Today we’d like to introduce you to Akhil Hemanth
Hi Akhil, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey in architecture bridges two worlds: the vibrant construction sites of India and the innovative, technology-driven landscape of American design. Some of my earliest memories are of my father, a developer in the multi-family building space, hunched over a drawing board, meticulously drafting plans with Rotring pens before computers took over. I can still vividly recall the excitement of visiting these sites with him, toy in hand, playing in the sand destined for concrete mixing. Little did I know then that these childhood experiences were laying the foundation for my future career.
As I grew older, my fascination with the built environment only intensified. The transformation of mere drawings into towering structures captivated me, and I began to see architecture as a powerful tool for shaping communities and lives. When the time came to choose my path, architecture was the natural choice. It wasn’t just about following in my father’s footsteps; it was about joining forces with him, combining his practical knowledge of development with my fresh perspective on design.
My educational journey took me from RV College of Architecture in Bangalore to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in the United States. Each institution played a crucial role in shaping my architectural philosophy. RV College instilled in me a strong technical foundation and work ethic, while SCAD broadened my horizons, introducing me to computational design, design thinking, and pushing me to think beyond traditional boundaries.
After SCAD, I had the incredible opportunity to join The Beck Group in Atlanta – my first foray into the world of corporate architecture. Working on the extension of Phipps Plaza was eye-opening, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to design and construct a mixed-use building of that scale in the United States. It was here that I truly understood an architect’s role as a conductor in a symphony, coordinating various elements to bring a vision to life.
However, my journey wasn’t without its challenges. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented hurdles. Construction sites shut down, including Phipps Plaza, and I found myself jobless in a foreign country, worried about my family back in India. This period, though stressful, led me back to Savannah, where new opportunities awaited.
In Savannah, I worked at Architecture 101, deepening my understanding of wood construction. I also became heavily involved with the local American Institute of Architects (AIA) chapter, serving as the president of the Young Architects Forum. This role provided me with a supportive community and significantly contributed to my professional growth.
My passion for technology and innovation led me to participate in Nights and Weekends, a Y Combinator-style incubator, where I learned what it takes to create a product from concept to market. This experience fueled my ongoing pursuit of creating software solutions for the architecture industry.
One of my proudest achievements was speaking at the Aspire conference in Asheville, where I shared my perspective on the state of AI in the AEC industry. This pushed me out of my comfort zone as I had never stood on a stage to present to an audience before. I had always seen TEDx talks and dreamed of giving one myself, but this opportunity at Aspire gave me the chance to do something similar. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my career, validating my expertise and boosting my confidence as a public speaker.
Recognizing the need for more accessible and engaging architectural knowledge, I co-founded the podcast “Tell Me More” with two wonderful co-hosts. The podcast was born out of our shared belief that architectural knowledge needs constant updating and that existing content could be presented in a more compelling way. Through this collaborative platform, we shine a light on individuals doing extraordinary work in the built environment, aiming to bridge knowledge gaps and inspire innovation in our field. Working with my co-hosts has brought diverse perspectives to our discussions, enriching the content we provide to our listeners.
Today, I find myself at HKS in Atlanta, known for its limitless thinking. Here, I continue to push the boundaries of architectural innovation, always seeking to create spaces that positively impact communities. I strive to blend the technical precision I learned in India, the practical knowledge gained from various projects, the adaptability I developed through my international experiences, and the innovative thinking I’ve honed throughout my career into every project I undertake.
Looking back on this journey – from the construction sites of India to the innovative projects at HKS – I’m grateful for every experience. Each step, whether it was a challenge like the pandemic or an opportunity like speaking at a conference, has shaped me as an architect and as a person. My goal remains to create spaces that not only excel in functionality and aesthetics but also positively impact the communities they serve.
I must emphasize that all of this journey was possible because of my parents. Without their unwavering support, I wouldn’t have reached this point in my career. Their encouragement and belief in me have been the foundation upon which I’ve built my professional life, enabling me to pursue my passions and overcome challenges along the way.
