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IN PERSON
INSIDE DPA INDIA THIS ISSUE, MEET THE LEADERS WHO HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN DP ARCHITECTS’ EXPANSION IN INDIA AND THOSE HELMING ITS INDIA ARM, DPA CONSULTANTS PVT LTD. THEY ARE DPA DIRECTOR VIKAS M GORE; COUNTRY DIRECTORS SMRUTI PEDNEKAR AND CHARLES PUTERA; SENIOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR THIYAGARAJAN RAJAGOPALAN; AS WELL AS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PRAMOD GANGOLLI. IN PERSON CAUGHT UP WITH THEM TO TALK ABOUT THE FIRM’S STRENGTHS, WHAT SETS THEM APART FROM THE COMPETITION AND INSIGHTS ON THE VIBRANT ARCHITECTURAL SCENE IN INDIA. By John Utanes
WHEN AND WHY WAS DPA CONSULTANTS ESTABLISHED? VIKAS M GORE: During the early 2000s, the Indian economy was
just beginning to liberalise and we had our first clients from India –
G:Corp and RMZ Corp; both of whom are now two of our long-term clients. We were not sure what the mechanisms for paying overseas consultants might be; but we took on these projects along with
others including well-known clients, Mahindra, Piramal and Godrej. Rather than making large profits, we resolved to build a solid
reputation by focusing on the quality of design and consistency of delivery. This approach served us well in later years and continues to do so. Along with the increasing sophistication of the Indian
building industry, we found ourselves as a firm that people would
seek out because of this reputation. Our Mumbai office opened in
2003 followed by the Bengaluru office in 2005. From these offices, our project footprint has spread throughout the country in large metropolitan cities as well as in smaller regional centres.
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fortunate to get large and varied types of projects, and clients
who are eager to produce world-class designs. This allows us to give our best, constantly improving and updating ourselves to face these challenges. For me, this is the most satisfying and enjoyable experience.
CHARLES PUTERA: Indeed, the aspiration of the developers in
the country keeps getting higher and are now matching global
standards. Today, India is on par with other modern countries in the
global architectural scene. What was not possible a decade ago, due to budget and expertise issue, has now become the norm. We are
able to do more complex design and detailing in India today. That, to me, is very exciting.
THIYAGARAJAN RAJAGOPALAN: Fortunately, we’ve had clients
who are very willing to adapt and implement innovative ideas. This makes it very enjoyable for me as we get to explore a synthesis
between technology and traditional design principles. This has often led to designs which are meaningful and relevant to the context. PRAMOD GANGOLLI: India is in a transient state. In terms of
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN WORK IN INDIA?
architecture, we see a complex coexistence of modern and old.
SMRUTI PEDNEKER: In the last decade, India as a growing
play a vital role in shaping a new India and contribute to the larger
design capabilities as a world-class architecture firm. We have been
play my part within the driving force.
economy has given us multiple opportunities to showcase our
Each building and each city tells a different story, shaped by socioeconomic, environmental and cultural factors. The opportunity to
urban narrative in India through architectural design motivates me to