Ar. Amala Sheth, Metaphors
"We explore every aspect of the symbiotic relationship between form and function, the metaphysical relationship between mind and matter and strive to achieve a perfect equilibrium between the art and science of Architecture, Environmental Design and Interior Design."
Born in 1961 in Mumbai, always ambitious, Ar. Amala Sheth's interests swayed from scientific studies across to various Arts, as a youngster. Dabbling variously with music, dance and theatre, these experiences defined her thought process.
During her early days at school and junior college, learning Hindustani classical music in Mumbai was a fascinating experience, embodying not only the richness & purity of tradition but also of philosophy and culture. It was here that she met some students of architecture "with whom I spent a lot of time and watching them meticulously bending over the drafting board for hours, creating form out of space. That was the time I realized I wanted to study a subject that was a synthesis of both the sciences and arts," says Amala.
The similarity between music and architecture was striking, both involving the creation of something spectacular around a basic framework. Going forward from Junior College at Elphinstone in Mumbai, she joined Sir J.J. College of Architecture in 1979.
After graduating with a B. Arch. degree from the prestigious institution in 1985, she had a short stint with Ar. Hafeez Contractor in Mumbai, followed by Chandavarkar and Thacker in Bangalore. Amala moved from Mumbai to Pune, in 1989, to start her own practice as an independent architect and this is when Metaphors was born with partner Anand Bhagat.
Metaphors has garnered, over the last 25 years of relentless hard work, a strong and motivated team of architects and interior designers in a firm that accepts nothing but perfection. With over 35 architects, interior designers, civil engineers and a fully equipped 3D modelling team, the firm is a melting pot of constantly mingling ideas and inputs, that range from the arts, sciences and architecture to the more intangible topics like psychology and economics.
Over the years, Amala and Anand worked hard to establish a very strong and visionary presence not only in Pune but across the country. "Our expertise ranges from projects in the IT sector, Industrial, Commercial Infrastructure, SEZs, Institutional, Healthcare Campuses, Hospitality, Commercial etc. It is this very diversity that keeps us so energized and passionate. The ever changing dynamics of each sector provide a constant challenge," says Amala, adding, "Through the design of millions of square feet of architectural and interior spaces, what has been constant throughout, is our conviction towards bringing sustainability and culture into the very basics of building design. We believe in embodying not only the richness and purity of tradition, but also of philosophy and culture."
She avers, "Metaphors has been our contribution to defining architecture. Every project has been a journey to create something beautiful, to celebrate and engage. We constantly question ourselves, push our boundaries and build on the foundation of a rich experience. Our philosophy has always been defined, and has become a reflection of us. We have found our countenance in being honest to this conviction."
Ar. Utkarsh Kothari, Kothari Associates P Ltd.
Architecture is not just a profession, but a passion to be pursued. At the heart of this passion is an aesthetic for design. Utkarsh's design sensibilities have been honed over several decades. From a young age when he accompanied his father and grandfather to the office and spending time with the staff working on the drawing boards, his perception of space, and eye for design began to develop. This interest in design dovetailed into the construction of models and tinkering with drawings. The family encouraged Utkarsh to follow these natural inclinations and study architecture at Vidyanagar.
After successfully completing his degree, he went to Boston for his post-graduation training. At Boston, he worked with various architects and polished his architectural skills. The experience expanded his horizons as he had the opportunity to apprentice with top architects in their fields. He returned to India determined to put into practice both his education and practical experience. He joined the office full-time and began his career officially in India.
Utkarsh's philosophy is simple and direct. Each space he plans and builds must work efficiently for owners and occupants. It must be built in time and within the specified budget. Every project must satisfy its economic goal even if it is a public institution with minimum profits. It must make an aesthetic contribution to the community. He respects the neighborhood he builds in by designing in harmony with what was there earlier. He believes that the unique functional needs of each client must shape the design. Each plan must be fitted to meet the complex of local conditions & desires and at the same time reflect the continuous advancement of technique and knowledge. Utkarsh has designed and executed projects for a wide spectrum of clients, and continues to fly the family flag while upholding the standards of excellence that have always been a hallmark of Kothari Associates. From hospitals and universities to entire townships, Utkarsh continues to follow his passion, for him architecture continues to be a fascinating exploration.
Ar. Rajiv Khanna, Studio K.I.A.
"Architecture is like a souvenir that an architect leaves for the world to see for generations."
Living by inspiration and having created meaningful architecture, which the world appreciates and talks about, is his idea of a satisfactory built space. Founder Principal of the Design studio, Ar. Rajiv Khanna has more than 35 years of experience in the inter-disciplinary fields of Architecture, Design, Management and Real Estate.
Rajiv's works span across the length and breadth of the country, as well as engaging with international concerns. The magnitude and type of projects include Master planning and urban design, residential developments, mixed land use projects, hospitality and retail environments, recreational and leisure projects, institutional and educational profiles, as well as Corporate Interiors. Residential and mixed land use developments are his forte as it is very satisfying to create meaningful, people centric spaces which are actually lived-in. He takes great pride in all his architectural projects and more so, when they become a reality.
The diverse assemblage of creative disciplines of Architecture, inspire and excite him. He believes to be constantly evolving, dealing with different types of projects, to stay upbeat with latest technology and design ideologies that enhance the quality of life of an individual.
Keeping inspiration alive to create space and design, conjuring up creations which work as functionally appreciative art, as well as to create a balance between the requisite and the rhythm in architecture, is what he believes in and achieves with every project.
Under his leadership, the firm has established several local and international alliances. The international concerns include the Dubai Lifestyle City, Dubailand for ETA Group, Concept Creation of a mixed land-use development at Sharjah on a land lot admeasuring 9 sq.kms., Hospitality Project Design, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as also a 500 acre mixed land use cum residential development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Other recognized projects include the Timber Trail in Himachal Pradesh, The Umrao – Boutique Hotel on National Highway-8 in Delhi, District Headquarters in Goa and the prestigious Cottage Industries Emporium at STC building, Janpath, New Delhi. Some of the recent projects include Al Wathba and Mussaffah schools in Dubai, UAE; Housing projects- Palm Drive, Emaar MGF, The Grand and The Petioles based in Gurgaon (NCR).
He has also been recognized by various publication houses and his works have been talked about in prestigious magazines and newspapers like the Economic Times Realty, HAI (Hotel Association of India) Journal, Business Today, Business Standard, The Pioneer, Financial Express, HT and The Times of India.
2016 will see Studio K.I.A. making meaningful contributions to the built environment – a visible architecture that will excite, calm, please, make one think and yet function well.
Ar. Sunil B. Patil, SPA
"We strongly believe that the architecture is to create spaces, which shall not just satisfy the functional needs of the users, but shall become their companion in sharing the unforgettable moments in their life."
"Harmony with Nature - By instinct, man likes to be with the nature. His body his mind responds better to the nature than manmade spaces. There is nothing better than nature that relaxes the man and keeps him healthier." Ar. Sunil Patil has always believed this and has been practicing for last 25 years with this philosophy.
Graduated from Kolhapur, he started his practice in 1994 as Sunil Patil and Associates (SPA) and since then has designed more than 375 versatile projects across India, which includes residential and commercial complexes, industrial buildings, institutional blocks, residential and corporate interiors, etc. He has also delivered various lectures and slide shows in Architecture, invited by IIA and IIID. SPA is dedicated to environment friendly sustainable architecture and to bring client's dreams and aspirations into reality.
Ar. Patil is of the opinion that the Architecture is not just an artistic creation, but it also has to function and the function has to be prime objective of any Architectural creation. He believes that the architecture shall belong to the geographical location, the culture, the climate and the era in which it is built. His designs stress on using vernacular material in a contemporary style, which he calls 'The Contemporary Vernacular Architecture.'
