- What is the inspiration behind your design firm’s name?
Our firm has been envisaged as a space where we can experiment with different design concepts, materials and mediums to explore various genres of design. The term “Design Lab” encapsulates what we want to do as designers, to create the perfect experience hence” Vibe” for the end users.
- What is that one design book/movie you found inspiring?
It is just so difficult to pinpoint a single movie of book when there are small and large takeaways from everything that one experiences. From the classic yet flamboyant style of “The Great Gatsby” to the Modern Minimal styling in “The Parasite”, there are so many visual styles to explore. The plethora of Indian Cinema, while not directly related to “Design” per se, almost always, unconsciously sets the tone for the next new design trend.
- In what ways does your personality reflect in your designs?
We have always strived towards creating designs that are tailor made not just for the site but also as per the client’s needs, wants and likes. Adaptability toward the situation, and allowing flexibility has always been a natural reflex and has resulted in creating beautiful spaces that can be enjoyed on a daily basis rather than just spaces that can be admired from a distance.
- What inspires you in your day-to-day architectural practice?
While each project comes with its set of challenges, the idea that we are able to shape the environment even in a small way and that the spaces we design become a part of our client’s everyday existence is motivation enough to get through most days. We truly believe that “Design Brings Dreams to Life” and realising these dreams by exploring new ideas, materials and learning on the job everyday have been an integral part of our journey so far.
- Who is your favourite architect?
Amongst the Masters, it has always been Tadao Ando for me and Geoffrey Bawa for Priyal. Others like Louis Barragan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Carlos Scarpa, Zaha Hadid and Louis Kahn have also been favourites at different times through the years. Newer Design Firms like Khosla Associates, architecture Brio, SP+A are also doing phenomenal work in India.
- Do you have a signature style?
We like to believe that our style is constantly evolving, with time, with every project and with new learnings. The idea of experimenting with Design and of creating different experiences every single time, is something we love doing.
- The one design philosophy you swear by?
Geoffrey Bawa says “ Architecture cannot be Explained but must be Experienced” and we try to follow this philosophy as much as we can. We want to create spaces that are Simple yet layered, Uncomplicated yet interesting, that add to one’s experience, and can be punctuated by objects we love and cherish. While we create finished spaces, we also aim to give our clients flexibility to keep adding and adapting to their space as they evolve.
- The one design quote you find timeless?
“Architecture is really about Well- being. I think that people want to feel good in a Space” – Zaha Hadid”
- A hobby that sets you apart?
Reading Reading and more Reading.
- A message to those few young practising Architects out there?
No work is too Big or too Small. Never Stop Learning.
11. Which design blog/page/handle do you follow avidly?
Deezen, Jungalow, Design Milk, Design Pataki, An Indian summer, Apartment therapy, Studio McGee