1. What is the inspiration behind your design firm’s name?
The firm was named after the ‘line’ where every design process initiates. For us, the feeling of drawing that first line for a project is exhilarating. We are now rebranding the communication name, with the same letters spelling out “Let’s Think Design First” to capture the instant gratification felt when one even thinks of design.
The idea is to think of something very primordial yet very impactful. I think the name “Let’s Think Design First” (LTDF) is pretty much self-explanatory.
2. What is that one design book/movie you found inspiring?
‘Abstract: The Art of Design’ on Netflix is a binge-worthy TV series. The show allows one to step into the minds of the most innovative designers from a variety of disciplines, portraying the simple ways in which design affects our day-to-day lives. My favourite episode is the one featuring the work of Bjarke Ingels (BIG Architects), where he talks about pragmatic utopian architecture.
3. In what ways does your personality reflect in your designs?
I think the versatility and comfort of who I am reflects in what we do, but mostly in how we design. Empathy drives my general outlook in life, which extends to how I matchmake the space, the aesthetics, and the user.
4. What inspires you in your day-to-day architectural practice?
Everything. Noticing is the art; one can find inspiration in anything—from our dreams to a print on a dress or the buckle on a shoe…the personality of a client, or sometimes the logos of a retail client. The most unique inspiration is sometimes the twist we take on something we don’t even know, coming from the subconscious mind. Unless one can be inspired by everything and anything, one can’t create the unimaginable.
5. Who is your favourite architect?
Frank Lloyd Wright, because simplicity is the best kind of design. The best designs are never noticed, they are felt like music—as is Wright’s architecture
6. Do you have a signature style?
Timelessness is a style I believe in. And it can be individual, as style is by definition. Style is about attitude; while I may have my own choices, they cannot be imposed on another.
I would say my signature style is the connection our spaces have with the clients’ choices and the variety we can create within our own portfolio; all of them are timeless. As a designer, the signature I believe in is to be able to have the spaces reflect the client and not me as an individual or even the current trends. Though trends change, people are here to stay in the spaces for longer! So timelessness and bespoke quality is the signature we leave!
7. The one design philosophy you swear by?
I aim to find a specific harmonious symphony of form and function. This philosophy is rooted in Frank Lloyd Wright’s quote, “Form and function are one”. I believe they may not be one but can be synchronized to move along the same curve by design.
8. The one design quote you find timeless?
Creativity is intelligence having fun! It’s apparently by Einstein, but that fact is debated.
9. A hobby that sets you apart?
My love for creation over consumption of social media (which I hopped onto in the pandemic) makes me an avid digital creator. I find it super relaxing to create and edit using various amazing apps.
This led me to channel my ‘design voice’ by creating a digital blog on Instagram (@architectinheels), which is my expression of myself as a designer, using subtle and aspiring graphic learnings.
10. A message to those few young practicing Architects out there?
Stay in love a little longer with design, even if it doesn’t pay as much. It’s a long haul, and if you feel the rush when you find that perfect solution, wait for it…it will be legendary. Also, please leave the profession if it doesn’t excite you to see a site come to life! There’s so much an architect can do applying the design thinking mindset.
Investing in design is a lifestyle choice—and will eventually apply to everything you do. Designing with empathy is one thing that I believe cannot be taken over by AI. Form and function have tangible solutions and expressions, but not the diverse human needs and choices. So…wait for it!
11. Which design blog/page/handle do you follow avidly?
Architecture Digest and Design Pataki are my favourites!