Finch Architecture and Project Management (Finch A&PM), widely known as Finch Architects, was founded by architects Vibhuti Fotedar and Sheena Sabharwal, both graduates of MMCA Pune, where they completed their Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture between 2000 and 2005. Their professional journey began soon after graduation, working with established architectural firms from 2005 to 2010. Those formative years provided valuable exposure to design processes, site execution, and the complexities of project management, laying the groundwork for their future venture.
In October 2010, the duo took a leap of faith and established Finch from a modest extra room in Vibhuti’s home in Pune. With only a few small projects and no established industry network to rely on, the early days were filled with challenges. However, perseverance and a deep passion for architecture guided them forward. Over time, the practice evolved steadily, growing in both scale and reputation. Today, Finch operates from offices in Pune and Goa, with a significant portion of its projects based in Goa, a place the founders now consider home.
Beyond the professional sphere, both architects share a love for travel and photography. These interests play a subtle yet meaningful role in shaping their creative outlook, exposing them to diverse architectural traditions, cultural landscapes, and spatial experiences that influence their design sensibilities.
The Philosophy Behind the Practice
At the heart of Finch’s work lies a design philosophy grounded in simplicity, functionality, and contextual sensitivity. Every project begins with a careful understanding of the site, its surroundings, and the people who will ultimately inhabit the space. The firm emphasizes efficient use of space while ensuring that designs remain practical, visually refined, and easy to maintain.
Equally important is the firm’s commitment to preserving natural elements. Wherever possible, existing vegetation is retained and integrated into the design, allowing the built environment to coexist with nature rather than replace it. Green spaces are consciously introduced to create a fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor areas. Sustainability and practicality are therefore embedded in the design process from the earliest conceptual stages rather than being treated as secondary considerations.
A Diverse Portfolio with a Passion for Homes
Over the years, Finch Architects has worked across a variety of sectors including residential architecture, hospitality projects, commercial developments, and interior design. While the firm continues to explore different typologies, residential architecture remains its core passion.
Designing homes offers a particularly engaging creative experience for the team. Each residence reflects a unique lifestyle, personality, and aspiration of its owners, requiring an individualized approach to planning and aesthetics. The diversity of sites and client visions ensures that no two projects are alike. This constant variation keeps the creative process dynamic and challenges the architects to continuously evolve their ideas and design solutions.
Projects that Reflect Design Versatility
Among the firm’s notable projects is a contemporary complex of twelve villas in Saligao, Goa, overlooking expansive open fields. The project stands out for its clean architectural lines and carefully structured layout, creating a modern visual identity while responding to the natural landscape around it.
Another milestone project is a classical-style villa in Anjuna inspired by the proportions and ratios characteristic of traditional Portuguese villas. This design pays homage to Goa’s architectural heritage while seamlessly accommodating modern lifestyle needs. Together, these two projects represent the breadth of Finch’s design language, from contemporary minimalism to heritage-inspired classical architecture, demonstrating the firm’s ability to adapt to different stylistic narratives while maintaining contextual relevance.
Collaborative Design with Clients
Finch Architects has collaborated with clients from diverse professional backgrounds across the country, many of whom pursue ventures in Goa as well as other regions. Each collaboration presents a new set of expectations shaped by the client’s experiences, lifestyle, and industry perspective.
Rather than imposing a singular architectural style, the firm approaches every project as a collaborative process. The design team works closely with clients to understand their aspirations and translate them into thoughtful spatial solutions. This client-centric approach ensures that each project reflects both functionality and individuality, resulting in spaces that feel personal and purposeful.
Precision in Planning and Execution
The team at Finch remains actively involved throughout every stage of a project, from the initial concept to the final completion. Early design proposals and overall outlooks are presented within defined timelines, after which detailed planning and coordination begin.
Once statutory approvals are secured, structured execution schedules are implemented. Continuous communication between the design team and site engineers ensures that progress remains consistent and aligned with the design intent. Daily updates and frequent site meetings maintain transparency, while clients are closely involved during crucial decisions such as material selections and key design elements. This collaborative workflow helps ensure that the final built space accurately reflects the vision developed on paper.
Designing Across Regions
With projects spread across cities such as Pune, Goa, Delhi, Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bengaluru, Finch Architects carefully adapts its design strategies to suit each location. Climate, site characteristics, and cultural context play a significant role in shaping design decisions.
In Goa, climatic considerations often lead to the use of sloping roofs, deeper window shades, and larger openings that encourage natural ventilation. In more urban environments such as Pune or Bengaluru, where plots are typically more compact, the focus shifts toward maximizing space efficiency while introducing internal green pockets wherever possible. The firm also emphasizes the use of local materials and regional design responses so that each project reflects its geographical and cultural setting.
A Collaborative Team Behind the Vision
Behind Finch’s growing portfolio is a team of young designers and engineers working across two offices in different states. The team represents a diverse mix of cultural backgrounds and design perspectives, enriching the creative process.
The firm promotes a collaborative and supportive workplace culture. While professional discipline is maintained, the organizational structure avoids rigid hierarchies. Team members are encouraged to contribute ideas, complement each other’s strengths, and collectively work toward delivering thoughtful and well-executed projects.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Sustainability
The founders observe that architecture in India is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and changing client expectations. Smart home integrations, advanced façade systems, refined electrical solutions, and modular furniture are increasingly becoming part of contemporary design conversations.
At the same time, awareness around sustainability and environmental responsibility continues to grow. Clients today are more informed and design-conscious, often seeking personalized experiences rather than standardized solutions. This shift is encouraging architects to explore more innovative, experiential, and environmentally sensitive approaches to design.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Finch Architects aims to take on projects that are both sustainable and thoughtfully curated, creating meaningful spaces that have a lasting impact. The firm aspires to expand its presence into more cities while gradually establishing a broader global footprint.
Above all, the founders want Finch to be remembered as a design-driven practice that balances creativity with functionality. For them, architecture is not only about aesthetics but about carefully crafted ideas that respond to people, place, and purpose. Through passion, precision, and a commitment to thoughtful design, Finch Architects continues to shape spaces that stand the test of time.