In Nepal, the architectural sector stands as a pivotal force, shaping the nation’s built environment. The influence of contemporary and modernist architects is profound, shaping the nation’s architectural narrative. These visionary professionals adeptly fuse innovation with functionality. Their significance is underscored by their ability to craft resilient, forward-thinking spaces that seamlessly align with the evolving needs of a growing society. In doing so, they play a pivotal role in molding a progressive and adaptable architectural landscape reflective of the nation’s trajectory.
Prabin Laghu, Principal Architect & Managing Director of Skyline Architects stands as a dynamic force, sculpting the nation’s Architectural landscape for over a decade and playing a pivotal role in steering the industry’s trajectory. Embarking on his architectural journey during college, Laghu’s formative years were marked by a comprehensive internship in a prestigious Kathmandu-based company. Initially immersed in drafting and presentation drawings, he gradually transitioned to pivotal roles, contributing to esteemed projects during the real estate boom of 2009-2010.
After honing his skills, Prabin faced the challenge of fitting into various companies, navigating workspace dynamics, and diverse project types. Undeterred, he immersed himself in construction labor, spending four transformative months as a construction labor. This hands-on experience became a cornerstone, providing him with a profound understanding rooted in practical fieldwork education.
The decision to establish Skyline Architects marked a significant turning point. In the nascent Nepali market, Prabin strategically initiated his company, starting with modest projects and gradually expanding his footprint over the past 13 years. His journey, fraught with challenges, speaks volumes about resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.
“Skyline Architects embodies a founding principle rooted in creativity, functionality, and aesthetics. Our mission is to design spaces that meet client needs with innovative, sustainable solutions. With a commitment to collaboration, attention to detail, and unwavering quality, our ethos revolves around the holistic concept of ‘Architecture for a Safe City.’ This principle underscores our dedication to creating secure, resilient urban environments that contribute to safer and more secure living for residents. In essence, Skyline Architects aspires to go beyond functionality, crafting spaces that inspire and enhance the human experience”, emphasizes Prabin Laghu.
Strategic Innovation & Collaborative Excellence
Skyline Architects, under Prabin Laghu’s leadership, finds its foundational principle in astutely identifying market voids and fortifying the business with distinctive innovations. The business ethos revolves around the metaphor of ‘eat small, eat delicious, eat daily’, emphasizing a methodical and consistent approach to project acquisition and delivery. In the competitive landscape, the imperative is to stand out; thus, the philosophy centers on building a robust foundation to assert a distinctive presence in the market. Rather than being reactive, the focus lies on inspiring competitors, shaping industry trends, and maintaining adaptability.
Simultaneously occupying roles as a business leader and architect, Prabin Laghu cultivates an environment where work seamlessly merges with enjoyment. Viewing architecture as an art form, he asserts that finding joy in the process obviates the sense of labor.
Acknowledging the indispensable role of a dedicated team, Prabin has curated a small, loyal group, championing collaboration over a conventional workspace. He believes work culture is more important to work environment beyond workspace. A commitment to clear communication, frequent interaction, and transparent delegation is pivotal in fostering a harmonious work environment. Recognizing and rewarding team members serves as a catalyst for elevated spirits and ongoing innovation.
The evolutionary trajectory over the past decade has seen a shift toward empowering staff to take risks and make autonomous decisions, instilling a profound sense of ownership and innovation in their projects. The philosophy of ‘kill your darlings’ advocates detachment from entrenched design elements, encouraging the exploration of new dimensions for fresh ideas and dynamic design processes.
Aligning architectural and business goals for a shared purpose is the motivating force for the team. Prabin Laghu’s leadership philosophy underscores leading by example, adopting a mentoring role, and treating the team as a family rather than mere employees. In a flatter organizational structure, real-time communication emerges as the linchpin for efficient issue resolution. Regular revisitation of the philosophy ensures it remains in harmony with values and adapts to the evolving needs of the team, contributing to a resilient and adaptable organizational culture.
Skyline architects aspires to go beyond functionality, crafting spaces that inspire & enhance the human experience
Navigating Challenges & Achieving Architectural Heights
Navigating the multifaceted landscape of the architecture field as the Managing Director of Skyline Architects, Prabin Laghu grapples with a myriad of challenges intrinsic to the industry. Operating in Nepal’s unpredictable political and economic environment, characterized by unstable policies and uncertain project outcomes, adds a layer of complexity. With a relatively small team, the high turnover rate among skilled professionals poses an ongoing challenge, compounded by the proliferation of emerging, albeit raw, architectural firms vying for market share.
Prabin recognizes the necessity of omnipotence in his dual roles as MD and architect. Balancing client interactions, project acquisition, design conception, construction oversight, and market engagement demands a delicate equilibrium that proves both mentally and physically taxing. In response, the philosophy of Skyline Architects centers on resisting the urge to partake in the rat race, ensuring a gradual yet sustainable progression. The emphasis lies on retaining the current client base, progressing one step at a time, and adhering to the principle of consuming what you can digest.
The MD’s experience as a consultant for various firms has enriched Skyline Architects’ professional skill set. Collaborating with corporate entities has brought recurring business, diverse projects spanning various industries, and exposure to unexpected opportunities. This has honed skills in working under pressure, coordinating with larger teams, managing budgets, and effective delegation. Such experiences have proven invaluable in navigating the challenges unique to corporate collaborations.
In navigating the myriad of challenges, Prabin Laghu has orchestrated notable achievements, where he identifies client satisfaction as the paramount success metric, with long-standing client relationships spanning over a decade. Skyline Architects has been involved in significant projects, including the construction of the pumdikot Bishal Mahadev statue in Pokhara, a testament to an engineering marvel and religious as well as tourism significance. Noteworthy contributions in postearthquake reconstruction projects garnered a Certificate of Appreciation from the Prime Minister. Recognition from various corporate groups for the seemingly impossible delivery of projects further underscores Skyline Architects’ impact. Beyond project-specific achievements, the firm was honored as the Most Promising Architecture and Interior Designing Consultancy in 2020 by Swift and Lift magazine. Prabin Laghu’s inclusion as a speaker at the Architectural Reconnect Summit by Global Business Reconnect adds to the list of accolades.
“Entrepreneurship is not glamorous as portrayed, contrary to its social media allure. My advice for aspiring business leaders is rooted in dedication and knowledge. Cultivate a robust foundation within or, and beyond your industry. In a world where sweat, blood, and tears pave the entrepreneurial path, aspiring leaders must embrace perseverance and readiness for failure. Segmenting health, work, and life priorities ensures a balanced approach. A mentor, a guiding force, becomes a priceless asset. It’s a marathon, not a rat race, where learning precedes earning, building a solid foundation for enduring success”, concludes Prabin Laghu.
Prabin Laghu, Principal Architect & Managing Director
Prabin laghu, principal architect and managing director of skyline architects stands as a pivotal force in nepal’s architectural realm with over a decade of industry experience. A graduate of purbanchal university with a bachelor’s in architecture in 2009, he furthered his expertise with an executive master’s in business administration from pokhara university in 2014. Prabin’s journey is a testament to resilience and excellence, highlighting his adaptability and commitment. As a dynamic force, he prioritizes creativity, functionality, and aesthetics in architecture. Juggling roles as both a business leader and architect, prabin fosters a collaborative work environment, aligning architectural and business goals to leave a lasting impact on nepal’s architectural legacy.
.jpg "Technology in Cancer Care: A story of evolving paradigms")
.jpg "Bringing Shop Floor to Manufacturer's palm: Smart Factory Solutions for tomorrow")