Determined to become an Architect since his childhood, Ar. Patil says, "In Architecture one has to be very pragmatic and careful, as it is not like other creative fields, where one has a liberty to go wrong and discard his creation. The Architects creation is an inhabited structure and has to warrant the function for which it is designed. I strongly believe that Architect has a great social responsibility, as Architecture is such a profession that Architect's mistakes affects not only the user, but also affects the environment, the society and ultimately the earth."
Ar. Patil has won many National and Regional Awards including: The Indian Institute of Architects Awards – National Award – Excellence in Architecture in industrial category for Winery at Akluj (2012), IIID-MK – National Award –Winner for Interior+ Architectural Interiors for Residence in Solapur. (2008), Durian Society Interiors –Outstanding Contribution to Architecture Award (2012), Artist in Concrete Awards – National Award – Industrial Category for Winery at Akluj (2014), Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Maharashtra Chapter - " Excellence in Architectural Profession and Education" Award (2013), IIID-MK – Regional Award - Winner for Interior+ Architectural Interiors for Residence in Solapur (2008), The Indian Institute of Architects Awards – National Award – Nomination for Institutaional and Landscape category for VVIP Circuit House Pune (2016), NDTV Awards – National Award – Nomination Landscape category for VVIP Circuit House Pune (2016).
Ar. Ravindra Verma, Kothari Associates P Ltd
He has an eye for good design and can visualize and translate ideas onto paper to show clients and builders. His ability to both lead a design team and provide client management role has been the key in maintaining and nurturing long-term relationships with highly satisfied clients. He has spent more than 25 years focused on planning and designing large scale retail, hotels, offices, residential, mixed use developments, colleges, campuses, townships, Industrial, laboratories, and Hospitals etc. Architecture according to him is what shapes our lives, something we all participate in - every day, and yet it is something most rarely notice.
He believes that architecture lies at the intersection of art and science bringing together primal needs and high tech. The process of architecture according to him requires a passionate involvement and commitment to bring out creative solutions to complex issues. The current state of architectural design is trending, according to him, many contemporary ideas of what defines unique and unusual, but visually and spiritually inspiring geometry supported with strong computer software. He believes in this experimentation but within the realms to explore purposeful architecture through various techniques, delivering meaningful buildings that exhibit a message of cultural relevancy. All buildings according to him must firstly be designed to provide shelter from the elements and to keep the right temperature. Everything else should be a special effect that energizes the people inhabiting the space being designed and provide purpose to further the needs of the site.
Buildings according to him should be relatable to the average inhabitant, be cohesive with ideas, and be inherently performance oriented. He does not believe in judging a building on its uniqueness, or departure from the past. Though these may be of good qualities, but according to him, an architect must rely on its efficacy of form and material usage in reference to context and human occupation, which according to him is a more purposeful architecture.
Ar. Amit Aurora and Ar. Rahul Bansal, DCA Architects
"Architecture is the perfect amalgamation between art and technology with rational and social implications."
DCA Architects is an award-winning, nationally and internationally acclaimed, multi-disciplinary design firm, based out of New Delhi, India. Founded in 1996, over the last two decades, the firm has accomplished architecture and design projects across diverse scales and typologies. Today, the firm has to its credit, remarkable, award-winning, widely acclaimed projects such as:
Each project is treated individually with an approach that is most appropriate to the project’s identity, concept, business format, target clientele, code of ethics, context, site location etc. Rather than following current trends, or designing for the short term, we believe in sustainable design which is exclusive, well - balanced, contextual and appropriate. A conscious effort is made to use local, made in India, sustainable materials/technology, that reinforce traditional crafts and skillsets of the craftsmen, while minimizing the impact on the environment as much as possible. Each project is therefore not a cookie-cutter solution, but is instead climate appropriate and designed to meet specific needs and contextual conditions that create an exclusive, yet relevant product. Through its contribution in the realm of Architecture and Interior Design, DCA Architects has made a mark across the South Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Spearheading group DCA are architects Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal, who graduated in 1993 from the esteemed School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi. Both the partners, through their individual expertise have contributed towards the firm’s robust image in the design industry, with a special focus on delivering design excellence and innovation. With their dedication towards contextual and sustainable designs, inspiring young talent and nurturing human relations, today, they lead an energized and enthusiastic team of over 40 professionals.
Starting their journey together from the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), in 1988, they continued work together as a team on various academic projects. Upon graduating, they moved on their individual paths to explore and enhance their own interests and diverse skill-sets, until 1996 when they joined hands together with a vision to augment the design quotient in the country. Working with the best consultants in the industry, Rahul and Amit’s intent is to deliver unique, context-specific, cost - effective and sensitive designs. In doing that, they have emerged as trend-setters in the design world. Their inimitable style and distinctive design approach can be appreciated in the architecture and interior design of residences, customized boutique spaces, commercial complexes, luxury boutiques, retail stores as well as the more popular restaurants and cafes, setting new trends that have now become benchmarks in the design fraternity.
design philosophy
Since its inception in the year 1996, group DCA has been focused in its approach as a skillful balance of talent, experience and hard work. Providing services in Architecture, Interior design and Design Coordination across a wide range of building types including Workspaces, Residences, Retail and Hospitality, our core values are targeted at Design excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction, while enabling Brand identities.
Ar.Milind Pai, Milind Pai Architects & Interior Designers
"To keep Inspire Dreams to Reality."
Passionate to become an Air Force Pilot, the renowned Architect Milind Pai who is enriching the industry with his unique designs, got into the field of architecture and design because of a series of circumstances and flukes.
He joined UDCT (ICT, Mumbai) to become a Chemical Tech graduate, unsure of securing admission in J.J. College. He also qualified for the admission at the Catering College, Dadar, Mumbai and was cleared for admission into the NDA to train as a cadet for Air force, which was his dream. However, the one week he spent in the J.J. College of Architecture was enough for him to realize that this was his calling and he was destined to be an architect!
Ar. Milind founded Milind Pai - Architect & Interior Designers firm in 1987. The firm's design philosophy is a simple extension of 'form follows function'. The spaces Ar. Milind designs are a result of in-depth analysis of the clients' needs versus the function of those spaces. The passion comes from converting these spaces into comprehensive design solutions, which blend into the cultural, physical and emotional needs of the occupants.
He says, "Our extreme zest to analyze the clients' need and develop the designs totally from their perspective, is the philosophy we have adhered to right from our initial struggling days. As a regular design process, our firm deeply studies the various aspects of the client, like his family, profession, physical and emotional needs, temperament, budgets, aesthetical expectations, design style and exposure, his peers and competitors and even his energy levels and work-life discipline. We avoid getting emotionally attached to a singular style of design and not losing our creativity and interest to explore newer and bolder ideas."
'Nature at its indigenously Unique Creativity' is what inspires him lot as he keep saying, "In nature, we see a flawless balance of design, eco system and the aesthetical beauty in its purest form."
For design inspiration, he says, "The work on Antonio Gaudi in his unfinished church, La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, has had a huge inspirational impact on me for the sheer originality of the design and the audacity to use revolutionary motifs, features and more. I also admire the capability of this great designer to translate his rebellious ideas into acceptance and revered architecture." Further, the Church of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, is also one of his favorite structures. Among the modern structures, he is quite impressed with Guangzhou Opera House, China which sits like pebbles in a stream, smoothened by erosion and is in perfect harmony with its riverside location.
Ar. Milind is the great admirer of the flowing forms of Iconic Zaha Hadid's designs, and for which he says, "More than her designs, I admire her creative guts to innovate the flow of forms into practically workable and admirable space solutions and architecture."
On the personal front, travelling and photography interests him lot. He has personally travelled to many exotic destinations in almost all continents.
Ar. Akshat Bhatt, Principal Architect, Architecture Discipline
"We believe architecture should be in dialogue with itself, this allows space for lateral thinking during conception, construction, and even after completion."
