148: Haril Pandya, Senior Principal at TRIA

Haril Pandya is a Senior Principal at TRIA, where he brings extensive experience in life sciences, adaptive reuse, multifamily projects, hospitality, retail, and workplace design. Before TRIA, Haril was known for his successful tenure at CBT as a leader in repositioning projects, leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit, having also run his own firm, Studio Pandya. 

He offers insights into what architects should focus on in the future while maintaining a connection to the constant human need for spaces that feel right. Pandya underscores the enduring importance of the human condition, stating, "What we like is what we like, and nine times out of ten, or maybe eight times out of ten, we all tend to like sort of similar things." The discussion also examines the importance of business acumen, client relationships, and the challenges of leadership, all enriched by Haril’s pursuit of continued learning and coaching certification.

Key Takeaways:

• Innovation in Architecture: Haril discusses the role of new technologies and materials, like 3D printing, in pushing architectural boundaries and the anticipation for future developments.
• Human-Centric Design: A timeless element in this ever-innovative industry is the human comfort factor in spaces, emphasizing the importance of how environments affect emotions.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Haril narrates his journey from running a small firm to influencing industry practices at larger firms, highlighting the equilibrium of innovation and market adaptation.
• Leadership & Lifelong Learning: Insights into leadership centered on understanding, asking the right questions, and a dedication to lifelong learning through coaching and mentorship.
• Market Dynamics: Eye-opening commentary on how architecture firms need to adapt to market cycles by innovating within traditional practices.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Our sense and sensibility of what we like, what we don't like, what we feel comfortable in—that hasn't changed in years."
2. "The first place I go in the owner's manual is the troubleshooting section."
3. "If you have that access now, the competition for the same space becomes greater."
4. "If you're going to apply those (school projects) immediately to the office...that's not what happens."

Resources:

• Simon Sinek's Book: Start With Why
• Podcasts Mentioned: How I Built This by Guy Raz, Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett
• Books Discussed: How to Be a Rainmaker by Jeffrey J. Fox, Coach the Person, Not the Problem by Marcia Reynolds
• Haril Pandya on LinkedIn: Haril Pandya LinkedIn

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