Creating a home is much more than constructing walls and installing a roof. It’s about crafting a space where memories are made, relationships are nurtured, and a family’s identity is reflected in every corner. When Ahsanullah Majumder approaches a new residential project, he isn’t just building a house; he is crafting a space that reflects the very essence of a family’s life. He believes that a residence is more than walls and roofs; it is the 3-dimensional interpretation of a family’s values, culture, beliefs, and lifestyle. It’s about making a space feel like home—their home. The process, according to him, begins with one simple question: “How can I make this space truly theirs?
A home isn’t just about creating something beautiful; it’s about creating something that aligns with the people who will live there.
The home must speak to them, reflect their unique identity, and foster a deep sense of belonging.
Ahsanullah Majumder’s philosophy on design is rooted in interaction. He doesn’t merely impose his ideas onto the family. Instead, he facilitates a conversation—a dialogue between the family and the space. “I know it’s my space when I can interact with it,” says Ahsanullah. “It’s like a friend. Not everyone can be your friend, but when there is mutual understanding and connection, then the relationship grows.” Ahsanullah Majumder prioritizes understanding and fulfilling his clients’ dreams, engaging with every family member to capture their unique needs. The design process isn’t about surprising them with what they didn’t expect, but creating a space that instantly feels like home. He compares this process to nurturing a plant:
“We don’t make flowers on plants; we nurture them, and they grow.” In the same way, the architecture provides the foundation, but it is the family that brings it to life.
One of his nice projects is the BRB project, a remarkable building designed to be both self-sufficient and energy-efficient. The challenge here was to create a structure that could thrive in an urban environment surrounded by taller buildings that cast shadows. To make the most of limited natural light, he incorporated innovative solar panels that harness light and shadow to generate 160 kilowatts of energy per day. This energy is enough to power the building’s basic needs, excluding the lift and air conditioning.
One of the most exciting aspects of the project is incorporating smart technology, allowing residents to control lights, security, temperature, and appliances with voice commands and remote systems. This integration enhances comfort and makes the home adaptable to the family’s needs and lifestyle.
The project also includes a range of amenities that enhance the quality of life for its residents. An indoor games space, a prayer room, a gym, a pool, and even a movie theater are all part of the building’s design. But beyond the physical spaces, the true success of the project lies in its ability to create a home that fosters connection, comfort, and community.
No architect can work in isolation. Ahsanullah Majumder emphasizes the importance of collaboration with the construction workers who bring a design to life. He values the craftsmanship and dedication of these workers, who, despite often being paid less for their hard labor, play a crucial role in the success of any project. He sees the construction workers as partners in the process—each one a vital link in a larger chain of skill and learning.
He invests time and effort into training his workers, teaching them new techniques, and passing on his knowledge. “The most difficult job is theirs,” he says, “and they deserve to be recognized and respected.
This investment in the workers not only ensures the quality of the project but also helps to create a cycle of learning and growth. As workers acquire new skills, they take those skills into future projects, helping to elevate the entire industry.
In the BRB project, for instance, he faced significant challenges in creating precision wooden work. To tackle this, he brought in machinery, even an European engineer and also trained the workers. The result? A team of highly skilled individuals who could execute complex, precise designs with confidence. His pride is not just in the finished buildings but in the knowledge and skills his workers gain along the way.
For him, being an architect isn’t just about drawing plans or designing beautiful buildings. It’s about leadership—leading by example, by teaching, and by actively participating in the process. “An architect is a leader,” he says, “and leadership is about showing people how things can be done, not just telling them.” He believes that to be a great architect, you need to get your hands dirty, work alongside the craftsmen, and learn from them as much as they learn from you. This hands-on approach to leadership is what he encourages the next generation of architects to embrace. He advises,
There are no shortcuts in this profession. You have to put in the work, learn from experience, and involve yourself in every aspect of the project. The knowledge you gain in college is important, but it’s nothing without practical application. The real learning happens on the job.
He also reminds aspiring architects that the ultimate goal is not to fulfill their own dream, but to ensure that the client is happy with the final result. A happy client is the greatest reward an architect can receive.
Ahsanullah Majumder’s approach to architecture is rooted in a deep understanding of people. He sees design not as a solitary task but as a collaborative process that involves clients, workers, and even the building itself. For him, architecture is about creating spaces that align with the people who inhabit them, teaching new skills to those who help bring the designs to life, and ultimately fulfilling the dreams of the families who call the space home.