, you don’t want to miss this interview.
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