February 2009 (Revised April 2011)
Supplement
HBS Case Collection

Mistry Architects (B)

By: Amy C. Edmondson, Robert G. Eccles and Mona Sinha

Format:Print
| Pages:3

Abstract

This case is a follow-up of Mistry Architects: Innovating for Sustainability (A) (Case 609-044). In Case (A) Sharukh and Renu Mistry found and run an architectural firm dedicated to being both client-oriented and environmentally responsible. The case uses a difficult design decision in a tsunami rehabilitation project to illustrate the challenges faced by professional services firms, and the role of innovation in meeting the needs of multiple stakeholders. The specific design decision is to make a choice between thatch roofs which are environmentally friendly, versus reinforced cement concrete roofs that the villagers desire for its functionality. Case (B) reveals and explains the firm's choice, while describing how the community rebuilds itself after the tsunami, as well as how the firms evolves.

Keywords

Problems and Challenges; Emerging Markets; Business and Stakeholder Relations; Natural Disasters; Environmental Sustainability; Product Design; Innovation and Invention; Construction Industry

Citation

Edmondson, Amy C., Robert G. Eccles, and Mona Sinha. "Mistry Architects (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 609-064, February 2009. (Revised April 2011.)