The Impressive Architectural Firms to watch in 2019

VOL 7 JUly-2019 ISSUE 1

The Impressive

Architectural

COMPANY OF THE MONTH

Firms to watch in 2019

Nitin Waghmare Founder

Fourth Dimension Architects

Amit Sadavarte Founder

Creative Ventures Architecting Unmatched Spaces Since 1996

From the

Editor

Creating the Marvels For Tomorrow

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he Indian Architectural space is recognized as one of the most creative and versatile in the global arena. Matching the rich heritage and culture along with progressive steps towards modernization, the architectural sector has expanded its root over the last few years. Starting from the Harrapan civilization architecture, this journey is long, splendid, and diverse.

Urbanization stands as the driving force in today’s environment that has boosted the growth of the industry. As population and economy continue to thrive forward, massive housing and commercial spaces are the need of the hour! However different sections and demands from the consumers have empowered the architects to explore the infinite possibilities to the core.

As conventional structures are been replaced – glass been the best option with various designer shapes and sizes, the modern architects are pushing the boundaries and are not shy from introducing innovative concepts in their designs. In their endeavor to leave a mark of their individuality, architects are turning every stone – 3D, VR walk-throughs, automation, the feasibility of smart living in order to scale up the level of convenience and luxury.

A sector with countless opportunities and scope of innovation, segments that have shown a rapid increase are the luxury housing market. However this trend is much more than size, this luxury quotient talks about effectively utilizing spaces without compromising on the quality standards. Embracing the finest concepts and by bringing in the coolest designs from across the globe, the Indian architectural firms are building marvels that would be the benchmarks for the tomorrow.

Rahul Niraj

Editor-in-Chief Pooja M. Bansal Managing Editor Rahul Niraj Executive Editor Devasish Kanojiya Art & Design Head Amol Kamble Associate Designer Poonam Mahajan Art & Picture Editor Rahul Kavnekar Co-designer Karan Gaikwad Business Development Lead Joan Ranbhise Business Development Executive Kirti Vidhate Technical Specialist Amar, Pratiksha Digital Marketing Manager Prashant Chevale SME-SMO Executive Manoj Shelge Circulation Manager Tanaji sales@insightssuccess.com

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Cover Story

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CREATIVE

VENTURES

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Fourth Dimension Architects Where Creation is Pure Liberation!

ABM Architects Creating a New Architectural Eco-system

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CXO

INTERVIEW WITH INSIGHTS SUCCESS

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COMPANY OF THE MONTH

Architecting Unmatched Spaces Since 1996

30

ZERO9 Boundless Designs, Unmatchable Experience

The Green Era Rethinking Design and Urbanity for Creating Eco friendly Sustainable Spaces

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CONTENTS

Akshaya Jain & Associates A Gateway for Sophisticated Designs

24 Anish Motwani Associates(AMA) Shaping Tomorrow

Bonito Designs Curating Aesthetic Designs for Living Spaces

Daisaria Associates Contributing to Architecture with a 60 years of legacy

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34

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Eternity Architects™ & Interiors Designing a Better Tomorrow

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Kalayojan Delivering Experience that Counts!

ARTICLE 38 Billionaire Thoughts

Milind Pai Architects Transforming Spaces, Transforming Lives

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Unveiling the Indian Architectural Firms

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he Indian architectural sector and real estate industry has made a landmark impact on the Indian economy by the virtue of its innovations and uniqueness in building extraordinary structures. As business opportunities have flourished, the architectural firms are playing a pivotal role in demonstrating their acumen and expertize.

Acknowledging the emergence of new entrants along with the established players in the industry, we enlist a few of the prominent architectural firms who are contributing to the industry today. This edition “The Impressive Architectural firms to watch in 2019” showcases the jewels of the Indian architectural firms and puts forward the success stories of these players in the best possible way!

On the cover page, we have showcased Creative Ventures. This firm strives with a vision to quench the needs of the clientele by crafting out novel architectural spaces.

As the ‘Company of the Month,’ we are present Fourth Dimension Group – a proficient, young, and talented staff of Designers, Thinkers, Architects, Landscape Architects, Interior Designers, 3D Visualizers, and Engineers delivering exquisite services for the betterment of the masses.

Akshaya Jain & Associates is a leading Architecture firm rolling out prominent consultancy services in architecture, urban design, planning, interior design, and construction management. Bonito Designs is a bespoke interior space designing studio that offers curated designs for living spaces. Next, we have is Daisaria Associates. The firm provides full professional services that include feasibility study, architectural design, interior design, liasoning /tenders, and project management. Eternity Architects is a dedicated consortium of architects & designers inspired by the intense desire to create apt design solutions keeping in mind the necessity of its clientele. Kalayojan has set standards of ethics and rationale for design practice. In the world of competitive architectural practice, the name of Kalayojan stands out prominently. Milind Pai Architects is a multi-speciality firm on a mission to create spaces offering an out-of-the-box experience to its clientele.

Alongside we collated few scintillating articles aesthetically drafted by the industry experts followed by interviews from the leaders. To conclude, we have an infographic content showcasing the architectural sector of India.

COVER STORY

CREATIVE

VENTURES: ARCHITECTING UNMATCHED SPACES SINCE 1996

Amit Sadavarte Founder

- Socially stand by for local employment by suggesting so for execution of the projects - Environmentally stand by and design speaking the language of its geographical conditions and social needs - Fundamentally stand by for ecological reasons creating smaller carbon foot print with conscious use of sensible materials An Ambitious Persona

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hile the urban population nearing 47%, the count of people being homeless or staying in facilities which lack hygiene and sanitation has increased to 1.77 million. As such, the quantum of responsibility and the scope of work for Architects is growing day-by-day. On the other hand, the advancements in infrastructure along with the various government reforms are unlocking novel opportunities for the masses to convert their dreams into ‘realty’. This is where, Creative Ventures steps in with a vision to quench the needs of the clientele by crafting out novel architectural spaces.

Established in 1996, the company has successfully disrupted a plethora of residential, commercial & Industrial verticals, and satisfied clients nationally and internationally with paramount prominence. It has an exemplary expertise in the fields of Architecture, Interior Design, and Project Management & Turnkey Solution services. Offering valuefor-money by embracing new-age technologies, optimum use of space, and creativity to the roots, is what best describes the company. Since inception, it is striving hard to deliver state-of-the-art, user-friendly, and climate-sensitive spaces to its customers.

Over the years, with concrete efforts and complete dedication, the company has offered unmatched experience to its clients as per the requirement framework and design constraints. The knacks which help it to go hand-in-hand with the clients and deliver ‘Sensible Architecture’ are to:

Driven by ambitions Ar. Amit Sadavarte is the Founder of Creative Ventures. His endeavors across architecture industry and real estate companies has helped him to gain professional expertise, hands on experience, and practical knowledge in field of design. His acumen enables him to place his best foot forward to offer efficient design outputs backed by best possible use of spaces in order to meet client requirements to the core. Today, with years of experience and expertise in various domains, Amit consistently empowers Creative Ventures to withstand and satisfy bigger needs of the industry Exquisite Service Portfolio At Creative Ventures, Design methodology and other related concepts are executed by sustaining the site conditions, project duration, and needs of the clientele. Its approach of providing comprehensive solutions to its clients backed by technology and systematized follow-up gives it an extra edge over its competitors. These services and solutions include: Architectural Design Creative Ventures believe that built environment impacts its inhabitants and the building’s interior and exterior that holds as much importance as its relation to its surround, site and context. Understanding of key parameters of client culture, mission, and operation along with having a deep knowledge of building typologies, directly influences design and fosters innovation, thereby leading to project success. The company augments resources and forms need based partnerships with subject experts in order to deliver an integrated and well-coordinated project Design, Delivery, and Monitoring services experience for its esteemed clients.

