Team Spotlight: Meera Satheesh, Senior Architectural Designer

We’re excited to share this interview with Meera Satheesh, Senior Architectural Designer at Kettle Collective, whose journey into architecture has been shaped by curiosity, craft, and a deep interest in how people experience space.

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From discovering Kettle Collective through an inspiring visit to the Falkirk Wheel, to contributing to major projects like Azura Beach and award-winning competitions such as Omran HQ, Meera’s story reflects both the creative and technical sides of architectural practice.

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In this Q&A, she speaks about the moments that have defined her career so far, what motivates her as a designer, and how inspiration from nature, movement, and everyday observation continues to influence her work.

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1. What brought you to Kettle Collective, and what were you doing before?

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The first week I arrived in Scotland to begin my Master’s, a friend took me to visit the Falkirk Wheel. I was completely fascinated by the scale, movement, and thought behind it. I looked up who designed it and discovered Kettle Collective, and I remember thinking, “I want to be part of it.” After graduating, I applied for the chance to join the team and during the interview I definitely mentioned that moment to Tony.

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Before Kettle Collective, I worked on a range of residential and civic projects in Malaysia and London, from bespoke interiors and furniture detailing to the refurbishment of a Grade II listed building. That experience helped build my foundation in balancing design with technical precision.

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2. What are some key milestones in your career so far?

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A major milestone has been becoming a Senior Architectural Designer, after years of contributing across various large-scale masterplans and architectural projects. Another key moment was being one of the main contributors to the Omran HQ competition, which we won. It was a proud and highly motivating experience. And then there’s the feeling of seeing a project like Azura Beach evolve from an early sketch on paper into something now coordinated with engineers and moving steadily toward realisation.

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3. What has been your most significant Kettle Collective project or team memory?

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I’ve been fortunate to work on many significant projects over the years, including Opera District, Azura Beach, Madinat Al Irfan, Omran HQ, Mutrah Heights, and more; each with its own challenges and highlights. But if I had to choose one, Azura Beach stands out the most. I’ve been involved since the very first masterplan sketch, and now we’re developing the individual plots. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a project evolve so fully.

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As for team memories, it’s definitely those deadline moments, the energy, focus, and teamwork that kicks in when everyone pulls together to get a submission over the line. That support and camaraderie is what makes the experience truly memorable.

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4. What was your role in the project?

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I was part of the concept design team during the early stages of Azura Beach, contributing to the urban design and masterplanning, testing layouts, and developing technical design strategies.

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Later on, I worked on Azura Beach Plot 04, focusing on space planning, technical coordination, and submissions. I also supported Plot 03 to help ensure the final packages were delivered on time. Being involved across different phases of the project made it a full-circle experience.

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5. What made it memorable?

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Seeing the project grow so fully, from early sketches and masterplans to real, buildable architecture, has made it personal for me. It’s not just about drawings, it’s about the people, the coordination, and the shared goal of bringing something to life.

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6. What projects are you currently working on, and what excites you about them?

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I’m currently involved in the Design District in Muscat, Oman, working on area feasibility and layout studies. This includes fitting a complex and challenging brief into efficient, usable spaces. It’s like solving a puzzle with people in mind.

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I’m also working closely with the landscape team on Wadi Park, helping develop detailed drawings, reviewing IFT packages, and making sure everything aligns before contractor issue. That level of detail and precision is something I really enjoy.

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7. What do you enjoy most about your job and working in this industry?

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The fact that no two days are ever the same. One day you’re sketching out a design, the next you’re solving technical issues, testing layouts, reviewing drawing packages, or having a breakthrough with a consultant.

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What I love most is the balance of creativity and structure, shaping something with imagination and then grounding it in technical clarity. And of course, working alongside people who care just as much as I do.

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8. What inspires you in architecture?

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Coming from Malaysia and growing up in a multicultural environment, I’ve always been drawn to how architecture is rooted in place and people. I love observing how people move through space, how they interact, pause, or gather, and how design quietly shapes those moments.

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Public spaces, in particular, fascinate me. Even simple people-watching can be inspiring, seeing how different environments influence how people feel and behave. That emotional and social layer of design is what really drives me. As Junya Ishigami says, “I am interested in how architecture shapes behavior. Not just form, but feeling.”

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9. Do you have a favourite quote or a phrase you live by?

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There are a few quotes that have stayed with me over the years, each reflecting a different part of how I think and work.

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“God is in the details.” I.M. Pei A reminder that the success of a design often lies in the smallest, most thoughtful decisions.

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“If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” Maya Angelou This speaks to the importance of staying true to yourself and not being afraid to bring something different to the table.

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“Create with the heart; build with the mind.” Criss Jami It sums up how I try to approach every project, with feeling, but also clarity and intent.

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Together, they remind me that great design is about craft, care, and coherence.

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‍10. What do you enjoy outside of work?

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Outside of work, I’m always seeking inspiration, whether through photography, hiking, travelling, food, or music. Being out in nature especially inspires me. I love observing the way natural forms layer space, how light shifts, and how textures interact.

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I also enjoy exploring new places and watching how people move through environments, capturing small moments through the lens. I’m often drawn to patterns and flows that echo urban movement. Music plays a role too, its rhythm and energy often influence the way I think about architecture and urban design, and how a space can move or breathe.

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That kind of quiet observation really feeds into how I approach design, especially the way people experience a space emotionally and how it develops its own character.
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11. What advice would you give to someone starting in architecture today?

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Value the whole process, not just the design stage. There’s so much to learn through coordination, detailing, and technical delivery. It teaches you how to bring ideas to life properly.

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And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Stay open and stay curious. Architecture is a long journey, and every stage teaches you something new about buildings, about people, and about yourself.