DE Editor in chief Anirudh Datta had a detailed interaction with the internationally acclaimed architect for the DE Spotlight interview series where Patricia talks about her design journey and shares her latest project CASA MUTINA for Mutina in Milan, Italy.

Patricia Urquiola studied architecture and design at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Technical University of Madrid) and completed her studies at the Politecnico di Milano (Technical University of Milan) where graduated under the mentorship of Achille Castiglioni. In Spain, she was awarded the Golden Medal for Merits in Art and received the Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic.

Patricia Urquiola has been the Creative Director of Cassina since 2015 and works with important design companies, including Moroso, Driade, Flos, GAN, Andreu World, Glas Italia, Kettal, Kvadrat and international groups such as Haworth, BMW, Boeing, Louis Vuitton, Missoni, Mandarin Oriental Hotels, Four Seasons, Marriott Group, Starbucks, Ferrari and Swarovski.

Patricia Urquiola’s work is exhibited in many art and design museums across the world, including the MOMA in New York, the Decorative Arts Museum in Paris, the Triennale Museum in Milan, the Design Museum in Monaco, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, the Vitra Design Museum in Basel, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Design Museum in Zurich, the Stedelijk Museum of modern and contemporary art in Amsterdam, the Design Museum of Barcelona and the Philadelphia Art Museum.

AD : What inspired you to pursue a career in Architecture & Design? Who were your early design heroes and role models?

PATRICIA : I knew I wanted to be an architect since I was a teenager. So, I chose to study in Madrid, during a moment that was extremely vibrant in the city. I am proud of my education in Spain, even if it was more academic than in Milan. Indeed, when I started studying at Milan Politecnico, classes were very experimental, they were a blend of architecture and design. I fell in love with design especially thanks to professor Castiglioni. He taught us the curiousness, the ability to connect things. I have done my thesis project with him, a smart rug, in which you could plug in your phone, a lamp; but it was safe because in extra-low voltage. I also worked for 2 years as his assistant.

Of course, also Vico Magistretti was a great mentor for me when I started working at De Padova. He believed in me – we were a small group of designers, very close and essential. But I also owe a lot to clients like Patrizia Moroso, who believed in me since the beginning, and Maria Reig, who made me design my first hotel, the Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona. And last but not least, Maddalena De Padova was the first entrepreneur who believed in me, she had such a vivid intuition.

AD : Tell us something about your journey in the inception of Studio Urquiola.

PATRICIA : Actually, it took me some time to take this decision. I remember, I was leading the design department at Lissoni’s and I was happy with my job. It was actually Piero Lissoni, who encouraged me to open my own studio, he told me that I was more than ready. I think this helped me to open my own studio when I was really convinced and indeed things started out well and the team grew in an organic way.

AD : In few words, how would you define your design process – philosophy?

PATRICIA : I am very present in both design and architecture departments. To me the design process is essential and sharing is very important. I am very open to everyone in my team and I really believe that creativity is strongly connecting with the dialogue, both inside my studio and with the clients.

AD : You’re most proud – favorite project till now? Anything specific you like to share about this project that makes it special for you?

PATRICIA : Among architecture projects, ‘il Sereno’ on lake Como, Italy was very important to me and I am still really affectionate to this hotel. I was inspired by the color of the lake, and its glistening water, the nature of the dramatic mountains, and the adjacent village of Torno. The color palette is the lake itself. It includes green, light-blue, copper, grey and natural tones. For Il Sereno we used natural materials (stone, wood, wool natural fibers) for a sustainable style and timeless elegance. I wanted that the lake was always present in the hotel.

There are many other projects that have meant a lot to me. Among design projects, I am thinking of the work done with Cassina these years and I am especially affectionate to Sengu Sofa, which has a very domestic and sustainable soul, including innovative features, as a result of Cassina LAB work. Indeed, a 100% recycled fibre, made from PET mainly recovered from the sea, is part of the cushion padding in respect of the environment.

AD : How was your experience in designing MUTINA’s first showroom in Milan. Any of your favorite elements from this beautiful space you would like to talk about?

PATRICIA : Casa Mutina is an investigation on the domestic space that goes beyond the concept of a showroom: the project is designed to express the different languages of the designers, who work with the company, to dialogue and create invisible contaminations.

Casa Mutina is based on a modular system of panels which, however, is not explicitly perceived, but is always understood. This is the intention and the beauty of the project. Not only the paneling, but also the boiserie and plasters are designed as a system to be inserted into the modules and to evolve. In reality, the only real fixed elements in the space are the bookcase, the kitchen and the long wooden runway that crosses the rooms’ enfilade.

It is a house, in which the play of natural shades expresses a gentle approach to matter rather than to explicit color, a criterion that has always distinguished the research work on the roots of ceramics I made together with Mutina. In the project, light colors coexist – from white to terracotta to ranges of gray to black – to communicate to the visitor the sensation of the material.

AD : We at DE INDIA are celebrating the essence of our Homes. Staying indoors safe in this pandemic made us connect with our homes more than ever. How would you define your process to design a residence that transforms the living of the resident?

PATRICIA : In this period of transition and in a post-pandemic world, design can play a crucial role in defining the “new normal”. Especially, our houses will have to be increasingly flexible and there we will pay more and more attention to energy saving and to the relationship with green, both inside and outside our living spaces.

In addition to this, architects are asked to design time and its passing as well as to design new behaviours. I believe that this historical moment is really interesting and full of challenges for us architects and designers.

Check out the above full story in our : DE JUL – AUG 2021 Edition 

#LetsTalkDesign

DE Editor in chief Anirudh Datta had a detailed interaction with the architectural duo for the DE Spotlight interview series where Vishal & Vineeta talk about their design journey at Confluence and share their latest projects with DE INDIA .

Confluence is an architectural and engineering solutions firm, which is implementing best engineering management, practices to the ultimate satisfaction of its clients. Founded in 1999, Confluence has become a leading regional multi-discipline consultancy. The key to their success is a strategic vision, dedicated team, innovative design and complete transparency in our functioning. They have developed a large force of multidisciplinary professionals and an enviable network of associated Expertise. Confluence works with Corporate, Private and Commercial organisations to plan and build facilities and have and have gained insights across the spectrum of architecture, engineering and management endeavours.

AD : What inspired you to pursue a career in Architecture & Design? Who were your early design heroes and role models?

VISHAL : I was always inclined towards organised and graphical forms since my school days. I had a keen eye for perfection in terms of dimensions and design parameters in every building form I saw. As I grew up, my interest in building façade and structure design expanded and I knew for certain designing diverse forms of buildings and structures was my in-depth passion. Richard Meier for his award winning work and design style which is geometric, graphical, modular and monochrome has inspired me the most.

