We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Hardik Shah ("HS").
Hardik Shah is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
Hardik Shah Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Hardik Shah.
Designer Interview of Hardik Shah:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
HS : I just followed my internal drive into this after schooling. I have no such background though.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
HS : After working at various architectural studios across the country, I was faced with an internal struggle—to work as I was, or to realize my own vision of a well-managed architectural practice. I chose the latter, and Studio Lagom came into being. Our practice exists to challenge the Indian architectural landscape that is still quite unorganized, where ‘layers of materials’ have ruled over ‘purity of materials’. We believe in architecture that gives importance to the beauty of each material, by creating the right balance between less and more. We believe in creating form that not only follows function, but creates spaces for lifestyles and cultures. At our studio, caring is the culture. We believe that each building demands care, because each building is unique by way of its users, setting, function, and more. Every process needs to be followed through rigorously, in order to create something that is in harmony with nature. We like to infuse natural elements into spaces. Our process is rooted in eye for detail. Detailing out each element of the plan first, we move to on-site execution. At times, as the site progresses, new perspectives may demand a further round of detailing, which would lead to new solutions. We believe that without this kind of time spent on detail, we cannot do proper justice to the project at hand. Our studio is an ever-evolving space. The seed that was sown in 2011 has now grown from a sapling to a tree. Years of dedicated work, and a nature to curate beautiful art has resulted in a space that is soothing and inspiring at the same time. Ideas can be conceived here easily because the space enables one to think—after all, that is the function. Today, our practice is involved in creating beautiful residences, compelling retail spaces, sustainable furniture, experiential restaurants, inspiring institutional spaces, and more. If you have a vision in mind, and would like to discuss about it, please get in touch . As we struggle through the unknown, we only see the beautiful future that is not less than nature itself, and not more. We are Studio Lagom.
DI: What is "design" for you?
HS : Design for me is a medium to inspire, enhance and create spaces for different lifestyles and cultures. It is an expression, a functional art. An expression that strikes a balance between less and more. And to supplement a living or an activity precisely, every tiniest of the details ranging from door handle, to chair anthropometry, to materials, everything should be thought of. That makes a complete design.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
HS : Public buildings like crematoriums or resorts.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
HS : The Skewed House, Because making of this house to me represents the firming up of several convictions: that each building is unique by way of its users, setting, function, and more; that you will deliver quality if you care enough; that there is no substitute for nature; and that architecture can leverage the innate beauty of every material, by creating the right balance between less and more. It is a tropical luxury house, where the relaxed ambiance accrue to nature and not technology.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
HS : The Skewed house
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
HS : We believe in architecture that gives importance to the beauty of each material, by creating the right balance between less and more. Consequently , we use materials in an exposed format and techniques in their pure method, with minimal cladding only if required. However to state, one of our favourite material palette is exposed concrete , and white plastered walls with black stone - granite or limestone flooring, wooden door and windows, overlaid by wooden furniture and bright coloured soft furnishings. However, we like to explore different materials and techniques like ferro-cement walls, ferro-crete roof, exposed local stone walls, etc.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
HS : In the night , while I am travelling and while I am driving.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
HS : At our studio, caring is the culture. We believe that each building demands care, because each building is unique by way of its users, setting, function, and more. Every process needs to be followed through rigorously, in order to create something that is in harmony with nature. We like to infuse natural elements into spaces. Connection to nature is always the most important aspect, and an inherent focus comes by default. Our process is rooted in eye for detail. Detailing out each element of the plan first, we move to on-site execution. At times, as the site progresses, new perspectives may demand a further round of detailing, which would lead to new solutions. We believe that without this kind of time spent on detail, we cannot do proper justice to the project at hand.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
HS : Designing as a process itself is the most pleasurable aspect of my life. However, it is most exciting when the ideas land on site, i.e. the phase when execution starts or is about to start. It is then, when the real feasibility, minute issues, material, etc. is discovered. It gives me immense pleasure in solving those details, as they teach me something new every time.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
HS : I feel highly obliged to have opportunity and ability of creating spaces for lifestyles and cultures. Creating something that guides somebody's daily routine, and molding people's life towards natural elements, which are often neglected in our fast-paced modern world, feels like bliss. Sense of satisfaction from the client feels like success.
DI: What makes a design successful?
