In the architecture and design industry, leadership is not just about managing projects—it’s about blending creativity with function, guiding teams, and tackling obstacles. Effective leaders not only focus on achieving results but also inspire collaboration and drive innovation. Their influence is what helps firms grow and succeed, especially in the constantly changing industry.
Bobby (Shubhendu) Banerjee, Director and Senior Architectural Designer at Mercury Architecture, New Zealand is one such leader. Taking over a business at a difficult time, Bobby managed to turn it into a thriving architectural practice that now operates across two countries. His focus on mentoring, team-building, and delivering creative solutions has been key to the firm’s growth. Bobby Banerjee’s leadership goes beyond project management; it involves cultivating an organized team that collaborates and grows.
Stepping into the Unknown
Bobby Banerjee grew up believing that being a good employee was more important than being a business owner. None of his immediate family members had been successful in business, and after working for eight years, he faced a crisis. When his boss decided to close the business and move overseas during the global financial crisis, Bobby found himself with two options: take over the loss-making business or find a new job.
Despite lacking formal training as a business owner, he reluctantly chose to take control of an $80,000 loss-making enterprise with no employees. He chose the easy way out and started looking for a job. He was miserably unsuccessful and had no option but to try to keep the business afloat. After nearly a year of struggling on his own, he realized he needed guidance and decided to seek out mentorship. Due to financial constraints, he could only afford six months of mentorship, but it proved to be a turning point for him.
A Year of Growth and Transformation
The following year, he began to see significant improvements in his endeavors. He made the decision to hire his first employee, which not only eased his workload but also indicated the growth of his vision. Bobby Banerjee continued to invest in his education, taking deliberate steps forward in his professional development. The following year he hired 3 key staff members – almost all were freshers
What initially started as an application of his technical skills to solve architectural problems, gradually evolved into a commitment to mentoring others. With 4 staff members, He recognized the importance of fostering a collaborative and creative culture within Mercury Architecture, where ideas could flourish and innovation could thrive.
Bobby was motivated by the desire to deliver impactful solutions for his clients while aiming to contribute to meaningful change in the architectural industry. His journey emphasized not only personal achievement but also the potential to elevate industry standards and inspire others in the field.
Fueling Bold Innovation
Bobby Banerjee promotes innovation by fostering an environment where ideas can be freely shared, explored, and tested without the fear of failure. Under his guidance, the directors, team leaders, senior designers, and junior technicians all embrace an open mindset, which leads to continuous improvement and long-term growth. Creativity plays a critical role in their design solutions and ongoing business research and development, enabling the team to remain agile and responsive to change.
Turning Setbacks into Opportunities
A pivotal moment in Bobby Banerjee’s career occurred when he led a complex project that encountered an unexpected setback, criticism and a financial loss. Instead of perceiving this situation as a failure, he recognized it as an opportunity to refine the processes at Mercury Architecture. Bobby and his team took proactive measures, improving its quality control systems, upgrading to new software, enhancing communication, and emphasizing collaboration among team members. Through this experience, Bobby learned the importance of leading with authenticity; and how being genuine and transparent during both the highs and lows is essential for building trust and loyalty within the team.
Rebranding and Growth
A few years later, Bobby Banerjee took the lead on a rebranding initiative and supported his key designer by giving him more responsibilities and a partnership in the company. He encouraged the designer to seek formal mentoring to help the business grow. Currently, Mercury Architecture operates in two countries, New Zealand and India, with a team of 15 employees, establishing itself as a respected architectural practice known for providing comprehensive services to property developers and community housing providers. Through these experiences, Bobby has learned that resilience and adaptability are important qualities in the industry.
“Being able to pivot and adapt towards your goal is often more valuable than rigidly sticking to a plan.”— quotes Bobby Banerjee.
Expanding the Mercury Alliance
One of the most memorable achievements in Bobby Banerjee’s career was the establishment of Mercury Alliance—a network of consultants integral to the building consenting process. Initially starting with three or four independent consultants, the team has now grown to nine key members, with plans for further expansion. This alliance has significantly enhanced the quality of services offered to clients and has reinforced Bobby’s leadership capabilities and confidence in strategic decision-making.
Learning from Influential Mentors
“Mentorship has played a crucial role in shaping me as a leader, providing guidance, building my confidence, and fostering reflective thinking.”
Bobby Banerjee has had several influential mentors throughout his journey, including business mentors and wellness coaches, who have instilled in him the importance of leading with empathy and conviction. Inspired by their guidance, he aims to pay it forward by mentoring others. His ‘Mercury Leadership Mentoring’ process empowers team leaders and senior designers, fostering their growth both personally and professionally.
A Commitment to Education and Growth
As Jack Welch once said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” Bobby embodies this philosophy, consistently driving innovation while fostering a culture of learning and collaboration. Under his guidance, Mercury Architecture is committed to training interns. He is also a public speaker constantly seizing opportunities in offering free educational seminars to the community. His vision is to leave a legacy of mentorship and community involvement, where his contributions empower others to grow and succeed, both within the industry and beyond.
To know more about Bobby Banerjee and Mercury Architecture, visit www.mercuryarchitecture.co.nz.