VINEETA : Aesthetics and beautiful patterns surrounding a particular space always inspired me and caught my attention. Creating different forms of art & sculptures was a hobby while growing up. And being a science student, I wanted to combine scientific art to designing a space or structure seamlessly. And from this came the inspiration to defining lifestyle and designing spaces for various sects of people with diverse needs. One person who i have looked upto would definitely be Le Corbusier for his inspirational work as an influential architect and city planner whose designs combined functionalism with bold sculptural expressionism.

AD : Tell us something about your journey in the inception of Confluence.

VISHAL & VINEETA : Founded in 1999, Confluence was formed to create a design centre which can address the need for innovative spaces in India combined with the need of the surrounding environment. It was created as a collaborative design lab where every design was extensively researched and thought through before building a structure at site. Our vision was to ensure each of our project is a signature design stature.

Started with just 3 Architects including the Founders, Confluence team has grown by leaps and bounds in the past decade and has become a leading multi-discipline consultancy today. The journey from 3 members to 60+ creative Architects and Interior Designers has been extremely enriching in lot many ways. The key to our success is a strategic vision, wholistic and planned thought process, a vivacious yet diligent team, innovative & sustainable design, and transparency in our processes. We have developed a large force of multidisciplinary professionals and an enviable network of associated expertise.

Our client base today caters to some of the renowned names in the industry that encompasses a range of specialised practice areas – Master Planning, Residential, Commercial, Workplace, Institutional, Hospitality and Houses. We have specialised and delivered some key projects where we have planned and built facilities and have gained insights across the spectrum of architecture, engineering, and project quality delivery endeavours. Integrating research, strategy, and spatial concepts for occupants, designers and owners is key to deliver projects which are unique, sustainable, and innovative in nature.

AD : In few words, how would you define your design process – philosophy at Confluence?

VISHAL & VINEETA : Confluence has always been committed to creating sustainable, environment-conscious structures. We anticipate the need for a shift to sustainable design that is built for optimal functionality: As the ecology changes, so must current architectural practices. Our vision is to deliver innovative, sustainable, and tangible business value by pro-actively engaging each client on their design intent and participate in the organic process of design.

Much research goes into the design of our buildings, characterised by strong conceptual intelligibility, use of breakthrough materials and rigorous approach to detailing. We believe in creating projects that are socially responsible, economical, environmentally sustainable, and inspirational. Constant use and awareness of new techniques and application of the latest technology helps in creating our visions to reality.

Our design practices utilize the best and latest in sustainable architecture with a dedicated team towards research in this area. The designs use building materials that are both conducive to environmental preservation and are cost effective. We incorporate additions to our design that can further reduce dependence on limited resources and recharge the environment to possible extent.

AD : Your latest Housing project Cleo County has been envisioned as a green oasis. Tell us something about this project.

VISHAL & VINEETA : The project is inspired by both the functional and aesthetic aspects of ancient Egyptian architecture by taking the essence of the magnitude of the Egyptian pyramid to a human scale and translating it into design. The masterplan is developed around the concept of amalgamated integration with the complex planned as a blend of courtyards with ample light and ventilation, borrowing from the built heritage of Egypt.

The façade is developed in an Ivory beige shade (the colour of sun-baked mud brick), while also incorporating contemporary architecture in the façade using clean lines and fins with texture and screens to enhance the aesthetics.

This Egyptian theme-based project has been envisioned as a green oasis and encourages living close to nature. The blurring boundary between the exterior and interior with large floor to ceiling window captures adequate amount of daylight into the apartments. This multi-family housing hosts a large set of amenities.

AD : Confluence’s another one; an experience center at Gulshan Dynasty exhibits a glimpse of its upcoming grandeur and luxury for the housing project. Tell us something about this project.

VISHAL & VINEETA : This experience centre exhibits a glimpse of the grandeur and luxury of what the Gulshan Dynasty project would bring, incorporating some of the note-worthy features of the housing project into a beautifully designed and immersive space. It consists of spaces such as a triple height lobby, conference room, lounge, architectural model room, AV room, discussion room, design centre and a sample apartment to name a few.

The experience centre also boasts of a café, which follows a farm to table concept, serving delicious food to the visitors which has been produced through indoor hydroponic farming at the site itself. The entrance of this experience centre is through a spacious triple height lobby which further splits into corridors which then lead to different spaces.

This type of planning allows for the spaces to be transitional and flexible in nature and hence can be segregated, promoting social distancing. From the facility management point of view, fumigation and regular sanitisation protocols are carried out regularly. The space has been designed ensuring a close relationship with nature and a connection between the inside and the outside through the waterbodies which flow into each space.

The innovative design, which allows for abundant natural light through the ceiling high glass panels, features passive cooling techniques such as evaporative cooling and uses jaali as a second skin for the façade, is equal parts sustainable and creative in its design language. This allows the space to go beyond functional expression and allows the users to enjoy the experience and quality of the environment created.

AD : Confluence is actively participating in practicing sustainable design in their projects. The world is now slowly realising the seriousness about climate change. What is your take on sustainable practice in architecture today?

VISHAL & VINEETA : The idea of sustainability, or ecological design, is to ensure that our actions and decisions today do not inhibit the opportunities of future generations. Sustainable architecture seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings. It uses a conscious approach to energy and ecological conservation is the design of the built environment. It is design with a conscience. This is the reason Confluence has designed a series of its projects which are green/platinum rated and the vision is to take it to Net Zero level.

Our designs and layouts ensure efficient use of all equipments. The designs are such that reduce heating in summers by blocking the sun and lets sun enter the habitable spaces in winters. We incorporate additions to our design that can further reduce dependence on limited resources and recharge the environment to possible extent.

Passive strategies, such as considering sun orientation and climate when siting and being thoughtful about window placement and operation, are used to best manage daylighting and natural ventilation and go a long way in reducing energy requirements for the building. In certain climates, thermal mass techniques can be used to harness solar energy. In such cases, thick walls absorb heat from the sun during the day and release it into the building at night.

Architects consult with mechanical and electrical engineers to implement high-efficiency electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other systems, which are designed to have small environmental footprints. By making it a priority to purchase steel, lumber, concrete, and finishing materials, such as carpet and furnishings, from companies that use environmentally responsible manufacturing techniques or recycled materials, architects up the ante on sustainability.

Landscaping choices can make a big impact in civic building water consumption. By using trees, plants, and grasses that are native to the area, architects can greatly reduce irrigation needs. Landscaping can also be used as part of a passive energy strategy. By planting trees that shade the roof and windows during the hottest time of the day, solar heat gain inside the building can be reduced.