Interior Design

Project Management & Turnkey Solutions

Keeping it mind the client’s needs, geographical condition, end-use of the structure and constant innovation, the company brings in a curated set of Interior Designing solutions to the table. It consistently focuses on choosing the right materials and creating an ambience which best suits its customers. Besides, achieving a right balance of technology, creativity, and output in its interior designing projects is what Creative Ventures strive for. For triumphing interior design excellence, the company operates through a ‘five point’ approach that includes:

Creative Ventures is well-equipped with a team of dedicated professionals managing on-site operations as well as holding the reins of coordination across the design studio and various contractors. It offers Design Management Services by assisting, advising, and managing client appointing design engineering and technical resources through the various stages of the Project Design phase. It is a one-stop shop for all kinds of services, purchases, deliveries, executions, and other related functioning required for a successful Turnkey project. This generates a hassle-free, on time, and a value-for-money outcome for the clients.

· · · · ·

Emphasis Variety is the spice Unity Functionality A Material World

The company expertizes in these specialized project typologies: · · · · · · · ·

Civic and Cultural Healthcare Education Institutes & Student Facilities Hospitality Recreation Facilities Residential & Mixed-use developments Retail, Offices & Workspace Specialty and Built to Suit facilities

The Inside Edge Creating a niche in an industry flooded with challenges was not an easy task for Creative Ventures. But, its swift moves to convert every challenge into an opportunity have helped it to taste the success cuisine. Its core value statement “To stand by till the end and to give uncompromised quality,” consistently empowers it to withstand the complexities related to administrative constrains, cost scaling, project management and other un-foreseen issues. Acknowledging client satisfaction as the medium to gain success, it takes necessary measures to achieve a perfect balance between design and the most relevant output. This helps the company to surpass every challenge, engage new clients, and retain the existing.

With its vision, mission, and the value system, it transforms every new member into a responsible ‘CVite’. Along with brainstorming sessions and going through a tough regime, employees at Creative Ventures are motivated at every level and appreciated for their achievements, be it small or big.

“Our team is the backbone of great execution drawings, site management, contractor handling client correspondence and reports related to our projects. None of the tasks can be achieved solely but it has to be a team effort,” says Amit.

“We celebrate the birthdays of our office attendants with same enthusiasm as we do of our senior designers, we breathe equality and we reflect the same,” he added further.

The Existing Picture The advancement in Architectural industry can be broadly pinned as, new-age technologies of construction, tech-enabled advancements to design structures and availability of internet. The present day technologies in construction need personas, who are skilled and updated with novel techniques, which are diminishing with each passing day. Disorganization in this segment creates difficulties in timely completion of projects; and in-turn impacts cost of the project as well. It constrains the architects while coordinating among contractors and site execution teams.

With technology booming up internet available everywhere; and information and images of cushy design available at everyone’s fingertips; the responsibility of an architect has become further serious and challenging as well. The architect first has to set a rationale as to why such image shown by client is not relevant in their case or site conditions.

On the other side, there are some advanced technologies and software, which are making the work of an architect easier.

These also help quantifying the project and that really helps keeping costs at bay.

A Note to Remember Quality, vision, solidarity, and uniqueness are things never to be compromised. The company advice the young minds to ‘keep a strong hold over their ideas’ and attain a ‘never giving up attitude’ for unlocking the success doors.

Aiming to Achieve More Creative Ventures is all set to serve better and larger client base across various cities. It also plans to encompass better technologies to ease the process of supporting industries, come to the centre stage of saving time, and reach effective outputs for the masses in the near future.

COMPANY OF THE MONTH

Ar. Nitin Waghmare Founder

FOURTH DIMENSION ARCHITECTS: Where Creation is Pure Liberation!

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elow the pinnacle of every summit, lie the rough borders and fringes; Hiking the encounters that come in the way to reach the highpoint is a matter of sincere approach, pure hardwork and rock solid determination. The team of Fourth Dimension Architects Pvt. Ltd. (FDAPL), since the beginning has put in all the real ingredients that have defined our success today, and hence at this point of time, we, Fourth Dimension Group are an example of power, model for competence and a benchmark for design and quality. We hope to intensify this passion and commitment to bring about a sea change in the way architecture should be approached.

Since the inception of FDAPL in 1997, we always aimed to and today have advanced ourselves to be a ‘One stop 14

Solution’ for all architectural and Infrastructural Requirements. Our initial steps were small but solid, but with years we have guzzled up the current and trending knowledge of the markets’ expectations, the know-how’s of the solutions to be offered and have arrived to be the ‘Key to Archi-enigma’. We and our solutions are constantly evolving to suit the ‘demand and degree’ of the design. We pledge to create unparalleled Wonders in Architecture, Design, Engineering and State of the Art Technology.

Headquartered in Pune, FDAPL is well-equipped with a proficient, young, and talented staff of Designers, Thinkers, Architects, Landscape Architects, Interior Designers, 3D Visualizers, and Engineers delivering exquisite services for the betterment of the masses. This team of professionals July 2019|

“What makes us apart from other rms is our Passion for giving our clients best Solution and all under one roof,” asserts Ar. Nitin. efficiently holds the reins of Project Management Consultancy (PMC), Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP), and Liaisoning services, thereby delivering quality to its best.

Meet the Dynamo “Never too young to start an empire, never too old to chase a new dream,” Ar. Nitin began FDG in 1997 is a first generation Entrepreneur: he aspired… an Entrepreneur and a Magnate: he became. The vision that he stocked then, has helped his business escalate to a great degree of triumph.

He is a powerhouse of Talent and creativity, Simplicity and Humility, Dynamism and Energy, Ambition and Motivation, and it is this that is till date supporting his Specialized Team to perform and Deliver. ‘Every dream an ambition – Every task a mission,’ he cites.

His 20+ years of experience comes in handy during any glitch through any project, His dynamism helps the team sail through snags. Never letting the team unaccompanied through any project, Ar. Nitin is by their side, through the stages of conception, presentation, execution and delivery.

Ar. Nitin undoubtedly is the pillar of this organization.

More about FDAPL Today, we offer one stop solutions ranging for Master Plan, Architecture, Landscape & Interior Design, Utility Engineering, Liaison with Statutory bodies, Project Management Services, Special Effects & Theming. What makes us apart from other firms is our Passion for giving our clients the best of the Solutions and all under one roof.

A variety of projects like Hospitals and exclusive residences, Multi-activity Parks, IT parks and Commercial Projects, Industrial projects and Interior design are done by us in Pan India and overseas.

Today, the Firm takes pride in offering one stop solutions for Master Planning, Architecture, and Landscape & Interior.

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The Firm is instrumental in offering clients with the bestsuited designs showcasing Effective planning to ensure maximum utilization of Space and Energy Efficient Services Apart from all this, FDAPL believes in motivating employees to bring their new innovations to the table, thereby creating hassle-free work environment for their overall personality development. Over the years, the Firm has executed and delivered some noteworthy projects.

Being at the Forefront With the number of players in the market only on the rise, the key is to innovate and design. By, developing the infrastructure to suit the needs and provide for the state of the art technology required for projects and the work in the process. A few core ideals have been successfully carried forward and we pledge to further. These credible ideals have helped contour the business profile of FDG today. The vision to nurture an entire ecosystem of needed services under one roof is a reason why our clients don’t look around at all. With time and the presence of social media our work does reach out to a great portion of people who are looking out for services and parallel. With Ar. Nitin’s abundant knowledge and his spirit to share, he has helped shape this Proverbial Empire. His methods of sales and influence on clients are the key reasons for this growth.

Future Demands ‘Change’ “Design that really functions” – that is most pressing issue architects should be concerned with the next few decades.

We will need to have a more expansive view of what Architects can do by combining our specialties in a way that solves the problems.

We as architects have the power to improve the life and social needs of the world. Architecture in the future needs to accommodate many functions within a small space, so the key would be keep the overlap of design and function efficiently woven.

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We also constantly study the bazaar for the future prospects and envision expectancies and reflect the possible solutions for upcoming tasks.

What’s so Distinctive?

Once within the FDAPL periphery, the talented designers are continuously urged to ‘Motivate and self-motivate’ to support oneself and everyone around. The air of optimism and progress cannot be missed in the campus. An environment of healthy discussions, operating concurrently opens the doors to freely reflect and ponder over the best possible solutions that can be offered to the client.

