Ramesh Kumar Dhatwalia

Ramesh Kumar Dhatwalia is an architect working out of Pandav Nagar in Delhi. The office is at C-69(A), on the third floor. Climbing those stairs every day keeps us somewhat fit, though it’s a pain when we have heavy stuff to carry. Pandav Nagar is a crowded place, and finding parking is a nightmare. But the view from the third floor isn't too bad if you like looking at rooftops and power lines. Inside, it’s mostly just big tables with drawings spread out everywhere. There’s always dust from the street coming in through the windows. We try to keep it clean but it’s a losing battle in Delhi. Ramesh is usually here hunched over a plan or talking on the phone. We don't have a fancy lobby or a coffee machine. We just use a small electric kettle in the corner. The walls are covered in old projects and some calendars that are out of date. It’s a busy atmosphere but not in a corporate way. More like a workshop where things are actually being made. Sometimes the neighbors come by to complain about something, or just to chat. We just keep drawing and measuring. It’s a place to work, even if the building is a bit old and the paint is peeling near the ceiling. It gets the job done for us.