Check out the above full story in our DE JUL – AUG 2021 Edition 

#LetsTalkDesign

DE Editor in chief Anirudh Datta had a detailed interaction with the designers for the DE Spotlight interview series where Hardesh and Monica talk about their design journey at Essentia Environments and share their latest residence with DE INDIA.

Essentia Environments embodies global refinement and an indigenous design sense reflective of the contemporary & classic designs from the world of interiors. the creative calling of leading interior design duo Monica and Hardesh Chawla – Essentia Environments is India’s premier design and build company that also happens to be one of the most innovative. The design duo founded Essentia Environments in 1999 with the object of carrying out the business of interior design, turnkey execution, manufacturing and supplying furniture and home decor accessories to their discerning clients.

AD : What inspired you to pursue a career in Design?

Hardesh : For me it was purely a business decision. We had set up a business in Russia, mainly focusing on commercial buildings, we decided to move to India and pursue the same line. We built our firm here, growing it incrementally and gradually, starting with commercial projects, then moving on to office and residential projects, which expanded overseas. We also started designing and manufacturing furniture, doors, kitchens, and all the paraphernalia needed for our projects, which has also flourished. Our diverse range of products is now available for customisation by architects and interior designers.

Monica : For me it was more a creative call. I have enjoyed beautifying and decorating spaces from an early age. Having worked in creative areas like graphic designing and advertising, interior decoration and styling seemed like a natural progression.

AD : What is your definition of a perfect “home”, not as a designer but as a client?

Hardesh : Whether as a designer or a client, the definition of home would be the same. A perfect home is where your loved ones live. But most importantly, it should be functional, and suit your lifestyle perfectly. However beautiful it looks, if it doesn’t manage your daily requirements, it doesn’t fulfil the definition of a home. At the same time, in order to fulfil all attributes, it should not put you in financial stress. Then it is not perfect. A perfect home should be within your budget, offering maximum comfort, functionality and aesthetics.

Monica : A perfect home should be a place you long to return to at the end of the day, and it should offer you the calm and peace you crave. It should also evoke a sense of novelty and beauty, so that you feel house proud, and want to invite friends over to flaunt it.

AD : This pandemic made us connect with our homes more than ever. How would you define your process to design a home that transforms the living of the resident?

Hardesh : Since everyone needed to stay home for an extended period of time, it was imperative that the home needed to be self-sufficient, with everyone having his/her own private space. People are exploring whatever amenities they feel are needed –swimming pool, gym, a painting studio to indulge in their hobby, etc. Home offices have become common. Also, people want to prepare themselves better for future eventualities by fitting their homes with better ventilation and filtration of air. Earlier clients were not so involved in these kinds of matters, but they are now particular about air circulation within the homes. Also, since you can’t go out for entertainment, today everyone wants a home theatre. Our efforts are tuned towards offering everything the clients want.

Monica : At Essentia Environments, our endeavour has always been to create homes that fulfill all the aspirations of our clients, even those unexpressed by them. With lots of greenery, open spaces, good views, etc, we design homes that resemble calming retreats that the owners want to come home to. The serene environments that we create are also very functional to live, work and entertain in. So I believe our homes have served their owners really well during these tough times.

AD : Tell us something about your latest completed residence project. What was the concept that you followed to design this beautiful abode?

Hardesh : Jain Residence; a modern contemporary home for a young family designed to suit their unique needs. We had earlier designed their parents’ home in Shantiniketan, Delhi. We designed and built the bungalow, and did the interior design. The layout is planned around open-to-sky gardens, landscaped courtyards and ingressed green bodies. So you have great green views out of each window.

Monica : It’s a very functional home with minimal aesthetics that leaves a timeless impression. It has an abundance of greenery all around that connects the owners with the natural world and creates discreet privacy from the busy neighbourhood.

AD : What were your favourite elements that you adore the most from this beautiful residence in Gurugram?

Hardesh : For me, it is the overall feel of the home filled with abundant sunlight, with greenery all around creating privacy.

Monica : The skylight in the master bathroom, just above the tub, through which you can gaze out into the sky while enjoying a relaxing bath – that’s my favourite element.

AD : The world is now slowly realising the seriousness about climate change. What is your take on sustainable practice in interior design today? How can one achieve and contribute to it with respect to interior design as designers?

Hardesh : Today there are many materials and technologies available that allow one to achieve sustainability, but government policies must encourage the extensive use of them. Only then can it become commercially viable and make a big impact. Without which, large-scale implementation of sustainable practices becomes impractical. At Essentia Environments, we continue to educate ourselves about the sustainable practices, materials and technologies, and implement them in the best way we can. We believe in using locally available materials, and follow global best practices at every level. However, it is not possible to use solar panels everywhere yet. We are still a few years away from that.

Monica : Our capability to manufacture in-house all furniture, doors, kitchens, etc, required for a project, allows us to ensure that all resources and materials are used to the optimum without leading to any wastage.

Check out the above full story in our DE JUL – AUG 2021 Edition 

#LetsTalkDesign

ARTHUR CASAS a Brazilian architect with offices in Sao Paulo and New York who is well known for his works in Tokyo, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, New York and São Paulo, creating a vocabulary that is recognised and published internationally.

DE Editor in chief Anirudh Datta had a detailed interaction with the internationally acclaimed architect for the DE Spotlight interview series where Arthur talks about his design journey and shares his latest residential projects for our “beautiful homes edition”– The TP Apartment in Paris, France and the JY House in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

From the object to the landscape, inside out, the creative process of Studio Arthur Casas is intimately connected to a horizontal scale, where the main concern is the dialogue in the conception of programs that can be as diverse as a chair or an entire neighbourhood, influenced by a spirit both modernist and contemporary that is Brazilian but also cosmopolitan.

“Our creative process assumes that in architecture the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. it is the quality of the whole that permeates, controls and affects every detail of our design. therefore, our attention is directed to all scales, from architecture to furniture, from the smallest of the objects to the choice of all the materials used. the perception of the environments happens totally, not only with our eyes, but with all our senses, our bodies and our emotions.” says Arthur.

AD : What inspired you to pursue a career in Architecture & Design?

AC : There are children who create computer programmes, others write books, I would design houses. In 1973, at only 12, I conceived my first project, a child’s play. First, there was no specific client. Part of the architecture is about establishing a dialogue with the person who you are designing to. I made up the programme, the client and the plot. But architecture is also about observation, and we pay attention to what interests us, especially when we are kids.

AD : Who were your early design heroes and role models?