Born in 1979, Akshat Bhatt after graduating from the TVB School of Habitat Studies in 2002, studied at The University of East London under Peter Salter & Michelle Roelofsma. After completing his studies, he worked with Penoyre & Prasadand Jeff Kahane & associates in London. Later in 2007, he established his own firm Architecture Discipline, a multi-disciplinary design studio that explores architecture through the scales of Urban Design, Architecture, Public Art, Installations, Furniture and Product Design.
Ar. Akshat believes that true advances in regional expression can only be achieved through critical intimacy. His projects are integrated from conceptual framework to the tactile experience. As a result, the outcome of every commission is determined by a series of critical design processes that result in an architectural expression that is contextually charged & contemporary.
Architecture Discipline, under the leadership of Ar. Akshat, innovates formal arrangements, engineering, M.E.P. services and building physics parameters in order to advance the principles of sustainable design that are visible in the overall expression of the projects. As a result, all buildings are integrated from conceptual framework to the tactile experience.
On his work style and design pattern, Ar. Akshat says, "We design with the experimentation of an academic studio merging theory & technology with everyday issues of program to generate an uncompromising architecture that is exciting and timeless. We work with value system defined by simple principles: People, Context, Legibility, Flexibility, Cultural & Environmental responsibility. These are addressed as architectural issues. We believe architecture should be in dialogue with itself, this allows space for lateral thinking during conception, construction and even after completion. It should move, not in the same way as Calatrava's work, but in a way that indicates untiring transformation. A kind of Here-Then-Now & Beyond. Creating an intrinsic but coherent dialogue is our endeavour."
He adds, "Material culture is an essential part of design, every place, program & structure suggests an appropriate palette, that's what we explore though our investigations. Every material in turn suggests an expression, that has to do with construction technology & the designers technique. We're happy to use things that reduce environmental impact through the fundamentals of reduced consumption. But, we steer away from material fetish that's a trap & often an intellectual limitation."
Ar. Akshat who finds design inspiration from everything and from everywhere, have won many prestigious awards including the JK & A+D Young Architect of the Year. He has been cited amongst the 50 most influential names in Design by the Architectural Digest and was recently felicitated by the Minister of Trade & Commerce and the Department for Industrial Policy & Promotion for the design of India Pavilion 2015 at Hanover.
Ar. Akshat is an accomplished photographer and a gifted musician, interests that contribute to his architectural endeavors.
Ar. Hiten Sethi, HSA
"Designs today need to have a paradigm shift. This shift has to move from aesthetics and utilitarian to energy efficiency and technological to cater to a lifestyle of the future cities."
Hiten Sethi, Principal Architect of Hiten Sethi & Associates (HSA) is an alumni of Sir JJ College of Architecture. His philosophy of life is based on Brihadaryanka Upanishad shloka which says, "You are what your deep driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny."
Ar. Hiten has a strong hold on strategic planning, high-volume and high-value negotiation and fast-track delivery of large-scale projects in both public and private sectors.
An architect extraordinaire, a truly intellectual and creatively enlightened professional, Ar. Hiten's iconic designs have been in buzz. His most famous structure, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) headquarters at Belapur, is India's first green municipal building and has entered Limca Book of Records with 3 citations. His expertise is multi-faceted and is spread across various verticals viz. Commercial, Residential, Institutional, Administrative, Transportation, Hospitality, Social & Healthcare projects, and Master Planning.
Ar. Hiten says, "Designs today need to have a paradigm shift. This shift has to move from aesthetics and utilitarian to energy efficiency and technological to cater to a lifestyle of the future cities." Creativity with a sense of practicality, he believes in architecture that works for modern day living. He lays great importance on quality and speedy delivery, with a focus on understanding and meeting the client's needs and budgets. He is known for his sensitivity to culture and environment, his enduring structures therefore aim at sustainability and co-existence. He believes in providing highly specialized services, with creative ingenious thinking and a strong commitment to quality. He offers the clients high design and construction value with the surety of completing the project as conceived.
Ar. Hiten has now embarked on an ambitious drive to create a pan-India presence for the firm and also to step on the international scene with some landmark projects. He aims to make HSA one of the most promising Architectural firms around the globe. Some of the major projects in which HSA is involved are Integrated Transit Oriented Development at Seawoods station, National Institute of Securities Market (NISM), National Cancer Institute (NCI - Hospital), Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) headquarters, Wise City Panvel, Railway stations at Nerul –Uran, etc.
He is a registered member of Council of Architecture, associate member of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), past-Chairman of the Navi Mumbai Chapter of the IIA and Member of the PEATA. He has been appointed as Member of the State Expert Appraisal Committee II, Ministry of Forest and Environment, GoI in 2015. He has been made an honorary member of Rotary Smart City, Navi Mumbai.
Ar. Hiten has been modest enough to mention about his achievements. He has been felicitated by visionaries of Government of India for Wonders Park, iconic design of NMMC and Sports Complex for Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation.
Ar. Sonali Rastogi, Founder Partner, Morphogenesis
"I believe that Architecture and design is not only a profession- but also a way of life. The commitment required is paramount as there is a tremendous responsibility to one-self, the environment and society at large. I believe the opportunity is immense, the opportunity to define a new emergent Indian architecture – An Architecture of almost somewhere, for a people, for a people of almost somewhere."
Graduated from the School of Planning and Architecture (New Delhi) and The Architectural Association (London) with a graduate diploma in Housing and Urbanism and a second graduate diploma in Graduate Design, Sonali is Founder Partner of Morphogenesis, one of India's leading award-winning Architecture and Urban Design practices whose sole approach has been to address from first principles, a design response based on local climatic, socio-cultural, economic and financial conditions, that addresses the needs of an evolving and emergent economy such as India's.
Being from a family of architects, Ar. Sonali grew up among architects and had always a serious interest in reading, model making and observing buildings while travelling, since her childhood. Essentially, those were the starting point of why she chose to be an architect."
Since the beginning of her career, issues related to the environment and sustainability have been at the core of Sonali's design attitude and her experience and expertise in Architecture and Design has been recognized by way of numerous awards and accolades. While talking about the inspiration for her designs, she says, "Our inspiration and mentor has always been nature. And here, I mean the processes that exist in nature, rather than the built form. All that we wanted to create in Architecture already exists in the processes of Nature – adaptability, sustainability, diversity, interactivity, connectivity etc. – from the design of ant hills, morphology of trees for the formation of mountains. This led to the genesis of our architecture where we examine the process of design from first principles, and in doing so, turn to nature for its analogies from the concept of biodiversity. The final form is hence, not the result of a stylistic application, but the end-product of a process that finds clues from that of natural selection."
The architectural design methodology, she says, is about creating a sustainable backbone, in terms of building physics and in terms of socio-cultural sensitivity for a design process to unfold. It incorporates resource availability, contextual identity and places the end user at the centre of it by understanding the livability of the project. There isn't really a method which can be so prescriptive as to address all of these issues.
On the growth of Morphogenesis from a firm of only 2 employees upon its establishment to over 100 today, she says, "Putting our heads down and working hard, day in and day out, is our Success Mantra. Morphogenesis has always been more about brain count than head count. So, when there were just two of us, it was still about design, debate and a design product. So, that philosophy has never changed, the firm has been fortunate to have many projects. Thus, the repertoire has grown and thus the numbers have been a resultant of that growth. The number is never a criterion, as far as Morphogenesis is concerned, it is the brain and the process which is the criterion. Hundred is an interesting number and a larger number to us represent the larger number of opportunities."
The one memory that always makes me look back and smile, she said, is when we won a World Architecture Festival award for Best Learning Building in 2009. The significance of it being the first Indian project to win a WAF Award is one thing, but our project Pearl Academy of Fashion marked a turning point in our own approach to design and truly made us consider sustainability in its widest sense from then on; not just of energy and water but of craft, of detail, of tectonic perfection.
