- What is the inspiration behind your design firm’s name?
Santosh – It’s an abbreviation of our names G for Gaurav, S for Santosh and A for Associates (it doesn’t hurt that our kids’ names both start with A 😉)
- What is that one design book/movie you found inspiring?
Santosh – The power of movies to make you feel part of an era or take you inside the protagonist’s mind is incredible – some spaces that stand out are the home in Parasite, the Khanna residence in Made in Heaven, the home in The Perfect Couple, and many more…
- In what ways does your personality reflect in your designs?
Gaurav – Our aim is always for our client’s personality to reflect in the spaces we design, but certain details that we are finicky about in terms of functionality and maybe the way we layer materials could be things that are kind of identifiable as ‘us’.
- What inspires you in your day-to-day architectural/interior designing practice?
Gaurav – It’s always a high seeing pen and paper come to life – and of course the impact it has on the people who use it.
- Who is your favorite Architect / Interior Designer?
Santosh – Ando
- Do you have a signature style?
Gaurav – Not really – form follows function
- A hobby that sets you apart?
Will have to pass on this
- A message to those few young practicing Architects / Interior Designer out there?
Santosh – To those who haven’t started their own studios – I firmly believe – try to find the right fit for you and spend time learning at one studio – every project has a process and no learning comes out of jumping around every few months.
- Which design blog/page/handle do you follow avidly?
Gaurav – Arch daily, Dezeen
- What is the most challenging aspect of your job, and how do you overcome it?
Santosh – Timelines! We try to better processes with every project to ensure we match deadlines – but this is always a struggle as it is dependent on so many factors.
- What do you think is the next big trend in architecture / Interior Design?
Gaurav – I don’t think it’s a trend but more a requirement – of being sustainable in the way we approach our designs and in the way we live.
- Describe your ideal workspace
Santosh – A desk with a view of the garden, with the beach and ocean beyond! Wishful thinking! But putting it out there in the universe.
- What is the most rewarding part of being an architect / Interior Designer for you?
Gaurav – A bit similar to the question before – the joy of seeing the joy we bring to the lives of our clients, and also right now its just fun to work with the plethora of resources available and the amazing products that are out there.