AboutMe
Creative, fun-filled and full of life! Be a part of it!
My name is Samruddhi Sanjay Chaphale.
I am an architect, interior designer, teacher, speed skater, artist and a storyteller. I’m the proprietor and principal architect at Sam’s Drafting Board established in Nagpur, INDIA in 2015 wherein my design work ranges from commercial, education, hospitality, residential & non-profit sector & is spread in different parts of the country. I am also the curator, facilitator and tutor at Sam’s Drafting Board Design workshop; a design venture filled with talks, discussions, project visits, and studio assignments to foster design sensibilities in young minds.
I was always into art and craft growing up, so architecture was the next best thing! A few years into architecture, and I became the 55th President of the National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA India) which became the game changer. It not only exposed me to so many variables of architecture and design; but also provided a greater platform to work. I was also the first woman president of NASA India.
Being a passionate designer is a wonderful experience that I live today. I am very fond of the art of storytelling and through my work I get to share different perspectives and express my vision that enables me to make a difference. And that’s what I like about being in this world of design. In my practice, I follow the process of creating my conceptual board which is my drafting board! Scribbly, full of thoughts and happy ideas, a little disorganized yet meaningful; this conceptual thinking forms a strong base for my design. And that’s how my brand, Sam’s Drafting Board emerged!
Through my architecture & interior design practice, I want to advocate works of social change. With this in mind, I have recently founded Levellers foundation, which is an Indian not-for-profit association and architect’s group that focuses on building architecture and design accessible and impactful in the development sector.
Just four months before graduating in 2014, I donated part of my liver to my Father. At that point, I never thought I’d lose him but everything happened quickly. I was bed ridden right before my final year jury and had to perform for my final thesis two months from then. I was mentally & physically in a very bad place. The image of my father fighting his disease became my inspiration, if he could fight through that, then I could do anything. I submitted my thesis, and here I am.
Today, my beloved mother and two sisters are my biggest cheerleaders and critics and my friends are my biggest fans! So, it is only looking forward and onwards from here. Here, I want to thank my alma maters, Sandipani school, Shivaji Science, SMMCA Nagpur, all my teachers and colleagues, organizations and brands I have worked with, my sports, Skating, for being such an integral part in shaping me. And last but not the least my family and friends for being the support system!