Bhavini Hardev

Principal, Interior Architecture

Studio RYS

20 years in the industry

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in architecture, and who or what influenced you most along the way? 

I have always been fascinated by the intersection of creativity and technology. In high school, I was convinced I would one day become a Pixar animator, but during my first year of college, it became clear that Computer Engineering was not where my passion lived. That same year, a devastating earthquake in India reshaped my perspective. Witnessing the vulnerability of the built environment—and the profound impact it has on people’s lives—sparked a deeper appreciation for architecture’s role in resilience and community.

With a natural love for math, physics, and art, architecture emerged as the perfect synthesis of analytical thinking and creative expression. An internship at an A&E firm solidified that realization, giving me firsthand exposure to how design and engineering come together to shape meaningful spaces.

After graduation, I joined Studio RYS, where I spent nine formative years building my foundation as an architect. One important relationship of my career began there:  my collaboration with Lisa Haude, Principal, Interior Design at Studio RYS. Working alongside her showed me the power of creative partnership and the value of a multidisciplinary approach. My experiences at other firms broadened my understanding of client relationships and the business side of the industry, rounding out my perspective beyond design alone.

Returning to Studio RYS at the end of 2024 felt like a true homecoming. Today, I help guide and manage the firm’s refreshed strategic vision, drawing on every chapter of my journey—from coding animations to navigating seismic shifts, both literal and professional. Each step has shaped the architect I am now, committed to creating spaces that inspire, support, and endure. 

Can you share a project you’re especially proud of and explain what made it meaningful—either professionally or personally?

One project that will always hold a special place in my career is Hotel SLO in San Luis Obispo, California. It’s unique for me because I was not there at the beginning or the very end. I was there for the most challenging stretch, the part where the vision had to be translated into reality. As the Project Architect while at Gensler, I had the opportunity to help bring this boutique hotel to life during its most complex phases. 

Hotel SLO sits in the heart of downtown, where a network of paseos weaves the community together. Those paseos are essential to the city’s character, and the design team wanted the hotel to embrace them rather than stand apart. The ground floor was intentionally designed so anyone could walk from the entry through the courtyard and out to the back paseo without ever feeling like they needed to be a guest. The materials were sourced from the surrounding region, and the art throughout the hotel was created by local artists. Every detail, inside and out, was meant to celebrate the community it serves. 

What made this project especially meaningful was the collaboration behind it. The client, the city, consultants, and the local community members all played a role in shaping the final outcome. It was also the first time I truly experienced the power of architecture and interior design working seamlessly under one roof, and it changed the way I understood multidisciplinary design. 

Leaving the project during construction was difficult, and I carried some guilt about stepping away at such a pivotal moment. I had poured my blood, sweat, tears, and a piece of my soul into that building. But when the hotel finally opened, the client reached out and invited me to the grand opening. That gesture meant more than they probably realized. Not only did I get to see the finished building, but I also got to watch people experience the spaces we had imagined years earlier. I celebrated with my former team and clients, and it became one of the most meaningful moments of my career—a reminder that the work we do leaves a lasting imprint, even when we are not there to see every step of the journey. 

How do you see diversity and inclusion influencing better design outcomes in architecture today?

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to achieving design excellence, and at Studio RYS, they shape every aspect of how we work. With women representing only 26.3 percent of the architecture and engineering workforce, and just 11 percent of the construction sector, these disparities have profoundly influenced our approach to both design and leadership. We are committed to showing that women not only belong in the AEC industry, but they are also essential to its evolution. That belief drives us to challenge the status quo by rethinking how spaces are envisioned, how teams collaborate, and how projects come to life. 

Our leadership model is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a balance of precision and vision. Through this lens, we design environments that are inclusive, intentional, and impactful—spaces that genuinely reflect the diverse communities they serve. By embodying a more equitable and representative approach to leadership, we aim to inspire progress across the industry and expand opportunities for women in every facet of design. 

Have you had mentors or advocates who played a key role in your career growth, and how important is mentorship for women entering the field now?

I have been fortunate to have mentors and advocates at every stage of my life, each shaping my growth in meaningful ways. In college and early in my career, professors and colleagues encouraged me to recognize my value and push beyond the limits I had set for myself. Their belief in me helped build the confidence I needed to navigate an industry that can often feel intimidating for young women. 

Some of my most influential mentors came from my own family. My grandmother—a tiny lady but fierce Freedom Fighter who stood up for India’s independence— taught me to be bold, patient, and humble all at once. Her courage and conviction have guided me throughout my life. My uncle, a structural engineer who built his own A&E practice from the ground up, showed me the rewards of discipline, integrity, and hard work. Their examples instilled in me a deep respect for perseverance and a belief in the power of mentorship. 

Because of the support I have received, I have made it a priority in my own career to mentor others. Investing in emerging architects and designers, especially women entering the field, is essential to creating a more equitable and inclusive profession. Mentorship not only opens doors; it builds confidence, expands representation, and helps shape the next generation of leaders who will continue to evolve our industry. 

How do you balance creativity with the technical, regulatory, and business demands of architecture?

