Vibha Belle LEED GA (she/her/hers)

I’m from  Karnataka, India

My education  Bachelor's in Architecture, RV College of Architecture, India
Masters of Science in Interior Architecture and Design, Drexel University

Any notable accomplishments/awards  Getting featured on the Metropolis Future 100, Batch 2025 List and receiving the Social Life and Equity Award from Drexel University recognizing my passion for designing community-oriented spaces.

Any community service  Volunteered with a local NGO to renovate a rural government school in India.

Why PCA?  PCA works on a diverse range of projects and provide great opportunities to grow as a designer either through their projects, mentorship or continued education. The best part of PCA is its collaborative and open working structure where everyone from an intern to principal has a voice in the design process and is encouraged to contribute to design discussions with everyone willing to help and support each other.

My earliest architectural / interior design memory  When I first visited Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, India, I was fascinated by its scale and simplicity. It felt like I had stepped back in time while experiencing the space. Seeing the intricate detailing and learning about the simplest engineering solutions from natural ventilation to the water system made it all feel magical. I was very curious to learn how to design such spaces led me to pursue this career.

I love Cambridge because  it reminds me of home back in India. There's always something to do here whether it's exploring new places, picking up a new hobby, or simply unwinding in nature. It has such a vibrant community, with the historic charm of old England on one side and the futuristic tech world on the other.

What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time  I talk to my plants and give them random names only to forget the next day.

Cats or dogs?  I like both but have a soft corner for dogs. I would also like to add rabbits, hamsters, capybara, deer, Panda, ducks, sea otters and many more to the list.

Ball point or felt tip?  Fountain pens with black ink!

Quote that guides me right now:  Whenever I start doubting myself or questioning my potential, I remind myself of the quote: "What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?"

The best gift I ever gave  was a portrait painting of my mother in her 20s that I painted and gave to her on her 56th birthday.

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be  Languages of all kinds: spoken, sign language, even the language that animals use.