Thereafter, we won many recognitions including Singapore Institute of Architects SIA-Getz Award in 2014 which is a hugely significant award for any Architect to be honoured with. Based on an entire body of work, reviewed by peers, it brings Emergent Asian architecture to the forefront of global discourse. To us, this recognition has converted our lifetime of commitment into a conviction, which we hope will go a long way towards our vision of 'Building Brand India'.
Ar. Abin Chaudhuri, ADS
"Architecture is not merely about Creation, but also about a Search. From social aspects, to the mechanics of spaces and forms, from the beauty of light and shadow to striking a harmony with nature; it is essentially a continuing process of discovery."
Graduated from Jadavpur University, Kolkata in 1998 and pursued Industrial Design at Domus Academy, Milan, Abin Chaudhuri founded Abin Design Studio (ADS) in 2005. Started as a small firm, ADS is now a frontline organization rendering complete design and management solutions right from conceptualization to realization of the space, object or visual in the market, keeping the synergy of execution of design solution through extensive research and innovation in mind. Over these 10 years, the firm has executed a range of diverse projects that have engaged many issues, multiple constituencies and varying scales, from Architecture and Interior design to urban Art intervention.
"We draw inspiration from small and big things, from things that surround us and ideas from across the globe. We appreciate design in every field and hope to grow with the collective growth of the world. There are many masters who have made their mark in the world of architecture, playing their part with their contribution towards this art. We also want to make a difference by becoming a respected architectural design firm globally with an experimental edge. We aim to contribute to a universal dialect of "responsible architecture, says Ar. Abin.
Apprising about his design philosophy, he says, "Our inherent design philosophy is to deal with every design problem at a fundamental level. We believe that a lasting experience is seldom about a first 'wow' and hence do not necessarily believe in a single 'big idea' approach. Our practice explores ways to engage the user, the way they move through spaces and interact with them. We like the fact that designing a space offers the opportunity to weave layers which unfold differently for different people. Our vision is to constantly explore new paradigms in an inherent desire to push boundaries in Architecture and lead our firm to an international level in the near future."
"We don't have a signature element but our each project is unique with its own merits. For us, it is important that our work not only inspires amazement once, but innumerable times after that; maybe even for many years to come. Our aim is to approach every project with a new thought, its own unique design vocabulary. This is important because every project is unique, with its own unique location, context, requirements, and of course the end user. It seems easy when you say it aloud, but you have to understand the social aspect, the significance of the materials used, and the users' response."
"It is the constant endeavour of ADS to set free built environment from the prevalent crustacean architecture and infill sustainability through a holistic approach of uniting architecture, interior, landscape, signage, and product design."
Due to its sustainable unique designs, work of ADS has been selected by Museum of Modern Art (MoMA, New York) to be showcased in their publication and travelling Exhibition Project, "Uneven Growth: Tactical Urbanisms for Expanding Megacities, 2014". Further, ADS has received "The International Architecture award, 2015 " from The Chicago Athenaeum : Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Being featured in the prestigious South Asian cross border list of 'The 50 Most Influential Names in Architecture and Design for 2014, 2015, and 2016' ADS has bagged numerous international and national awards and innumerable publications in magazines worldwide over a slim span of 10 years. In a recent international publication, ADS has been nominated as one of top 50 young international design firms in the world who will be the leading light of world Architecture in 21st century.
Ar. Iqbal Chaney, Chaney Architects
"In this competitive age, where expediency often rates over quality, mediocrity over excellence, we place a very high value on professional integrity. That is who we are, a practice that believes in the old fashioned ideals of architecture."
Born in 1945, I grew up in Pune, where the family had established itself back in the 1830s. Architecture was not my wishful ambition as I grew up. It was art, primarily painting. However, destiny had other ideas for me. I graduated from the Sir J J College of Architecture, Mumbai in 1968 and the A A School of Architecture, London in 1969.
My first journey in architecture was dominated by learning the craft of building. Under the guidance of my mentor Fello Atkinson, I learned the nuts and bolts of our trade. He sent me to Tripoli, Libya, to oversee the construction of the prestigious University of Tripoli. It was the time of young Gadaffi and immergence of the new country. This phase taught me the importance of discipline and professional conduct that has become the corner stone of Chaney Architects over the years. After a few more years in London, working on large-scale commercial and educational projects, I returned to India in 1981.
The second journey began with the establishment of Chaney Architects in 1982. Over the years our projects have tried to speak the same language, a language of contemporary simplicity and timeless elegance. To us, sustainability, green architecture and local context is a given. We are constantly aware that our architecture will affect the quality of the lives of all those who come in contact with it directly or indirectly. We, therefore, carry a responsibility not only to our clients and users of our buildings, but also to the community at large. This form the base for everything we do, every project we design, irrespective of site or size. We believe in values rather than in styles, in analysis rather than in established criteria. We work closely with our clients and consultants and try to infect them with our passion for quality. We provide solutions that are appropriate, practical and cost-effective. Our motto: Provide quality service, quality architecture can only but follow.
In this journey, we have crossed paths with architects from USA, UK, South Africa and Canada and worked closely with them on international projects. Our discipline for prompt delivery and our ISO based quality management system were responsible for successful completion of many joint projects. In the intervening years so many young aspirants came to us and hopefully left with greatly improved skills.
Chaney Architecture is managed by its partners, Iqbal Chaney and Nandini Sapre. It has over 650 projects to its credit and several awards for excellence in design. It was one of the earliest practices in the country to introduce CAD and ISO. Many leading journals have published their projects. It has prepared master plans for Lake District tourism for MTDC. Its projects range from townships to private residences, health care to hospitality, industrial buildings to interior designing. Whilst it is always encouraging to see the enthusiasm written on the client's face when he or she first sees the concepts, it is most satisfying when we meet them twenty years down the line and hear them tell you how comfortable they are in their homes or offices. That is what makes it all worthwhile.
Iqbal and Nina Chaney Foundation is the third journey. A registered charitable trust, it assists established institutions to look after the educational needs of children less fortunate. It is funded solely from the sale of Iqbal's water colour paintings, the long lost passion.
Sundeep Gwash, THE FIRM
"Architecture bestows upon us an opportunity to make a difference to the world around us; we only need to accept it as we think, draw and write!"
Co-founded by Architects Sundeep Gwash and Vishal Shah in 1999, THE FIRM is a multi-disciplinary design practice, offering innovative and integrated architectural design solutions. Headquartered in Mumbai it has an overseas office in UK. Since 2003, it associated closely with Recording Architecture, London to cater to media facility industry as a separate focus, worldwide and in India.
Since inception, Sundeep heads 'Design & Technology' at the organization and has been responsible as Design Team Leader for a wide range of projects in the commercial, residential, educational, urban and leisure sectors. He has developed a reputation for high quality design, together with a passion for use of technology for design evolution. Having managed a series of highly complex projects, and driving the agenda of true partnering, he has been able to build and manage a team capable of delivering the highest client aspirations globally.
THE FIRM emerging as a truly multi-design practice over the years, resulted in building a wide spectrum of work, touching a multitude of businesses and that, according to Sundeep, is one of the best perks of being an architect! Influenced by multifarious interactions considering the mix of local and international projects during his early years in profession, he has gained a broader perspective for architectural issues.
With the current natural resources crisis in concern, he says that we all have to act like evangelists to save the environment! He regards architecture as a responsibility to make a difference by designing better facilities that run best and look great. It goes with the basis of their philosophy at work that Architecture is essentially the users' response, their emotional content, towards the spaces created. He reiterates the same from THE FIRM's diary of thoughts, 'We rather quantify our work by the lives touched; not the sq.m built!'
We have heard of famous phrase in architecture 'form follow function'; there are more the thinking architect has coined- 'form follows higher profitability', 'form follows by-laws'! These are few of the design challenges on the design board in today's scenario that he gets contemplative about.
He likes to keep himself abreast with the latest of technologies in all fields touching building industry and at the same time tries to dig in the fundamentals, learning and adapting from intelligence of both.
