This young Architectural firm aims to enhance the quality of inhabitable spaces with modern chic designs
Sahla Mariam Pakkar – Founder & Chief Architect, 207 Rochester
Established in 2019, with a capital investment of 10 – 15 Lac, 207 Rochester took its shape in order to provide design solutions to people who are looking up to create their own dream spaces in Chennai. At a young age of 23, Sahla Mariam started this architectural firm in order to offer premium design solutions to her clients in the heart of Chennai. At a time when youths generally plan for their higher education, Sahla took up the challenge of exploring the world of entrepreneurship with her venture. Today, after almost 2 years in the industry, her firm has a turnover of 1.5 Crore.
As a professional architect, Sahla believes that the space where one lives in is a perfect portrayal and representation of their personality, and as a major part of her responsibility, she loves to fulfil people’s dream in creating a space that speaks of themselves. Hence, she offers unique, personalised and detailed to perfection in all her designs. Being grown up in Chennai, she has observed that often people travel to Bangalore or Mumbai to consult with specialist designers to get their space crafted as per their wish. In fact, she admitted of doing the same act herself in the past, and then decided how about offering similar kind of professional services at her home turf only. And that’s how ‘207 Rochester’ was conceptualised, where she not only offers architectural consultation but undertake turnkey projects right from customised interior space, furniture, rugs etc.
She started all by her own in 2019 and now has a team of 6 professionals to handle all projects. Over the last couple of years, they have dealt with some exceptional projects like school, residences, and holiday resorts in a hill station and specialised in old buildings transformation. Regarding her modus operandi, Sahla reveals,
“We offer architecture services, interior, landscaping, customised furniture, project management and others, all under one roof. We work purely based on our client brief end-to-end. Getting one’s need customised in ever inch possible and providing flawlessly with personal attention solves the biggest problem every client faces with their architects, builders.”
Known to create most glamorous and luxurious interior with superior functionality, 207 Rochester gets most clients who are looking to give a modern and jazzy makeover to their interior and space. Fresh designs are brought to life at the most competitive pricing at Sahla’s firm. As an architect, she believes to be responsible in bringing changes across numerous levels for professional clients, cities and private individuals.
Coming from an orthodox Muslim family, who are extremely protective about their girls, it wasn’t an easy journey for Sahla. It took much time to have her family’s support in fulfilling her dream. She got married during her college days, and opened Rochester during her last semester. As an entrepreneur she has always grabbed every opportunities that came her way. During the initial days, managing college and work single handed wasn’t that easy. Because of her venture, she had very less time to spend with her family and often remained busy working late nights. Soon after graduation, she realised that to grow and expand, she would need a team. And that’s when things got bigger and brighter.
Things went to a complete haul, when the pandemic broke. She lost all hopes and dreams and felt dejected. However, from home she started online workshops and forums to communicate with freshers and college kids. And that in fact got her more active on social media, and then soon she grabbed a few projects through Instagram, something she still couldn’t believe.
With a host of awards and recognition to her name, Sahla now gets a booster kick to continue her entrepreneurial journey. She has been a national level winner at Society Interior Awards, followed by Dr. Abdul Kalam Young Acheiver Award : Developing Spaces Architecture, and bagged 1st place among People Choice Award in International Fabrication Fest.
Ar Norman Foster has been her inspiration along with Kelly Wearstler & Aparna Kaushik, who has been some of her favourite designers. Their work and ideas are simply impeccable. Sahla’s businessman father has always been her support system, guide and motivator. Her love for travel took her to places and she was awestruck with iconic structures like Petronas Towers, Burj Khalifa which also someway inspired her to take up architecture as a profession.
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