Lakshmi Mayya

Ensol Arts, Architecture and Psychology, Maui, May 2022

Founded Ensol Architecture in 2021, initiating with a residential remodel project in Maui. Embraced a minimalist, balanced, and nature-inspired design philosophy under the name Ensol – a solo venture where the absence of the 'u' signifies the singular entity of the architecture practice. This intentional omission represents the collaborative essence of "ensoul," emphasizing that the soul of each project is co-created by the architect and the client. Infused spaces with elements of vernacular architecture, wabi-sabi aesthetics, and a commitment to sustainability, aligning with my whole-person framework.

Ke Kula `O Ho`omakuapono, Kula, Maui, February 2023

Expanded Ensol's portfolio in 2022-2023 to encompass school building concepts, applying the holistic design approach to educational spaces. The philosophy emphasizes deep listening, contemplation, and a blend of ancient and modern architectural principles to create transformative environments.

Ensol & Transformation

Ensol reflects my commitment to transformation, not only for clients but also for myself as an architect. The approach embodies a unique blend of traditional, modern, and sacred approaches, contributing to a new whole-person framework for architecture. The philosophy draws wisdom from diverse disciplines, worldviews, and methodologies, ensuring a holistic approach to architectural practice.

Design Philosophy

Ensol, as a singular entity, embodies the dedication to personalized, mindful, and soulful architectural design, with the 'u' symbolizing the integral role of the client in co-creating the essence of each project.

My work is based on people’s interaction with their environment, the perception of space and sensory experimentation. Architecture must grow out of everyday life; it signifies how a person understands nature, other people, and even oneself. The so-called simple act of experiencing structure and environments involves so many different aspects - A transdisciplinary analysis and approach.

Initiated a transformative academic journey in 2014, pursuing a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology in San Francisco. My focus extended beyond conventional psychological studies, incorporating Eastern philosophy and Western psychology. Investigated the profound impact of built spaces on the human psyche. The doctoral dissertation, titled "Ensouled Architecture: An Inclusive, Whole-Person Approach to Architectural consciousness," intricately linked the history of architecture to the evolution of consciousness, drawing insights from philosophers like Gebser and Sri Aurobindo, and psychologists such as Carl Jung and Roberto Assagioli. This work not only contributed to architectural studies but also left a significant imprint on integral psychology and consciousness studies. Presented findings at multiple conferences in California and India, establishing a distinctive presence at the crossroads of psychology and architecture.

Established in September 2012, I initiated and led the design and development of various architectural projects in and around Goa, in collaboration with the esteemed visionary architect Dean D'Cruz, Co-Founder, and Principal Architect of Mozaic. Here, the design emphasis lay in adopting environmentally responsible practices, with a focus on the Goan landscape, illustrating how its biodiverse terrain shaped our commitment to sustainable architecture.

Projects Worked On

Concepts and Design Development: Ajay Residence, Mumbai, Ashish Khanna Residence, Bangalore. Chirag-Mahir Residence, Mumbai, Dentist’s Clinic, Bangalore. 2013, Patel Commercial Center, Electronic City, Bangalore. Simon Residence, Goa.

Anshuk Kumar Residence, Goa.

Concepts and Design Development in collaboration with architect Dean

D’cruz, Goa: Gupta Residence, Gupta Village Square Resort, Meenakshi & Ganesh Residence, Ruta Kahate Residence, Taj Renovation, Goa.

Initially incorporating my own furniture into interior design projects, I shifted focus after nine years as an architect and interior designer. My interest evolved towards furniture, product design, and lighting, prompting a transformative journey at Domus Academy in Milan, Italy, where I pursued a Master's in Design from July 2011 to September 2012.

This experience in Milan played a pivotal role in reshaping my perspective, exposing me to diverse influences and expanding my horizons beyon

d accustomed boundaries. Choosing Italy for my master's was deliberate, immersing myself in the essence of built spaces, blending old and new, and experiencing the country's rich history and culture.

Exploring product design at Domus Academy, particularly alongside influential figures like Francisco Gomez Paz, enriched my skills. Engaging in diverse projects, from smart lighting and furniture design to waste-to-garden initiatives and self-heating/cooling flooring materials, showcased my versatility. Notably, my Master's project, "wabi-sabi" Little Nature, in collaboration with Leroy Merlin under Odoardo Fioravanti's supervision, exemplified the depth of my involvement in groundbreaking endeavors during my time at Domus Academy.

One point of accountability for the process that manages and implements all core activities imperative to delivery
of feasibility schemes/ plans, ensuring that all schemes use optimum land, with strategic entry/ exit for customers
and service, visibility of store for maximum footfall. Also ensuring that the cost to build the store is
commensurate in terms of identified risks and opportunities with architectural innovations.
The schemes/ plans and the build cost produced by the team are reviewed by Property Acquisition Committee
chaired by CEO TESCO and signed off for acquisition.

Key Responsibilities

• Weekly review of schemes/plans on architectural designs to ensure delivery of ideal schemes that architecturally has minimum environmental impact (Maximum use of Carbon Reduction Technology) and look and feel consistent.Periodic review to steer and build road map to drive innovation an establish synergy between other HSC Property teams.
• Establish road map on “Vision” for the team and define targets and measures to build Capability.
• Day-to-day activities related to service delivery, targets to ensure smooth functioning of all processes and delivery, team progress on a weekly/monthly basis to management, assessment of training requirements for the team. Ensuring optimum productivity, requisite quality, performance appraisals of the team and managing staffing plan.
• Liaise with UK and Ireland on a regular basis to align goals of the team with the business, develop career paths for all team members, ensure retention levels within the team through coaching, mentoring and support, launching staff development schemes like internal events, skip level sessions, cascading corporate communication to the team etc.