Physically, the barrier free office space offers free flow of thoughts and dialogues between personnel. FDG engages staff across all ages, credits given only to talent, willingness to persevere and morality. In an environment which exudes positivity, creativity and innovation will but obviously, surge. In a nutshell, all lines of communication are forever open.

surroundings. To cater to the society is the task, to care for the surrounding is a liability. Urbanization is on the rise in every city today, and with it, the needs of the people are increasing, while the space available is shrinking. While we are the ambassadors to design and develop, we architects cannot endure and perform alone. We as FDG, have strong collaborations with various developers, artists, and vendors to operate in unison, not only for our own development but also for the development of the urban land around.

We as Architects want to take up the responsibility of designing spaces in a way that they frame the understanding of the building and its use. FDG always works towards incorporating the social and environmental factors in their design strategy.

We plan to spread our wings further, to help the urban development in cities so far untouched by us, and also help lesser known places by leaving our architectural footprint.

The Big Picture Architectural industry is a growing trade that should take responsibility for a dialogue between society and 16

July 2019|

Akshaya Jain & Associates A Gateway for Sophisticated Designs

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stablished in 2011, Akshaya Jain & Associates (AJA) is a leading Architecture firm rolling out prominent consultancy services in architecture, urban design, planning, interior design, and construction management. Its aesthetically pleasant and functionally suitable solutions backed by a one-ofits-kind design approach perfectly meet the requirements of every project with utmost excellence. With consistent efforts and contribution to the architecture space, the firm has attained an ISO 9001:2008 certification for its Quality Control measures. AJA is a registered firm under the GoI’s MSME program and has successfully designed projects across India, Nepal, China, Malaysia, and Seychelles.

partnership, which disrupted the industry for two-and-a-half decades.

Later in 2011, he transferred all its running projects to AJA. Akshaya has been an ex-faculty member of the School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi and exvisiting faculty of the Sushant School of Art & Architecture, Gurgaon. He has been an external jury member to various schools in New Delhi including Vastu Kala Academy and MBS School of Architecture. He also played a pivotal role as design consultant of the SPA New Delhi for their Residential Complex at Maharani Bagh, New Delhi.

For AJA, the past years have been a span of challenges to surpass and milestones to achieve. Its exemplary focus and thought-provoking attitude has helped it grow through leaps and bounds, irrespective of the scale of the projects. Aligning green architecture with the designs is what helps the firm to craft out competitive eco-friendly solutions for its clientele. Apart from executing master plan & urban design projects, today, the firm is handling projects worth INR 1,000 Cr, having a combined built-up area of around 2,000,000 sq. ft.

Kshitij Jain (son) is the other Partner, graduated from SPA New Delhi in 2000 and joined an year later.

Bringing in close to two-decades of experience in the field of Architecture, he has been instrumental in designing diversified buildings & large-scale projects. He is a certified Indian Green Building Council accredited professional and a member of Solar Energy Society of India. His take on the Net Zero building and energy efficiency measures can be truly acknowledged by his article on ‘Sustainability’ published by a renowned media publication in Bengaluru.

Meet the Dynamic Duo Having four-and-a-half decade of professional experience, Akshaya Kumar Jain stands tall in being the Partner, whose works have been awarded for Excellence in Architecture by the Indian Institute of Architects. In 1986, he established a firm in

This Dynamic duo is registered with the Council of Architecture, India and Fellows of the Indian Institute of Architects. They are also Associate members of the American Institute of Architects and Life members of the Institute of Indian Interior Designers as well as the Eastern Regional

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Organization for Planning and Housing, Malaysia.

Projects Undertaken Over the years, the firm has planned and designed various types of projects including, institutional, residential, embassies / chanceries, offices, commercial, industrial, recreational and religious complexes, both low and high rise, on flat as well as contoured sites. One of the projects designed by them was inaugurated by the former President of India, Smt Pratibha Patil in China. They again attained recognition when another project was inaugurated by the Hon’ble PM, Mr. Narendra Modi in Malaysia.

Few of its prestigious projects comprises of: • Indian Chancery Complex at Kathmandu, Nepal, for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India • IIT-Kanpur – Housing, hostels, research, academic, and public buildings • IIT-Bhilai – Housing and associated buildings (466 apartments and other facilities) • Indian-style Buddhist Temple at Luoyang, China • Indian High Commission and residences at Victoria, Seychelles • Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development at Imphal, Manipur – Laboratories, equipment facilities, seminar halls, 300 capacity auditorium, etc • Torana Gateway in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia • Embassy of Brazil at Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, for the Government of Brazil July 2019|

Torana Gate in KL inaugurated by PMs of India & Malaysia

IIT Bhilai

IIT Kanpur

Kshitij Jain Partner

Akshaya Kumar Jain Partner

Indian Embassy Complex, Nepal

“Architecture

Indian High Commission Seychelles

Planning Interior Design” • Civil Aviation Training Centre at Allahabad – Auditorium, technical laboratories, and hostels • International Hotels Complex for DDA • Indira Gandhi Memorial Cultural Complex, Lucknow • Urban City Centre, Mohali • World Class Skill Training Centre for Ernst & Young • Posh residences in Shanti Niketan, Greater Kailash, etc.

The Big Picture With cutting-edge software boosting Architectural designs for years, the new-age tech-enabled advancements are adding an extra plus to the current scenario. These improvements are providing tools which are empowering the architects to conceive the concepts July 2019|

in 3D. The integration of services with building structure which was planned and resolved in two dimensions earlier, is now visualized in real-time with the BIM technology. This has unlocked numerous opportunities for the architects to gain expertize in visualization as well as BIM. Targeting the Market Effectively AJA’s promptness in delivering quality services has been recognized by the industry, thereby enabling it to secure repeat projects from various clients such as MEA, IIT-Kanpur, Ernst & Young, etc. to name a few. Creativity and innovation are the cornerstones which has helped the firm to create a niche amongst the architect fraternity.

Keeping up with times, it uses software like AutoCAD, Revit, Sketchup,

Lumion, etc. for its in-house practice.

The firm rolls out internship programs to engage students from various architectural colleges and provide them with exposure of working on different aspects of actual projects beyond academics.

“With the Modi government continuing its second term, we hope the stability would bring a positive atmosphere for construction and business sectors. We also look forward to extend our services for more projects in India as well as in foreign countries,” said the duo, when asked about their future expansions. akshayajain.com

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Interview with insights success

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aving a strong reputation for design across a broad range of sectors, ABM Architects is a novel Architecture & Interior Design Firm. The dynamic duo of Alfaz Miller – Co-founder and Aahana Miller – Associate Architect are relentlessly driving the Firm to reach the zenith. Under their aegis, the Firm is committed to deliver architecture that is functional, versatile, and enduring. Let’s walk through this exclusive interview to get more insights about ABM’s prominent services and uniqueness.

Plumbing and Firefighting) work closely with the architects and interior designers to deliver comprehensive services to each project.

The office also houses fine artist Brinda Miller's studio, as well the Miller family’s vast personal collection of art.

Brinda Miller advises clients on the purchase and commissioning of sculptures, artworks and installations from a vast selection of artists.

IS: Kindly brief us about your firm.

IS: Brief us about the Founder/CEO, and what was the source of inspiration for your firm to be in the Architectural Solutions Provider segment.

ABM Architects is a Mumbai based Architecture & Interior Design Firm. Alfaz Miller co-founded the Firm in 1972, and is the Principal Architect. The firm has evolved with changing times and has a young work force, guided by experienced professionals in the core team.

Architecture, to Alfaz Miller, has always represented a satisfying amalgamation of his various interests: he loved to sketch; was interested in science and math.

ABM’s wide experience spans major institutional and corporate projects, private buildings, offices, airports, hotels, health, residential spaces, heritage and conservation work.

ABM’s design excellence has been acclaimed by the many awards and citations it has received. Client satisfaction has always been the firm’s principle objective - its success measured by the fact that 80% of ABMs projects originate from loyal clients.

The firm evaluates wide-ranging ideas from the client, the project team and the consultants. This is made possible by ABM’s highly-efficient infrastructure within its own sixstoreyed office building in the heart of the city, which houses multiple teams working collaboratively on several projects.

