How would you describe the evolution of your career as an architectural illustrator? What were the key milestones that shaped where you are today?
My journey as an architectural illustrator has been anything but linear—it’s been a story of discovering my true calling while building a solid foundation in the field I love.
After graduating in architecture, I pursued a master’s in Urban Planning from CEPT University, which led me to work with prestigious firms like HCP and AIILSG. As an urban planner and communication consultant on government projects, I found myself constantly drawn to the power of graphics and visual storytelling. That’s when I realized my passion wasn’t just a hobby—it was something deeper.
The first major milestone was starting my social media page in 2022 while still working full-time. Balancing my professional responsibilities with sharing my passion projects online was challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Watching my Instagram grow to 100K followers in less than a year was both surprising and validating—it showed me that my work truly resonated with people.
The biggest leap came when I decided to leave my stable 9-to-5 job to pursue architectural illustration and content creation full-time. It was terrifying to give up that security, but the response from my growing community gave me the confidence to take that risk.
Another important milestone was starting the wave of architectural animations and motion graphics in India. This was quite unique and new for most architects here, and my work in this area received a lot of appreciation. Creating architecture motion graphics helped accelerate my career and opened up exciting opportunities.
Every late-night sketch, every post shared with nervous excitement, and every message from someone who connected with my work has shaped who I am today. Looking back, each step—from my planning background to building my online presence—has been essential in creating the unique voice I have as an architectural illustrator.
Where did your story begin? Can you take us back to the moment you first felt connected to both architecture and illustration? What sparked that first inspiration?
My story truly began when I interned under the legendary architect Christopher Benninger. He always emphasized the importance of visuals in architecture, and working on projects with him taught me how crucial every detail was—from line weight to color schemes to the way drawings are presented. That experience was the real starting point of my journey into architectural illustration.
Creatively, I’ve always been someone who loved expressing myself visually, though I hadn’t imagined turning it into a career initially. I still remember working on my very first-year architecture history assignment, with coffee stains and all—it felt uniquely mine and made me feel connected to the process in a deep way. During the jury presentations, I realized I naturally focused on how the sheets looked, not just what they said. That curiosity and attention to presentation kept me exploring illustration further, and that exploration eventually led me to where I am today.
Were there any defining moments, challenges, or breakthroughs that made you realize illustration could become your voice within architecture?
Definitely. One of the most defining moments for me was when I started receiving messages from a diverse group of people—students, young architects, and even those outside the architecture field—telling me that my illustrations helped them better understand architectural concepts. I also received appreciation messages from some well-known architects, which was incredibly encouraging. Most importantly, I found genuine happiness exploring this creative side of myself.
The road wasn’t easy. Leaving a stable job was scary, and I often had to explain what “architectural illustration” actually meant to people who hadn’t encountered it before. I also grappled with self-doubt, which is natural when forging a new path. However, every breakthrough came after taking risks—whether it was accepting my first independent project, leading my first workshop, or simply sharing my drawings publicly for the first time. I never imagined I would become an educator, but seeing my students grow and create such beautiful work has been deeply rewarding. It’s in those moments that I became certain this is my true calling.
What emotions or messages do you try to convey through your illustrations? Is there a deeper narrative you’re hoping people feel or understand when they look at your work?
Through my illustrations, I aim to bring clarity, warmth, and a touch of wonder to architecture. The field can often feel overwhelming, packed with technical jargon and complex concepts. My goal is to simplify it in a way that anyone can understand—I want my parents, who aren’t from an architecture background, to connect with and appreciate what I create.
I believe architectural drawings and illustrations have a strong impact, especially for clients who may not understand technical language but respond deeply to visual storytelling. That’s why I use animations and bold colors to break away from the usual black-and-white drawings architects often use. This visual shift makes the work more approachable and engaging, helping people imagine life unfolding inside these spaces, not just seeing walls and windows.
In every illustration, I hope to convey a story and evoke emotions—whether it’s joy, nostalgia, calm, or curiosity. Ultimately, the deeper narrative I want people to feel is that architecture is not just about buildings—it’s about human experiences, moments, and connections brought to life through design.
Who inspires your work? Do you have a favorite type of architecture to illustrate?
I find inspiration in many places—from old illustrated books and contemporary competition boards to the everyday street corners around me. One person who has greatly influenced my work is Steven(show it better), whose YouTube channel I avidly followed during my college days. His fearless blend of precision and playfulness taught me so much about architectural illustration. Often, the ideas I explore come from my own student days, imagining how I would have approached a project back then. This perspective helps me connect with the next generation of architects and illustrators.
My favorite types of architecture to illustrate are public and cultural spaces—libraries, plazas, street scapes—places where people naturally come together. I’m also deeply inspired by the aesthetics of Indian architecture, from majestic temples to historic forts, which carry rich stories and intricate details. Additionally, I love illustrating everyday architecture because even the simplest home or street has its own unique beauty and story when you look closely enough.
I enjoy traveling, and wherever I go, I have a habit of sketching or collecting visual memories from that place. I especially like illustrating buildings during my travels—particularly Indian houses, temples, and forts—which allows me to capture the spirit and character of each location through my art.
I think the future of architectural illustration is very exciting. With AI and new digital tools, there are many new ways to create and share ideas. But I believe the human touch will always be important. A drawing is not just about showing every detail correctly; it’s about sharing a viewpoint, telling a story, and showing feelings.
I see architectural illustration becoming a mix of hand-drawn art and digital work, with AI helping add textures and details. As architecture changes to respond to climate, culture, and community, illustrations will be even more important—not just to show how a building looks, but to show how it feels. This combination of technology and human creativity will make the stories behind buildings stronger and more powerful.
Shweta’s story is a true reflection of courage, creativity, and self-discovery. What started as a side passion has now become a full-time journey that inspires thousands across the architectural community. Her work reminds us that following your instincts and embracing change can lead to incredible growth — both personally and professionally. Through her dedication to visual storytelling, Shweta continues to redefine how architecture can be shared, felt, and celebrated, proving that passion combined with persistence can truly shape a meaningful career.
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