- What is the inspiration behind your design firm’s name?
My 25 + years Design Practice was earlier called “Architect Vistasp & Associates” till the Pandemic exposed me to new thinking and the realisation that its mostly the Owner who is the limitation to the growth and scalability of a firm. We are now known as “AVA Design Studio” that conveys, in one stroke, the importance of TEAM WORK and the dilution of the individual. We now are a Team and we all work for the same Parent company and not the individual! Architects Need to learn this at a younger age!
- What is that one design book/movie you found inspiring?
I have always found books 7& you tube videos that showcase the works of three Architects as being most Inspiring; Corbusier, Charles Correa and BV Doshi. These are the three Gods that have mastered the art of simplicity thru the dramatic play of “solids and Voids” in a most simplistic manner that defies the complexities of architecture abroad!
They also are the most relevant to India’s culture, climate and cost concerns in a manner that is still relevant and revered today.
- In what ways does your personality reflect in your designs?
I am a very flexible and open person; flexible to change and Open to ideas! This reflects in my architecture and Interior design work, where I am constantly innovating and seeking newer ways of doing the same things that we architects tend to do. Everyday is a learning process and there is need to rediscover and re-jig in my opinion. The same reflects in the work we do in the studio, where we are constantly trying to evolve and better what we did yesterday.
- What inspires you in your day-to-day architectural practice?
‘New Idea, New Approaches, New Concepts” always encourage and motivate me on an everyday basis; Life is so vast that you can learn and apply new things every other day! So is Architecture and Design: So my best work is always somehow ahead of me; whats done is dusted and its always time to move on and discover a new approach to design to anything and everything! Changes, as they say, is the Only Constant; learning and applying are the only ways forward!
- Who is your favorite architect?
Charles Correa for reasons mentioned earlier: his clarity and simplicity of thought reflects in his work!
- Do you have a signature style?
No; I do not believe in a Signature Style: it is limiting and breeds complacency and lack of thought and energy. There needs to instead be a “Signature Approach” that is fed by Curiosity, Creativity and Cussedness!
- The one design philosophy you swear by?
The feature entry wall as you enter my Studio says: “Every Great Design Begins with a Story”! The Wall inside behind the reception states : “One Life Design a Story Worth Telling“. These two lines sum up my Design Philosophy and recap all that I have been saying: We need to make design contextual to the story of its culture, climate and cost concerns.
- The one design quote you find timeless?
Form Follows Function: is the most eternal Quote for Most of Us Architects!
- A hobby that sets you apart?
Poetry & Writing: I have just written a Book on “Positivity @ The WorkPlace” during the Pandemic and it is available worldwide on Amazon if you type my name.
- A message to those few young practising Architects out there?
The Days of “Starchitects” is Over: We need to be social activists of change and betterment instead; let’s re-calibrate our focus.
- Which design blog/page/handle do you follow avidly?
Many such as Love that Design, DEZEEN, YANKA DESIGN etc.