He feels that future in India is full of hope; hope for fair laws, fair governance, fair contracts, fair patrons, fair work culture, fair quality of construction, fair practice, the list is long! For inspiration, he does not rely on only celebrated architects; Sundeep actually feels that we come across lots of good, meaningful, inspiring work happening in all corners of the world, by architects who may not be well-known!
On current architectural trends, he says, "Beauty is subject to choice, but virtuous design is impartially beautiful!" According to him, "Good architecture is a balancing act! It strives for design excellence, fulfills clients' aspirations and is sensitive to environmental concerns."
He truly believes that simply fulfilling the basic functional needs of a project often results in only mundane solutions. But including the more elusive and less utilitarian aspects, paves the way for higher architectural quality. Since there is so much to accomplish, he says that the journey has just begun!
Ar. Kamal Malik and Ar. Arjun Malik, Malik Architecture
Ar. Kamal, the Founder and Principal Architect, was born and raised in Shimla, making Nature the primary source of his inspiration. He studied architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in New Delhi.
Following his father, Ar. Arjun also chose architecture as his profession. After his B.Arch at Rachana Sansad Academy of Architecture, Mumbai, he completed a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design, Columbia University,. Before his Masters, Arjun worked at Malik Architecture for three years and returned to the practice in 2005.
Malik Architecture, has from its inception, attempted to develop a relevant contemporary syntax of Architecture for the sub-continent, eulogized by Architecture as a synthesis of 'Ecology' and 'Spirit'.
Explaining his design philosophy, Ar. Kamal says, "ECOLOGY implies a seamless, cohesive and integrated approach to design. This is achieved through the assembly of a group of highly motivated and evolved specialists in diverse fields drawn from across the world. It is about creating lasting relationships that became so deeply inter-twined that the whole ceases to be a sum of disparate parts and instead becomes a living, breathing organism in itself. 'SPIRIT implies balance. Building art is always the spatial execution of spiritual decisions.'"
Expatiating on the subject he says, "Architecture and site should have an experiential connection, a metaphysical link and if we consider the order (the Idea) to be the outer perception and phenomena (the Experience) to be the inner perception, then in a physical construction, the outer perception and inner perception are intertwined. Through an ongoing process of 'Manthan' or churning, the practice has gleaned from the rich historic, cultural and philosophical past, incorporating the process of continuous change and generating a contemporary design idiom."
On choosing architecture as his profession, he replies, "My childhood in the pristine environment of the Himalayas, my wonderment at the miracle that is nature and my introduction to the books and teachings of Parmahansa Yogananda left an indelible impact on my life and my thoughts. This deep connection that I share with nature was made possible because of this spiritual master. I realized fairly early that the frontiers of finite knowledge are reached very quickly and then begins the journey of understanding and incorporating the intuitive and the infinite. This inner journey of self- realization culminates in the attainment of "Sanyama" or balance – total inner silence, the absence of duality. It is beyond all theories and concepts and what we call conventional knowledge. This is not my inference or philosophy, but to embark on this journey leads to an inevitable re-analysis of one's beliefs. This creates a sense of detachment – not to be confused with insentience or apathy – but rather the separation of the observer, the witness. I see my role not as an architect but as a catalyst, allowing the process to develop organically, free of all dogma and pre-conception."
Talking about the current architectural trends, Ar. Arjun says, "Architecture is not fashion. One cannot slip it on in the morning and divest oneself of it at night. Architecture is a deeply personal subject and requires an intense analysis of people and place, a journey into the objective and the subjective. To subvert this process, which by reckoning, is the very core of the design process; by resorting to narrow-minded and whimsical 'trends' is anathema to our philosophy. Repudiating meaning and context in favour of easy to digest cookie-cutter solutions has become the norm rather than the exception and does not augur well for our profession."
Ar. Deepak Mehta, Deepak Mehta Architects
"Architecture has always been the strongest visual medium to define the culture of a country. But the current trends in architecture place great emphasis on a functional approach. The building does not only need to look pretty from the outside but also needs to be responsive to the user and his requirements. Architects have become conscious of the way their projects will communicate with the society at large."
Ar. Deepak Mehta, Principal Architect, Deepak Mehta Architects believes Architectural practice isn't just another job. "It's become a part of me, it flows through your veins if you are passionate about it, becomes your life". As a child he had an exceptional interest in painting and music. Ar. Mehta credits his School Principal, for identifying his true potential and encouraging him to take up a profession in the creative field. He studied at Academy of Architecture Mumbai where his imaginative and visualizing skills were moulded to create designs that not only provided shelter but also pleasure to its occupants.
Post graduation his professional life started under the guidance of Ar. Porus Master. Following which he joined Ar. Hafeez Contractor. He recollects these initial few years as an extension of his academic learning. "I was exposed to the practicalities of the profession. Architecture was beyond only good designs. Strategic PR, marketing, management were also key ingredients to establish a successful practice." In 1985 he laid the foundation of his independent firm, Deepak Mehta Architects.
He started out with small projects for a few private developers. The major turning point in his career graph came with a variety of projects at New Bombay. "We ventured with our expertise into designing structures in the upcoming town of New Bombay till there came a time when almost every third project at New Bombay was ours. We have since then expanded our base on a national and global platform." His works have been appreciated and featured in various publications around the world with a special recognition as the 'Best Architect of the Year' by the Accommodation Times.
His design philosophy stresses upon creating architecture for the people. He wants his designs to be relatable to anyone who experiences his product. He has greatly been inspired by marvels created by Ar. Michael Graves and Ar. Zaha Hadid. Their conceptual outlook and effective planning strategies have served as integral influences in the works of Ar. Deepak Mehta. He states "Every new project that comes our way is taken up as a challenge. We are always excited and bubbling with new innovative ideas to successfully design and implement the project integrating the aspects and expectations of all the stakeholders involved."
He also professes the aspect of giving back to the society. "It is important to follow the guidelines prescribed by the client or the developers but it is even more important to create homes for the end users." He talks about his newly designed concept of 'Self help middle income group housing.' His architecture is always inspired from the past, built for the present to be remembered in the future. This initiative too caters to the growing population from the middle income group. "They are going to be our future clients and designing for them should be our goal today" The concept dwells on the idea where the developer prepares a bare shell while the occupants fabricate the interiors for themselves yet enjoying common facilities.
His 25 years long career has been fruitful journey. He firmly believes that there is no substitute to hard work which he has experienced in his academic career and has also been the key mantra to his successful professional career. His passion and love for architecture knows no boundaries. He Dreams Architecture, Breathes Architecture, Lives Architecture.
Ar. Nirmal Kulkarni & Ar. Neha Kulkarni, AUM Architects
"Architecture is a totality of which we have a crucial responsibility." – Ar. Nirmal
Ar. Nirmal Kulkarni and Ar. Neha Kulkarni are the founding principals of AUM Architects, an international award winning, Gurgaon based firm that has over 25 years of rich experience in institutional, commercial, residential, and interiors projects.
Graduated from the AoA, Mumbai, Ar. Nirmal's engagement with the design of built environment reflects the goal of evolving an architecture which heightens the sensory experience. This is achieved by weaving an intricate web of spaces which harmonize the hierarchies of volume, scale, materiality, color, & technology, aiming to reach a synthesis whilst addressing programmatic conditions.
As a practicing architect, he has the ability to traverse the boundaries between education and the practice of architecture & design. His work and the academic focus dwell on architecture being experienced primarily as sense of place. He has varied interests and talents, from designing human habitat, book covers and expressing himself through varied mediums of art, including digital art. He believes that design can be the 'tool', which can help resolve big and small issues in the world, through creative thinking, innovative strategies and out of the box solutions.
Ar. Nirmal feels that design constantly challenges the status quo and looks to innovation and cutting edge thinking to push the boundaries of what the possibilities are, thereby addressing & evolving new design paradigms. He says, while pushing the boundaries of design we believe that great architecture marries the interests of all the stakeholders harnessing the latest in technology, materials and processes to deliver a project that lives up to its promise in terms of time, costs and quality and quantity.
