14/06/2026
Recently visited Nuwakot Durbar and something hit me. As an architect in the Nepali-Industry I just couldn't ignore this thought off my mind.
Why can't Nepali architects lead the restoration of their own NATIONAL heritage?
China's involvement in restoring Nepal's heritage sites began after the devastating 2015 earthquake, which severely damaged iconic monuments across the Kathmandu Valley. China's first major project was the Basantapur Tower complex at Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, followed by the Nuwakot Durbar and surrounding temples. Chinese institutions led the funding, survey, design, and technical work, while Nepali workers and the Department of Archaeology stayed involved on the ground.
When major projects like these are designed and managed by foreign institutions, it's not just about who funds the work ; it's about who gets the experience, the credit, and the legacy.
Every time a Nepali architect doesn't get to lead a project like this, that's a missed chance to build expertise, grow a portfolio, and pass down knowledge to the next generation. As someone in the industry, I genuinely believe our fellow Nepali professionals are completely capable of handling projects of this scale and it's a matter of national pride that we should be the ones leading and designing the restoration of our own heritage, rather than handing that role over to international teams by default. Heritage restoration isn't just engineering ;it's an interpretive act rooted in cultural tradition, and our monuments deserve to be shaped by the people who carry that tradition.
Nepal has the talent. What we need is the opportunity.
This isn't a hate remark against China or any other international country ; it's a genuine concern from a fellow architect just starting out in the industry. I'd love to see my country prioritize its own architects, professionals, and resources.
[ construction, architecture, restoration project, national heritage, China aid , architects, SONA(Society of Nepalese Architects)]