Architect ColumnFeature

Homes as Reflections

Creating a home is much more than constructing walls and installing a roof. It’s about crafting a space where memories are made, relationships are nurtured, and a family’s identity is reflected in every corner. When Ahsanullah Majumder approaches a new residential project, he isn’t just building a house; he is crafting a space that reflects the very essence of a family’s life. He believes that a residence is more than walls and roofs; it is the 3-dimensional interpretation of a family’s values, culture, beliefs, and lifestyle. It’s about making a space feel like home—their home. The process, according to him, begins with one simple question: “How can I make this space truly theirs?”

A home isn’t just about creating something beautiful; it’s about creating something that aligns with the people who will live there.

The home must speak to them, reflect their unique identity, and foster a deep sense of belonging.

Ahsanullah Majumder’s philosophy on design is rooted in interaction. He doesn’t merely impose his ideas onto the family. Instead, he facilitates a conversation—a dialogue between the family and the space. “I know it’s my space when I can interact with it,” says Ahsanullah. “It’s like a friend. Not everyone can be your friend, but when there is mutual understanding and connection, then the relationship grows.” Ahsanullah Majumder prioritizes understanding and fulfilling his clients’ dreams, engaging with every family member to capture their unique needs. He compares this process to nurturing a plant:

“We don’t make flowers on plants; we nurture them, and they grow.” In the same way, the architecture provides the foundation, but it is the family that brings it to life.

One of his nice projects is the BRB project, a remarkable building designed to be both self-sufficient and energy-efficient. The challenge here was to create a structure that could thrive in an urban environment surrounded by taller buildings that cast shadows. To make the most of limited natural light, he incorporated innovative solar panels that harness light and shadow to generate 160 kilowatts of energy per day. This energy is enough to power the building’s basic needs, excluding the lift and air conditioning.

The project integrates smart technology, allowing residents to control lights, security, temperature, and appliances remotely. It also features amenities like an indoor games space, prayer room, gym, pool, and movie theater. Architect Ahsanullah Majumder highlights the importance of collaboration with construction workers, acknowledging their crucial role in bringing the design to life despite often being underpaid. He sees the construction workers as partners in the process—each one a vital link in a larger chain of skill and learning.

He invests time and effort into training his workers, teaching them new techniques, and passing on his knowledge. “The most difficult job is theirs,” he says, “and they deserve to be recognized and respected.”

This investment in the workers not only ensures the quality of the project but also helps to create a cycle of learning and growth.

In the BRB project, Ahsanullah Majumder faced challenges in creating precision wooden work, so he brought in machinery, a European engineer, and trained workers. The result was a highly skilled team capable of executing complex designs. For him, architecture is about leadership—leading by example, teaching, and actively participating in the process. He believes that a great architect works alongside craftsmen and learns from them. This hands-on approach to leadership is what he encourages the next generation of architects to embrace. He advises,

“There are no shortcuts in this profession. You have to put in the work, learn from experience, and involve yourself in every aspect of the project. The knowledge you gain in college is important, but it’s nothing without practical application. The real learning happens on the job.”

He also reminds aspiring architects that the ultimate goal is not to fulfill their own dream, but to ensure that the client is happy with the final result. A happy client is the greatest reward an architect can receive.

Ahsanullah Majumder’s approach to architecture is rooted in a deep understanding of people. He sees design not as a solitary task but as a collaborative process that involves clients, workers, and even the building itself. For him, architecture is about creating spaces that align with the people who inhabit them, teaching new skills to those who help bring the designs to life, and ultimately fulfilling the dreams of the families who call the space home.

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