Community Design Agency (CDA)

Community Design Agency is a design studio working to equip underserved and marginalised communities with methods to design, develop and improve their Read more built environments. We operate as a collective of architects, designers, artists and engineers working collaboratively with communities in need to create sustainable change. Our Vision: An inclusive world where every human enjoys access to vibrant, safe and healthy spaces to live, work and play. Our Mission: Work alongside communities, drive social and spatial improvements through participatory planning, community-driven design and architecture, advocacy and consultation for those in need. Our Process: We believe in building strong relationships and trust through long-term engagement with the communities. Our design process supports organic and community-led transformation by enabling and empowering community members to become decision makers We work alongside people who will ultimately use the spaces, engaging them as stakeholders in an inclusive, replicable, participatory manner to unearth real needs and spark sustainable self-determination . We use design as a tool to enhance human flourishing and improve physical, social and psychological well-being . We are currently raising funds for a library, Kitaab Mahal, for the children and youth of Natwar Parekh Colony, Govandi, Mumbai.

CDA envisions an inclusive world where every human enjoys access to vibrant, safe and healthy spaces to live, work and play.

CDA's Managing Director and Founder, Sandhya Naidu Janardhan, has recently been awarded the Berkeley Rupp Prize 2024-25 celebrating her work in community-led design and for her contributions to the architecture practice.