The skilled and collaborative workforce of 50 in-house architects, designers, 3D visualizers and engineers, is wellsupported by competent structural and service consultants.

ABM’s in-house MEPF team (Mechanical, Engineering, 20

Alfaz Miller established ABM Architects soon after achieving his Bachelor of Architecture from JJ School of Art in 1972. The firm has grown from a 70-square-foot oneman office to a 7,000-square-foot building at the center of Mumbai. Miller’s proficient design skills, grounded ethics, and sharp business acumen, continue to define his selfsufficient firm - which possesses all capabilities required for transforming ideas on paper, into brick-and-mortar realities.

As Alfaz enters his elegant and eclectic workplace in Studio Millernium, Mumbai, it hums with high-octane energy, perfectly in keeping with his approach to every project. One of the firm’s many specialties is residential architecture, and his office mirrors this expertise, with its division into intimate seating and work areas – all designed for an open exchange of ideas, and Alfaz’s collection of art.

Under Miller’s guidance, ABM Architects has successfully delivered several projects across all scales and buildings typologies: banks, office buildings, airport lounges, residential complexes and villas, each responding to the unique programmatic constraints and the client’s exact needs.

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Alfaz Miller Co-founder

Aahana Miller Associate Architect July 2019|

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From small projects which are composed with careful artistry to a highly specialized vocabulary of interior design to medium and large architectural projects for individuals, corporations, and institutions; Alfaz is comfortable working on both ends of the design spectrum.

As principal architect of an award-winning firm, Alfaz Miller himself is the recipient of several accolades and awards. He is driven by the constant desire to leave a mark on the architectural skyline; and his achievements are a constant reminder that design is still his true calling.

Aahana recently completed her Master of Architecture at The University of Pennsylvania (PennDesign) with a Minor in Historic Preservation.

This complemented her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture from The Rhode Island School of Design, which focused on adaptive re-use.

At PennDesign she was the Director for Penn Student Design, liaising with graphic designers to produce creative materials for various marketing projects. She was also the Chair of PennDesign’s Women in Architecture group, an organization that aims to increase the incidence and visibility of women in the architectural profession.

She strives to incorporate a unique amalgam of her Indian roots as well as her contemporary education into her design style, aiming to synergize an eastern cultural ethos with modern living.

Currently, she works as an Architect with her father Alfaz Miller at ABM Architects in Mumbai, designing a wide range of commercial, residential, retail and institutional projects.

IS: What are the different products and services provided by your firm, setting you apart from your competitors?

The firm enjoys a reputation for architecture and design solutions that are varied, comprehensive, and most importantly, client-focused. Every ABM creation aims to integrate a timeless aesthetic with functional design, an objective that has been at the core of the firm’s culture since its inception.

Services We understand that every job is unique in size, budget and constraints, and thus requires an individual approach. This knowledge is embedded in the firm’s creative ability and technical expertise, from the concept to the construction stages of each project.

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We provide the following services: • • • • • •

Architecture Interior Design Planning Conservation Adaptive Reuse Graphic Design

IS: What are the key attributes that helped your firm overcome the challenges that it faced during its establishment?

Alfaz Miller’s success story was triggered by the restoration of the interior architecture of ANZ Grindlay’s Fort office in Mumbai (1989), overcoming the challenges posed by a design intervention in a functional workspace. The project cemented ABM Architects’ reputation for creating solutiondriven design programs, and prioritizing quality of work, timelessness. Above everything, the project laid a foundation for a long-lasting client relationship, which ABM prides itself on maintaining.

IS: With the massive advancements in the Architectural industry, what are the opportunities and challenges evolving with it?

With the advent of new technologies, architects have had to adapt and rethink how to approach and design a project.

Firms must adapt to the rapidly progressing milieu.

IS: Share with us your firm’s contribution to its sector in the industry and how it is helping its clients in their business growth.

Our firms work with loyal clients, and ensure that we deliver to them the best possible design allowing their business to thrive.

IS: How do you motivate creativity and innovation in the workspace while maintaining a healthy work environment?

Our firm has consciously chosen to remain a boutique design firm undertaking selected projects at a time. This helps the firm stay focused on the work at hand, paying attention to detail and be accessible to the client at all times.

IS: Brief us about the current scenario of Architectural industry and your firm’s future plans.

There is a lot of competition in the Architectural industry and so it is important to stay on top of current design trends and evolving technologies. While we do not have plans to expand, we hope to still be one of India’s top Architecture and Design firms.

July 2019|

Anish Motwani Associates(AMA) Shaping Tomorrow

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esign Is So Much More Than What We Think. It’s a state of mind. It’s an approach to a problem. Its how you will feel. It’s something that is meaningful and deliberate & still so much more. And truth be told; design happened to me by chance.

Anish Motwani Associates is a Mumbai based design consultancy where we have carved a unique niche in the market where impeccable designs constantly meet expectations.

Since its inception, AMA’s motto has been ‘Making Sense Out of Space’ which we believe & carry religiously in each of our projects. I believe that a great design is the culmination of tri-party relationship between a designer, client and the space. My role in this relationship is to translate clients taste and lifestyle into their spaces while developing and maintaining a conceptual thread to ensure that the space reaches its maximum potential. Designing a home is always very challenging and motivating. Challenging because each individual needs/requirements are so different & peculiar as every person has his/her own taste & lifestyle to add to the design. It often happens that two members of the same family don’t reach a consensus during the planning stage and we 24

have to find a mutually agreeable way out. But this is motivating also as it pushes us harder to create something new in each of our projects.

mature. It’s a fast process. They are light weight and strong, durable and easy to maintain. Its got more moisture resistant and hence is a very good option for wooden flooring.

Our design influences are grounded in a mix of contemporary culture and futuristic trends. “There is too much noise in design currently” hence tapping the current focus on functionality without clutter, we target our interior design spaces to be spacious, serene, and quiet.

LED Lights are something that we use and are suggesting to more and more of our clients for direct as well as indirect lighting. They are a power saver in comparison to CFl or tube lights or traditional bulbs. They don’t produce heat & are available at very cheap rates in the market.

We are changing and changing for good – AMA Team

Acceptance of Ideas through Technology

Going Green

There is nothing as a different design, it’s the same thing done in different manner. It’s just that we need to think differently.

Going Green is what we hear everywhere and people speak about it without knowing nothing about it.

The idea of green technology is to conserve what we are loosing and to save the environment. My idea of going green is saving the mother earth from exploitation by using materials which are eco friendly.

Let’s take the example of Bamboo trees & LED lights to discuss green technology.

Bamboo trees grow quickly. It takes 3-4 years for a bamboo tree to

The best creative thinking occurs outside of the usual systems at work.

The problem is, most of us live and work inside the system. So you have to purposely jam the controls.

Create blips in the patterns. Get out of your comfort zone. Put yourself in harm’s way.

I believe that we in India are growing only with the exposure received via technology (with the access to world information via platforms such as July 2019|

Anish Motwani Interior Designer

“Making Sense out of space” Facebook and Twitter) and are slowly overcoming our short comings. We have many companies today in the market dealing in modular kitchens, automated homes, etc. Sooner alarm systems and smoke detectors will become a compulsion in our houses. The use of cameras, remote lighting and scanners for doors has become a very common practice today.

The Market in India For me, wood is the most important element in any space especially in a house. Wood creates style and living.

The business of wood is an ever expanding Market in India.

As we are experiencing a change in today’s market, people expectations have increased as they want everything expedited and perfect.

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Today the mentality is not to use furniture or designs in a house for 15-20 years but for a short span of 5 years. Everyone wants sleek and straight line look for their houses.

Gone are the days when clients use to demand furniture and storage every where. Today all they want is more of open spaces.

We normally get 2-3 months to finish a 2-3 BHK house. Instead of making furniture on site we are moving to modular/ machine made furniture, modular kitchens, ready made sofas, dinning etc. It helps us in meeting our project deadlines and at times turns out to be cheaper as well.

The market is now ready to explore and many new international as well as Indian brands have entered the market and doing really well.

Furniture, Tiles, Kitchen, accessories

etc are available ready made and the designs are altered and chosen to one’s choice as well.