AC : I look up to Frank Lloyd Wright, for his inherent command of scale and his unwavering commitment to applying it at each stage of a project’s completion.

AD : Tell us something about your journey in the inception of Studio Arthur Casas.

AC : The Expo 2015 Brazil pavilion was a project that made Studio be recognised internationally, as well as the Emiliano Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Studio’s projects are based on human beings and their needs, as well as the search for the best possible relation with the landscape. Architecture is born in symbiosis with the interior design and the real scale of contemporary furniture, considering routes and, rationally, optimising the occupation of a space.

AD : Being from Sao Paulo, Brazil, is there any specific style of architecture you love to follow that represents your city and country?

AC : I grew up in São Paulo, in a neighbourhood full of trees that, unlike the massive majority of the city, was entirely planned. I spent my childhood going through the winding streets of Alto da Lapa, in the west zone, redoing the route imagined by the urban planners of Companhia City, a company based in London and that for a long time was an absolute reference in urban planning for São Paulo residents. This, perhaps, was my first contact with a foreign vision of how spaces could be thought and planned.

AD : In few words, how would you define your design process – philosophy?

AC : Humanism is the basis of my work, I am always the main character of my projects. I’ve got to be happy in the spaces I create – it’s for this purpose that I understand architecture. The Studio reflects and translates the uniqueness of customers into architecture. By internalising customers / users, we create an architecture tailored to them, on demand, which best meets their needs and lifestyle.

AD : You’re most proud – favorite project till now? Anything specific you like to share about this project that makes it special for you?

AC : The house that I designed for my family, 17 years ago on the beach, was a game changer – a moment of revival for authorial architecture in Brazil.

AD : Tell us something you really liked about your latest project – “the TP Apartment” in Paris?

AC : In the TP Apartment in Paris, I like the way the original structure of the apartment was preserved in its original aspect while also connecting the social area that has the living room, the dining room and the kitchen. The furniture was carefully chosen to delimit each area, defining the layout. There are also hand-picked art pieces that complete the finishing of the project.

AD : Tell us something about one of your favorite houses you designed recently?

AC : That would be the JY House in Porto Feliz, Brazil. The integration of interior and exterior is beautiful, as if the landscape was being brought into the house. The two displaced volumes also provide an interesting architectural character to the house. The house is also sustainable, which is a very important aspect to the Studio.

AD : This edition is about celebrating the essence of our Homes, staying indoors safe in this pandemic made us connect with our homes more than ever. How would you define your process to design a residence that transforms the living of the resident?

AC : I’ve noticed that what has changed was the fact that people understand have understood how healthy it is to live adequately, with beauty and comfort. At the beginning of the pandemic I thought our field would go through a moment of deep recession, but we have never, and I am being very honest, we’ve never been so busy. Everyone with some financial backing in Brazil and outside is investing in the quality of their homes like never before. The family has never coexisted so much and so intensely as in this period. My creative process assumes that, in architecture, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. The quality of the whole is a consequence of the care given to all the details of our design. For this reason, my attention is directed to all scales, from the building to the furniture. The Studio’s projects are harmonious and generate empathy. We think about the projects taking into account the experience that the client will have in the space. Our architecture is designed to enhance the experience of those who will enjoy it.

AD : The world is now slowly realising the seriousness about climate change. What is your take on sustainable practice in architecture today?

AC : In our projects we aggregate design and architectural resources that allow us to make the constructions durable and sustainable to the most through high quality building systems. To achieve this, we count on a multidisciplinary team for each project, capable of creating many solution possibilities, based on circular economy and reuse systems concepts. This way, it is possible to create new experiences for the users and guarantee each project’s high quality and sustainability.

Check out the above full story in our DE MAY-JUN 2021 Edition  

#LetsTalkDesign

SARAH SHAM is a Mumbai based interior designer who has become one of the top young designers to be followed today in India..

DE Editor in chief Anirudh Datta had a detailed interaction with the designer for the DE Spotlight interview series where Sarah talks about her design journey and shares her latest home interiors project for our “beautiful homes edition” – The Park by Lodha a fun, bright & colourful apartment in Mumbai.

The interior design arm of Essajees, a 106-year-old company, Essajees Atelier was established in 2014 by Sarah Sham as an independent design practice founded on the legacy and ethos of the Essajees brand.
Up there among Mumbai’s best, Essajees deals with art, antiques, and collectibles apart from custom-made flooring and high-end furniture. Some of the clients that Essajees services include the Reliance Group, Taj Hotels around India, the GVK family, Gautam Singhania and the Birla family amongst many others.

Essajees Atelier is a small team of very dedicated professionals who ensure that every project is overseen with detail, care and utmost personal attention. Essajees Atelier has successfully completed more than 40 residential and commercial projects. Essajees Atelier was awarded the Best Interior Design award at WadE Asia, a women powered design awards ceremony that celebrates women designers. She also was awarded Pool Magazine’s Best Design Award for her project 266 The Wine Room and Bar. She has also been awarded as one of India’s top 100 Designers, amongst many others.

Furniture, design and floor spaces aside, Sarah is a fitness enthusiast and hits the gym at every given chance. She is also a pet-parent to a dog and a cat, between whom she juggles her time at home Sarah talks about her design journey and shares her latest residential interior project for our DE “beautiful homes edition”. Sarah also shares her idea for a perfect home and gives tips about sustainable approach in interior design.

AD : What inspired you to pursue a career in Design?

SS : It all happened by chance, I never planned to be an interior designer, however growing up in a fourth generation furniture and antiques company definitely left me with a deep sense of love and appreciation for all things design.

AD : How have you been coping up with this lockdown to stay creative at home? How was this at home experience with family?

SS : It’s been really hard staying creative at home, but thankfully my team has been extremely supportive and we have had a lot of fun all together in this lockdown brainstorming. The first lockdown was almost easier, there was a sense of optimism, this time around with lockdown 2.0; I am feeling a real lack of positivity all around, so as a studio we are trying our best to motivate each other as much as possible and focus on churning out the best designs we have ever done.

AD : What is your definition of a perfect “home” not as a designer but as a client?

SS : Any space that a home owner feels happy in, is home.

AD : This edition is about celebrating the importance of our Homes, staying indoors safe in this pandemic made us connect with our homes more than ever. How would you define your process to design a home that transforms the living of the resident?

SS : Design is all about improving the way you live your everyday life and enhancing the functionality of it. We get a full sense of all of our clients habits and preferences at home before we start designing so we can make them love their home even more.

AD : You’re most proud – favorite house you designed till now? Anything specific you like to share about this project that makes it special for you?