It’s been quite a ride, and I’m excited to see where this architectural adventure takes me next, always carrying with me the values and support my parents instilled in me from the very beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am today has certainly not been smooth. While every challenge has ultimately contributed to my growth, there were several significant struggles along the way.
One of the most formidable challenges was adapting to the cultural and educational differences between India and the United States. Moving from RV College in Bangalore to SCAD in Savannah was a huge leap. The approach to architectural education was quite different, emphasizing design thinking and computational design in ways I hadn’t experienced before. This required me to essentially “unlearn” certain aspects of my previous training and adapt to a new way of thinking about architecture. It was intellectually stimulating but also incredibly demanding.
The financial aspect of studying abroad was another significant hurdle. Balancing my studies with a job at the campus gym taught me valuable lessons in time management and prioritization, but it was exhausting. There were times when I questioned whether I could manage it all, but the experience ultimately made me more resilient and resourceful.
Perhaps the most unexpected and difficult challenge came with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Just as I was gaining momentum in my career at The Beck Group, working on exciting projects like the Phipps Plaza extension, everything ground to a halt. Construction sites shut down, and I found myself jobless in a foreign country. The stress was compounded by worry for my family back in India, whom I couldn’t visit due to travel restrictions. This period tested my resolve and adaptability like nothing else.
Another struggle has been the ongoing challenge of bridging the gap between traditional architectural practices and the rapidly evolving world of technology. My interest in creating software solutions for the architecture industry often puts me at the intersection of two fields that don’t always speak the same language. Convincing traditionalists of the value of new technologies, while also ensuring that tech solutions truly serve architectural needs, has been a constant balancing act.
Public speaking was another area where I had to overcome significant personal barriers. Standing on stage at the Aspire conference to present my ideas about AI in the AEC industry pushed me far outside my comfort zone. The preparation was intense, and the nerves were real, but pushing through this challenge opened up new opportunities and boosted my confidence immensely.
Lastly, starting and maintaining the “Tell Me More” podcast with my co-hosts has been rewarding but challenging. Balancing the demands of my day job with the commitment to regularly produce high-quality, engaging content has been a juggling act. There have been times when we’ve struggled to align schedules, find guests, or tackle technical issues, but our shared passion for spreading architectural knowledge keeps us going.
Perhaps one of the most persistent and emotionally challenging struggles has been the personal cost of pursuing my career abroad – being away from my family and the cultural connections that shaped my childhood. The distance has meant missing out on festival celebrations that I used to enjoy so much as a kid. These festivals were not just events, but cherished times of family togetherness and cultural immersion that I now experience from afar.
The physical separation from my loved ones has been particularly hard. My relationship with my grandmother, for instance, has been reduced to FaceTime calls. While I’m grateful for the technology that allows us to stay connected, it’s a poor substitute for the warmth of her presence and the joy of sharing a meal together. It’s not just the big moments I miss, but the everyday interactions – the casual conversations, the shared laughter, the silent understanding that comes from being in the same physical space.
Moreover, as I build my life and career here, I’m acutely aware that everyone else close to me is growing and changing back home. Cousins are getting married, nieces and nephews are being born, and family dynamics are shifting – all while I’m not there to witness and be part of these changes firsthand. This sense of missing out, of not being present for the evolving story of my family and community, has been a constant undercurrent in my journey.
While this struggle has been difficult, it has also deepened my appreciation for my cultural roots and family bonds. It’s pushed me to find creative ways to stay connected and to cherish the time I do get to spend with my loved ones. Moreover, it’s given me a unique perspective that I bring to my work – an understanding of the importance of creating spaces that foster community and connection, because I know firsthand how valuable these elements are in our lives.
These struggles have been integral to my journey. Each challenge has taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my passion for architecture and innovation. While the road hasn’t been smooth, navigating these obstacles has made me a better architect and a stronger person.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an architect at HKS in Atlanta, my work spans a broad spectrum of architectural design. However, what truly defines my career and sets me apart are two key areas: my passion for creating innovative software solutions for the AEC industry and my commitment to sharing knowledge through my podcast.