He is one of the founding members of a "not for profit" organization called Investigating Design–INDES which believes that design is an everyday phenomenon and its vision is to be enablers to make design available to everyone. Using INDES as a platform, Ar. Nirmal conducts design workshops for school children from the underprivileged communities to seed design thinking in the minds of the future generations of Indians.
He has won many awards including the STEAM AWARD for the Museum of Science Fiction, Washington, USA, and has been shortlisted for the International design competition by Japan Design Foundation and has been invited to design the cover page for their magazine - DESIGN SCENE. Ar. Nirmal is an avid nature photographer, and idolises B. V. Doshi, Charles Correa from the Indian context and Rem Koolhaas & Thomas Heatherwick from the international context. He believes in working towards a sustainable and relevant architecture for India, and consciously, conscientiously and mindfully doing his own bit towards that goal.
He perceives the current Indian trends of 'over-building' to be the bane of good architectural practice.
"We see architecture as a system of complex interactions between people, forces and materials, operating within the framework of technology & time." – Ar. Neha
Graduated from Sir J. J. College of Architecture, Mumbai, Ar. Neha has accumulated a varied experience by working on selected Planning & Research Projects. She was a part of the design team that won the Delhi Co-operative Finance &Housing Scheme Competition.
With a rich and varied experience of over 25 years working on institutional buildings, commercial projects and office interiors, Ar. Neha believes that design constantly challenges the status quo and looks to innovation and cutting edge thinking to push the boundaries, thereby addressing & evolving new design paradigms. We want to be an integral part of "Design for Communities" and therefore strive to address the needs of people in a sort of "open source" approach to life. The essence of our way of designing is to address the fundamentals through intense programming & offer solutions for creating designs that have a positive impact on the environment.
"We at AUM, she says, are committed to architecture that adds cultural value and benefits society 'beyond buildings'. We think of architecture as the design of unique lifestyles. Buildings act as the face of their inhabitants. Rather than fitting clients into existing stereotypes, we help them explore the possibilities of a lifestyle tailored to their personality. Architecture can be both a site of self-expression and chance for the client to fulfill their dreams and hopes - and that's true regardless of site conditions, scale, or budget. Rather, those limitations become the motivation to create an even more attractive structure. We, as architects, don't design buildings alone. Time spent talking, thinking, and working through problems in collaboration with the client is an indispensible part of the process. Through extensive meetings and proposals, we seek to draw out the essence of what the client wants but may not be able to express.
As a part of Architect Ashok B. Lall's team, she worked on projects that were nominated for the Aga Khan Award 1994. She was also a key member of the design team that won the Indira Gandhi Memorial Cultural Centre Competition organized by the Lucknow Development Authority and the M.G.R. Memorial Competition, Chennai. Having worked as a design participant for the Institute of Health Management Research, she has an insight of achieving green building standards with efficiency. One of the interesting projects she has undertaken includes the interiors of the Times of India building in Delhi. The design components from the Havelis of Rajasthan were brought to Delhi and reconfigured to uplift the existing building interiors.
She has been working closely for international projects in association with the Japanese corporation, Shimizu. Under the same collaboration she has designed and managed projects for Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Honda R&D Centre, Bank of Tokyo, New Delhi and Mumbai, Mizuho Bank in Delhi and Mumbai. The projects she has been a part of are not only green field projects but also brown field where the main challenges have been to create a new identity and bring up a fresh image without having to salvage the building's structure.
Ar. Oscar G. Concessao and Ar. Ponni M. Concessao, Oscar & Ponni Architects
"Oscar & Ponni Architects approach is built not on a pre-determined aesthetic or a rigid "signature style." It grows naturally from a quest for ideas and answers; they evolve from a rigorous inquiry into the particulars of location and program, transforming problem-solving into art."
Architects Oscar and Ponni M. Concessao, husband and wife team are reputed architects whose careers have spanned decades of work devoted to engineering and architecture and won more than 69 International, National, and State awards. Oscar G. Concessao, was born in the coastal town of Mangalore, did his schooling from famous St. Aloysius Institutions, Mangalore. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Architecture at the prestigious National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli, University of Madras, in June 1986. He graduated in Master's in Architecture, Urban Design, magna cum laude, in 1987 from the University of Oklahoma, USA. While at the University he won the William Van Allen International Design Competition to design a University in Africa, a first for an Indian at a young age of 23. He worked with architectural firms Emery Roth & Sons in New York and Silver & Ziskind, New York, USA on large scale projects such as high-rise buildings, hospitals, institutional projects and campuses.
Born into a family of professionals, Architect Ponni M. Concessao graduated from the illustrious Church Park Convent, Chennai. A pioneer in women's' technical education, Ponni Concessao was the first women undergraduate student of the prestigious National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirapalli, University of Madras, graduating in June 1987. Architect Ponni Concessao completed her post-graduate studies in Cornell University USA in 1989 with the JND Tata Endowment Scholarship and Scholarship from Cornell University. She also won the College of Human Ecology Grant for Thesis Research in Cornell on her pioneering work on conservation. Architect Ponni Concessao worked with Edward Larabbee Barnes Architect, New York City, USA, and with the National Trust of Historic Preservation, Washington D.C., USA.
Both Oscar and Ponni did their Advanced Professional Studies at Harvard University, USA in the areas of affordable housing, hospitals and research labs in 1992, and have been conferred with Honorary Doctorates from the University of Malaysia and University of Milano for Modern Architecture and Architectural Science. They returned to India and settled in Chennai, Ponni's hometown and started their firm Oscar & Ponni Architects in Chennai in the year 1996 providing consultancy services in Urban Design, Architecture, Interiors and Engineering services. The inspiration and design philosophy for Oscar & Ponni Architects work comes from an understanding of the Client's needs and goals informed by cultural, technological and social dimensions with both a local and global perspective, with a constant search for Design Excellence and meticulous details.
BOP Park
Adoption of local available materials and blending technology and engineering has been the hallmark of most of their projects. Over the years they built their practice designing versatile projects such as universities, engineering and medical colleges, stadiums at Doha, Qatar, several Information technology Parks, bio-tech Parks, nano technology parks, townships, hospitals, apartments, hotels, resorts, malls, corporate offices, luxury bungalows, factories, SEZ, several Government and State buildings.
To Architects Oscar and Ponni Concessao, an architect's role is nation building and one must have a strong sense of contributing to welfare of society to all levels - especially the poorest of poor. Their work includes the School for children of leprosy victims in Tamil Nadu for the Rising Star Outreach – an American NGO. They have been a key-note speakers on several topics on the Smart Cities, Smart Buildings, built environment, sustainability, eco-friendly architecture at several International, National, and State level seminars. They are on the Advisory Board of several government and private organizations, NGO's and Universities. Architects Oscar and Ponni Concessao has dedicated themselves for several social causes such as Rotary and Round table organizations and charity projects, building Noon-Meal Centers, Schools for the underprivileged, and Tsunami Housing being a few worth noting.
Ar. Ninad Tipnis, JTCPL Designs
Hailing from a family of distinguished architects he discovered his passion for the field at a very young age and pursued it fully while studying Architecture in Mumbai. In a short span of time, Ninad with his dedicated team has taken JTCPL Designs from its budding stage to a stage, where the firm is one of the best known workspace design practices in India.
Ninad's personal design philosophy is characterized by simplicity, distinct lines and forms that incorporate a sense of flexibility as well as scalability. He says, "At JTCPL Designs, we combine exceptional minds and gifted hands to create spaces visualized and crafted to the minutest details. Regardless of the size and scope of the project undertaken, the company has an excellent track record of delivering on time and within the client budget."
Designing sustainable workspaces is a vital calling in today's age. "At JTCPL, we are committed to create workspaces that are in harmony with their surroundings. We have developed the design and materials knowledge to create workspaces that are visually appealing, ergonomically optimal and environmentally sustainable."