Anish Motwani Interior Designer | Project Consultant | Creativity Executer Born in Mumbai and having the best of exposure to construction world through his dad who’s a structural engineer, Anish never knew he would end up in design field. It happened to him “by chance” as he says and he grabbed the opportunity to the fullest. With several years of experience in the field and work been featured in various leading newspaper and magazine, Anish thirst for creating new is never ending.

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BONITO DESIGNS Curating Aesthetic Designs for Living Spaces

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esigning a home is more than just furnishing it with the latest and trending pieces of furniture and décor. The design and interiors should speak volumes about those residing in it. It should contribute to the warmth that the inhabitants’ exhibit in this place they call their home. It should reflect the personality and choices of the people inside. Elevating interior designing into an art of understanding spaces and customizing them to reflect the identities of their owners, Bonito Designs is a bespoke interior design studio that essentially brings in stories to spaces. It acquaints, familiarizes, and understands the vision of the space owner and then strives to reflect them in a manner that corresponds, and exceeds the vision of its clients.

A Multi-faceted Persona Sameer is the CEO at Bonito Designs and his primary responsibility is to nurture harmony within functions at the company. He also leads the firm and is in charge of the entire business development, strategic planning, operations, and communications that take place 28

inside and outside the company, He pursued Computer Science at SJCE, Mysore after completing his schooling from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Shimoga. It is his inquisitive mind that drove him to a network marketing company during his college days. He became a part of several leadership workshops, conducted seminars, and personally trained prospective learners. This experience allowed Sameer to acquire essential people management skills, helped him understand and tackle cultural barriers and improved his delegation abilities, a trait that kept him in good stead for the future challenges to be faced during Bonito Design’s inception.

Sameer had his heart set on entrepreneurship. He waited for the right time and opportunity, and along with a few friends kick-started Bonito Designs in 2012. Their initial research of the industry informed them about the deep mistrust existing in the industry among clients and service providers. This prompted the team to position Bonito as a design studio that values customer insights the highest and keeps the client involved at every stage of the designing and execution process.

Today, Bonito Designs stands for authenticity and personal spaces that are tailored around people who are going to live in those spaces.

Creating Beautiful Identities Bonito Designs was conceptualized as a differentiated entity in the interior designing domain, focusing more on distinguishing a space by giving it an identity of its own. The term ‘Bonito’, which means beautiful was chosen as it aptly reflected the exotic design ideas crafted by the team and the end-goal of the organization, i.e. making homes beautiful for its customers. To attain this goal, Bonito works through 5 phases-Acquaintance, Design Phase, Production, Execution and the final Handover.

These phases help the company in knowing the stories of families and individuals that Bonito aims to ensconce in its design offerings. It fuels the entire efforts of the team during designing, manufacturing, and execution stages. At every stage, clients’ inputs and involvement is given paramount importance. A dedicated Customer Relationship Manager constantly guides the July 2019|

Sameer A.M. CEO

“At Bonito, users are ensured of concerted efforts towards an aesthetic representation of their vision by a highly talented, zealous team that simply breathes design!” clients and acts as a bridge to help them smoothly go through the entire designing process.

Befriending Technology In order to ensure transparency and offer customers a chance to propose iterations, Bonito Designs has also launched an app for all the partakers of the project. The tech-based app acts as a central repository and guides throughout the project pipeline. It allows customers to be a part of the project by enabling them to track the progress at which the project evolves. The company soon plans to extend the app services to the on-site employees and other employees as well.

Bonito Designs helps millennials design their future ready homes with features such as automation lighting July 2019|

and home lock system. The company also offers one-year free post-sales support service. Post one year, the studio provides service support on a request basis at a nominal fee. It also offers guarantee/warranty claims for all the brands that they have listed in their portfolio. Additionally, Bonito Designs undertakes orders for modular kitchens, modular wardrobes, designer storage cabinets such as entertainment units, crockery cabinets, cots, decor paneling, false roofing and other visually dependent elements that define the aesthetics of the house.

Setting Goals Bonito Designs has worked on over 1000 projects and aims to aggressively bolster its operations in other cities as well. Sameer aims to expand Bonito’s services across the

country. He is also looking forward to acquiring top-notch talent from all corners of the country and brings in multi-dimensional industry expertise to increase the baseline quality of the firm. He also plans to offer a gamut of products & services allied to its core designing services. With a vision of being the go-to platform to create innovative spaces that reflect owner’s personality, Bonito Designs aims to blur the lines between the formal, logistics and capacity oriented vocation of interior designing to the aesthetical journey of giving an experiential makeover to a space that becomes an active ingredient, and not a passive backdrop, to the memories that are created within its confines!

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Interview with insights success

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elivering diversified range of Architectural services to its clientele with its novel ‘design+build’ expertise is ZERO9 – a leading design firm specialized in rolling out tailor-made spaces. To get more insights about the company’s prominent services and uniqueness, we bring you an exclusive interview with a young and dynamic professional Prashant Chauhan, the Director.

IS: Kindly brief us about your firm.

ZERO9 is a multifaceted design firm, creating award-winning experiences for over a decade. Our expertise spans across 4 major quadrants advertising, exhibitions, architecture and interiors for commercial & residential projects. Our restless curiosity translates the client needs to reality keeping sensible and sustainable design as the focus.

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Prashant Chauhan Director July 2019|

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Each of our projects with a unique style has a story to tell.

IS: Brief us about the Founder/CEO, and what was the source of inspiration for your firm to be in the Architectural Solutions Provider segment.

Dynamic and meticulous, Prashant Chauhan is a multifaceted designer. An architect by qualification, Prashant scales beyond the boundaries of architecture to explore other design disciplines. His belief ‘Design is Boundless’ forms the very core of his practice ZERO9, which effortlessly deals with projects in architecture, advertising, interior and exhibition design.

His zest for innovation has won him recognition in the form of national and international design awards, features in reputed publications and a host of repeat clients. From picturesque bungalows to soulful interiors and from hi-tech exhibition spaces to stunning graphic designs, Prashant has a flair for it all.

A strong believer in karma, Prashant enjoys sharing his thoughts with aspiring architects at Rizvi College of Architecture, where he began his quest for lifelong learning. An explorer by nature, Prashant also has a passion for travel, photography and technology. His curiosity towards scriptures and spirituality are largely responsible for his minimal and clutter-free approach to design.

Prashant’s restless energy makes him push boundaries, accept challenges, and live up to his mantra ‘Celebrate Life’.

Life is a story. Life is beautiful. Celebrate Life.

Inspired by life, we intend to generate a sense of opulence in every work we do.

IS: What are the different products and services provided by your firm, setting you apart from your competitors?

National and International recognitions like awards and publications helped us overcome the initial challenges of reaching out to a larger audience.

IS: With the massive advancements in the Architectural industry, what are the opportunities and challenges evolving with it?

Every single day we are being faced with the urbanization of the design community, which on one hand makes design accessible to a larger audience but also posts a challenge of plagiarism.

IS: Share with us your firm’s contribution to its sector in the industry and how it is helping its clients in their business growth.

We are constantly educating our clients on the importance of sustainability and how it can not only contribute towards preserving nature but also making projects more energy friendly and low - maintenance.

This in turn has encouraged a few clients to turn towards sustainable concepts.

IS: How do you motivate creativity and innovation in the workspace while maintaining a healthy work environment?

We are constantly connecting to the outer world rather than be glued to the desk. We encourage our team to visit sites and make observations which ensures their awareness during design stage. Frequent intermediate team trips to factories, showrooms and exhibitions also ensure a good and healthy work culture at ZERO9.

IS: Brief us about the current scenario of Architectural industry and your firm’s future plans.

The current scenario of architecture is very dynamic. A huge awareness towards sustainable architecture is already being promoted and fabulous works have been shaping up in the same direction. We at ZERO9 have clear goals to be contributing towards the good and sustainable architecture.

ZERO9 is a ‘one stop shop’ which ensures that all the needs of a client are taken care under one single roof.

IS: What are the key attributes that helped your firm overcome the challenges that it faced during its establishment?

