From the layered courtyards of India to Massachusetts’ leading public architecture projects, Poorvi Gupta is redefining how design can heal, connect, and empower communities. As a young architectural designer whose frameworks are influencing wellness-focused design discussions within top Massachusetts firms, Poorvi embodies how architecture can be a quiet yet powerful force for resilience, climate action, and emotional wellness.
Poorvi has contributed to award-winning design teams, lectured on community-centered design frameworks, and developed methods for emotionally resilient spaces now referenced within her firm’s design guidebooks. In this exclusive conversation with The Boston Digest, she shares how her multicultural journey, her innovative frameworks, and her focus on high-impact public projects are shaping the future of architecture in the United States.
How has moving to the United States shaped your approach to architecture?
“Coming from India, I brought an intuition about climate-responsive, community-centered design,” Poorvi begins. “In the U.S., I combined that with advanced technology, systematic design processes, and performance metrics.”
She shares how her multicultural lens has enabled her to approach complex challenges creatively. “It allowed me to see opportunities for integrating emotional wellness and sustainability seamlessly within high-performing environments.”
What does “designing for humanity” mean in your work today?
“It means ensuring that design supports people’s emotional, physical, and environmental well-being,” she explains.
Poorvi sees design as a form of social responsibility, especially within public projects serving thousands. “It’s about daylight that fosters focus, flexible spaces that adapt, and environments that offer moments of calm. The built environment impacts us more than we realize.”
Can you describe your framework for emotionally resilient design and its impact?
Poorvi has developed a framework called “Emotional Infrastructure in Architecture,” which has been integrated into design discussions within her firm and shared in design team training sessions.
- Daylight as Material: “Using daylight as an intentional design material has reduced dependency on artificial lighting by up to 40% in projects I’ve worked on.”
- Flexibility as Resilience: “Spaces that adapt to new pedagogies or community needs have increased utilization rates and community engagement.”
- Nature Integration: “Access to green spaces has been shown to reduce student stress levels and improve attendance.”
- Quiet Spaces: “Including reflective spaces within schools has been linked to higher user satisfaction in post-occupancy studies.”
- Community Co-Creation: “Community design workshops I’ve led have resulted in design features that directly reflect end-user needs, increasing community trust.”
How are you applying these principles in Massachusetts projects?
Poorvi is working on large-scale educational and community projects serving over 1,500 users daily across Massachusetts, integrating daylighting, operable windows for natural ventilation, and flexible learning environments to promote wellness.
“We’re using high-performance building systems like geothermal heating and mass timber construction, aiming for LEED Gold certification to reduce operational carbon footprints by 35%,” she explains.
Her work has led to design changes adopted across multiple projects within her firm, influencing approaches to daylighting standards and outdoor learning environments statewide.
How did the pandemic refine your design lens?
“The pandemic highlighted the need for adaptable, wellness-centered environments,” Poorvi shares.
She notes how her push for outdoor learning zones and operable windows within projects directly responded to pandemic-driven ventilation needs, while addressing mental health by providing daylight-rich, flexible spaces.
Can you share projects that solidified your commitment to community-centered design?
“Yes, two projects stand out,” Poorvi says.
She describes Samsara, her conceptual project featured in design discussions, which explored how architecture can support people through grief. “It taught me how spatial design, light, and material transitions can support emotional healing.”
She also shares Terrace Club, which reimagined underused urban structures into wellness-focused community hubs with terraced green spaces. “This project became a discussion point within urban design lectures I’ve presented, showcasing how even dense cities can support human connection.”
What global issues are you addressing through your design work?
“Climate change, equity in public spaces, and emotional wellness are core to my work,” Poorvi states.
The project has integrated geothermal systems, rainwater harvesting, daylighting strategies, and mass timber construction to ensure the projects exceed Massachusetts energy codes by 20-30%.
How does your multicultural background enhance your U.S. contributions?
“My heritage helps me design spaces that are culturally sensitive and emotionally intelligent,” Poorvi shares.
She blends intuitive, passive design strategies with advanced U.S. technology and performance metrics, enabling her to bring fresh perspectives that enrich the design process.
How do you approach community engagement in design?
“I have led multiple community workshops, gathering input from educators, students, and stakeholders, ensuring design outcomes reflect actual needs,” she explains.
Poorvi’s co-creation methods have led to tangible outcomes, including the inclusion of community gardens, adaptable outdoor classrooms, and quiet reflective zones within Massachusetts public projects.
What challenges have you faced as a young woman in architecture, and how have you navigated them?
“Being a young immigrant woman in architecture has meant advocating for my ideas while earning trust,” she shares.
Her commitment to evidence-based design and her ability to translate user needs into innovative design features have helped her build credibility and influence within design teams.
How do you envision architecture’s role in today’s societal challenges?
“Architecture must address climate resilience, emotional wellness, and social equity,” Poorvi emphasizes.
Her design work in Massachusetts contributes to state climate action goals while directly enhancing educational environments for thousands of students, embodying architecture’s role in public service.
What do you see as your unique contribution to advancing architecture in Massachusetts?
“I have brought a framework that centers emotional wellness and sustainability while ensuring spaces are high-performing and adaptable,” Poorvi states.
Her contributions have been recognized within firm-wide design reviews and internal research discussions, positioning her as a leading voice in designing emotionally resilient, sustainable public spaces in Massachusetts.
What advice would you give emerging designers?
“Design with empathy and curiosity, and let your unique story guide your work,” Poorvi advises.
She encourages young designers to understand the power of architecture in shaping lives and communities. “Your perspective is your strength.”
What excites you about the future of architecture?
“I’m excited by the growing recognition of design’s role in climate action and mental health,” she says.
Poorvi plans to continue leading public projects that reflect these values while mentoring young designers, ensuring architecture evolves as a discipline that serves humanity’s deepest needs.
As Massachusetts and communities globally reimagine public spaces for a sustainable, resilient future, designers like Poorvi Gupta remind us that architecture’s highest calling is not simply to create structures but to create spaces that heal, empower, and inspire communities to thrive.