Design Asia Editor
Ar. Avanii Dhotre: A Multifaceted Architect and Humanitarian
Ar. Avanii Dhotre is the Principal Architect of CREATRIX, her studio based in Pune since 2012. Graduating from Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture, Pune University in 2008, Avanii leads her team in diverse architectural, interior, and landscape projects. Her artistic inclinations developed from a young age, encompassing singing, dancing, painting, and dramatics. She achieved her graduation in Bharatnatyam classical dance (Arangetram) in 2003.
Beyond her architectural endeavors, Avanii has excelled in various artistic disciplines, winning awards for solo and duet singing, acting in drama competitions (Ekankika), and participating in Natyavachan contests. She actively choreographs and performs classical dance on various platforms. Passionate about teaching, she shares her knowledge as a visiting faculty member in architectural colleges and serves as an examiner for architectural and interior projects in different institutions.
Ar. Avanii’s commitment to humanitarian service led her to become the President of the Rotary Club of Pune Pashan for the year 2021-2022. As part of the international service organization, she spearheaded several impactful projects, receiving prestigious awards such as the Best Global Grant Project, Best Women Empowerment Project, and Best Happy School Project. These initiatives involved donating cows to underprivileged farmer families, raising awareness about reusable sanitary napkins, and constructing classrooms and a water tank for a village school, among other endeavors.
The values of versatility, sensitivity, and sustainability evident in her philanthropic work also permeate her architectural practice. CREATRIX’s design approach combines holistic and detailed analyses to create sustainable designs that harmonize with cultural, social, economic, and urban contexts. Their designs prioritize indigenous natural resources, utilize light as a crucial element, and embrace authentic materials, pure geometry, proportion, and nature to create meaningful architecture.
Avanii’s studio employs many small businesses, local artists, material suppliers, labor contractors, sculptors, and painters, promoting sustainability by utilizing materials such as stone, bamboo, mud, and bricks. They aim to raise ecological awareness within society while contributing to the employment and growth of local communities.
CREATRIX Architects not only designs buildings, interiors, and landscapes but also provides guidance on materials, suppliers, and site execution. They prioritize understanding the psychology of clients and end-users, ensuring seamless functionality and aesthetic appeal while maintaining cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Green design principles are integrated into their work as they continually explore ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
Driven by a passion for design, excellence, sustainable innovation, and client satisfaction, Avanii envisions CREATRIX Architects as a world-class architectural firm. Their mission is to create inspiring, innovative, and transformative spaces that align with their clients’ needs and reflect the culture and values of the communities they serve.
As a woman entrepreneur in a challenging industry, Avanii has faced doubts and skepticism, but she perseveres with her powerful knowledge and experience. Her artistic background, including painting and Bharatanatyam dance, has honed her aesthetic and color sense, presentation skills, composition sense, and understanding of client psychology.
Avanii’s accomplishments are noteworthy, including being shortlisted for the WADE Asia 2022 award for the best interior design category and receiving the India Icon Award for the Most Aspiring Woman Architect 2023. Her humanitarian endeavors and leadership in the Rotary Club have earned her accolades such as the Best Rotarian Award and Best Service Project of the Year 2021-2022 in various categories.
Ar. Avanii Dhotre’s journey exemplifies the pursuit of excellence, compassion, and sustainability in both her architectural
practice and humanitarian initiatives. Her advice to aspiring individuals is to embrace every opportunity, regardless of its size, as it can lead to significant growth and success.
