Volunteers Speak

Namrata Narendra

"Being a part of the Nivasa team has been a pivotal experience for me – it was my first introduction to working with other architects and engineers who take every opportunity to stand for a mission that is bigger than them. My biggest learning at Nivasa was that it isn’t the architecture that creates the impact, it is the process and the thinking behind it. What I continue to take forward with me is how one’s approach to design can change the way you contribute to the society and for that invaluable lesson, I am grateful."

- R V College, Bangalore

Aiman Ansari

Namrata Narendra

"In my four months with Nivasa saying I learned a lot would be an understatement. This amazing team in Nivasa are some of the most compassionate, welcoming, and perseverent people you'll ever meet. The work and interaction one has when working there is an eye-opening experience to the realities of rural India. But though they may be lacking in infrastructure and other essential amenities their warm interactions with us strangers is heart-warming. Somehow in a few minutes of interactions, they form a connect with you which requires no language.

All in all, I'm proud to be a part of this team and all its endeavors, even if for a

short time."

- NITTE, Mangalore

Prema Kumari

“When we first came to Thimmaiyanadoddi, the villagers didn’t acknowledge or believe us, as some organisations had cheated them earlier. As days passed, they trusted us and everything went smoothly. Since it was a rural and undeveloped area, I wanted to help people to build their houses. Nivasa helped me to fulfill my dream and I am very thankful to them. I liked to work with the Nivasa team and the people of that village.”

- Community Worker, Thimmaiyanadoddi

Jean Bellon

Prema Kumari

"Working with Nivasa was one of the most interesting experiences I have ever had. I spent 4 months working on construction of houses for the poor in Kottamedu, Tamil Nadu. I worked on design and construction drawings, supervised block making and construction on site. I am really thankful to Nivasa for all the responsibilites that were given to me.

What I liked the most was the special relationship we could have on site with the local community. It was not easy every day, mainly because of the language barrier, but I felt that working with and for the people of Kottamedu was unique and an amazing experience. Unlike the rigid client / service provider relationship, the boundaries were much more blurry between the architect and end user. Such work frame demands more respect, exchange and a deeper understanding of each other, more exchange, making the construction work truly enriching.

I am really proud of the work I did with Nivasa."

- Intern, France

Priyanka Tamilselvan

Privilege, it has been.

As an architect who had worked in research and documentation at Nivasa, I traveled places, visited houses and met with different people; not one but hundreds. It was then I realized that "choice" in itself was a luxury to many. When, I, as an Architect could potentially provide them with better choices at least in the design of their homes, there was nothing like it. It was heart warming working for the cause then and thinking about it now. It reminds me how lucky I am to be where I am and to have what I have. Life lessons apart, Nivasa taught me that design shouldn't be a luxury, a good design is just not good enough and there is always, always room for improvement. I was lucky to be part of an incredible team who continue to inspire me even today. The reason to why I design has always been important and my term at Nivasa just reassured it to me.

Anupama Karthik

"My association with NIVASA has been a fulfilling one and has served as an eye opener for me to the harsh and ugly realities of the world. Team Nivasa consists of a group of dedicated enthusiastic individuals focused on the noble task of housing and infrastructure development in Indian villages. With the number of needy and homeless people on the increase, the commendable efforts of Nivasa are a blessing in disguise for the below poverty line people. As an individual, I used to be affected a lot by the miseries of the poor people. My inability to do something constructive to improve their status and living conditions gave me a feeling of inadequacy. After starting my journey with Nivasa, I feel contented and happy for having been given the opportunity to contribute to their noble cause, though in a small way. Their extremely high level of passion, ability to work through government bureaucracy, finding and retaining dedicated and committed team members, sharp focus on their goal, immense patience, tenacity, perseverance and self-motivation will definitely help them achieve success in every step taken by them thereby lighting up the lives of many people. I wish them all the very best for continued progress and smooth sailing in all their future endeavours."

Magdalena Mayi

"My two months experience with Nivasa was truly valuable! The team was welcoming and I learnt a lot by their side; from fabrication of SAB blocks to detailed working drawings. The varied site visits were maybe the most exciting times because I got to see that what we were doing in the office was « for real ». I am very glad I could work with people so passionate and involved with what they do and who have an incredible approach towards architecture and humans. I really hope to work with Nivasa again one day !"

Ami Mehta

"Thank you so much for the past month of experience; It was great to see another side to architecture and the profession, and more importantly it was inspiring to see the impact Nivasa has had and will have on so many communities.

I really enjoyed learning about your Nivasa's projects and working on them, and I loved the challenges that came with this kind of work.

Though I am still pretty young in the game, this internship has given me some insight into what I'd actually like to do with my career. "

Arunbabu Kannappan

"At the outset, the very thought about being socially involved with a community and translating Ideas into reality seemed to be too abstract. NIVASA takes on the challenge.

It is a pleasure and fortunate thing for me to have been associated with Team NIVASA. They have been doing some amazing work for the cause of poor and needy. They are an extremely committed and a passionate group of like-minded individuals who wish to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable sections of the society. NIVASA is a beautiful manifestation of a great thought bundled with lot of energy, selfless social service & empathy leading to a better society."