IN CONVERSATION WITH KUNAL MANIAR

The landscape architect elaborates on his memorable journey, comprehensive works and constructive thought processes

- SHRIYA GOYAL

Who knew growing up amidst lush greenery in urban Mumbai would inspire his choice of practice for landscape architect and founder of his namesake practice, Kunal Maniar. Reminiscing those days, he says, “Being raised in the city, a concrete jungle, and still being surrounded by trees informed my belief in the importance of integrating nature even within the most urban environments. This eventually translated into an interest in planning greenscapes and placemaking.” Following his calling, Kunal attended some summer courses in Singapore. He further enrolled in a Master’s program in Landscape Architecture at the University of Melbourne. Soon after his postgraduation, Kunal chose to begin his design journey at home and started Kunal Maniar and Associates in 2002. He recalls, “This was a time when landscape architecture was given little recognition in India, even within the design fraternity.” Earning acceptance in the industry, he worked alongside eminent architects and designers including Noshir Talati and Nozer Panthaky, Nozer Wadia, and Pinakin Patel, which led to crucial learnings during the early stages of his career.