Value addition/Recognition

• Property Services Extensive research on Highways enabling setting up a Highway advice capability within TESCO facilitating backward integration, end-to-end delivery for the Property suite of services.
• Accomplished the idea of creating a studio catering to different aspects of a complete store design from Tesco HSC, Bangalore transforming itself into an architectural hub of international repute.
• Involved in setting up the Property Newsletter, successfully launched the web-based knowledge Management Portal, and identified opportunities to challenge / improve existing working processes. Identified opportunities to improve Design Standards and Principles.
• Lead innovation at conception and development of schemes with continual monitoring and reapplying of innovations to maximize sales space. Managed the design innovation process to build stores better, simpler and cheaper and focused on reducing the carbon footprint.
• Deputed to UK for the Process Transition of Feasibility Architecture from UK to Bangalore in the year 2009 and successfully set up the team in India. Also deputed to Ireland and UK in the year 2010 for the Process
• Transition of Phase 2 Detailed Design delivery and set up the team in India.

Embarked on a new venture by co-founding Zyeta Design Pvt Limited with two Embarked on a new venture by co-founding Zyeta Design Pvt Limited with two colleagues from Atelier. As one of the three directors, we undertook projects in Bangalore, Delhi, and other locations, establishing a strong presence in the industry. In 2009, I made the decision to resign and join Tesco HSC working on projects in the UK and Ireland, seeking new challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Zyeta continued its success under the leadership of the remaining two directors and has since grown significantly on an international scale.

Projects worked on/ Interior Fit out

Flextronics phase 1:20,000 sft, Gurgaon-ncr; Flextronics phase 2:70,000 sft, Gurgaon-ncr; Media Surface: 3,500 sft, Indiranagar, Bangalore; Bits Pilani Training Centre: 3,500 sft, Indiranagar, Bangalore; Oracle-IBC: 3, 00,000 sft, IBC Knowledge Park, Bangalore; Montalvo Systems: 22,500 sft, St.Marks Road, Bangalore; Terrace Gardens: 5,500 sft, Brunton Road, Bangalore; Informatica Business Solutions Pvt Ltd, Diamond District, Bangalore; Paprikas Animation Studio, Bangalore; Unitus-Accion, Bangalore; Architectural Works: Residential projects for Dr.Prakash, Mr Kiran Bhatt, Mr.Kulkarni, and Bangalore.

Joined as a design associate at Thomas Associates, another highly reputable firm in Bangalore, India. Worked on challenging projects, further honing my skills and understanding of architectural intricacies.

Projects worked on/ Interior Fit out for:
Accenture, Bangalore; UB City, Bangalore; Prestige Projects, Bangalore

Transitioned to Atelier d'Arts and Architecture, a prominent architecture and interiors firm in Bangalore, India. Engaged in diverse projects, contributing to the firm's reputation for innovative designs and attention to detail.

Projects worked on/Interior fit out for
Oracle at Mantri Commerce, Bangalore; HP at Brigade Hulkul, Bangalore; Schneider at RMZ Titanium,
Bangalore; Google at Prestige Sigma, Bangalore; Ariba Technologies India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore; Meridian
Apparels, Hyderabad; Chai, Designer Store, Bangalore, etc

I interned with Jaisim Fountainhead Architects in Bangalore during my Architecture studies. Following the completion of my bachelor's in architecture in 2002, I continued with the firm as a junior architect. This collaboration with Architect Krishna Rao Jaisim profoundly influenced my perspective, revealing the healing connection between humans and nature. This realization extended to the therapeutic potential of contact with nature, fostering, developing, and advocating for environmentally and economically sustainable lifestyles. Our ongoing partnership focused on crafting home, office, and landscape environments for clients, incorporating elements of low-cost housing and environmentally friendly materials and methodologies.

Initiated a transformative academic journey in 2014, pursuing a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology in San Francisco. My focus extended beyond conventional psychological studies, incorporating Eastern philosophy and Western psychology. Investigated the profound impact of built spaces on the human psyche. The doctoral dissertation, titled "Ensouled Architecture: An Inclusive, Whole-Person Approach to Architectural consciousness," intricately linked the history of architecture to the evolution of consciousness, drawing insights from philosophers like Gebser and Sri Aurobindo, and psychologists such as Carl Jung and Roberto Assagioli. This work not only contributed to architectural studies but also left a significant imprint on integral psychology and consciousness studies. Presented findings at multiple conferences in California and India, establishing a distinctive presence at the crossroads of psychology and architecture.

Initially incorporating my own furniture into interior design projects, I shifted focus after nine years as an architect and interior designer. My interest evolved towards furniture, product design, and lighting, prompting a transformative journey at Domus Academy in Milan, Italy, where I pursued a Master's in Design from July 2011 to September 2012.

This experience in Milan played a pivotal role in reshaping my perspective, exposing me to diverse influences and expanding my horizons beyond accustomed boundaries. Choosing Italy for my master's was deliberate, immersing myself in the essence of built spaces, blending old and new, and experiencing the country's rich history and culture.

Exploring product design at Domus Academy, particularly alongside influential figures like Francisco Gomez Paz, enriched my skills. Engaging in diverse projects, from smart lighting and furniture design to waste-to-garden initiatives and self-heating/cooling flooring materials, showcased my versatility. Notably, my Master's project, "wabi-sabi" Little Nature, in collaboration with Leroy Merlin under Odoardo Fioravanti's supervision, exemplified the depth of my involvement in groundbreaking endeavors during my time at Domus Academy.

B'ARCH