The session starts with a discussion on all the ways in which Chandigarh as a city and Gauri’s engagements while working there influenced her. She notes and describes in detail the way it consciously and subconsciously influenced her, as she notes that she sees the influence in her designs as well, and goes on to talk about this in detail. She recalls how she was naturally driven to architecture and notes her father’s influence in this, recalling how she learned many of her principles from him. Moreover, she remarks on the modernist design approach in her work and talks about that in detail. She further speaks of her client interactions, and how it differed in India vs in the West. 

She then goes on to provide a detailed idea about design approach with interior designing, aesthetics and the way she visualises a space, which she feels shouldn’t be too stuffy. On the topic of design cultures in India as inspired by the West, she shares her thoughts, and also speaks of her own processes, documented or not in forms of drawings etc. Furthermore, she details her daily life in regards to managing different roles, being a single parent and working, and the many learnings and challenges involved. She then goes on to mention old associations with Veena Garella, Namita Singh, and shares remarks on social responsibility of architects.