Manit Rastogi commenced his architecture studies at the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, then went on to the Architectural Association where he graduated with distinction from the Sustainable Environmental Design program under Simos Yannas, and subsequently, the AA Diploma with Honours, under John Frazer. The influence of all three programs have formulated and influenced his thinking to date, to create a sustainable architecture through the framework of an evolutionary practice inspired by nature, with an emphasis on passive design. Known as an architect who consistently pushes the boundaries of sustainable design, he lectures extensively in Asia and has published several research papers with respect to zero energy buildings. Manit has been the Director of the Sushant School of Art and Architecture, and continues to serve on its board. Manit’s commitment to sustainable environments goes beyond the realm of architecture practice through his work on GRIHA, India’s green rating system, as a founder member of the GRIHA Council.
Sonali Rastogi was born into a family of architects, which was her initiation into design. She studied at the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, and the Architectural Association, London. There, she studied Housing and Urbanism under Jorge Fiori and Graduate Design (DRL) under Jeff Kipnis. The literature of ‘History and Theory’ of architecture is of profound interest to her. Sonali lectures and writes extensively. Sonali cofounded Morphogenesis in 1996, working across a diverse canvas ranging from architecture to urban design, landscape and interior design. She is passionately interested in the materiality and craft in architecture, and is deeply invested in the detail of building. A strong proponent of the arts and crafts, Sonali is a founder member of Manthan, a platform for creative individuals who seek to share, discuss, engage with and evolve concepts and ideologies. She also extends her impact on the built environment as a council member of the Delhi Urban Arts Commission.