JTCPL Designs has worked with some of the world's best corporates and banks all across India. As the Principal Architect of JTCPL Designs, Ninad has spearheaded various projects and has developed ongoing relationships with some illustrious clientele like Emirates, Visa, Nokia Siemens Networks, Deutsche Bank, Publicis Groupe, Axis Bank Limited, TATA AIG, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, BMW, K. Raheja Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, Westpac Banking Corporation, and many more...
Ar. Ninad's ideas and insights have impacted the entire industry and he has been recognized with distinguished awards by renowned design bodies. The recent ones being the IIID award for excellence in Workspace design as well as the Artists in concrete award for space planning and functionality at Asia level. He has also been selected as one of the top 50 Architects in the country by Architect and Interiors India's, iGEN Design Forum 2012.
Ar. Ninad is an avid long distance runner and has participated in 5 half marathons and 2 full marathons. He is a speaker at various design platforms and personally enjoys sharing his experiences in workspace design with students. His ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor has led him to his first book, The 5 Ds.
Ar. Nirmal Mangal, M Moser Associates
Prior to moving back to India 3 years ago, Ar. Nirmal worked in the U.S. for more than 30 years. He has held leadership positions with global design firms including HOK, RTKL, Canon Design, Leo A Daly, Fluor Corporation and Friedmutter Group. He was also the Director of Taliesin Architect's Studio, the successor firm of Frank Lloyd Wright in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
He is passionate about bringing global design expertise to India, modified to suit Indian construction technologies and regional building materials. His design approach is a synthesis of evolving global thoughts and ideas, and cutting edge construction technologies with Indian cultural, social, cultural, contextual, and economic influences. He strives to create iconic, inspiring and functional designs with "inside-out" architectural design methodology, which follows the same philosophy of designing. He thinks that the most important part of the building, its users, need to be acknowledged in terms of working style, spatial and infrastructure requirements, necessary amenities, flexibility, etc. before the completion of the building shell. He views the building footprint, exterior massing, and the building envelope as a reflection of the activities and requirements internal to the building.
In addition to architecture and interior design, Ar. Nirmal is also a consummate builder/contractor. He has led and delivered many large and significant architectural and interiors projects, using designer led project delivery approach. This approach has allowed him to pursue excellence of design, through managing implementation of design and construction.
Ar. Nirmal's area of interest includes high-rise towers, corporate campuses and headquarters, R&D Centers, hospitals, high-rise multifamily housing and corporate workplace interiors. Many of his projects have won international design awards in architecture as well as in interiors. His notable projects include Exxon Corporation Headquarters, Irving, Texas, Nortel Networks Regional Headquarter Campus, Richardson, Texas, Sept Wolf Office Tower, Xiamen, China, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona, Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Jacobs Medical Center Hospital at University of California San Diego, San Diego, California.
Ar. Nirmal is a member of American Institute of Architects and a fellow of Indian Institute of Architects. He has taught architectural design and theory at the University of Texas, Austin, Texas USA and at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. He holds Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh and a Master's degree in Architecture from the University of Texas, Austin, Texas USA.
Ar. Dinesh Verma, ACE
"Architecture today is more technology than art or aesthetics. We as architects need to constantly re-invent ourselves to keep up with this rapid pace of development- be it in design, construction technology or in material innovation."
Ar. Dinesh Verma has been heading Ace Group since 1984. Under his leadership, ACE grew from a small office to a leading architectural, engineering and project consultancy firm that has changed the contours of architecture. With a creative mind like Ar. Verma at its helm, ACE is now a name to reckon with for its unique designs that seamlessly blend functional needs, space and ambience to create a variety of structures - educational institutions, residential homes, commercial complexes, auditoriums, IT office spaces, green buildings and industrial spaces.
Born on 16th January 1959, Ar. Verma had his early education in Nagpur. After graduation in Architecture from R.E.C Nagpur in 1980, he continued with higher studies at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, where he completed his Master's in Industrial Design in 1982. After a stint with a couple of architectural firms in Bangalore, he set up his own firm in the early 80's, which has since earned recognition and accolades for its unique sustainable designs over the past decades. According to him, "Deliberation in design, versatility and team work are the vital elements that make up ACE's philosophy."
Ar. Verma has always enjoyed working with new concepts and designs, in order to develop styles that blend with the thinking behind the project. He is not in favor of a particular style and says, "Our versatility is our forte." He strives to be versatile not only in design, but also in building typology. He has blended designs from Indian Period to Modern styles, which can be seen in the projects designed by him all over India. His focus and involvement is more in Institutional Architecture. In his 30 years of architectural practice he has designed more than 65 schools, 8 Engineering Colleges and 2 Universities. His designs are environmentally conscious and he has certified Platinum and Gold rated projects by IGBC to his credit.
Ar. Verma has been actively participating and contributing in the field of Education as well. He was a teaching faculty at BMS College. Later he was a visiting faculty at BIT Architecture Department. A number of students from all over the country have been provided practical training under his guidance.
Red Bridge International School
He is a Fellow of the Indian Institute of Architects and a Founder Member of the Designers Guild of India. He was President at the Designers Guild [1997 -98] and the President of Practicing Architects Association [2002 - 2004]. He is currently the Honorary Secretary of Institute of Indian Interior Designers, Bangalore Chapter.
He is the recipient of National Award "Architect of the Year 2005" from "Accommodation Times - Mumbai". In 2009, his project in Jaipur received meritorious recognition by UltraTeck - ICI, Rajasthan Chapter and his project in Sangamner near Nashik won him the "Social Architecture of the Year" award by Sahara - Accommodation Times Mumbai. The Rotary Club of Bangalore South, in association with Indian Institute of Architecture have instituted an annual award in his name, the "Rashi-Dinesh Verma Green Building Award" for architects promoting Green Architecture. He was recently conferred the "Best Institutional Architecture of the year 2015" award by Business Excellence and Research Group (BERG), Singapore.
Ar. Parul Zaveri & Ar. Nimish Patel, Abhikram
"Architecture is a service oriented profession. Seeing it as an art, when it actually has to be functionally, climatically, psychologically and spiritually more comfortable for its actual users, to the society, to the nation and to the universe, is an irresponsible way to look at it. Those who wish to see it as art, should invest their own money in the making it, as all artists do. We must do away with the practice of blindly aping the west and must strive to create and define our own Indian identity."
Ar. Parul Zaveri & Ar. Nimish Patel established Abhikram (Sanskrit word for 'Initiation'), a Planning, Architecture, Conservation and Interiors consultancy firm in 1979, with a view to explore design directions and processes, which make Built Environment, functionally, psychologically, environmentally and spiritually, more balanced, contextual and comfortable for the end-user.
Besides studying at the MIT, Cambridge, USA, with specialization in Urban Settlement Design in Developing Countries, Nimish has also done a Diploma in Architecture from CEPT, Ahmedabad whereas Parul, with a Diploma in Architecture from CEPT, Ahmedabad in 1978, has supplemented her studies with specific courses in the Urban Settlement Design in Developing Countries programme, at MIT, Cambridge (USA) in 1975-76. She has also pursued interests in Alternative Technologies and use of Solar Energies and Recycling at Arcosanti and at the Cosanti Foundations, with architect-philosopher Paolo Soleri in Arizona, U.S.A.
From the very beginning, the duo were fascinated and inspired by the architecture of India, its limitless variety, range of materials and craftsmanship, and the quality of timelessness. Parul was influenced by her time spent in and around the rural areas near Ahmedabad; its old city - people, lifestyle and the interaction with the spaces while Nimish was influenced by his upbringing in Bombay in the family strongly associated with the freedom movement and the Gandhian thoughts.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan
The duo's travels to Rajasthan cities, during the school & college days, added to shaping a cross sectional view of the society. All these experiences, in their respective ways, helped them to realize the values of the cultural heritage in their lives, the importance of contextualizing the designs, asking relevant questions without hesitation while attempting to find their own answers, using materials to their potentials despite their constraints, and gaining the understanding that architecture was for people.
