Nishu Sinha, AIA, NCARB, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, is a Senior Project Architect specializing in healthcare work at HGA.
Since moving to the United States from Mumbai, India, in 2005 to pursue her Master of Architecture from the State University of New York at Buffalo, Nishu has promoted an inclusive design process that advocates for underrepresented professionals.
She recently shared her experience as a co-author of Prospering in The U.S.: A Handbook for Immigrant Architects, published by the Immigrant Architects Coalition this spring. A collection of essays by 29 designers, the book offers fascinating—and often very personal—insight into how immigrants culturally assimilate into the profession while bringing their unique perspective.
In the following, Nishu discusses her book contribution, “Architect to Bridge: A Tapestry of Giving Back,” and how her experience enriches her personal and professional life.
Your essay mentions that coming to the U.S. was about “forging a path where borders blur.” Tell us about that
My early inspiration to blur borders through architecture came from a belief in its power to unite people beyond physical limitations. Growing up in India, a land known for its unity in diversity, I saw firsthand how thoughtfully designed spaces could bridge cultural divides and bring communities together. This experience ignited my passion and motivated me to pursue a career dedicated to creating environments that celebrate and embrace our collective human experience.
What was your initial impression coming here?
Navigating unfamiliar territory was no easy feat. I arrived with only a few hundred dollars and a student loan to cover my tuition and fees, and I needed to find a way to survive by working on campus. Initially, I even took a job cutting pizza. But I soon secured a graduate assistantship in the Urban Design Department. I worked on outlining design guidelines for corridor management doing hand sketches for book publication. This helped ease my financial burden but also enabled me to forge valuable connections with professors and city officials. Throughout, my roommates and friends were an indispensable support system.
What are your design inspirations?
Coming from the vibrant city of Mumbai, I have learned to thrive amid diverse challenges. My passion for using architecture as a tool for equity extends beyond my professional work, demonstrating my commitment to creating designs that are both resilient and culturally inclusive.
How do you translate that passion into your work?
I do that in several ways. I prioritize sustainable practices in my projects, mentor colleagues and architecture graduate students to empower the next generation of professionals, actively engage with the community to ensure that my designs address their needs, and contribute to the profession through local leadership roles with the American Institute of Architects. And learning from my own experience, I continue to advocate for immigrant architects, supporting their integration and success in the profession.
How do you define success?
Success is not so much about getting my professional architectural license, winning an award, or getting a particular job. It is about seeing people engaged with a building I helped design, knowing that they feel acknowledged in some way, and recognizing that architecture is for all.
What is your next bridge?
My next bridge is to continue to connect with other organizations and people, learn what they are doing, share our experiences—and hopefully be a mutual source of inspiration.
Learn more about HGA’s commitment to nurturing a diverse team and supporting Equity.