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Daisaria Associates Contributing to Architecture with a 60 years of legacy

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n architect doesn’t just create a building but creates a piece of history. One look at the architecture of a building gives a lot of information about the time it was built in. The Indian architecture is no exception as it is inspired by and inspires many other styles and most importantly the needs of the changing times. The Architectural Industry is often considered complicated and volatile and has changed a lot over the years. The current situation is driven by the client’s need for one-stop-shop for all their needs. Sensing this requirement for an architectural firm that can deal with the entire project as a one point contact for easy functioning and decision making for the project, Daisaria Associates have pitched in with their world-class services. The firm provides full professional services that include feasibility study, architectural design, interior design, liasoning /tenders and project management. It has also avidly been associated with International & National Architectural Competitions and Public Infrastructure projects.

Handling the Heritage Daisaria Associates was founded in 1960 by Late Valjibhai Daisaria.

Presently, it is led by Ar. Manoj Daisaria with Ar. Karan Daisaria.

Ar. Manoj is a graduate from Rachana Sansad’s Academy of Architecture also holds an LLB degree to support the legal assistance required for liasoning projects in Mumbai. Being one of the active members and past president of 34

PEATA (I) Practicing Engineers Architects and Town-Planners Association, India he has most definitely contributed significantly to the real estate fraternity through his knowledge and expertise in building regulations and guidelines of development in Mumbai. He is the Principal Architect of the firm, and undoubtedly one of the top Liasoning Architects in Mumbai. His avid knowledge of the current regulations of building rules and approvability of projects definitely slots him as one of the reputed Architects in the fraternity.

Ar. Karan, a post-graduate from Columbia University, New York is the Design Head of the firm, and believes with the legacy of 60 years also comes an expectation to do better. His focus has been to make the company diverse in the nature of projects and compliant with today’s technology and needs.

From public infrastructure to private real estate and from international competitions to urban design within Indian contexts, the team has broadened their horizons in every way.

With Daisaria Associates’s intense & knowledgeable internship programs, trustworthy client relations, it is on the way to becoming a one-stop solution for architectural, interior design, and liasoning & project management services.

A One-Stop Solution Daisaria Associates is one of the very few firms across India to have a plethora of services integrated within

its work domain that makes it a one stop solution in the private and public real estate fraternities. It involves residential, townships, malls, I.T. Offices, commercial buildings, schools and residential/commercial interiors. It works with productive teamwork and utmost professionalism to ensure a high level of quality and professional standards both in design and project management. The aim is to ensure quality work and project completion within the budget and time constraint.

With Ar. Manoj Daisaria at its helm, the firm is the leading Liasoning Architect firm in Mumbai wherein it caters to municipal approvals from all governing authorities from MHADA to MCGM. It also delivers Architectural Design, Interior Design, Urban Design and Public Infrastructure and is working on Residential, Commercial, Mixed Use, Townships, Museums & Schools and Project Management Consultancy.

Evolving with Opportunities and Challenges The firm believes that currently, the major opportunity which sometimes is also a challenge is to dive into the pool of the new arena of software that is introduced to aid the architecture sector. Leveraging technology is crucial and it is important that the firm is well updated with the current trends of the market and smoothly integrate the same within the fabric of the firm.

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Ar. Karan Daisaria Design Head

Ar. Manoj Daisaria Principal Architect

“Our firm strives to achieve project and client objectives in order to maintain their competitiveness and high standard” It also believes that with an efficient team, one can overcome most challenges of the real estate market.

That is precisely why the office culture and work environment at Daisaria Associates has always induced innovation and rendered high efficiency. In order to keep the dynamism of design enthusiasm alive in the minds and hearts of its architects and interns, it works on various national and international design/concept-based competitions.

From designing a habitat on the mars to a bazaar in Istanbul, from a floating pavilion to a school on a giant wheel, they have done it all. Design competitions aim at motivating creativity, generating team building and restoring innovation in the minds of the employee family.

Daisaria Associates also has one of the most intern friendly, rigorous and progressive internship programs that started in 2017. Within 2 years it has July 2019|

welcomed interns from over 25 cities & 35 colleges of India, diversifying the studio and opening arms to a platter of different ideas and thought processes.

To quote what Ar. Karan Daisaria believes in “Our studio is synonymous to representing India” Taking Things Forward The past six decades have seen Daisaria Associates complete over 10 crore sq. ft. of construction area across Mumbai and beyond. It has made sure not to restrict itself to one type of domain of work only, and in broadening its horizons by diversifying its scope of involvement in a project. It has made sure that in the sector of private real estate it stands beside its clients in guiding them from the feasibility of the project to the right ticket size of homes and offices to reach optimum profit margins.

becoming all-encompassing by incorporating more services within its domain like legal consultation, Structural Design, MEP Design etc. On the design front, it envisions that within the next 10 years, it shall have some iconic projects in Mumbai and beyond under the brand of Daisaria Associates in the domain of Residential/Commercial Real estate, public infrastructure and Interior Design. To quote the management, “We believe that architecture is an amalgamation of user-based aspirations, sensitive urban methodologies and prospective pedagogues. Our highly equipped staff and architects make sure that client expectations are evolved into project realities.” daisaria.com

Keeping up with the momentum, the firm envisions moving forward and 35

ETERNITY ARCHITECTS™ & INTERIORS Designing a Better Tomorrow

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n today’s era, embracing modernization has been the key to success. Be it any sector or industry, conventional strategies and business model have taken a paradigm shift to acknowledging the rapid advancement in the business world.

One such landscape that has witnessed large-scale growth over the last few years is the Architecture &Interior Designing space. One such prominent player that has contributed to this progression and has successfully cemented its place in the segment is ETERNITY ARCHITECTS™ & INTERIORS.

ETERNITY is a dedicated consortium of architects & designers inspired by the intense desire to create apt design solutions keeping in mind the necessity of its clientele. Conceptualized in 1993, the entity has evolved as a design-oriented organization and with a perfect blend of energy and business acumen acquired over the years. Few of the exquisite services that have driven ETERNITY to stand tall amongst the competitive industry are listed below: • Large scale luxurious residential projects • Farm houses with landscaping & paraphernalia restoration projects • Health clubs • Institutional projects • Corporate projects • Commercial projects • High-end projects with variations in interior style furniture designing and manufacturing

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The Adroit Leader As the Founder, Sanjay Sareen is one such charismatic and inspiring leader who not only dreamt of building a castle but was determined to create a platform that would deliver countless architectural marvels of tomorrow. An alumni of Chandigarh College of Architecture, he completed his B. Arch and had bagged the gold medal in 1990. Additionally, he has also attained a Diploma in interior designing from the prestigious British School of Interiors, London.

His penchant for designing the elements differently and conceptualizing beyond the obvious has been his forte over the years. His expertise in crafting innovative designs perfectly blended with unmatched aesthetic sense has marked his supremacy over other market players.

Managing the planning and designing of the architectural projects, his personality is a distinctive representation of his commitment towards the success of Eternity.

Understanding the importance and having the confidence in his team, Sanjay offers interactive platforms that assist his staff to grow and develop alongside the company and Sanjay. He strongly believes that “aesthetic values and their diverse aesthetic expressions are a reflection of individual architects personal expression, based on designers’ tendency to experiment with form, materials, and ornament to create new aesthetic styles and aesthetic vocabulary and thus his desire to create beautiful and aesthetic spaces was the core of inspiration”.

Mission “Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.”- Frank Gehry Despite challenges and obstacles, Eternity has never drafted away from its passion of achieving ‘better than best’ solutions for its clientele. The company devotes time to understand the physiology and perception of the clients instead of imposing its own pre-defined generic-solutions. By interpreting the needs of the clients to the core, for Eternity every project is unique and holds special relevance in its journey to success.

Encouraging Creativity and Innovation in the Workspace Team Eternity firmly believes that every Studio has its own culture which invariably takes the form of a family.

Sanjay defines Motivation as the state, process, and mechanism concerned with production and thus he is stands as the pillar of motivation for the entire team. He further adds, “It is important for the employees to swing in the direction of the prevailing wind otherwise it will ultimately slowdown in the collaborative process”.