Nimish and Parul are committed to conservation of our cultural heritage, revival and continuation of the use of the traditional materials, technologies and the skills, generation of work and livelihood for traditional craftsmen. They also aim to reducing energy consumption for human comforts, through passive means. They also headed the conservation team of INTACH-Jaipur chapter, in the Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project (RUIDP) at Jaipur, Rajasthan, for its Rs.50 crore Heritage Component, from 2001 to 2004. They were instrumental in initiating the Heritage Conservation Movement in Udaipur, Jaipur and Amber.
Besides winning several awards for their professional works in Architecture, Interior Design and Conservation fields in India, they have also won internationally prestigious UNESCO'S Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Culture, Heritage Conservation in 2000. Moreover, they are the first Indian Architects, shortlisted for the prestigious 2016 Ashden International Awards, better known as the "Green Oscars".
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan
This pair has initiated the 'Unknown Crafts Persons' Trophy (UCP Trophy), through Virasat Foundation, Ahmedabad at the Annual National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA) Convention. The intent is to provide opportunity for students to expose, analyse, investigate and understand themselves to the vast range of Crafts which exists all around in India. They continue to lecture and share their knowledge, nationally and internationally, both with students and professional communities on two areas of importance, sustainability and conservation of the national asset of the knowledge base in built environment. They believe that innovation will come if one tries to solve a problem with frugal means and resources.
Ar. Parul and Ar. Nimish are now diversifying into an advisory role to all stakeholders involved in the building design and execution process, with Client, Architects, Interior Designers, Project Management Consultants and others, on making a building and its interiors sustainable, cooling the spaces through passive techniques and using local material, arts and crafts.
Ar. S.K Das, SKDAS Associated Architects
Ar. Das has assumed a singular identity in fields of urban design and planning, regeneration and housing in India. He is of that rare breed of architects who, faced with the choice between designing a public housing project or a private estate, might actually prefer the former. He has been consultant to a number of international agencies, and has taught at prestigious universities and executed projects in various countries. His resistance to totalitarian solutions and promotion of community action might be against the grain of prevalent thinking, which favors the interests of capitalists and power elites in a neoliberal economy, rather than the average citizen and city-dweller. But SK has maintained a professional stance and an impeccable reputation, thereby ensuring that he is invited to participate in significant projects and enterprises.
From 1995 to '98, he served as Vice President of the International Society of City and Regional Planners. He was selected at various points of time as a USIS exchange visitor, Eisenhower Fellow, and Chettle Fellow at University of Sydney. In 1991, he received the national award for community architecture from Ministry of Urban Development and his reconstruction work with CARE-India was listed among the 100 best practices by UN Habitat.
"The new architecture of globalization is based on a single template of corporate identity and uniformity that replaces textured memory with high gloss, as in cooking, clothes, houses, buildings and even cities. It is against this backdrop that I explore an architecture of contextual multiplicity that celebrates diversity and pluralism specific to circumstances. Whether this constitutes a resistance or, a new direction for the future, only time will tell."
Neither knowledge and experience nor awards and achievements have blunted his critical stance towards the contemporary city. Ar. Das has witnessed how the Indian government has come to recognize, rather belatedly, the transformative phenomenon of urbanization and the potential of the Indian city to accommodate the collective needs of the people. Whether working for the government or for private developers, he sees himself contributing to the development of the Indian city as a vibrant agglomeration of diverse fragments. His projects tend to focus on the public realm as the glue that binds the space of the city, where the enclosed spaces occupied by individuals and groups maintain a symbiosis with the public, feeding off it in functional terms and returning to it an aesthetic that represents the diversity of users. His projects are illustrative of these thematic concerns and represent the scale of architecture that is both the forte of his work, as well as a perennial challenge and inspiration.
Ar. Das works from his studios in Delhi and Bhubaneswar. Recently he founded the Habitat Urban Transformation Lab (UTLab), a collaborative urban practice that intends to break away from isolation and seek the transformation of cities and public domain through a creative dialogue with social sciences, the arts, and the community.
Ar. Shirish Beri, Shirish Beri & Associates
Given below are some of the concerns that Shirish Beri tries to address through his designs. He asks...
- With man moving further away from Nature, can my work act as a catalyst in bringing man closer to Nature?
- With man missing the meaningful interaction with fellow human beings, can our architecture help in bringing man closer to man?
- With over commercialization and deterioration of human values and overconsumption resulting from greed, can we shift our emphasis from saleability to sanctity, from glossy wrappings to inner content, from superimposed architectural gimmicks to function and climate related forms, from overindulgence to restraint? Can a value based architecture act as an agent of social change?
- With a sudden break in the traditional socio cultural continuum and too much dependence on technology, can our designs be modern and still keep continuity with tradition, history, and social cultural values?
- Can our designs be geared towards true sustainability to counter the destruction of natural resources and disturbing of the ecological balance?
"Our architecture, in its deeper layers is many a times the reflection of our socio-cultural values. Thus the current architectural trends are expressive of the rampant commercialization and commodification of our society."
Though he respects and likes the work of many masters, colleagues and even younger architects, his work is inspired by life, his experiences therein and by some old complexes and the vernacular designs.
Farmhouse, Gandhi Family, Nagpur
He says "My architecture would not like to be in the form of invulnerable contained enclosures but would try to find a kind of vulnerable expression in the meaningful interface between the enclosed space and the open space. It seeks joy, a sense of wonder and a special spatial beauty by befriending the simple, the mundane and the ordinary. I have started realizing the full meaning of what Samuel Mockbee says – 'as architects our goodness is more important than our greatness and our compassion more eventful than our passion.' My works are not designed to create iconic, grand, exhibitionist forms that attract the eye, but to create more humane, socially relevant, more natural and sustainable spaces that nurture the human spirit."
Ar. Snehal Shah, Snehal Shah Architects
Family House, Bhat
Ar. Shah believes in making architecture that is 'of its time', as a Gujarati proverb states, Vakhattevuvaju. History confirms that buildings appropriate to their time, place and climate, endure.
In learning to build, his architecture adopted a variety of expressions – with the constant being the will to manipulate light and ventilation to the best advantage. He studies vernacular techniques as well as learns from Indian exemplars and western architectural history. Reference from all these find their way into his buildings, along with his debt to the geometry of Louis Kahn and Mario Botta.
Ar. Shah's interest, since the beginning, is in the monumental architecture of the past – the Renaissance and subsequent periods in Europe, and also medieval architecture in western India, especially the Solanki period of the 10th-13th centuries. As an architect, he has researched medieval water architecture in western India, and his studies in that neglected field hitherto are producing remarkably insightful information.
One explanation of Ar. Shah's amazing range of projects and diversity of designs is that he has strategically located himself between the past and the future. His intense interest in architectural history, especially of western India, the region from which he hails, has sensitised him to traditional stone and timber constructional techniques, rigorous geometric codes of design, and local environmental conditions, especially the scarcity of water in an arid landscape. Ar. Shah has embarked upon an ambitious repertory of private and public buildings that testify to a unique cosmopolitan sensibility and refined aesthetic for the last over 20 years.
TCS, Gandhinagar
As Shah has always been interested in research and teaching, and he has continuously taught and published research articles. Since 1987, he has been an Honorary Professor at CEPT and in 2014 he was appointed as the Director, CEPT Library. He has lectured in Asia, Europe and the USA. His writings on the history of Indian architecture include the book "Ahmedabad", which he co-edited with George Michell. "The Water Architecture of Western India" is a forthcoming edition of UME, the precursor for which was sown in 1981 when he won the Royal Institute of British Architect (RIBA) Research Award for his investigation on the subterranean water structures of Gujarat and other parts of Western India.