We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative The Grid Architects ("TGA").
“The use of green ensemble is a way of inspiring our fellow designers and tell them that our passion and creativity can make an ordinary material transform a space. This is our way to integrate sustainable and traditional architecture in the urban lifestyle. Initially one may feel that they have to make extra efforts to design a green building, space or interior but once the practice becomes your belief then it becomes a part of the natural process of designing,” concludes the duo. For us, designing is a spiritual journey
The Grid Architects Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by The Grid Architects.
The Grid Architects Design - Pixel Residential Building
The Grid Architects Design - Farmers Den Office
The Grid Architects Design - Rope Terrace Cafe
Designer Interview of The Grid Architects:
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?
TGA : Snehal was born in a carpenter’s family and always saw small ideas developing into enormous results. When he sees end users happy and enjoying the design and understanding the meaning the feeling had a lasting impression and motivated him to choose this line of profession. Bhadri was always inclined towards art and craft and at a very young age chose this path. For both its not just a profession but its their passion. Snehal is a civil engineer and has also done his Masters in sustainable Architecture form SFIA and Bhadri ( spouse – wife) is an Interior Designer from APIED Gujarat India.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
TGA : “The use of green ensemble is a way of inspiring our fellow designers and tell them that our passion and creativity can make an ordinary material transform a space. This is our way to integrate sustainable and traditional architecture in the urban lifestyle. Initially one may feel that they have to make extra efforts to design a green building, space or interior but once the practice becomes your belief then it becomes a part of the natural process of designing,” concludes the duo. For us, designing is a spiritual journey.
DI: What is "design" for you?
TGA : design is about solving the purpose for which it is designed or sometimes it is aesthetically driven but always contextual.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
TGA : to design contextually and more and more with local material and local craftsmen. Close to nature and timeless.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
TGA : A design which is minimal, and the material used is in its raw and organic form without any cosmetic touch is my favourite e.g.: style of wabi sabi
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
TGA : design layout
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
TGA : Material – all natural and local Technology – as much as possible local technology Platform – Archdaily
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
TGA : I am most creative when I am happy and relaxed.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
TGA : Functionality, proportions, aesthetics, comfort to the end user
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
TGA : Spiritual and calm and sacred.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
TGA : Inner and subtle happiness
DI: What makes a design successful?
TGA : the purpose of the design which is able to achieve the epitome of its comfort for which it is meant to be along with a minimalistic approach.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
TGA : Functionality
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
TGA : We have a great social responsibility as we can convince the society to have sustainable lifestyle and yet make it stylish.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
TGA : The people are becoming more conscious about sustainability and save environment. The future of design is learning from the roots and implementing in today’s technology
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
TGA : we would like to hold it soon by end of 2020
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
TGA : Nature is the mother of all inspiration and we follow our instinct consciously. The concept of a sustainable design benefiting the performance of the architecture.
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?
TGA : Our office/firm follows the philosophy of truth and honesty. The approach of the design philosophy of the firm was sensitivity to the profession chosen and the passion towards it. Our approach is a conscious effort to avoid unnecessary clutter / cosmetic. Anything which is functional is efficient is meaningful and truthful.
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?
TGA : We live in India which has a very rich cultural heritage and a huge history of sustainable designs and paths for architecture. This has a great impact on our design and its processes. There is a tremendous amalgamation of so many mix cultures living together, and we can draw so much from this. The general people are not so aware of hiring a professional designer.
DI: How do you work with companies?
TGA : We work as a consultant designer.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
TGA : The companies should chart out their goal and be transparent about achievable.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
TGA : our designs are founded in simplicity and clarity and create structures that are closely connected to the earth. While we strive towards compelling and dynamic spaces, we do so by combining clarity with quiet and thoughtful innovation; we endeavour to achieve the delicate balance of order and invention followed by integrity in work.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
TGA : Center stable, kitchen, reading lounge chair, reading lamp, work desk.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
TGA : Morning meditation, GYM, drop daughter to school, pack lunch and off to office. 2nd half is site visits and meeting clients and Bhadri goes back home. Snehal comes in a little later and then we all have dinner together with our daughter and talk and share about our day and its anecdotes. Then planning for next day and study a little and engage in a little social media. Then prayer and bedtime.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
TGA : Passion, love, consciousness and consistency and persistence.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
TGA : JUST positives because you can be yourself and realize and fulfil others dreams and see them happy
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
TGA : Simplicity and honesty
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
TGA : To be able to visualize and sketching and the ability to explain and convince your design
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
TGA : Sketching is the first tool. Stationery, pencils, colours, books, I pad.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
TGA : We focus and work extra hours
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
TGA : It depends how long does it take us to be convinced of the concept.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
TGA : How soon can u deliver the design ?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
TGA : The smile and happiness on the client’s face. Wealth is in the relationships.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
TGA : Businessmen, developers, store owners, farmers.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
TGA : to design contextually and more and more with local material and local craftsmen. Close to nature and timeless. A challenge that satisfies and thrills simultaneously.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
TGA : To be able to do more sustainable work. we also have a product design company “Carpenter’s “and we would like to design more products and furniture and take it ahead. Next is doing more meaningful designs.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
TGA : Both of us design as a team and sometimes brainstorming with the extended team in the office too.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
TGA : Animal shelter - This animal welfare centre facility aims to rehabilitate these orphaned and traumatised domestic animals, birds and mammals, and is concerned with the health, safety and psychological wellness of the animals and provides free treatment. To RESCUE, TREAT AND REHABILITATE and create a caring and loving environment. To create public awareness and set an example for the next generation. To sensitise through mutual interaction.
DI: How can people contact you?
TGA : Previous clients suggest, through our social media platforms, email , phone.