B.D Nayak, Architect and Planners, the name is synonymous with the area's well known architectural expertise to many in the Indian community. An MIT graduate, he has been with his own firm for over 20 years. His office is adorned with models of high end homes that offer space, light and creativity for every homeowner. B.D. Nayak prides himself most on his community building projects which he considers as his way of giving back.

He is the architect of the remodeled Chinmaya Maruti in Andover, MA and is also working on a new temple for Sai Baba.

Why did you decide take on the Chinmaya Maruthi Project?

I take pride in serving the community. I was eager to take on the
project because it serves all age groups, has multiple funtions, and
will serve people for generations to come. For any architect it is a
once in a lifetime opportunity to give back to the community.

Other than making it a functional place what were the key elements
that you considered as you designed the site?

Since some part of the building and site were previously designed I
had to follow and improve upon existing conditions. Functions and use
of the building are two different things that need to be designed.
  
This building has four basic elements: classrooms, multipurpose
hall, meditation hall, and temple. While designing the building the
placing of these elements at the right locations, as well as shape and
size of these elements, are of great importance.

What special considerations need to be taken when a spiritual place is
being created?

While working on a spiritual building special consideration is
given to its character. Every religion has a building that has a
preconceived character. And we try to follow those shapes, if not
people have a hard time associating with it.

Was Vastu Shastra used while designing the center?

While designing Chinmaya we followed Vastu Shastra. It was
important to take into consideration deity location and temple
location for the design and function of the building.

Vastu has become big in India now. What is your view on Vastu?

Yes, Vastu is big in India because it is advertised on TV and
millions are watching. Everybody has their own belief and follow what
they want to follow. I personally design buildings according to
people's needs and requirements. If they want to follow Vastu in the
design, I will design accordingly because I have subsequent knowledge
on the subject.

What are other current projects you are working on?

I am working on the  Sai Temple, Homewood Suites, three high-end residential homes (two under construction, one in design), an addition, and hotel renovations.

Would you recommend hiring an architect even for the construction of a small home? What value will the architect bring?

Its always good to have an architect to create the environment that
you want to live in. The building designed by an architect will always
provide better living experiences.

You have always been very active in Community service , ready to lend a helping hand when needed. What drives you to be so involved in community service?

If my education and experience is benefitial to others, then it
gives me a lot of pleasure. I was very fortunate to be admitted to MIT
with a full scholarship, so I like to give back to the community in
any way possible.

What advice do you have for students who many be considering a career in Architecture? Any advice for budding architects?

It is one of the best careers one can have at the cost of
sacrificing your social life and not always financially rewarding in
terms of the time you have to spend to create the building of others
dreams.Budding architects know what they have to do, give a helping hand to the needy.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you.

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