Bio
Varsha is an architectural designer from Texas whose work is rooted in adaptive reuse and commercial mixed-use design. She currently works at Re:Vision Architecture, where she brings a thoughtful and culturally attuned lens to the built environment. Her work explores how design can hold space for memory, identity, and the shared human experience. Varsha is committed to fostering equity and care within the built environment. She values collaboration as an essential part of the design process and believes in learning through diverse perspectives. Varsha is currently pursuing architectural licensure in Pennsylvania and is both an Associate AIA member and a LEED Green Associate.
Interview
What role has mentorship (mentor/mentee) played in your professional development so far? Any advice for those looking to get the most out of their mentorship opportunities? Mentorship has played a huge role in how I’ve grown as a designer. I’ve been lucky to have mentors who not only taught me technical skills but also showed me how to lead with care and curiosity. Their advice has helped me build confidence, handle challenges, and stay open to learning. Over time, I’ve tried to give that back by mentoring high school and college students who are just starting to explore architecture. It’s really rewarding to see their curiosity and to be part of that early stage where they’re figuring out if this path is right for them. If I had one piece of advice, it would be to approach mentorship as a two-way conversation. Be honest about what you need, ask questions, and really listen. The best mentorships grow into genuine relationships that help both people learn.
Why is licensure important to you? For me, licensure is about responsibility. It’s a way to formally say that I’m ready to take ownership of my work and stand behind the spaces I help create. It also represents the trust that clients and communities place in architects. Getting licensed means I can contribute more fully to projects that align with what I care about most…adaptive reuse, sustainability, and design that feels human and inclusive. It’s also important to me to mentor others on their own licensure journeys, just like my mentors did for me.
What is the one building that you just had to see for yourself or would one day like to see in person?
I love my visits to the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, India. It’s one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, and I’ve always been drawn to how it sits right at the edge of the ocean. There’s something beautiful about the way it has weathered time, still standing strong while being shaped by wind and saltwater. It’s a reminder of how architecture connects people, history, and nature, and how design can carry stories across generations.