Aatika Manzar: Redefining Architecture and Interior Design with Passion and Precision

Upasana Kaura

Born and raised in Delhi, Aatika Manzar pursued her Bachelor’s in Architecture from Jamia Millia Islamia and later completed her Masters in Interior Design from Birmingham City University. With a strong inclination towards Mathematics and a passion for design, she carved her path in architecture and interior design.

Today, Aatika Manzar stands as an inspiration for women entrepreneurs aiming to succeed on their own terms. Here’s a closer look at her journey.

When was Aatika Manzar Designs founded? Tell us about your entrepreneurial journey, including funding.

Before launching my own firm, I worked with established brands to gain experience and industry exposure. In 2017, I finally took the leap and founded Aatika Manzar Designs. It was a self-funded startup, and it took me three years to hire my first employee in 2020. Since then, the journey has been incredibly rewarding.

How challenging is it for a female architect in a male-dominated field?

As a woman architect, gaining client confidence was initially a challenge. The industry is male-dominated, and many clients preferred discussing technical aspects with male professionals.

However, after successfully delivering multiple projects, I established credibility. Today, I am recognised for my expertise. One ongoing challenge is that my team is entirely female, and contractors still expect male supervision for structural discussions—but this mindset is gradually changing.

Q. When did the entrepreneurship bug bite you? Share your challenges.

Entrepreneurship was always on my mind, but I waited until I had enough experience. Running your own business is far from glamorous—it demands constant attention, effort, and financial investment.

Finding initial projects, managing operations, and building a team were all challenging, but the journey has been worth it.

Q. Which project is closest to your heart and why?

Every project that pushes us to go the extra mile becomes special. We’ve completed over 150 projects so far.

One of my favourites is the Merak Restaurant. It was designed to be accessible to everyone, including physically challenged individuals. It also turned into a hands-on, DIY project where our team actively contributed—making it a memorable and collaborative experience.

Q. What are your future plans?

We aim to take on more challenging projects while promoting the use of local materials, art, and artisans. We are also keen on adaptive reuse projects—transforming abandoned properties into functional spaces like boutique hotels and restaurants.

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring architects?

Believe in yourself and take action. Confidence is key—once you trust your abilities, others will too.