I see creativity and technical rigor as two sides of the same coin. The process always begins with aligning on the client’s goals—understanding their budget, functional needs, and aesthetic aspirations. From there, I view regulatory requirements not as constraints but as the rules of the game that challenge us to think more innovatively. It’s absolutely possible to create spaces that are safe and code-compliant while still feeling warm, functional, and inspiring. 

In many ways, my role is that of a translator: taking the client’s vision and filtering it through technical, regulatory, and financial realities to ensure the final design is as durable and buildable as it is beautiful. A design is only truly successful if it can be executed well, standing the test of time for the client and delivering a high-quality experience for the people who use it. 

What changes have you seen for women in architecture over the course of your career, and where do you think progress is still needed? 

Over the course of my career, I have seen meaningful progress in how women are represented and recognized in architecture. When I first entered the field, women in leadership were far less visible. Today, there’s a growing acknowledgement that women bring perspectives that strengthen both design outcomes and team culture, and that diversity in leadership directly contributes to more thoughtful, human-centered environments. 

But there is still important work ahead. One of the greatest challenges women continue to face. especially those who push boundaries, is earning respect in industries where leadership has historically been male-dominated. Many of us have had our experience, education, or leadership abilities questioned. Through those moments, we’ve learned that composure, confidence, and clarity are powerful tools. Listening actively, reading the room, and responding with directness and purpose help build credibility and trust. 

By leading with integrity, professionalism, and respect, we not only overcome barriers but also redefine what leadership looks like. And as more women step into positions of influence, the industry moves closer to becoming as inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking as the spaces we strive to create.

How do you see the conversation on sustainability going in our industry?

Sustainability is no longer a feature; it’s an expectation, and in many places, it has already become the baseline standard. In California, especially, stringent building codes require projects to meet high levels of energy efficiency. While there are nuances to navigating those regulations, most conversations begin with how the building’s infrastructure can meet or exceed energy-performance requirements. In many ways, sustainability has become the starting point rather than the goal. 

Across the industry, the conversation has evolved. Because sustainable materials and finishes are now widely available, it’s no longer difficult to specify products that align with both performance and design intent. The focus has shifted toward health and wellness in the built environment, long-term durability, and the responsible reuse of existing structures. With so many underutilized or abandoned buildings across the country, adaptive reuse is becoming increasingly prevalent and increasingly exciting. The opportunity to reimagine existing spaces in ways that honor their history while meeting modern needs is where I see some of the most innovative work happening today. 

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey?

The most fulfilling moment of my career is the one I’m living right now. When I was 19 and chose architecture as my path, I told myself, and the universe, that one day I would lead my own firm. Today, I’m a licensed architect in multiple states and at the helm of an architecture and design practice. Reaching this point has been both grounding and energizing. 

My journey has been shaped by so many people and experiences across every firm I have worked for. Each step, each spiral, each door that opened or closed, every big moment and every quiet one contributed to who I am as a leader today. Now I have the privilege of shaping Studio RYS’s strategic vision, guiding its evolution, and supporting an increasingly talented team. 

Standing in this moment, doing the work I once only imagined, has been profoundly fulfilling. I’m excited for our continued growth and for the impact we’re poised to make as a standout contributor to the hospitality industry.

What advice would you give to young women or girls who are considering a career in architecture or the broader AEC industry? 

For young women considering a career in architecture or the broader AEC industry, one of the most important things you can do is talk to people—talk to as many people as you can. Expose yourself to different conversations, roles, and perspectives. Our profession has so many pathways, and early on, you often don’t know what you don’t know. Sometimes you don’t even realize what might excite you until you step outside the tunnel vision of graduating, finding a job, and getting settled. Along the way, make it a priority to find your allies and mentors; they will help guide you, challenge you, and open doors you may not even know exist. 

One piece of advice I received years ago that has stayed with me is to find your voice. There will always be conversations happening in rooms you’re not in, or not yet invited to, and you need people who can speak on your behalf when you’re not there. Those advocates are essential to your growth and success. Build relationships with people who see your potential, support your ambitions, and are willing to champion you. Their belief in you, combined with your own confidence and persistence, will carry you far in this industry. 

During International Women’s Month, what does recognition like this mean to you, and how can the industry continue to better support and elevate women’s voices year-round?

To me, respect is recognition. It’s an honor to be acknowledged as a woman in leadership, especially during International Women’s Month. The path to this point has not always been easy, and I hope my journey encourages, not discourages, other women who aspire to lead. I may not be the loudest person in the room, but there is a reason I’m in the room. Every person’s presence deserves respect, because each individual, male or female, brings meaningful value to the table. 

As an industry, we often host events, seminars, and panels focused on women, yet those panels are typically filled only with women. To create real change, we need more men to step in as active allies—to listen, advocate, and use their influence to elevate women’s voices. Progress happens when everyone participates in the conversation, not just the people directly affected. 

I am optimistic about where our industry is headed, and my hope is that we continue evolving to the point where we can drop the qualifier “woman” from titles like leader, architect, or designer. Skill, integrity, and achievement should define us, not gender. When we recognize people for the excellence they bring, we create a more equitable and empowered profession for everyone.