SS : My parent’s home, which I designed for them as a going-away present before I got married. We had so much fun designing this and its one of the few projects I get to live in and enjoy all the time, unlike all the other spaces I have done.

AD : your latest residential interiors – Park by Lodha, Mumbai. Tell us something about this project.

SS : When we saw this home for the first time it looked exactly like any other builder finished apartment. While it was a three bedroom house all of the rooms seemed extremely small and extremely cramped. We were wondering what we could do to make sure that this house looked completely individual and completely unique to all of the other hundreds of apartments that were there in the same complex. Our client is the owner of Bharat tiles, and we really wanted to find a way to include his beautiful tiles into the design of the space. For the living room area we used terrazzo with brass accents in the flooring. For the daughters bedroom we used a colourful hexagon flooring with a floating bed from the ceiling. For the sons bedroom we use accents of grey red and white which are all of his favourite colours. For the master bedroom we used a custom-made did as a headboard which we pasted onto the wall and which was made specially for this project in black and white terrazzo with a wood flooring. While the apartment is extremely small we would like to think that we have made it look spacious bright colourful and have a lot of elements of fun within the space.

AD : What would you say is your favorite design element of this home?

SS : I love the maximisation of space in what is a very small apartment layout.

AD : The world is now slowly realising the seriousness about climate change. What is your take on sustainable practice in interior design today? How can one achieve and contribute to it with respect to interior design as designers?

SS : The problem in our industry is that there are a lot of materials that are not sustainable that are predominantly available and those that are sustainable are perceived as more expensive. As a whole, every single material and the entire industry needs to go through an overhaul where the selling or use of such materials should be completely banned. The need of the hour is to move towards a greener way to build homes, and if there are so few restrictions or regulations on what is sold and available then consumers tend to go for what is cheapest or most readily available and that is a large issue.

Check out the above full story in our DE MAY-JUN 2021 Edition  

#LetsTalkDesign

CAMILLE WALALA is a London based artist and designer.

DE Editor in chief Anirudh Datta had a detailed interaction with the acclaimed international designer for the DE Spotlight interview series where Camille talks about her design journey and shares her most interactive work till date – House of Dots at the Coal Drops Yard in London’s Kings Cross.

Known for her ambitious, large-scale and explosively colourful interventions in public spaces, Camille Walala uses the man-made landscape as a platform for disseminating positivity. Her work encompasses full-facade murals, immersive 3D installations, street art, interiors and set design – characterised by a fusion of bold colours and playful geometric patterns. Since her ‘Dream Come True Building’ burst onto the Shoreditch streetscape in 2015 and thrust her into the spotlight, Camille and her creative producer, Julia Jomaa, have been engaged in an increasingly bold roster of international projects.

These have included collaborations with leading global brands – such as LEGO, for whom she created the HOUSE OF DOTS; the creative direction of the groundbreaking Mauritian hotel SALT of Palmar; and a slew of major installations for events like NYC’s Wanted Design and London Design Festival – including Walala Lounge, as complete suite of semi-permanent street furniture that transformed South Molton Street, Mayfair, into a corridor of colour. Camille finds inspiration in community and collaboration, and the power or colour and pattern to transform atmospheres, elevate moods and spark positivity.

AD : What inspired you to pursue a career in Art & Design?

CW : I came into the world of design, some would say, a little later than most. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with myself. I tried many different paths and studied many different things. Living in London, I started to exploit the many different workshops and short courses that are available in the arts. Once I started doing these classes I knew that this was the path for me.

AD : Who were your early design heroes and role models?

CW : One of my heroes would be Keith Haring. I love everything he stood for. He was an incredibly successful commercial artist, but he didn’t believe his art should be only for the rich. He wanted his art to be accessible to all. He would bring joy with his murals and spread positive messages around the streets of New York.

AD : In few words, how would you define your design philosophy?

CW : I do what makes me feel good! I try not to think too much and just let the workflow out of me. I feel that if I’m having fun and enjoy what I see, then hopefully others will too. Most importantly I want to play!

AD : Your colorful interventions in public spaces have such bold colors and patterns, how did you come up with such colorful concepts in designing such spaces?

CW : It very much depends on the project and what the brief is. I generally like to visit the site where the work will be situated. I think this is an important part of the process. I find that by going to the location it inspires me and how to place colours and patterns. It is also incredibly instinctive. I spend a lot of time in my studio creating patterns and putting colour palettes together. Never knowing exactly where they may be used.

AD : Your most proud project? Any favorite elements you like to share about the project that makes it special for you?

CW : The Dream Come True Building mural in Shoreditch, is my most proud moment in a project. This was my first step into the creating oversized public art murals. It was a massive challenge, as I had never translated my work on to such a large surface before. I had a team of volunteers. It was overwhelming to know that there were other artists out there that wanted to help me realise my dream project! It was two long weeks of hard work and I was so proud of the final result and what we had achieved. This project definitely opened the door to continuing to produce more artworks like this.

AD : For your latest “House of Dots”, what was your concept for designing this space? How would you define this space in two words.

CW : I had to work with the Lego team to understand what the important deliverables were from Lego’s side for their launch. However, they pretty much gave me carte blanche to come up with a concept. Many ideas were thrown around, but in the end, we landed on the house. We though that this immersive experience would be so much fun for the kids to visit and would be the best way to apply the new Dots product. How would I define the space in two words? FUN – POP

//House Of Dots – Lego X Walala

Camille Walala unveiled her most interactive work to date at Coal Drops Yard in London’s Kings Cross to introduce the entirely new 2D tile play concept from the Lego Group. To tease the new product, Walala was invited to bring Lego Dots to life in a free public art installation that celebrates their shared values of creativity, self-expression and accessibility, expressed through the vibrant colours and bold geometric patterns of both the new product and her own signature work.

The result is House Of Dots: a fantastical house comprising five rooms spread over eight shipping containers, in which everything from the walls and floors to the rugs, frames and furniture has been customised in a mashup of Lego Dots and Walala’s distinctive patterns and colours. Playful and immersive, House Of Dots invites people to journey through a living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and finally a unique disco room designed to celebrate self-expression and let the body flow freely. While they explore the space, guests were encouraged to get involved by designing their own patterns and bracelets – and even take elements away with them ahead of the release of LEGO® DOTS in March 2020. If that weren’t enough, guests can exit via an 8ft slide down the side of the installation.

Check out the above full story in our DE MAR-APR 2021 Edition  

#LetsTalkDesign

GAURI KHAN the well renowned Mumbai based celebrity interior designer.

DE Editor in chief Anirudh Datta had a detailed interaction with the acclaimed celebrity designer for the DE Spotlight interview series where Gauri talks about her design journey and shares her latest interior project – the Red Chillies office for Shahrukh Khan.

