Design journeys for most interior designers and architects should ideally be marked by projects that are cherished due to what they represented in the design journey of these talented interior designers and architects. Here are 6 accomplished women designers/architects who shared with us that one project is dear to their heart because of all that it brought with it and what it represents.
1. Aahana Miller, Associate Architect & Interior Designer, ABM Architects
Project: The Incred-ible Office
Location: BKC, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Images: Studio Kunal Bhatia
“As a young designer, the ‘Incred-ible Office’ was one of my first fully independent larger-scale office projects. From the inception itself I felt positive about the project. Although there were many ups and downs during the course of the project, including reworking the plan mid-way through and of course Covid delaying the completion of the project, we were successful in our endeavour. Working with the experienced ABM team and the client gave me the confidence to grow and make decisions independently and tackle problems on the ground. The design ethos reflects my sensibilities as a designer. I was able to use my graphic design background to add to the space with the use of simple wall graphics and geometric artwork. The space being simple yet refined is why I am extremely happy with the results here.”
2. Apoorva Shroff, Partner, reD Architects
Project: ChrysCapital
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Images: Pulkit Sehgal
“Chrys Capital was one of our first PE clients. It was their office that really put us on the map of the financial sector in terms of being trusted designers for corporate spaces. When they came back to us for their bigger than before office space, it was only natural that the project held a special space in our hearts. The overarching theme was that of elegance and classic style. The material palate is very controlled and feeds into this sense of luxury. Throughout the office, wood is used to lend warmth and luxury to the interiors. The firm being one of the most successful PE firms in the country, space had to exude stability and confidence and have a distinct style. Ergo the space is classic and instils those very qualities in the occupants.”
3. Darshini Shah, Principal Designer, Design By Darshini Shah
Project: Private Residence
Location: Bandra, Mumbai, Maharashtra
I absolutely loved styling this weekend home in Bandra because we were able to create an oasis of tranquillity amidst the chaos of Mumbai’s busy Carter Road. I styled this house in 2017 as a creative pad for him, where he can unwind and feel like he’s on a vacation and where ideas flow freely. We’ve used a white palette across the house with textured walls for a very coastal, Mediterranean vibe. We’ve matched the walls with light-wood flooring to give it an open, airy and well-lit effect and added some vibrant pops of colour through niches in the walls, upholstery as well as art around the house. Organic, breezy-cotton drapes, hand-quilted fabrics and contemporary centre tables add a unique softness to this home while also lavishing it with understated luxury. We even went a step further and didn’t add any false ceilings to retain a raw aesthetic style. As a result, the rooms look large and airy with good ventilation and flow.
4. Iram Sultan, Principal Designer, Iram Sultan Design Studio
Project: Zydus Cadila’s Office
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Images: Ishita Sitwala, The Fishy Project
“All our projects are driven by our clients and this is one reason why I hold this project so close to my heart. We were able to craft thoughtful, bespoke spaces, with details that reflected our clients and what they did. There was absolute trust which leads to creative freedom and for a designer, there is no greater gift. It was a joy to create this office using a balance of materials and personalized details accentuated by some fabulous art- a common love between the clients and us.”
5. Jannat Vasi, Founder, Jannat Vasi Interior Design
Project: Sky Garden
Location: Altamount Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Images: Ashish Sahi
“This one of a kind apartment is a dream project to undertake. We were given an empty terrace floor plate to create an interesting layout for a young couple which contains interior spaces opening onto a vast garden. Presented with an opportunity to be flexible with space planning, we decided to maximize the daylight streaming into the interior spaces. We chose to custom design each detail of the apartment from the marble inlay work to tailor-made furniture and landscaping. You will also find patterned marbles and small accents of gold that give the modern property a traditional twist. The excellent synergy we had with the client to realize their dream and make their vision a reality was the more cherished memory in this project.”
6. Nishita Kamdar, Founder and Principal Architect, Studio Nishita Kamdar
Project: The Open House
Location: Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Images: Studio Kunal Bhatia
“Your first project is something that will always be memorable, let alone how much you cringe seeing it years later. It’s your first step into the professional world, your first attempt at communicating your thoughts into real things, and your first of every kind. What is special about this project is, the immense trust my clients had in me, who were very well aware that it was my first. They were ready to let me experiment, break boundaries and give them a home, unlike other homes you saw back then. I was so nervous while making any decisions, I didn’t want to falter, as I was scared I’d cast the wrong impression.
Also, the design has this ability to create a new social pattern in one’s lifestyle, as the simple act of knocking down the kitchen and dining rooms walls, and giving way to openable glass and metal partition meant that the women of the otherwise conservative house were no more confined to the kitchen space and disconnected with the rest of the family. They could now be connected with the rest of the space, feeling equal with the rest. And I think that was the success of this project!”
to be continued…
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