Drawing Wale Log” (Because Apparently We Just Make Sketches)

                                 “Who Builds What, Beta?”

                                               (A Hilarious Breakdown of Indian Design Roles)

                                                

   Let’s be real: If you tell your typical Indian aunty you're an urban planner, she's probably going to nod and say, “Ahh, so you work in real estate, right?” And we all know what happens next—she’s telling everyone at the next kitty party that you’re a big shot in construction, but she still can’t quite grasp what you actually do.

Growing up in a semi-urban place like Nanded, I’m used to hearing the same question from relatives— “So, you’re an interior designer?” It gets on my nerves every time! They have no clue that there’s more to it than just picking out cushions and curtains. And the confusion doesn’t end there—let’s break it down in a way that even the most confused relative can understand and add some humor along the way!

1. The Architect:

• What they do: Architects are the ones who draw up the plans and get the building to stand tall—whether it’s a swanky apartment, a mall, or a celebrity bungalow. They mix creativity with engineering, making sure the building doesn’t collapse when you look at it too hard.

• Indian Misconception: “Beta, can you just shift the kitchen to the northeast for better Vastu?” — Ah, yes. Architects are also secretly Vastu experts, apparently. Forget structural integrity; it’s all about the Vastu placement of the refrigerator!

References: Council of Architecture India – Role of Architects

2. Interior Designer:

• What they do: Once the building is standing, the interior designer swoops in like a Bollywood set designer and gives the place some actual personality. They handle everything from the sofa placement to picking the exact shade of beige that will make you second-guess your life choices.

• Indian Misconception: “Oh, so you do decoration stuff, like the houses in movies? Can you get me those velvet curtains from Laxmi Road?” – Oh sure, because picking out the right curtains is totally the same as designing an entire living room that doesn’t look like a mishmash of furniture your relatives gave you.

References: Indian Institute of Interior Designers – IIID India

3. Landscape Architect:

• What they do: These green-thumbed professionals are the ones who turn a plain yard into a mini Eden. They design gardens, parks, and even the occasional eco-friendly resort. They know which plants will thrive in a Pune summer (hint: not much) and which ones will be dead within a week.

• Indian Misconception: “Oh, you’re a professional gardener, right? My bonsai is dying; can you come check?” – Yup, landscape architects are basically garden doctors who also know a lot about drainage systems and plant survival rates, but no one wants to hear about that.

References: Landscape Design Focus – IIID India

4. Urban/Town Planner:

• What they do: Urban planners are the masterminds of the city’s big picture. They handle everything from land use to public transportation, making sure your city doesn’t turn into a chaotic mess of traffic and potholes. They're basically the behind-the-scenes superheroes trying to make the city liveable (while sipping cutting chai, of course).

• Indian Misconception: “So, you make Google Maps, right?” – Sure, because managing traffic congestion and planning public spaces is just like clicking “Create Map” on Google. Easy, right?

References: CEPT University – Planning Programmes, Smart Cities Mission – Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

                             

The Grand Breakdown:

Role	What They Actually Do	What Indians Think They Do
Architect	Designs buildings, from structure to functionality.	“Makes floor plans on butter paper.”
Interior Designer	Styles the interiors, from color schemes to furniture.	“Decorates like in IKEA.”
Landscape Architect	Designs outdoor spaces, gardens, and parks.	“Professional mali (gardener)?”
Urban Planner	Plans cities, manages land use, and solves big problems.	“Makes Google Maps?”

In conclusion, these unsung heroes are the ones making the spaces where we live, work, and play. Whether it’s your future dream home in Pune, that one public park where you secretly pretend to jog, or the city that doesn’t look like a traffic jam from every angle—these professionals are the real MVPs. So, the next time someone asks, "What's the difference between an architect and an interior designer?"—just "send them this masterpiece.

And to all the architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and urban planners out there: We see you, we appreciate you, and we definitely won’t ask you to move the kitchen for better Vastu (unless, of course, you’ve got a really good reason). And remember, if the client asks for "something modern, but not too modern," don’t panic. It’s just the universe testing your patience and creativity. Keep calm, design on, and maybe have a cutting chai ready for those ‘last-minute changes’ that always come. 😉

Copyright © 2025 [Ar. Pallavi Vasekar]