HS : A design can be successful in various aspects. The most important of which is "a satisfied client". As he is the one who is going to use it for life. Along with catering to client's requirements effectively, if a design teaches a client newer perspectives and improvises and simplifies their way of living in terms of use of technology or connections to nature, etc. that marks a project successful. Other aspects vary as per individual design. Being environmentally responsible in terms of materials, or green-scape, etc. or socially responsible in terms of connectivity to surroundings, etc and innovative approaches to such can mark the success of a project in certain ways.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
HS : Functionality and detailing to improve efficiency is something I look forward to in any design. And the inherent aspect of design - aesthetics, always remains. With any number of complications, or any amount of good vision, it is always important for a designer to maintain proportions and aesthetic value.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
HS : Being socially and ecologically responsible is something that should stand at the core of every designer. Designs inspire and influence lifestyles and cultures, and hence, it is highly important to understand the implied responsibility. What we endorse as designers is adpoted as a way of life. It replicates and makes our world a good or bad place to live. Just like us, our designs should not be in isolation. They should live in harmony with the surroundings. Being environment friendly in terms of material usage, reusing of material, incorporating nature in terms of green scape, and bringing in ecological harmony by providing niches that invite birds or animals are some of the environmental responsibilities. Designers produce or reprodue cultures, hence being sensitive to use of artworks and sculptures, establishing appropriate linkages and respecting the context, are some social responsibilities. Also, as a designer one should often work on social cause projects like rural schools, or anything that is in your surroundings , with an aim of improving the quality of life at the lowest level. Design should be determined by sensitivity and not affordability.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
HS : The design field is evolving very exponentially. The parameters of designing has widened enormously in the past decade. Design is not just limited to architecture or fashion anymore. Graphics, miniatures, products, sounds, music, everything is designed with a different level of detail today. Templates have been substituted by newer details and techniques which owes to greater level of customization happening around us. Which means we are becoming highly sensitive towards the uniqueness of individual beings and their aspirations. From furniture, pens, bag to movies and songs, there is stuff available for all kinds of people - modern or traditional, rich or poor, an attempt to cater to everybody is there. Future of design is great if people follow their individual imagination and strive to make it happen.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
HS : Our last exhibition was at Alliance Francis de Delhi in January 2018. It was the annual exhibition of 20 under 35, Design X Design.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
HS : My inspiration is rooted in my beliefs. Being in harmony with nature and surroundings, and creating something which is in harmony with nature is what drives me. Having met certain people with similar perspectives and seeing works of legends like, Bedmar and Shi, Bijoy Jain , Anjaledran, and others inspire me to keep working in this direction. Our studio feeds our creativity. It is an ever-evolving space. The seed that was sown in 2011 has now grown from a sapling to a tree. Years of dedicated work, and a nature to curate beautiful art has resulted in a space that is soothing and inspiring at the same time. Ideas can be conceived here easily because the space enables one to think—after all, that is the function.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
HS : We would never like to be stereotyped into one category. However, if required we would describe our style as modern tropical minimalism. The main characteristics of which are 1. A modern form in terms of geometry 2. Connections to nature 3. Purity of materials i.e. more exposed surfaces, and minimal cladding. 4. A touch of bright colours in form of paintings & soft furnishings that enlivens the space. An essence of life that comes with the presence of nature and colours made us explore this style. And of course Architectue should speak of its time and not be out-dated, therefore being modern is must.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
HS : I live in India. India has survived a turbulent history, and yet retains a sense of originality and cultural identity that is enriched by diverse influences that it has absorbed. Similarly, as Indian architecture goes through this phase of modernism, we are trying both - absorbing the modernism & attempting to retain our culture by developing designs that supplements our way of living with elements like otta ,hichko, courtyards, magnificent pooja spaces, etc. Also by incorporating artworks we try to conserve the diverse arts forms our country possess. Our architectural heritage is rich ranging from courtyard houses of Rajasthan and Kerala, to ornamented wooden houses, ornamented Mughal buildings, and many more. Being in India makes our designs more colourful, detailed and lively.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
HS : Companies or clients should select a good designer by considering their creative talent and efforts. Also, a good designer is not always enough. An appropriate choice according to the kind of task or project is necessary. Hence they need to be clear about the type of design like tropical, contemporary, etc., research on the same and then appoint somebody whose work is in alignment with their inclination.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
