From Passion To Profession: Sanjay Puri’s Architectural Journey

Sanjay Puri was born in 1965 in Ludhiana, Punjab, India. He cultivated a dream, one that would not be realized until a pivotal moment in his teenage years when he read this book called “The Fountainhead,” which sparked his interest in the field of architecture. The protagonist of the book, Howard Roark, an architect striving against mediocrity, embarked on curiosity that made him question, “Is the field of architecture really that interesting, or is it just glorified here?” This curiosity led him to join Hafeez Contractor after he finished his schooling, where he gained first hand experience of how a simple sketch is translated into reality. Sanjay Puri has had a profound learning experience since he started his journey with hands-on experience and consistent sight-seeing.

Sanjay Puri completed his schooling from Mayo College in Ajmer; a distinguished institute known for its high scholastic standards. In his early days at college, he was already working with Hafeez contractor, which made him quite well known. One day, his cousin, who was impressed by his drawings, insisted that he do a small project without any experience, and he did such a phenomenal job that the contractor who was working with him in the same area got so impressed by his skills. That was the beginning of his career in the field of architecture, and there was no looking back for him after that.

Sanjay Puri had a ridiculous schedule in which he had to manage both work and college. His college days used to last from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and after that, he worked with Hafeez Contractor from 2:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturdays were also spent traveling to different locations for work. His dedication and commitment to his art set him apart from his competitors, and he used to do it when he was just a college student.

One day, Avinash Gokhle, who used to do 3D layouts, invited him to do a 54-acre project in which Sanjay had to prepare an 18-building layout elevation, which was a significant thing for him at the age of 21.

After that he took on whatever came in his way making schools, banks, offices, buildings that were beautiful as well as resourceful in terms of making them best suited for the environment. He focused on making designs that were unique and had maximum utilization of natural resources like Air and light, which made those structures sustainable.

While his academic pursuits took him down an unexpected path, Sanjay Puri’s early life reveals a young man with an inquisitive mind, unwavering support from his family, and a passion for architecture that would not be extinguished. His journey from textbooks to architectural blueprints emphasizes a unique blend of intellectual curiosity, artistic sensibility, and the fortitude to pursue his ambitions, paving the way for a successful career in shaping the built environment.