Brinda Somaya is known for merging architecture with conservation and social equity in most of her projects - be it in designing educational campuses, restoring old cathedrals or rehabilitating earthquake-torn villages. She believes that progress and history need not be at odds. She is known for restoring buildings, for conserving heritage sites and for planning and designing new buildings. In 2013, she was chosen among the Global Public Interest Design Persons as someone working in the intersection of design and service globally.

"The Architect's role is that of a guardian - his is the conscience of the built and the un-build environment".

Somaya obtained her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Sir J J College of Architecture, Mumbai University, and her Master of Arts degree from Smith College, Northampton, United States. In 1987, this renowned architect started her practice in Mumbai by the name of Somaya and Kalappa Consultants (SNK).

Master planning and designing multiple corporate and educational campuses has become her forte, so to say. It could be said that her ideas are influenced by her childhood experiences of travelling to the culturally diverse historic sites of India. In an interview with Arun Shourie, she said,

"Modernity is not necessarily an architectural definition… it is understanding everything that has gone before to the best of your capability and seeing how it is right or the time and the future."

It is, perhaps, this understanding that has led to her modern ideas, fused with the notions of the present and the future, which are well reflected in her designs of the following institutions:

• Goa Institute of management

This institute is a closed-campus facility which opens up to panoramic views of the Western Ghats.

• Louis Khan Plaza, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

On looking closely at the SNK portfolio, one would find that community projects have been a great priority at this design company. Somaya played an integral role in rehabilitating the villagers of Bhadli post-2001 earthquake in Gujarat, and in designing the Colaba Woods. The famous St. Thomas Cathedral was restored by SNK in 2002-2003 when the apse end of the church was extended and re-built in a neo-Gothic style.

• Colaba Woods

Somaya designed Colaba Woods as an 'open-air' museum, where art is accessible to the average citizens of Mumbai.

• St. Thomas Cathedral

Her active involvement and contribution towards the society have not gone unrecognised. Brinda Somaya is a member of the National Advisory Board of the National Centre for Safety of Heritage Structures (NCHS) 2014. She has been the recipient of numerous international and national awards. She won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2004 for the restoration of the St. Thomas Cathedral.

She was also the winner of the Leading European Architects Forum award for the new Nalanda School Campus in Baroda, Gujarat.