Responsibility, Authority, and Answerability are the three elements that he abides for ensuring a seamless union of design development. His meticulous attention to every minute aspect of design and architecture has helped the team to convert every challenge into opportunities that came their way! Also giving back to the society is of prime importance for Eternity. It always aims to give it back to the society by involving into social July 2019|

projects on other levels as well. Few are listed below: • Ashram (spiritual level) • Up gradation of gardens (Society level) • School in Bareilly (Education on national level) Today’s Marketplace and a Sneak Peak to the Future “Architect should be sensitive to the responsibilities that come with the profession.”- Sanjay Opining to the words above, Eternity has successfully managed to integrate July 2019|

the constant changes in the industry.

Technology and innovations has opened new avenues that were unheard of in the past, however embracing the progress and getting informed is the best way to be a part of the evolution process. Striving to attain aesthetics that derives beauty from pure functionality creating vision of harmonious design and innovating planning, Sanjay has been at the forefront to lead the changes. He further asserts – “We always try to take ETERNITY on next level and so to achieve further, we are collaborating with architects outside India like

‘Italy’ and ‘Sweden’ to understand their design approach and concepts to create something out of the box”.

Determined to set new benchmarks in the industry, Eternity has invested time in researching about the innovative concepts from the global design hubs like Italy, China, Dubai and more. It has incorporated these architectural master pieces and has showcased them at its exclusive showroom at Noida, India. Calling ‘Innovation’ as the new future, Eternity is open to explore new concepts and ideas and implement them to bring the latest in trend to use.

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“Failure is an option here.

If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough.”

–Elon Musk

“It's ne to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.”

–Bill Gates

“Business has only two functions –marketing and innovation.”

–Peter Drucker

“Price is what you pay.

Value is what you get.”

–Warren Buffett

“When you cease to dream you cease to live.”

–Malcolm Forbes

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

“Start where you are.

–Eleanor Roosevelt

Use what you have.

BILLIONAIRE THOUGHTS

Do what you can.”

–Arthur Ashe

Replication of success can only be achieved by emulating the thinking of successful people. With that mindset, this is a collection of some of the finest quotes narrated by renowned iconic personalities. Honoring and acknowledging these personas, om my perspective, I believe -

“Without innovation we would soon be Irrelevant” 38

–Shruti Jambhale, Editor

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Delivering Experience that Counts!

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perfect blend of ‘Kala’ and ‘Aayojan’ i.e. blend of ‘Art’ and ‘Planning’, since 31 years, Kalayojan has set standards of ethics and rationale for design practice.

In the world of competitive architectural practice, the name of Kalayojan stands out prominently.

Today, Kalayojan is one of the leading architectural firms in India offering full services in all disciplines of this field with the promise of the highest degree of quality and best prevalent standards of practice. Presiding over a transition from instinctive design style to nationwide design practice, Kalayojan has now forayed into the global arena.

The Pillars of Support Ar. Sanjay Porwal, the Principal Architect Architect Sanjay Porwal graduated from Sir JJ College of Architecture in 1984. After two years of training with architects Yahya Merchant and Premnath, he did a post-graduate program at the Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI), Mumbai. At the beginning of his professional career, he had the opportunity to work under the guidance of leading Indian architects like Charles Correa, Uttam C.Jain and others. He established his practice within two years after graduation in the name of Kalayojan at Mumbai. His office is now involved in projects of various scales ranging from single 40

residential/ office building to large scale city master plans.

Ar. Pathik Joshi, the Executive Director

personalization in her designs. And an ardent follower of minimalism, her approach to design is environmentally conscious.

More about ‘Kalayojan’

Architect Pathik Joshi graduated from Kamla Raheja Institute for Architecture, Mumbai (K.R.V.I.A).

After graduation, he went to the USA for his masters in Urban Design at the University of Texas at Austin. After working in the USA for some years, he came back to India and joined “Kalayojan, architects and urban designers” as an Executive Director.

His versatile international experience in architecture, master planning, and research has made him an integral part of “Kalayojan”. He now is involved in city master planning, campus designs, Architectural, and Urban Design works at Kalayojan which are located in various parts of India and Africa.

Ar. Abhilasha Porwal Joshi, the Executive Director She has worked on several architectural projects from institutional to Private homes and also high-end interiors which break away from traditional detailing and imagination with a flavor of contemporary materials and technologies. She is known to create a vibrant and interactive environment in the workspace. Being very detail oriented she ensures a high level of

Today, Kalayojan’s name is reckoned for competitive architectural designing and is synonymous with its simultaneous application of logic and play, a deep sense of proportions and an eye for detail in all works. The organization, today, holds a diverse portfolio of projects covering almost all aspects of architecture viz. institutional, residential (private and group housing), commercial, infrastructural, interior, and landscaping.

Kalayojan’s projects are located at Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttaranchal, and other states in India and outside India as well. Though the practice includes residential, commercial, interior and urban design works, it is currently in the realm of public buildings, with the institutional design largely engaging its studios.

Exceptional Utility Since from the inception, Kalayojan has set standards of ethics and rationale for design practice. What distinguishes a Kalayojan building/ interior is its masterly ability to translate July 2019|

Ar. Sanjay Porwal

Ar. Abhilasha Porwal Joshi

Principal Architect

Ar. Pathik Joshi

Executive Director

Executive Director

“Kalayojan have always stayed ahead of the bell curve in terms of the application of technology and being contextually rooted”

contemporary condition of practice into an exciting and sophisticated art of living spaces, the virtual and the real.

Notable Moments Till today, the company has received more than fifty awards and media recognition from the various prestigious felicitators. It was a very proud moment for Kalayojan, when its principal architect, Sanjay Porwal, was conferred the prestigious Commendation Award “Architect of the Year” by J.K.Cement for the

development of 115 acres Visveswaraya Technological University campus at Belagavi in Karnataka. Another such occasion was the prize for “Aesthetics Matching with the Environment” awarded by the Indian Institute of Bridge Engineers to its design for the flyover with an underpass at Shivaji Chowk in Latur.

Been here for quite some time, Time to move ahead.

Seen all the scenes around, Let me see scenes of my dreams ahead.

If I measure the boundaries of ambitions, It’s not possible.

The more I walk towards it, The more it runs ahead.

Promising Future

The same plans, the same buildings, The same rooms which divide people.

Think I must make a house Without walls-n-doors ahead

Here is a short poem written by the principal architect which exemplifies the total ambitions for the future.

-Ar. Sanjay Porwal July 2019|

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Rethinking Design and Urbanity for Creating Eco friendly Sustainable Spaces

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rbanization is a huge challenge particularly in most of our Indian cities which have unauthorized, unplanned and chaotic growth.

The idea of smart cities is currently composed of real estate greed, polluted air, congested roads, haphazard parking, road rage, over crowded housing and so on. The blame game, though enjoyable, will not prevail because we are all responsible to the dismantling of humanity, and we hail from the same source – abiding traditions of indiscipline, chaotic aspirations, constitutional hurdles, professional incompetence, industrial corruption, and tropical apathy.

There is a persistent conflict between habitat and nature, inside and outside, ethics and resources. It is not possible to segregate different constituents of built environment which are all interconnected by a central nervous system and the five senses. Unlike mass produced ‘matchbox’ towers or rubber stamped, faceless apartment blocks, the purpose of architecture is to give a personal touch and an identity to the space. The human relationship is not just physical, but also in terms of psychological and emotional feelings which is completely lost in the constructions in India and perhaps globally. Quite often, in-spite of meeting all the functional requirements, using modern materials and workmanship standards, the urban form is uninspiring, lifeless and devoid of feelings. A designer has to search for the relationship between consciousness and space by creating emotionally responsive spaces.

The compartmentalized view has to be replaced by a holistic and interdisciplinary approach towards creating a smart, sustainable and aesthetically built environment.

The dreams, fantasies and innovations need to be translated into design which responds to human, financial, socio – cultural and environmental contexts. The significance of smart cities lies in the interplay of infinite ideas and limited resources which include sun, air, rainfall, materials, budget and time.

