Shweta Wandhekar Tongaonkar is recognized as one of the best upcoming architect in Mumbai. She has worked hard to prove that extraordinary design can be fully compatible with environmental sustainability.
Shweta began her career by interning at Pune’s CCBA Designs in 2017 to work with the renowned architect Christopher Benninger. Under his aegis, she gained expertise and experience in urban and institutional design.
She entered architectural practice the following year and gradually discovered an interest in heritage architecture and conservation.
To pursue this passion and hone her skills, she joined Abha Narain Lambah Associates (ANLA) in 2019. Here, she restored renowned heritage structures while developing sustainable solutions to conserve and repurpose historic buildings. Her work included landmark projects like the restoration of the Maharashtra State Police Headquarters and the illumination of the Bombay High Court.
Understanding the environmental impact of construction projects and the unmet need for a sustainable outlook towards architecture, Shweta pursued a certification course in “Circular Economy in the Built Environment” from the prestigious Delft University, Netherlands. She delved in depth into the circular economy principles and their practical assimilation into architectural practice.
In 2021, she founded “Deconstruct Design Studio” with a specialization in sustainable, biophilic, and adaptive architecture. She spearheaded the concept of “Design for Disassembly”, which involves planning construction such that the disassembled parts can be reutilized even after they have outlived their original purpose. Through her projects, she has breached design stereotypes to merge form and function with appearance and sustainability. She also integrates biophilic design to make spaces that are closer to nature, providing positivity and a natural boost of energy to the people utilizing the spaces. Over and above, she pours her heart and soul into each of her creations, creating bespoke and unique projects that mirror the aspirations and desires of her clients while preserving the delicate balance of nature.
In light of her efforts and pathbreaking work, she was honored as a “Young Innovative & Artistic Architect & Designer” at the Blindwink India Design Awards in 2024.
Shweta aims to inspire others through her work and promote the culture of sustainable architecture as a natural part of the design process, rather than something which requires additional effort. She hopes that she can pave the way for a more environmentally conscious and a mindful future for architecture.
Key services offered by Deconstruct Design Studio
✔ Architecture & interior design
✔ Restoration & adaptive reuse of heritage buildings
✔ Upcycling of building materials
✔ Integrating biophilic design principles
Projects
