Dialectic Architecture Collective is a collaborative architecture, design, and research platform founded by architects Brijesh Shaijal and Nimisha Hakkim. Extending beyond the conventional boundaries of a design practice, Dialectic Architecture Collective brings together architects, researchers, artists, engineers, institutions, and industry specialists to shape and deliver projects across diverse scales, geographies, and contexts.
The practice is supported by a wider ecosystem of learning, research, dialogue, cultural engagement, and professional practice through its close association with Design Ashram, WAT and AVANI Institute of Design. Together, these interconnected platforms create spaces for ideas to move across disciplines, connecting academia, industry, and society while fostering collaboration, exchange, and collective inquiry.
Grounded in research, storytelling, and collective intelligence, Dialectic Architecture Collective approaches each project as an evolving process of discovery. By bringing together design thinking, technical expertise, strategic insight, and a diverse network of collaborators, the practice develops context-responsive solutions that create lasting value for people, places, institutions, and communities while remaining responsive to changing needs and future possibilities.
Dialectic Architecture Collective is shaped by the people who contribute to its practice. Meet the architects, designers, researchers, consultants, and collaborators who form the collective.
Beyond Practice
Founded in 2017, DESIGN ASHRAM is a multidisciplinary community space housed within a repurposed old warehouse, reimagined as a vibrant cultural platform. Centred around a courtyard anchored by a Peepal tree, it brings together architecture, art, literature, cinema, music, and public dialogue within an informal and evolving setting. Conceived beyond the boundaries of a conventional studio, the space has, over the years, hosted exhibitions, screenings, workshops, discussions, performances, and collaborative initiatives, nurturing interactions between diverse creative communities, organisations, students, and independent practitioners. The adaptive reuse of the warehouse preserves the raw character of the existing structure while transforming it into an open and accessible environment for collective engagement and experimentation.
Rooted in ideas of collective learning and shared experiences, Design Ashram functions as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural exchange. The space encourages dialogue across disciplines and generations, creating opportunities for emerging voices alongside established creatives. Deeply connected to local narratives and artistic practices, it simultaneously expands through global collaborations and cross-cultural engagement, evolving into an inclusive ecosystem that bridges people, disciplines, and creative perspectives across regions. More than a physical space, Design Ashram continues to grow as a living platform shaped by conversations, memories, collaborations, and the evolving culture around it.
AVANI Institute of Design is a Centre of Excellence in Architecture and Design education located in Kerala, India. Established in 2015, the institute was envisioned as a progressive platform that bridges education, research, professional practice, and social responsibility through design.
Founded under the leadership of Ar. Tony Joseph in association with Ar. Vinod Cyriac, Ar. Vivek P.P., and Ar. Brijesh Shaijal, AVANI has evolved into a vibrant academic environment that encourages critical inquiry, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning. Through collaborations with institutions, practitioners, and organizations across the globe, the institute fosters meaningful exchanges in education, research, and creative practice while remaining deeply rooted in local contexts.
As a Trustee and Governing Council Member, Ar. Brijesh Shaijal has played an important role in shaping the institute’s strategic direction, industry engagement, and outreach initiatives. His involvement has helped strengthen connections between academia, professional practice, and creative communities, contributing to AVANI’s growth as a globally connected institution.
Ar. Nimisha Hakkim has been closely associated with AVANI as an educator, mentor, juror, and guide. Through her sustained engagement with students, she has contributed to nurturing a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and creative exploration, while encouraging young designers to engage meaningfully with both practice and society.
Dialectic Architecture Collective Global and Design Ashram share a longstanding relationship with AVANI through workshops, mentorship programs, lectures, industry interactions, cultural initiatives, and research-driven collaborations. This continuing association helps bridge education and practice, exposing students to real-world challenges and contemporary creative discourse.
Founded in 2017, DESIGN ASHRAM is a multidisciplinary community space housed within a repurposed old warehouse, reimagined as a vibrant cultural platform. Centred around a courtyard anchored by a Peepal tree, it brings together architecture, art, literature, cinema, music, and public dialogue within an informal and evolving setting. Conceived beyond the boundaries of a conventional studio, the space has, over the years, hosted exhibitions, screenings, workshops, discussions, performances, and collaborative initiatives, nurturing interactions between diverse creative communities, organisations, students, and independent practitioners. The adaptive reuse of the warehouse preserves the raw character of the existing structure while transforming it into an open and accessible environment for collective engagement and experimentation.
Rooted in ideas of collective learning and shared experiences, Design Ashram functions as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural exchange. The space encourages dialogue across disciplines and generations, creating opportunities for emerging voices alongside established creatives. Deeply connected to local narratives and artistic practices, it simultaneously expands through global collaborations and cross-cultural engagement, evolving into an inclusive ecosystem that bridges people, disciplines, and creative perspectives across regions. More than a physical space, Design Ashram continues to grow as a living platform shaped by conversations, memories, collaborations, and the evolving culture around it.
WORLD ARCHITECTURE TRAVEL (WAT) is a global platform dedicated to curated architectural journeys that explore cities through architecture, art, urbanism, and culture. Designed for architects, designers, and cultural enthusiasts, WAT creates immersive travel experiences that go beyond observation, engaging participants with the lived realities of the built environment.
Each programme is carefully curated by a team of practicing architects, historians, and academicians, combining site visits with guided city walks, cultural explorations, studio interactions, and academic dialogues. The journeys are structured to reveal how architecture evolves across time linking heritage contexts, contemporary practice, and emerging urban narratives.
WAT connects participants with local professionals, opening access to studios, institutions, and cultural spaces, enabling direct exchange of ideas and practices. These interactions foster dialogue, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of regional architectural identities.
Positioned as a “moving classroom,” WAT transforms travel into an educational and research-driven experience. Each journey encourages critical observation, discussion, and reflection, allowing participants to engage with architecture not only as built form, but as an evolving cultural and intellectual landscape.
Beyond Context
WORLD ARCHITECTURE TRAVEL (WAT) is a global platform dedicated to curated architectural journeys that explore cities through architecture, art, urbanism, and culture. Designed for architects, designers, and cultural enthusiasts, WAT creates immersive travel experiences that go beyond observation, engaging participants with the lived realities of the built environment.
Each programme is carefully curated by a team of practicing architects, historians, and academicians, combining site visits with guided city walks, cultural explorations, studio interactions, and academic dialogues. The journeys are structured to reveal how architecture evolves across time linking heritage contexts, contemporary practice, and emerging urban narratives.
WAT connects participants with local professionals, opening access to studios, institutions, and cultural spaces, enabling direct exchange of ideas and practices. These interactions foster dialogue, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of regional architectural identities.
Positioned as a “moving classroom,” WAT transforms travel into an educational and research-driven experience. Each journey encourages critical observation, discussion, and reflection, allowing participants to engage with architecture not only as built form, but as an evolving cultural and intellectual landscape.
Beyond Discourse
AVANI Institute of Design is a Centre of Excellence in Architecture and Design education located in Kerala, India.
