From Akola’s quiet streets to Hyderabad’s architectural heights

Hailing from Amravati, Maharashtra, Shreya Rathi found her calling in Hyderabad, creating her mark in the architectural scene. She speaks of her formative journey and her allure for the city, exclusively for our special segment.Aarti Sreenath
Hyderabad, a symphony of ancient echoes and modern rhythms, found its architect-poet in Shreya Rathi. She is a seasoned design professional with over 18 years of experience shaping Hyderabad’s skyline.
A graduate of architecture from Maharashtra University in 2007, she has cultivated a thriving practice specialising in luxury villas, apartments, farmhouses and high-end commercial spaces.
Her journey with Hyderabad began in 2005, when she married Vivek Rathi. At the age of 21, she moved to this city, which she had known only as India’s IT hub, largely shaped by the vision of the then Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu. Leaving behind her hometown of Akola, a small town near Amravati  Maharashtra, she stepped into a bustling metropolis that was rapidly becoming one of India’s most significant urban centers.
“I had never visited Hyderabad before my marriage,” she shares. “But I knew I was coming to a city already on the global map, known for its cleanliness, safety and high literacy rate.” This initial impression was soon overshadowed by a deeper connection as she began to build her life and career in this dynamic environment. The transition from a small town to a large city was challenging; her determination helped her navigate this new chapter successfully.
Hyderabad has been instrumental in shaping her career and personal growth. The city provided her with a platform to achieve recognition and fame. She started her career here, establishing herself in a male-dominated industry. “Architecture, especially in the realm of exteriors and interiors, has always been challenging for women, but Hyderabad has been the perfect stage for me to showcase my skills and break barriers.”
With her firm, based in Somajiguda, she has built a reputation for delivering high-end, bespoke designs for luxury villas, apartments, commercial spaces and retail showrooms. Her client list includes some of the most influential figures in Hyderabad. She explains, “Each project is an opportunity to learn and evolve and that continuous learning drives me to push boundaries and achieve greater heights in my career.”
Over nearly two decades, she has witnessed Hyderabad’s remarkable transformation. When she first arrived in 2005, the city was already on an upward trajectory. Today, it exceeds even her highest expectations. “The city has expanded beyond 50 kilometers in diameter and it’s amazing to see people from every corner of the country living here.” Despite its rapid growth, Hyderabad has maintained its cleanliness and charm. “Hyderabad remains one of the least polluted metropolises in India,” she states.
The Outer Ring Road (ORR), a 144-kilometer stretch connecting the city’s outer regions, exemplifies Hyderabad’s visionary urban planning. “It’s a perfect example of how Hyderabad has balanced growth with accessibility, ensuring the city remains connected yet spacious.”
The contrast between her hometown of Akola and Hyderabad is stark. While small-town life is simple and close to nature, city life in Hyderabad offers its own set of challenges and opportunities.
“In a city like Hyderabad, everything is more assembled and elevated,” she explains. “State-of-the-art facilities and services make daily living easier and more enjoyable.” She particularly appreciates the city’s infrastructure, including the ORR. “The ORR is a perfect example of Hyderabad’s visionary approach to urban planning,” she says.
Among her many memories in Hyderabad, one that stands out especially to Shreya is the birth of her daughter, Shravi, in 2012. “It was a moment of pure joy,” she recalls. “And the city of Hyderabad will always be intertwined with that happiness. This city has given me so much, both professionally and personally, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude for everything it has offered me.”
Professionally, Hyderabad has been a dream come true for her. “The city has given me the platform to showcase my talents and earn the recognition I have always aspired for,” she says. “I believe in constantly learning and evolving. This continuous learning is what drives me to push boundaries and achieve greater heights in my career.” She has witnessed Hyderabad’s commitment to maintaining a healthy environment.
“Hyderabad is the cleanest metropolis in India,” she states. “Despite its massive expansion, it has managed to maintain a high standard of living for its residents.” The city’s health infrastructure is robust, with well-maintained parks, clean water, efficient drainage systems and excellent roads that make commuting a breeze.
However, she feels that to keep up with global standards, the city needs to continue enhancing its facilities.
When asked about what she loves most about Hyderabad, she is enthusiastic. “I love everything about this city—the climate, the people, the infrastructure and the overall vibe,” she says. “Hyderabad is a place where you can live comfortably without any language barriers, and the peaceful attitude of the people here is something I truly appreciate. The city is green, clean and well-maintained, with no littering on the roads, thanks to the government initiatives.”
However, she feels that traffic sense needs improvement. “The driving sense among the people of Hyderabad is something that needs serious attention,” she points out. “Traffic sense is lacking, and it’s something that needs to be taught to every individual. People don’t seem to value the beautiful roads and infrastructure we have, and this needs to change.”
She enjoys hosting friends and family from out of town, showing them around Hyderabad based on their interests. “Whether it’s a trendy restaurant, a shopping mall, or a temple, Hyderabad has something for everyone,” she says. “The city is also one of the most reasonably priced metros in India, whether it’s in terms of living space, food, or shopping.” For her, sharing the beauty of Hyderabad with her loved ones is a way of celebrating the city that has given her so much. “Hyderabad is a city that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits. It’s a place where modernity meets tradition and there’s a unique charm in the way the city balances the two.”
Reflecting on her journey, she sums up her feelings for Hyderabad succinctly: “Hyderabad, for me, is a dream come true.
This city has been the backdrop to my life’s most significant moments, both personal and professional. It’s where my dreams have come to life and for that, I am forever grateful.” In Hyderabad, Shreya discovered more than just a place to live; she found a space to visualise her aspirations. With each new undertaking, she puts her distinctive mark on the city’s constantly changing narrative, making a lasting impact on the community that has provided her with so much.