1. What is the inspiration behind your design firm’s name?
When we formed the company, the goal was to create spaces that were social. We wanted to specifically work in a space that fosters community formation. Hospitality design and architecture allowed us to work in that area. When you build things, you breathe life into them and then you hope that the little bit of soul you’ve given it brings hope and joy to those who occupy or pass through it. That’s why the name Spiro Spero which actually comes from the Latin phrase “dum spiro spero” which translates to ‘while I breathe, I hope”.
2. What is that one design book/movie you found inspiring?
I don’t think there’s any one specific thing that’s been a source of inspiration. There have been plenty over the years. Movies by Wes Anderson, Nolan, Guy Ritchie – stylised interestingly with great light direction – they’re always interesting to watch because I love working on things that are dramatic and have a sense of scale. Malcolm Gladwell’s Tipping Point is an excellent book if you want to understand human nature and how society functions. Books by Murakami really stoke my imagination.
3. In what ways does your personality reflect in your designs?
I think integrating nature into all our designs is something you’d find common across quite a few of our projects. However we’ve realised design works in trends – at least client expectations are driven by trends. Either you’re setting the trend and then moving on or you’re following it. We like being part of the former. But the more we work, we’ve realised that ensuring nature works with your space and vice versa is probably the best thing. It is the one thing that keeps growing and changing and evolving – thereby making your space do the same. In the end, your space will always look fresh and new each day.
4. What inspires you in your day-to-day architectural practice?
Being able to wake up everyday and build something that’s just an idea in your head is inspiration enough. We’re lucky because we can see our ideas come to life. From taking what is a bare piece of land and then seeing it transform is exciting and motivating. The moment a project is done we’re already analysing what we could do better. While architecture can be considered a painting that remains the same for ages, interior design is graffiti and you’re working on something that’s going to keep evolving so both those areas excite us.
5. Who is your favourite architect?
There’s several – Closer home B.V Doshi, Geoffrey Bawa, Louis Kahn’s work – I think it’s hard to have a favourite. At least for me it’s impossible. Each of these established architects, if you check their volume of work – there’s so many styles and variations and learnings that have come from a past project they did. You can actually see the changes if you lay out their work chronologically. If you see Vinu Daniels work here in India, again it’s inspiring.
6. Do you have a signature style?
I think we’re very young in this field to have found our own style and voice – for now I think we like exploring different styles and philosophies based on projected usage of the space. Though I think trying to make sure that we strike a balance between nature and our work and merge them seamlessly.
7. The one design philosophy you swear by?
Our motto – firmitas, utilities, venustas : latin for beauty, utility, durability.
8. The one design quote you find timeless?
Everything is designed. Few things are designed well. Brian Reed
9. A hobby that sets you apart?
My obsession with nature
10. A message to those few young practising Architects out there?
Be bold with your designs. It’s ok if they don’t understand it now but they will in the future.
11. Which design blog/page/handle do you follow avidly?
None in particular. My reading is topical and subject oriented.