Founding Chairperson, Architects Association of South Asia (AASA)
It is a great honor to serve as the first elected Chairperson of the Architects Association of South Asia (AASA), formally established in Kathmandu in August 2025. Though AASA is young, it represents a historic milestone born from the unity and vision of our national institutes and their leaders.
For decades, architects in South Asia have shared deep connections, our cultures, traditions, and climate challenges speak a common language. Yet, until now, we lacked a regional platform to learn from one another, to support each other, and to speak with a collective voice. AASA was created to fill that gap: a democratic, non political association formed by architects, run by architects, and dedicated to architects of our region.
The AASA Constitution defines our purpose clearly: to unite national institutes on one platform, to promote research and documentation of our shared heritage, to encourage professional exchange and education, and to represent South Asian architects globally. Our vision is ambitious in meaning: a space where senior architects mentor the young, where local wisdom is valued alongside modern technology, and where we address climate crisis, housing, heritage, and urban growth from a South Asian perspective.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the founding institutes, their presidents, vice presidents, initiators, and drafting committee members whose trust and goodwill laid the foundation of AASA.
As we move forward, AASA must remain inclusive, active, and grounded, listening more than speaking, learning more than declaring. Together, we will build a resilient, ethical, and timeless architectural community that reflects the spirit of South Asia.