Design Matters: Lessons from Steve Jobs’ Critique of Microsoft for Indian Real Estate

Steve Jobs once famously criticised Microsoft for its lack of originality and cultural depth, saying, “The only problem with Microsoft is they just have no taste… they don’t think of original ideas, and they don’t bring much culture into their product… they just make really third-rate products.”

This critique of Microsoft’s uninspiring approach resonates strongly with the state of real estate development in India today. Much like Microsoft’s third-rate products, many Indian developers and architects create buildings that are devoid of originality, culture, or thoughtfulness. These structures may be financially successful in the short term, but they fail to inspire, nurture, or contribute meaningfully to the lives they are meant to serve.

Even more troubling is the longevity of these third-rate buildings. Unlike software, which can be updated or replaced, buildings remain a permanent fixture in our cities for decades, standing as a testament to poor decisions driven by profit rather than purpose. These uninspiring, lifeless structures are not only eyesores but also symbols of missed opportunities to create something transformative—buildings that could have uplifted communities and inspired generations.

The Deadly Combination: Developers and Architects in a Rut

The Indian real estate landscape is dominated by a troubling synergy. Developers, fixated on maximising every square foot of saleable area, often lack a genuine appreciation for design. Their focus is on financial metrics, not on creating spaces that enhance lives, foster communities, or stand as landmarks for future generations.

Architects, who could ideally serve as the creative counterbalance to this profit-centric mindset, frequently succumb to the pressures of delivering cost-effective, cookie-cutter designs. Instead of pushing boundaries, they replicate templates, sacrificing creativity for convenience. This partnership, driven more by expediency than vision, results in uninspiring, lifeless buildings that define much of the Indian skyline today.

The consequences of this approach are far-reaching. These buildings:

• Stifle Human Connections: Poorly designed residential spaces fail to create environments where residents can connect, leaving communities fragmented and socially isolated.
• Compromise Quality of Life: From cramped layouts to inadequate natural light and ventilation, bad design directly affects the well-being of inhabitants.
• Harm the Environment: Inefficient designs often lead to unsustainable energy use, water management issues, and other environmental challenges.
• Erode Cultural Identity: The widespread replication of generic designs strips Indian cities of their unique character, replacing vibrancy with monotony.

What We Can Learn from the Past

India has a rich architectural heritage, from the intricate designs of Rajasthan’s havelis to the thoughtful urban planning of Chandigarh. These structures were not just buildings—they were a reflection of the culture, craftsmanship, and aspirations of their time.

In stark contrast, modern developments often ignore the lessons of history. For instance:

• Ancient designs prioritised natural ventilation and light, reducing energy consumption.
• Communities were built around shared spaces, fostering connection and collaboration.
• Materials and layouts harmonised with the environment, blending sustainability with aesthetics.

By drawing inspiration from these principles, developers and architects can create buildings that are not just functional but also meaningful and enduring.

The Need for a Paradigm Shift

Much like Steve Jobs urged Microsoft to aspire for cultural and aesthetic excellence, Indian real estate needs a wake-up call. Developers and architects must rise above the mediocrity of "business as usual" and embrace a vision that prioritises legacy over immediate profits.

1. Developers as Custodians of Legacy

Developers must recognise that their projects are more than just financial ventures—they are long-term contributions to the urban fabric. Thoughtful design may require higher upfront costs, but it results in enduring value. Iconic projects not only generate higher premiums but also enhance a developer’s reputation, creating a legacy that stands the test of time.

2. Architects as Visionaries

Architects should reclaim their role as creators, not just service providers. Instead of delivering designs that merely satisfy project briefs, they should advocate for creativity, innovation, and sustainability. This shift from being passive vendors to active visionaries is critical for producing buildings that inspire and endure.

3. Collaborative Innovation

The best projects emerge when developers and architects work as true partners, aligned in their commitment to excellence. This means:

• Prioritising design over shortcuts.
• Balancing profitability with creativity.
• Bringing in experts who specialise in sustainability, landscaping, and urban planning.

4. Building for Sustainability

Sustainability should not be a buzzword—it must be at the core of every project. This includes:

• Energy-efficient designs that reduce long-term operational costs.
• Water-sensitive urban planning to address resource scarcity.
• Greener materials and technologies that minimise environmental impact.

5. Creating Spaces for Generations

A well-designed building is more than a structure; it is a story, a landmark, a symbol of its time. Developers and architects must ask themselves: Will this building inspire future generations? Will it add value to the cityscape 50 years from now? The answer should guide every decision.

Examples to Inspire Change

While much of Indian real estate remains uninspired, there are noteworthy exceptions. For example:

• Charles Correa’s designs emphasised human-scale architecture, community living, and cultural relevance.
• Global projects like Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum demonstrate how ambitious design can revitalise urban areas and elevate their global standing.

These examples prove that it is possible to balance financial viability with design excellence, creating structures that enrich lives and cities.

Conclusion: Designing for Posterity

Steve Jobs’ disappointment with Microsoft wasn’t rooted in their success but in their missed opportunity to create something truly extraordinary. Similarly, the issue with Indian real estate isn’t just its growth but the mediocrity of its outcomes.

India is at a critical juncture in its urban evolution. With rapid urbanisation and increasing demand for housing, the decisions we make today will shape our cities for generations. Developers and architects have a unique opportunity to redefine the narrative—not just by constructing buildings, but by creating legacies.

The question is: will they rise to the challenge? Will they build not just for profit but for posterity? Because, as Jobs might say, the true measure of success isn’t just in what we create—it’s in how it inspires, uplifts, and endures.

Let’s ensure that the buildings we create today become stories worth telling tomorrow.