Ali Hyder, Associate at Architect Hafeez Contractor, stands out with his innovative approach to design and sustainability. In this interview, he shares his philosophy on understanding client needs, the importance of collaboration, and how he stays inspired in a dynamic industry. From enhancing spaces with natural light to integrating sustainable practices from the outset, Ali offers a fresh perspective on creating meaningful architectural solutions that resonate with both clients and the environment.
What are the core ethos and design philosophy that the team at Hafeez Contractor, as well as you personally, follow for your projects?
Ali Hyder: When we receive a new project or a brief from a client, our approach at Hafeez Contractor goes beyond simply providing a design based on their requests. We believe in offering value-engineered solutions that enhance the client’s experience through innovative ideas and materials. Our process starts with thoroughly understanding the client. While we have years of design expertise, each client brings a unique perspective and needs. Many new clients come in with some external knowledge, but we often find that their understanding can be limited. Our job is to guide them toward better solutions—what they might think is the best option may not always be the most effective.
We analyze the brief in detail, focusing on the client’s intent. For instance, if we’re designing an apartment building or an office, we take note of specific requirements, such as the number of apartments or workstations. While we ensure these requirements are met, we also explore how we can enhance the planning and offer creative ideas that may initially seem unconventional. Our goal is to present options that clients may not find through typical online searches, where they might only encounter standard layouts.
Moving on to sustainability, it’s been a buzzword in our industry for decades. As a leading design firm, what strategies do you implement to keep sustainability a priority in your projects?
Ali Hyder: Sustainability can be viewed from two angles. The first is retrofit sustainability, where you complete a project and then incorporate sustainable materials and practices. However, our focus is primarily on the core design aspect, which includes spatial planning. A well-thought-out sustainable design can save money and reduce expenses over time.
For example, maximizing natural light and ventilation in a space is crucial. Many buildings today utilize extensive glass designs, which can lead to increased heat gain. This is where principles like the sun path diagram come into play; they aren’t just theoretical but are essential for practical application. Given the congestion in cities like Mumbai, it’s challenging to implement these ideas fully. You need to strategically plan spaces to ensure natural light and airflow, especially in areas that require more light.
Integrating greenery into buildings is another common practice, as it theoretically improves air quality. However, we must consider the sustainability of that greenery—are the plants being maintained properly, or are they simply replaced when they die? That’s where specialized landscape architects come in.
When I advise clients, I emphasize that the fees for architects, designers, and consultants represent a small fraction of the overall project budget. It’s crucial not to skimp on expertise. If you ask one architect to handle everything, you might save money upfront, but you’ll miss out on the benefits of specialized knowledge. Collaborating with a team that includes various experts ultimately leads to better solutions.
For me, sustainability is not just about adding materials or finishes; it must be an integral part of the initial planning phase. It should be space-specific and not merely a checklist item.
Given the ever-changing trends in architecture, how do you stay inspired and updated in this dynamic design industry?
Ali Hyder: I set aside dedicated time, usually a day every couple of weeks, to explore new vendors and their offerings. It’s easy to dismiss these vendors, but they often bring valuable insights that can expand our knowledge. I always encourage open communication with them to understand what they’re presenting.
During my explorations, whether with family or on my own, I make a conscious effort to observe different materials and designs. Architecture requires continuous learning, and you never know where inspiration might come from. I also encourage my team of about 35 to 40 architects and designers to share their ideas. They might have traveled more extensively and encountered different concepts than I have, which can lead to innovative solutions. Listening and learning from each other is vital—putting ego aside and being open to new perspectives is key.
Lastly, you mentioned your openness to collaboration and learning from various channels, including vendors like Dormakaba. Can you share your experience working with them and your thoughts on their product line and services?
Ali Hyder: My experience with Dormakaba has been very positive. When I joined Hafeez Contractor nearly ten years ago, one of my first projects was the Reliance project at Gio World Center. This massive development required an extensive range of hardware solutions, and Dormakaba provided exceptional support. Their ability to cater to different operational needs made them invaluable to our project.
Dormakaba’s team is proactive and consistently follows up, which is beneficial since it’s easy to overlook details amidst busy schedules. I always welcome them to drop by or message me about new products. They often come to our office weekly, and I appreciate their ongoing engagement. Their support has greatly contributed to our success, and I’m happy with our collaboration.