## Specialization in AEC Software Solutions
I’ve carved out a niche for myself at the intersection of architecture and technology. I’m a self-taught programmer, and I specialize in developing software solutions that streamline workflows in architecture firms. This unique blend of architectural knowledge and programming skills allows me to create tools that address the specific needs of our industry.
Two of my notable projects in this area are:
1. **Office Lens**: This is an AI-powered office assistant copilot I’ve developed. It’s designed to boost productivity by automating many of the routine tasks architects face daily, allowing them to focus more on creative design work.
2. **MateriScan**: This app helps designers identify materials, search for information, and find nearby suppliers. It’s like having a materials expert right in your pocket, making the specification process more efficient and informed.
These projects showcase my commitment to improving efficiency and creativity in architectural practice through technology.
## Knowledge Sharing through “Tell Me More” Podcast
Another significant aspect of my work is co-hosting the “Tell Me More” podcast with my colleagues Heli and Nate. This podcast specializes in sharing stories from across the AEC industry, not just from architects, but from everyone involved in shaping our built environment.
Through “Tell Me More,” we’re known for:
– Highlighting unsung heroes in the industry
– Discussing pressing issues in architecture and construction
– Making complex architectural concepts accessible to a broader audience
– Reminding people of the excitement and impact of great architecture
## What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of how these two aspects of my work – software development and podcasting – are helping to push our industry forward. Whether it’s through a tool that makes an architect’s job easier or a podcast episode that inspires new thinking, I’m constantly striving to make a positive impact on our field.
## What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is my multidisciplinary approach to architecture. I’m not just an architect – I’m also a programmer and a storyteller. This unique combination allows me to:
1. Identify challenges in architectural practice and create technological solutions to address them
2. Bridge the gap between traditional architectural knowledge and cutting-edge technology
3. Communicate complex architectural ideas in engaging, accessible ways
By wearing these different hats, I bring a distinctive perspective to every project I work on, whether it’s designing a building, developing software, or sharing stories on the podcast.
In essence, my work is about more than just creating buildings – it’s about enhancing the way we practice architecture and expanding the conversation about the built environment. Through technology and communication, I’m working to make architecture more efficient, more accessible, and more impactful.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on my architectural journey is the power of adaptability, continuous growth, and above all, perseverance. My path from India to the United States has taught me that success in architecture – and in life – comes from being open to new ideas, never giving up, and being grateful for every opportunity.
When I first arrived at SCAD from RV College in India, I realized I needed to “unlearn” certain aspects of my previous training to embrace a new approach to architectural thinking. This was challenging, but it opened my eyes to the endless possibilities in our field. Similarly, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and I found myself jobless in a foreign country, I had to adapt quickly, finding new opportunities and ways to contribute to the industry.
These experiences have shown me that growth often happens outside our comfort zones. Whether it’s learning to code to create software solutions for the AEC industry, or stepping onto a stage to speak about AI at the Aspire conference, each challenge has pushed me to expand my skills and perspective. The key has always been to never give up – if you want something, you have to go out and do it.
Perhaps most importantly, this journey has taught me the value of bridging divides – between cultures, between traditional practices and new technologies, and between different roles within our industry. Through my work at HKS, my software projects like Office Lens and MateriScan, and our “Tell Me More” podcast, I strive to connect different aspects of architecture and bring diverse voices to the forefront.
In essence, the most crucial lesson has been that architecture is not just about designing buildings – it’s about continually redesigning ourselves to meet the evolving needs of our field and our communities. It’s about persevering through challenges, seizing opportunities, and being grateful for each step of the journey. This mindset continues to shape my approach to every project and challenge I encounter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.akhilhemanth.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aheman20/?hl=en
- Other: https://linktr.ee/tellmemorepodd