HS : Our process is rooted in eye for detail. Detailing out each element of the plan first, we move to on-site execution. At times, as the site progresses, new perspectives may demand a further round of detailing, which would lead to new solutions. We believe that without this kind of time spent on detail, we cannot do proper justice to the project at hand. Every process needs to be followed through rigorously, in order to create something that is in harmony with nature. We like to infuse natural elements into spaces. We believe in creating form that not only follows function, but creates spaces for lifestyles and cultures.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
HS : Chair , Lamps, Wall paintings and murals, Staircase and Indoor Plants.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
HS : Our studio is an ever-evolving space. The seed that was sown in 2011 has now grown from a sapling to a tree. Years of dedicated work, and a nature to curate beautiful art has resulted in a space that is soothing and inspiring at the same time. Ideas can be conceived here easily because the space enables one to think—after all, that is the function. This is where we start our work day - taking care of our studio. A bit of cleaning, gardening and a good morning coffee. After which I list down my day's task, or see if something is already on the list. Check mails and some articles and you are good to go for the day. During a boring day, I often do changes to the studio. There are so many plants and artifacts, additions, subtractions or new permutation combinations of the same, makes our space dynamic and stops it from slipping into the boring category. The studio inspires us.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
HS : Young designers!! I believe i am quite young yet :) However, for freshers, for those who have just stepped in this world, I would like to say, believe in what you do, because design is not business, that you shut down your computer and it is over. It is a part of your life, it is in harmony with you! What you design will reflect your beliefs and life philosophies. A good training under a mentor that provides a clear perspective of life and design and gives you a kick is a must. Rest, keep working hard and stay in the field by constantly updating yourself with what's new but in a limit such that it does not repress your original ideas . Here comes the most important point, while in the process of browsing stuffs around you , there's a thin line between inspiration and plagiarism. Find your own technique to ensure you do not cross the line and join the herds.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
HS : Design makes you more sensitive about things around you and that is the biggest benefit that enriches our life in terms of beliefs, responsibilities, social and environmental awareness, and our lifestyle. Also having opportunity and ability of creating spaces for lifestyles and cultures. Creating something that guides somebody's daily routine, and molding people's life towards natural elements, which are often neglected in our fast-paced modern world, feels like bliss. Negatives are hard to mention. Just that it consumes a lot of your time :D
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
HS : Striking a balance between less and more and infusing natural elements into spaces.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
HS : Drawings are our tools to convey our thoughts. Hence a basic ability to make and read drawings is a must. Rest, sketching, 3Ds etc if improvised, can act as a boon to a designer. Second, an ability to visualize things and spaces, is an important skill. It is developed in people with experience.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
HS : While designing i usually sketch first. Talking about the tools and techniques throughout the process, we use both softwares and conventional methods. We believe certain things are best understood while you make physical mock models, as you realise the whole process, you get more aware about every junction and how it can be solved. At the same time aesthetics, colour, etc are best tested in computer aided renderings, giving it a real like touch and helping us to visualize better. Our process involves working on different mediums in parallel, like sections and model when going side by side, both can be help each other and help us attain a higher level of clarity. We have a huge library, which is referred to every now and then and it inspires us to work in detail for each and every aspect of a design.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
HS : Management is one thing every designer should grasp and learn, otherwise things can be really messy. At our office, various systems like - Daily muster filling helps schedule our tasks for a day, and ensures no upcoming task is missed or forgotten , A detailed list of drawings to be produced, and other working systems, keep us organized, and ensures that we deliver on time.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
HS : This is a very subjective question and would vary as per the specifications of different objects or projects.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
HS : "Is it really possible to make this?" is a question often tossed by my clients and staff members.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
HS : I feel very fortunate to have worked with Mathew and Ghosh Architects during my internship. The journey there, has formed the base of my practice. It helped me realise how a systematic approach to things can help realise dreams better.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
HS : Our clients are different kind of people - businessmen, builders, IAS officers, CA professionals and others.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
HS : Conservation. Because it helps in discovering a lot about the history - past technologies, culture , etc.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
HS : As we struggle through the unknown, we only see the beautiful future that is not less than nature itself, and not more. As we keep giving our best to projects and any other things that come our way.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
HS : We work as a team. And our designs constantly evolve for better. Therefore everyone involved in its process helps make it better at different stages.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
HS : There are various projects going on residences, farm houses, retail outlets, etc. We are exploring many things.
DI: How can people contact you?
HS : Through mail hello@studiolagom.in