Q. How has been your journey all along in this industry?
Having seen the world and experienced global architecture, has enabled me to be ahead of my time. I believe every day is a new risk, a new challenge. An Architect is creative who needs to know all aspects like God does. He has to foresee the future and get the same implemented. My journey has been a thrilling one with new designs, new ideas and good projects. I’ve had this “Never Say Die!” attitude and was fortunate enough to create many good buildings. India’s First Revolving Restaurant, Ambassador Hotel, Mumbai; India’s 1st Health Spa & Body Rejuvenation Center, Golden Palm Resorts, Bangalore; First Multiplex-Mall in the country at Citimall, Mumbai; 1st fast-track I.T. Building was designed, executed and handed over in just 8 months from the 1st meeting for Morgan Stanley, USA at Mindspace, Mumbai; 1st Award winning Vasant Valley School, New Delhi; 1st Gold graded & HUDCO Award winner Township for HMEL, Punjab; 1st Platinum Rated School campus, Cygnus World School, Vadodara and many Smart projects.
Q. What are your observations about this profession and your overall experience working across different scale of projects?
Architecture is one of the best professions one can practice. It is perhaps the only profession that enables one to be involved in every aspect of human life. It is one profession which ensures that one thinks ahead of time, since an architect designs what shall last for another 50-70 years or more. Just after passing out of college, I got the opportunity to work on celebrity homes for actors like Dharmendra and thus I started my own practice. What better encouragement would one get than this! I have been a practicing Architect and Interior Designer for more than 50 years, and have designed a wide array of projects viz. Residential and Commercial complexes, IT Parks, Integrated townships, Hotels, Resorts, Malls-Multiplex, High-end Residential homes
Q. Are you open to experiment with different styles? What makes your work unique?
I am always looking forward to experimenting with different styles. Simply Functional and Functionally simple is the design concept I use. A Project can be simple in its design aspects but need to be constructed/planned with all the workings i.e material, Quality, Safety, Smart inputs and more. It’s difficult to work on all functioning yet keep the project simple. I can perform under any circumstances. I have taken up jobs, which other dreaded to even think of attempting and have out-performed in the task; I feel, where there is will there is way and this makes my work unique.
Q. Which was your most challenging and thrilling project! Share with us more details.
Royal Resort, Delhi, NCR was the most thrilling and challenging project for me. The Resort shall be amongst the luxury and charming resorts that sets an deal meeting place for people from across the globe. Set amidst a sprawling 50-acre verdant outfit, this shall be a landmark beyond perception. An amalgamation of fun, luxury and leisure, it shall be a beautiful property.
Some highlights of the project are:
- Luxury Hotel – 7 Star Standards;
- Large Party Lawns – Unique for Promotional & Product launch Events;
- Amphitheater with a seating capacity for more than 10,000 people;
- Multi-level pools, water rides and above all Wave Pool – Artificial Beach;
- Golf course & jogging tracks;
- Luxury & lifestyle shopping, themed shops, handicraft village plus fashion street;
- Equipped with modern and most hi-end technology
Q. Architecturally if you had to change something about the city what would it be? Explain
I would like to see my city clean and green. The first initiative would be to rehab the slums. The towers should be of moderate height and not end up being vertical slums themselves. The authorities should take up such projects and cleanse the city.
Q. Your message to new architects and interior designers.
Architecture is a great but slow profession. You need to be patient, it takes time to show your skills. Architecture is a passion not a business. You can become rich but not a billionaire. An Architect is good only when he can illustrate his work in 3D form. A good design comprises of 3 elements – visual appeal, feel and simply functional. There are numerous opportunities in our country and you should grab each one of them.