It began at home, like it does with all great things. I was redecorating my own home, and other related projects, when people started approaching me to design their properties as well. I took the plunge as a hobby, and before I knew it, it turned into a life-long, fulfilling profession for me. Gauri Khan Designs has been the culmination of a long-standing passion for Interior Design. It came together in less than three months, and it has now been an exciting six years since I undertook this journey.

– Gauri Khan

AD : What inspired you to pursue a career in Design?

GK : I’ve been intrigued by art since I was a child. The start of my career was when I designed my home in Mumbai, Kaif was the architect. We worked very closely and I learnt alot from him which is when I first realised my inclination of getting into interior design.

AD : Who were your early design heroes and role models?

GK : I have no role models who I emulate or wish to be like.

AD : In few words, how would you define your design philosophy?

GK : My design philosophy is to strike a balance between my personality and my art. Things that I do should reflect a style that is unique. It has to be elegant, quiet, imaginative and thoughtful.

AD : Tell us something about the concept you followed for the Red Chillies office interiors? What was the theme you followed for the entire project?

GK : The place was reformed with vox interiors wall coverings and ceilings which gave them a creative and tactile touch sensation. The infratop ceiling system is innovative and has extraordinary quality. The space has a muted colour theme giving it a sophisticated feel and creates an aura of calmness.

AD : Your most favorite elements of the project? Anything specific you like to share about the project that makes it special for you?

GK : My favorite elements in the office would be the exquisite painting inside the office made by Francois Lesage, the movie posters and the KKR bus.

“The work from home and remote working took a new meaning during the pandemic and I thought it’s perfect time to refurbish the Red Chillies Office for Shahrukh Khan and create a place conducive for innovative thinking. The exquisite Kerradeco wall and VOX Soffit ceiling promises extraordinary quality. I would describe the space to be an eclectic mixture of antique and modern designs with lots of art and personalised memorabilia with shades of grey, black and white.”

– Gauri Khan

AD : Any new project you are working on currently that you would like to talk about?

GK : I am currently working on a project in Imphal. It is a huge hotel, one of a kind and I am very excited to be working on it but because of Covid-19, everything has taken a step back and the timelines have moved a little haywire.

AD : DE aim’s to highlight the young architects and designers creating a positive change in the field of Design. Being one of the acclaimed young designers today, what do you think is the way to move forward to create a successful design practice in the 21st century?

GK : Definitely having your space flexible and versatile. It should be comfortable, yet stylish that reminds one of a far-away holiday considering how Covid-19 has taken a toll on our travel desires.

Check out the above full story in our DE MAR-APR 2021 Edition  

#LetsTalkDesign

PALINDA KANNANGARA is one of the top Sri Lankan architect based in Columbo. He is principal architect at Palinda Kannangara Architects, Columbo, Sri Lanka.

DE Editor in chief Anirudh Datta had a detailed interaction with the acclaimed architect for the DE Spotlight interview series where the architect talks about his design journey and shares his latest residential projects in Columbo – House by the Parliament and Urban Nucleus.

architecture is about the process of reduction, of using available resources wisely and consciously.

– Palinda Kannangara

Palinda Kannangara Architects is an award winning Sri Lankan Architectural firm known for an experiential architecture that hinges on simplicity and connection with the natural environment. The firm work has been recognised for contextual sensitivity, experimental material use and a minimalism reflective of the Sri Lankan ethos. The decade old practice remains intentionally small and personalised. The design and working process is always deeply connected to site. The firm has worked on a varied range of projects across the island of Sri Lanka, projects which are often small in scale, the firm with its personalised approach, imbues each project with a sense of connectedness to the context, region, climate and landscape using locally available materials and technology to provide a rich spatial experience.

AD : What inspired you to pursue a career in Design?

PK : I studied mathematics at University, and have pursued art since childhood. Architecture melded both these interests and seemed like a right career path, hence I pursued a degree in Architecture simultaneously during my mathematical studies.

AD : Who were your early design heroes and role models?

PK : Geoffrey Bawa was one of the pioneer architects in Sri Lanka and we always look towards him to understand his way of thinking and his way of design. During my studies his work greatly inspired me to think differently and even to this day his architecture is still relevant. I have also taken inspiration from my mentor modernist Sri Lankan Architect Anura Ratnavibushana who has worked with Geoffrey Bawa for 16 years.

AD : Tell us something about your journey in the inception of Palinda Kannangara Architects.

PK : Living in a tropical country and the lifestyle in Sri Lanka. We must also appreciate the masters who have been doing this long before us. My background in mathematics enabled me to think more logically and to think differently and inspired me to choose architecture as a profession. I established my own practice in 2005. The personal experience that I have gained over the past fifteen years has enabled me to improve my designs and to find different solutions because each project is unique.

AD : Being from Colombo, is there any specific style of architecture you love to follow that represents your city and country?

PK : Colombo is where I grew up and I believe that when designing the architecture should belong to the place and time and should be inspired by the surrounding and reflect the feeling of the city. We should pay special attention to the scale and the way of living.

AD : In few words, how would you define your design process – philosophy?

PK : We believe in an architecture that is about the process of reduction, of using available resources wisely and consciously especially in our tiny island country, of ‘de-cluttering’ both visually and physically and of course respecting the environment. The ethics of minimalism and environmentalism which are part of the Lankan ethos are also vital to our works.

AD : You’re most proud – favorite project till now? Anything specific you like to share about this project that makes it special for you?

PK : There is no one specific project that is a favorite, every project is a challenge and therefore special to us. Our own studio and office is a project that I really enjoyed as it was something that I could design and build with a lot of freedom and a good understanding of the requirements.

AD : Tell us something about your latest completed projects.

PK : Vantage Villas at a historic rubber estate Glenross , the design highlight the location within a panoramic views . It’s all about creating a belvedere or vantage point to absorb the view. To retreat in to nature, with comforts and luxury . The whole villa is about leisurely living. The upper, the lower level of the villa comprises of a pool that merges with the view and a deck. Its all about undisturbed views.

AD : House by the Parliamnet one of your latest residential project. Tell us something about this residence.

PK : Located in a cultural significant yet sensitive location (close to the Parliament, Memorial, greens and park) in Sri Jayawardhanepura ,this family home (on 14 perches) for a Doctor’s family of three, is linear building bounded peripherally by gardens. The entire building is permeable to this garden experience, with extends the feeling of the park into the home.

AD :”Urban Nucleus”, PKA’s another beautiful residential project in the suburbs of Columbo with a sculptural staircase. Tell us something about this residence?