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Unfortunately, the current planning concerns ignore this folly and simply move on to fashionable titles for human settlements in urban areas such as ‘smart’ and ‘sustainable’ cities, etc. We define a ‘Smart City’ as a city which uses information technologies so that its critical infrastructure as well as its public services provided are more interactive and efficient to enable the citizens to be acutely aware of them.

For me, it strikes as a planning aberration because it covertly makes Man the means to let machines grow to acquire unwieldly proportions so that cities become abominations of technological advancements rather than poetic metaphors of human creativity. This tragic loss of staple diet of souls we compulsively create, and then to compensate it, unwittingly produce, at the mischievous diktat of MNCs’ hordes of eccentric entertainments to numb our senses to be pretending to remain sane in safe and sound environment.

With an example of Chandni Chowk, reformation and re-planning done in terms of interconnectivity, intermodality and green breathing public spaces are illustrated under:

Present Day scenario of Chandni Chowk

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The Green Era Old Delhi holds deep rooted heritage that showcases the richness in the socio-economic, cultural and architectural grounds ever since the Mughal Dynasty to the Colonial era.

Chandni Chowk was and still is renowned as one of the largest undying wholesale markets in India.

Prof. Charanjit S Shah Founding Principal

ABOUT THE AUTHOR chaotic roads with no segregation of pedestrains and vehicles Falling in a closed circuit with the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Railway Station, and Chawri Bazaar, Chandni Chowk advocates responsibility, being the crucial area of connectivity to both stagnant and floating population. It has sadly reached a point where the Chowk is abused by human interventions, vehicular congestion, dense floating population, and air, water and noise pollution.

Prof. Charanjit S Shah is the Founding Principal of Creative Group – a leading architecture firm striving to achieve and create living, Breathing Structures that are intelligent and Self-Sustainable. His life coverage in the field of sustainable practice has been recognized by a renowned magazine. He has also been facilitated with CBR Global Transport Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award in Mumbai.

An Architec t by profes sion, and an educationist & academician at heart, Prof.

Charanjit shares his views on Green Architecture saying, “A building should not be treated as a mass of brick and concrete but as a living organism which breathes and embodies with nature.”

Chandni Chowk with important landmarks July 2019|

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Understanding the complexity of urban fabric, surge in population and the unorganized functioning of Chandni Chowk, Creative Group has come up with feasible intermodal transport system with technologically advanced methods. The metro system that connects Chandni Chowk with Kashmiri Gate and Chawri Bazaar runs underground.

The proposed section for underground intermodality in Chandni Chowk

Creating pollution free, open green breathing spaces Additionally, properly furnished pedestrian paths could be laid, which regularize the current pedestrian congestion. There is an important need to consider ease in vehicular movement to relieve the pressure in regards to uncontrolled pollution levels. Unorganized parking practices need to be bifurcated into two parts as passer and stationary vehicles. Buses, cars and two wheelers could be taken further underground, thereby comforting the lungs of the city.

The holistic vision is to establish a cohesive intermodal transport system that connects Chandni Chowk internally and externally underground. The greenery and richness in the character will be reinvigorated by reviving the ‘Town hall’ and other deceasing heritage buildings in and around the Mahatma Gandhi Park.

Skywalks are also considerable methods to improve the internal circulation amongst markets and other stop points.

Reintroduction of Trams, one of the greatest heritages of the ‘Walled City’ which perished decades ago, could nourish the splendor of Delhi. Separate tracks are proposed to be laid along with the pedestrian pathways above the ground level for the trams to run around Chandni Chowk, connecting important nodes. Apart from these proposals, the concept of last mile connectivity with rapid underground intermodality is envisioned to connect destinations in and around Chandni Chowk.

The urban pressure due to population, demand of transits has developed into over layering of cities with flyovers, overhead metro and foot over bridges resulting in over-shadowing the living spaces and creating the most polluted cities in the world.

The directive Principle of our national urban – planning policy should be to ruralize our cities rather than urbanize our villages. This approach would ensure that our centuries – old culture is kept vibrantly alive; Providing Urban facilities in rural fabric should be the concern. Our national trait is rusticity, not sophistication, that remains rooted in our ‘Collective Unconscious’ as a living tradition of humaneness, compassion, camaraderie, and informal lifestyle sustained by undiminishing love of Mother Nature!

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July 2019|

Milind Pai Architects Transforming Spaces, Transforming Lives

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rchitects have come a long way in designing, planning, and overseeing the construction activities to embracing the new-age tech-enabled advancements.

The Architecture industry is evolving at its full pace with respect to the skyrocketing customer demands and urbanization at its peak. The industry is creating various opportunities leading to development of modern software, apps, and products disrupting the business world with its novel capabilities.

In such a dynamic environment, Milind Pai Architects (MPA) is a multi-specialty firm standing tall with a quest to create spaces offering out-ofthe-box experience to its clienteles.

Since inception in 1987, team MPA’s passion for designing unique edifices has helped it to plan, execute, and complete noteworthy projects across various verticals of design from Architecture to Interiors including Hospitality, Corporate office, Retail, Residential, Institutional, and Healthcare Interiors. Embracing techenabled advancements to the core gives the company an extra edge to withstand the complexities of the market.

Committed to feed its growing appetite for design with its exemplary expertise, the company has created its benchmark PAN India. Over these years, MPA’s 46

concrete endeavors have been recognized by various industry stalwarts like Society Interiors, IFJ, etc. The company is dedicated to stay at the forefront of the design world and move forward on its journey with a more innovative approach like never before!

His commitment towards his work can be truly acknowledged by his words, “The spaces we design are a result of in-depth analysis of the client’s needs and the function. Our passion comes from converting these spaces into comprehensive design solutions which blend into the cultural, physical and emotional needs of the occupants.”

The Self-made Professional MPA – A One-of-its-kind Company Ar. Milind Pai is the Founder of MPA. He placed the cornerstones of the company right after completing his graduation from the Sir J.J. College of Architecture. Milind being at the helm, the core purpose of the company since its initial days is to ‘Inspire Creativity’.

He has been instrumental in transforming MPA into a dedicated team of professionals committed to offering comprehensive services in the field of Architecture, Interior Designing, and Project Consultation with utmost design excellence. Milind is highly inspired by the iconic personas Zaha Hadid and Hafeez Contractor, who have defied the time tested prevalent styles and dared to create their niche in the Architecture industry. Talking about his motivation tool he asserts,“We match up to the Best in the Indian and International firms.‘Nature at its indigenously Unique Creativity’ is what inspires me a lot. In nature, we see a flawless balance of design, eco system and the aesthetical beauty in its purest form.”

MPA strives with a zest and a unique philosophy to develop designs that quench the needs of the clientele to its best. Recognizing clients up, close, and personal, the company makes consistent efforts to break the traditional shackles and bring in new-age bolder ideas to the table. Over the years, the company has successfully completed diversified projects across various geographical locations and has been a frontrunner in catering to the psyche of wide strata of clientele. It has efficaciously contributed to the sustainability in this field, boosted research practices, and played a key role in giving back to the society.

Over a span of three decades, the company has worked with various organizations and transformed their overall picture through its comprehensive solutions, thereby enhancing their lifestyle and generating profitable outcomes. Its ethical July 2019|

Milind Pai Founder

“Inspiring Creativity that turns Dreams to Reality”

business practices have made it a preferred brand in its sector.

Recommended by its esteemed client base, MPA has engaged more than 1500 valued customers till date and efficiently contributed in their business growth. Team MPA robustly follows the in-house standards known as the ‘MPA Standards’ These standards give a desired motivation to the workforce and drives their performance to the next level. Besides, the self-motivated designers and the philosophy of continuous innovation add an extra plus to its glory and give it the knacks June 2019|

to complete every project with paramount prominence.

A Futuristic Vision “We aspire to be among the best among the Indian and International firms and this always keeps every team member of MPA, inspired and super motivated,” says the founder.

resulting in more flexible and user-friendly ecosystem.

Acknowledging the growing environment and young minds infused in this field, MPA is devoted to lead and prominently contribute in making the world a better place to live in. It is persistently looking forward to enjoy working in different parameters and develop own language of design.

The smart city revolution has already created a buzz among the design fraternity. The industry is witnessing new technological advancements 47