- How did your academic journey at the School of Planning and Architecture influence your approach to architecture and design?
My academic journey at the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi profoundly shaped my approach to architecture and design. It instilled in me a commitment to excellence and innovation, honing my skills and vision for bringing spaces to life. From there, I embarked on my professional journey alongside my father, Sarbjit Singh, and together, we have elevated our firm to new heights. My architectural education has equipped me with the tools and mindset to create impactful designs that enrich lives and inspire change. Additionally, my focus on integrating cutting-edge technology and innovation has transformed our workflow and culture, making Fab Studio a trailblazer in the industry.
- Can you share a specific project that has been particularly challenging and rewarding for you at Fab Studio, and how did you overcome the challenges?
Every project offers its sets of challenges and opportunities. It depends on the designer to use the opportunity and address the challenges. One might be tempted to ignore the challenges, yet there is a great sense of accomplishment and adventure in addressing them.
Recently, for a farmhouse project, we were confronted by the issue of a small frontage. The problem was resolved by creating a double-skin facade, which gives it the appearance of a broader width and the elevation becomes engaging for the viewer. We faced another challenge during a project which had a tight deadline of 12 months for a site with many constraints. We delivered the residential project, executing everything from scratch, which included architecture, interior design, landscaping, external developments, etc. All of this was achieved because of the great synergy that exists between our team and the individual capabilities of design, material awareness, visualisation, and execution.
- In your role as the Principal Architect at Fab Studio, how do you balance creativity and functionality in your designs?
A famous personality once remarked, “Give me the luxuries of life, and I will willingly do without the necessities.” To my mind, there is no conflict between luxury and functionality. For instance, an excellent car or mobile phone can be luxurious and practical. Any design must imbibe practicality along with luxury; otherwise, it will not be utilitarian. Therefore, at Fab Studio, we see functionality as a prerequisite for luxury.
We firmly believe that luxury extends beyond mere visual appeal; it is exclusive, unique, and functional. Recognising the nuanced difference between visual appeal and true luxury is essential for achieving unmatched quality, uniqueness, and seamless functionality, elevating experiences beyond the surface allure.
- What is the significance of weaving narratives within spaces, as mentioned in your design philosophy, and how does it impact the user experience?
We understand that each person and each space has its own story to tell. Our philosophy revolves around creating bespoke designs that resonate with the unique identities of our clients. We aspire to create a dream-like and ethereal experience for users and guests. Our creations become a canvas, giving form to aspirations and individuality. When ideating such experiences, we think about more than just aesthetics; we think about crafting immersive experiences. Therefore, we create evocative designs, aiming to engage the senses and emotions of those who interact with them.
- With a focus on luxury architecture, how do you ensure that your designs remain timeless and elegant?
We achieve this by integrating classic design principles with modern sensibilities, creating spaces that exude sophistication and refinement. Additionally, we carefully select high-quality materials and finishes that withstand the test of time, ensuring durability and longevity.
Moreover, we prioritise understated elegance over fleeting trends, crafting designs that resonate with timeless beauty and grace. By seamlessly blending classic design elements with meticulous attention to detail, we create spaces that exude enduring elegance and captivate for generations to come.
- Could you discuss the collaborative aspects of your work, especially when dealing with high-profile clients and international projects?
Collaboration is fundamental to our work at Fab Studio, particularly when dealing with esteemed clients and international projects. We prioritise building strong relationships founded on mutual respect and transparent communication. Through extensive consultations and workshops, we ensure alignment with our clients’ visions while leveraging our expertise to deliver solutions that exceed expectations.
In international endeavours, collaboration takes on added importance due to cultural nuances and logistical challenges. By fostering a collaborative environment that values diverse perspectives and expertise, we harness collective creativity to deliver exceptional outcomes that resonate globally.
- How has technology and innovation transformed the workflow and culture at Fab Studio under your leadership?
Fab Studio has always been about moving ahead with the pace of the world while staying timeless. We believe that adopting the latest technology is crucial for any design practice to find innovative ways of solving design problems and giving people a better lifestyle.
To stay updated on the latest innovations in design, we have a state-of-the-art material lab and learning management systems. Here, our team explores a wide range of material selections aligned with the latest market trends. These labs serve as a creative playground for our architects and interior designers, allowing them to push the boundaries of design and deliver cutting-edge solutions to our clients.
- In your opinion, how does architecture have the potential to profoundly impact people’s lives, and can you provide an example from your portfolio?
In my opinion, architecture possesses immense potential to profoundly impact people’s lives in various ways. Beyond providing shelter and functional spaces, architecture has the power to shape human experiences, emotions, and interactions with their surroundings. Thoughtfully designed spaces can evoke feelings of comfort, inspiration, and belonging, fostering a sense of community and well-being.
We understand that each person and each space has a story to tell. Therefore, our philosophy revolves around creating bespoke designs that resonate with the unique identities of our clients.
- What trends or shifts in the design industry do you find most exciting or challenging today?
One particularly thrilling trend is the increasing emphasis on sustainability and eco-conscious design practices. Moreover, the rise of digital technology and virtual reality is revolutionising how we conceptualise and communicate ideas. These tools facilitate more immersive and interactive design experiences, enabling clients to visualise better and understand proposed concepts before implementation.
However, with these advancements come challenges, such as the need for designers to continuously adapt and upskill to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Moreover, there’s the challenge of balancing traditional design principles with modern innovations, ensuring that projects maintain a long-lasting appeal while also embracing contemporary trends.
- As a second-generation designer working alongside your father, how has your collaborative journey shaped the firm, and what lessons have you learned from this experience?
Working closely with my father has always been a profoundly enriching experience. Our collaboration has fostered a dynamic environment where we continue to create captivating experiences through thoughtful designs, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences together.
With over four decades of experience in the design industry, my father’s creative vision and fervour contribute to creating spaces that transcend the ordinary. On the other hand, my focus on bringing cutting-edge technology and innovation to the studio has transformed our workflow and culture, establishing Fab Studio as a trailblazer in the industry.
Moreover, our partnership has taught me the significance of embracing diverse perspectives and experiences and recognising that each team member brings a unique contribution. He has provided me with mentorship and guidance, allowing me to refine my skills and hone my design sensibilities.
- Given your experience in designing spaces for various purposes, how do you approach creating cohesive and harmonious designs for diverse projects, such as high-end homes, restaurants, hotels, and airport lounges?
We believe in creating functional spaces that are elegant, ethereal, and evocative. We approach the design for every project with these tenets in mind, and that has helped us create a uniform design vocabulary across different typologies.
While brainstorming for our projects, we channel our creative energies into design interventions that speak of the times and the place they are rooted in. This has always resulted in designs that are not bound by any style, era, or typology and has helped us create a cohesive design language for all our projects.
- Can you share insights into your vision for the future of Fab Studio and how you plan to stay at the forefront of architectural excellence and innovation in the coming years?
Our design approach has always been centred around crafting thoughtfully designed spaces with a sense of sophistication and effortless elegance. We look at architecture as an impetus for creating immersive experiences that stir the senses. That is why each of our projects is a pursuit to explore the possibilities of creating profound experiences through spatial design
We believe in designing spaces that stand the test of time, combining classic elegance with modern sensibilities. The result is an enduring aesthetic that has stayed relevant for every generation since we started.