PK : A home located on a relatively modest plot of land 10 perches (approx. 2700sq.ft.) designed for an pilot, his wife and teenage daughter, this home in a typical plotted suburb of Malabe in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with wall to wall construction. There were no distinguishing features, except for a neighbouring paddy field, towards the southern edge. The house has been kept inward looking, with the exterior being except to open it up completely to the neighbouring paddy scape.

A sculptural staircase, a key feature of the home (built in masonry and plastered in cement tones) sinuously descends into the core of this lush green space. The core of the house is comprised of an internal garden that has a tropical jungle in effect! Specially designed strips of skylight brings in filtered day light into the house eliminating the need for artificial light during daytime. Also the microclimate within the house is much cooler due to the internal gardens and pond. Yet the space is usable even during the monsoons.

The house is distinguished by a brick red colour that that makes it stand out from a distance and also acts as a folly in the paddyscape.

AD : The world is now slowly realising the seriousness about climate change. What is your take on sustainable practice in architecture today?

PK : In a bio diverse Island like Sri Lanka, architectural responses need to move beyond built response to create a dialogue with the larger landscape. As a practice we aim to be mindful of this, we seek to build sensitively, respecting the environment while accommodating client’s requirements and aspirations in creating aesthetic & functional spaces. We look at sustainability in a holistic manner and seek to use materials resourcefully, we promote the use of local materials, encourage local craftsmanship.

Check out the above full story in our DE JAN-FEB 2021 Edition – special anniversary edition. 

#LetsTalkDesign

Richa Bahl is a Mumbai based celebrity interior designer and the principal designer at Richa Bahl Design Studio, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

DE Editor in chief Anirudh Datta had a detailed interaction with the acclaimed young designer for the DE Spotlight interview series where Richa talks about her design journey and shares her prime projects – one including the Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt’s Mumbai Apartment (page 26 – magazine) and her latest work “Trishul” – a beautiful residential interior project at Versova, Mumbai. (page 29-magazine)

create spaces that brings a sense of nostalgia and a connection with yourself.

– Richa Bahl

Richa Bahl, a celebrity interior designer who turned Alia Bhatt’s Mumbai apartment into a beautiful vibrant and cozy abode.

Richa enjoys creating spaces that are distinctive and reflect the personality of her clients while retaining her own aesthetics and sense of design. Her list of renowned clients includes Kriti Sanon, Dia Mirza, Freida Pinto, Parineeti Chopra, Kangana Ranuat, Universal Music Studio, Soda Films, Phantom Films, Coconut Films, and more.

AD : What inspired you to pursue a career in Design?

RICHA : For me it’s just sheer fun, a delight in colour, an awareness of balance, a feeling for lighting, a sense of style, a zest for life, and an amused enjoyment of the smart accessories of the moment. Growing up as Indian army officers daughter, I was exposed to many cities and cultures and our homes were always multicultural as one would own local handicraft items from which state they were posted in, the army life of officers mess. It was decorated in a particular way – grand sofa sets, big chandeliers, lots of plants and the beautiful colonial style buildings. Also going for summer holidays to my grandparents home which was a beautiful white house in middle of a farm. These are some early experiences in life which were my exposure to design and culture developed. Having experience in other work environments like advertising was also a great benefit to becoming a designer. I love to create spaces which have my touch but is tailor made for the client as per their life and functionality. I feel that the older you are the more life experience you have and the better a designer you will be.

AD : What was the theme you followed for the entire project? Was there a specific brief given by Alia or was she open to experiments?

RICHA : Understanding her lifestyle, shoots, living in hotels, I wanted to give Alia a home which defines comfort and ease of living for her. “I wanted to give her a home which is Stylish, luxurious yet looks cozy , lived in and inspiring.” Alia and her sister, Shaheen, are in their 20’s and yet very mature in many ways. They needed a home that is not a just a ‘pad’ but has its fusion of cosy, yet looks luxurious. This dream house is designed for entertaining and a lot of time hanging out with family and friends, so it was important to me that it feels super comfortable and inviting, as well as functional. We also went shopping together and picked up small knick-knacks to set up the house. Yes, Alia loves cosy homes and earthy elements. She is not fond of spotlights and patterns that are too busy. We added a lot of mix-and-match of weaves plus pop art and fun neon signs in the home.

AD : You’re most favourite elements of the project? Anything specific you like to share about the project that makes it special for you?

RICHA : I liked the way I was able to open up the living room which was originally a long alley corridor attached to the bedrooms. We broke the walls and created a center of the house which is social place with secluded corners for reading & relaxing along with the dinning area on the side. Despite it being one open space, it doesn’t feel busy and tight. I also love my niche in the apartment which is my signature element.

Working with Richa on my first ever house was such a fun experience. What amazed me was how she totally converted the vibe of the space 360 degrees from when I bought it to when I moved in. Her eye for bringing out a personality through design is truly admirable. I can safely say that my house looks way better than I imagined it. And that’s always a good thing.

– Alia Bhatt

AD: Tell us something about your latest project.

RICHA: Trishul – a 1300 sq.ft. apartment interiors  in Versova, Mumbai.

“Earthy, humane, simple” – defines this space. This property has a green belt on one side and sea view on the other side. A home for a couple who are ad filmmakers, who needed a peaceful home to come back to, A space where they can socialise and relax at the same time. The building is fairly old, built in 1980 and is a very compact space and required structure fixing in which we needed to accommodate a lot functionalities.

Keeping all mind designed a space with colours and materials which merge with the environment, so we used pastel green, terrazzo floor, wood and cane as primary materials. The living space features a very calming colour palette with sandy neutrals, plenty of grey tones and some accessories accent details spread around the room. A wall of windows opens the room to the mesmerising views of the ocean from one side.

Check out the above full story in our DE JAN-FEB 2021 Edition – special anniversary edition. 

#LetsTalkDesign

Alexis Dornier is a German Architect currently practicing some exceptional architecture in Ubud, Bali.

Design Essentia Editor in chief Anirudh Datta had a detailed interaction with the acclaimed international architect for the DE Spotlight interview series about the work at Alexis Dornier Studio. Alexis shares his design journey and philosophy and talks about climate change, post COVID architecture and his tips on how to create a successful design practice in the 21st century.

“We strive to explore new typologies, forms and structures while learning from the rich heritage and ‘know how’ embedded within the local vernacular architecture.”

Alexis Dornier was born in Germany in 1981, where he grew up under the constant influence of the aviation industry. Dornier studied architecture at the Berlin University of the Arts after which he relocated to New York City to work as an architectural designer for Asymptote Architecture, OMA-NY and Rex between 2004-2007.

