Varsha Raji

Varsha is an architect who has a range of experience working in large-scale, mixed-use projects to smaller refurbishment projects, including working with listed buildings. By working on urban design and master planning projects, she has also gained extensive experience in placemaking, stakeholder engagement, and public realm design. 

She is interested in socially embedded architecture that fits in with the context. Varsha has experience working with local authorities and local communities through a co-design process, which provides the foundation for future community involvement. 

As an advocate for working with young students from marginalised backgrounds, she is passionate about creating an inclusive world where placemaking is accessible to all.

St Albans City & District Council

During her placement as a Design Officer at St Albans City & District Council, Varsha provided design input on planning applications and emerging proposals. She contributed written design comments, reviewed architectural drawings, masterplans, and visualisations, and supported negotiations to improve design outcomes. Varsha also researched and presented on ways to enhance design quality within the built environment.

Drawing on her architectural background, she established design surgeries—informal drop-in sessions where planning officers received design advice—to strengthen officers’ understanding of urban design principles and support more consistent design assessments. Her placement deepened her understanding of the planning process and helped her develop a strong critical approach to evaluating schemes at a variety of scales.