Mahek Chheda, Founder, Archonet speaks on the company’s vision to facilitate seamless connections between architects, designers and potential clients.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the creation of Archonet? What led you to start this platform?
It all began back in 2014 when I graduated from Sir J. J. College of Architecture with a burning passion for architecture and a dream of making a difference in the world through my designs. As I entered the job market for architectural services, I quickly realized that I had a strong desire to start my own practice.
However, I encountered challenges in kick-starting my practice due to a lack of a network to attract the right clients. This personal struggle led me to envision a platform that could address the challenges faced by young architects who were planning to start their own practice or freelance to earn extra income. I wanted to empower the architecture community and transform the way architects connect with clients. In 2017, along with my batchmate Ramyakant Desabattula from IIM Calcutta, the idea of Archonet was conceived. We wanted to create a platform that would bridge the gap between architects and clients, providing a seamless and efficient way for designers to showcase their expertise and connect with potential clients.
Amidst the midst of the pandemic in August 2020 Ramyakant, Viral Gala (our third co-founder), and I began working on the directory project, our first pro-bono product to help design students find the ideal workplace to kick-start their professional careers. Today, our online directory boasts a database of over 27,000 firms across 6 continents, including the US, UK, India, Australia, Singapore, and more. It is actively used by over 300 unique users on a monthly basis. Fast forward in November 2022, we started working on our next revolutionary product; an online marketplace for architectural and interior design services marking a significant milestone in our journey and that’s how Archonet came to be!
Clockwise from left (top) – Ramyakant Desabattula, Viral Gala and Mahek Chheda
So, how does Archonet promote architects and designers and help them acquire new clients?
Archonet is a visionary platform founded with the aim of empowering the architecture and design community and transforming the traditional approach to design. It serves as a powerful promotional tool for architects and designers, allowing them to showcase their portfolios and expertise to a wide audience without the headache of creating and maintaining their own website. Designers can create comprehensive profiles on Archonet, highlighting their past projects, qualifications, and areas of expertise. By doing so, they can captivate and attract new clients, establishing their credibility and showcasing their unique design potential.
We take the necessary steps to offer each designer the visibility they deserve. Archonet also facilitates networking and collaboration among designers and industry professionals. Through the platform, designers can connect with potential clients actively seeking design services. This convenient and budget-friendly approach helps clients find the perfect design partner for their specific needs and preferences. By providing a seamless and efficient platform, Archonet aims to revolutionize the architecture industry, nurture collaboration, inspire creativity, and empower the architecture community to thrive in the modern era of design.
How can architects and designers avail themselves of the services provided by Archonet?
Architects and designers can take advantage of Archonet’s services by creating comprehensive profiles on the platform. This involves showcasing their past experience, work with firms or independent projects, skill-set, and areas of expertise. By providing this information, designers can effectively present their qualifications and unique selling points to potential clients. They are also encouraged to create portfolios of their past projects, uploading curated images and detailed descriptions. This allows designers to provide viewers with a glimpse into their design thinking, style, and the quality of their work. Once the profiles and portfolios are created, Archonet’s team verifies the information provided, ensuring the credibility and professionalism of the designers listed on the platform.
Verified designers gain the opportunity to be listed among the highly curated professionals on Archonet, enhancing their visibility and increasing their chances of being discovered by potential clients. Designers can then engage in conversations with interested clients to discuss project details, requirements, and expectations. This direct connection allows designers to showcase their expertise, build rapport, and potentially secure design projects. Archonet also offers a networking page where designers can upload design content, participate in discussions, and collaborate with fellow designers. This page provides additional visibility and networking opportunities within the design community. By actively engaging with Archonet’s platform and utilizing its features, architects and designers can effectively showcase their skills, attract potential clients, and enhance their professional opportunities.
Which core cities are you currently providing your services, and how many professionals are already on board with Archonet?
Currently, Archonet is actively providing its services in Mumbai, along with its sister cities Thane and Navi Mumbai. These cities serve as thriving hubs for architectural and design activities, making them ideal starting points for Archonet’s operations. As for the number of professionals on board, we have already onboarded over 30 skilled designers who have showcased their talent by uploading more than 150 past projects. This number continues to grow steadily, ensuring that clients have a diverse range of design options to choose from. Archonet has ambitious plans for expansion and aims to extend its services to other major cities in the coming months. By expanding our reach, we aim to connect with a broader audience and cater to the diverse design needs of clients in different regions.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for Archonet?
Archonet has an exciting roadmap ahead! We aim to become a comprehensive platform that empowers designers to better serve their clientele. Our plans include incorporating advanced AI modeling tools into the platform, enabling designers to generate ideas faster during the concept design stage. These tools will enhance creativity and efficiency, optimizing the design process. Additionally, we plan to introduce project management tools that streamline communication, file sharing, and project tracking. This will facilitate seamless collaboration between designers, clients, and external team members, ensuring a smooth design journey.
Furthermore, we intend to expand our services by incorporating other key stakeholders in the built form space. By bringing together architects, contractors, suppliers, and other industry professionals, we aim to create an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and enables designers to deliver exceptional experiences and results to their customers. Through these planned enhancements and expansions, Archonet aims to establish itself as the go-to platform for designers and clients alike, offering a holistic and integrated approach to the design and construction industry. We strive to create a win-win situation, where designers can deliver exceptional designs and experiences, while clients benefit from a smooth and satisfying design journey.
Connect Online: www.archonet.co