2013 marked a radical shift in Dornier’s life and career, when he decided to leave his western life behind and relocate to Ubud Bali where he began consulting on locally designed and built architectural projects. Dornier is now based in Ubud, working both locally and internationally on a mixture of residential and commercial projects.

His projects are designed within the tropical, forested hills of Ubud, Bali’s cultural epicenter. Practicing architecture in the tropics and especially in a place like Bali, Inspires us on a daily basis and also reminds us to slow down and appreciate the importance of balance and well being.

Few of my personal favourite works of Dornier are the recent residential projects like Bond House and River House in Ubud, Bali.

AD : What inspired you to pursue a career in Architecture?

Alexis : I grew up in a patchwork family set up. My mother is an artist & teacher while my father is an engineer, inventor and aviator. Growing up has been all about art, creativity and engineering. My great grandfather was a pioneer in aircraft engineering, and after the second world war the company he had founded created all types of things – from airplanes, satellites, medicinal equipment, to industrial looms. I on the other hand never felt like I belonged in the air, but was fascinated By the tremendous output I had seen In the field of art, aviation and engineering. Seeking to find my own domain, I went on venturing into the field of architecture and design. Finding out later how everything is a matter of problem solving. This can work in a structured and organised way, and can follow agendas that have been formulated.

AD : Who were your early heroes and role models?

Alexis : I am deeply inspired by Carlo Scarpa’s mystical and carefully crafted body of work. I recently discovered Gio Ponti’s work, blurring the lines of interior design and architecture to create a Gesamtkunstwerk (a work of art that makes use of all or many art forms or strives to do so.)- none other than Frank Lloyd Wright has expressed this in a more literal way.

AD : In few words, how would you define your design process – philosophy?

Alexis : The philosophy behind our studio’s architecture is to combine and reformulate design methods for each architectural design task. An architectural task is its own case, its own matter, problem and affair. A set of rules form a logical and comprehensive design narrative that leads to efficiency and a strong expression of our built environment. Our architectural projects endeavour to formulate a design aesthetic that mediates between elements of tropical modernism and industrial architecture with an underlying ambition for formal and tectonic innovation.

This design aesthetic is realised through an iterative design process and careful selection of locally available natural materials, spatially composed to respond to the site and natural setting in which they are placed.

AD : You have created an incredible design practice in Bali now. What made you move to Bali all the way from Germany?

Alexis : I had my architecture studio in Berlin for a few years, and the city’s music, art, creative scene were perfect. I worked in interior design, opened a gallery with my friends, and carpentered furniture to make some money while studying. It wasn’t on my mind to leave, before a dear friend of mine commissioned me for the design of his Family getaway in Bali. Once here, I quickly met a bunch of people and discovered the demand for architectural design. Bali boomed. It was so refreshing to move my little firm, far away from home and reset.

AD : You’re most proud – favourite project? Anything specific you like to share about the project that makes it special for you?

Alexis : I have many favourite buildings and the list would be too long. As we were talking about stories before, I’m interested in how humans were thinking when they were suggesting architecture. The Zeitgeist that was expressed through so many layers of thinking about the economical, ecological and social context of these pieces of architecture. And ultimately their own interpretation of those phenomena. We know there’s No ONE reality, and we all see the world very differently. The diversity of both process and outcome of architectural expression through humans is an endless pool of inspiration.

AD : What other projects are you currently working on?

Alexis : We are currently working on a wide range of projects which keeps our daily work so exciting. From residential in and around Bali, over resorts, restaurants and little retail shops over modular skyscrapers in USA . We love the variety and appreciate the possibility to have projects of different scale in different parts of the world.

AD : The world is now slowly realising the seriousness about climate change. What is your take on sustainable practice in architecture today?

Alexis : Awareness is the key ingredient for that. As this topic is slowly moving more and more into the realm of our consciousness, I believe we can do our part in this not ‘easy’ to be sustainable, especially in the realm of architecture, the wish for luxury and standards are pushing us to take compromises.

Our need for more and more does not fit the drastic change actually required. I believe we can have a positive impact by helping our clients understand that they can contribute to slowing down this problem by being more considerate with how much space they take up with their structures, how relevant the experience and simply trying to consume less. As designers, we can look into short supply chains, being innovative and using materials that are less harmful for the planet.

I really don’t have a complete answer, but for me personally this topic becomes more and more relevant to my own private life. As we are now getting a bit more traction with the studio, we also have the ability to choose with which clients we work for and who we cater to. We can be more selective, and we can use our diplomatic skills to inspire clients to do their part. All is a compromise and we are surely part of the problem; but it would rather be me than someone who is completely blind to this, and maybe I can evoke a small chance to change something.

AD : DE’s this edition’s aim is to highlight the young architects and designers creating a positive change in the field of Architecture & Design. Being one of the acclaimed young architect today, what do you think is the way to move forward to create a successful design practice in the 21st century?

Alexis : The responsibilities of architects are the same as any person doing something and living on this planet. It is that to seek a way of life – in this case work in the architectural context that aspires compassion, responsibility, open communication, tolerance, willingness to learn and openness to the “new”. Fostering curiosity and interest in different challenges helps to expand ways of thinking. Collaboration and exchange between disciplines, people and cultures can bring up a joyful process. Working with, for, and alongside clients, artisans, engineers, landscapers and other planners can be a perfect opportunity to practice with joy and continuous aspiration to contribute.

AD : With the current COVID spread in this year, what do you think will be the future of architecture post COVID? How would you think this would affect the design industry in the coming years?

Alexis : I can only speculate, that people will take more emphasis and care about how they want their homes to be designed. Less going out, less traveling and more staying at home will put a bit more demand for better performance onto our homes. I think this is an exciting opportunity to overhaul some long-lasting paradigms around the ideas of living, working and being together. I see the silver lining in everything, or at least try to see it – with this rupture in our paradigm, we have the opportunity to redefine things, questioning things fundamentally, and learn how to adapt to a duration like this one, and to realise that we absolutely have the capacity for change.

Change is the underlying principle of everything, so we might as well change our behaviours according to what’s necessary and required for the greater good.

AD : What is your “message of HOPE” in this COVID crisis?

Alexis : Well I think the term hope is a tricky one. I think this crisis gives us an opportunity to restart, and get interested in what is actually going on. We can think about topics such as the inevitable instability of what we see as being real. There is nothing I’m wrong about questioning are a parent goals, ideas on happiness as a distant event in the future. Times and solitude gives us the opportunity.

Check out the above full story in our DE NOV-DEC 2020 Edition – in the young architects and designers special edition. 

#LetsTalkDesign