1. What is the inspiration behind your design firm’s name?
At CDA, our process is rooted in the core purpose of integrating innovation, adaptability and sustainability to revolutionise healthcare infrastructure in India. Therefore, our approach is centred on patient experience and evidence-based design to create flexible, resilient and empathetic environments.
CDA stands for Creative Designer Architects or:
- C: Creative cohesion of client’s vision with nature
- D: Designing momentous spaces and strategies that are flexible and responsive
- A: Actuating an architectural discourse synonymous with 21st century rationality.
2. What is that one design book/movie you found inspiring?
The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and Senses by Juhani Pallasmaa, wherein he throws light on the zeitgeist of an architecture that is weighed down by a discourse for its own sake, as against a true non-ocular architecture responding to existential human questions.
3. In what ways does your personality reflect in your designs?
I believe that planning with a certain degree of creativity and communication is perhaps something that resonates well in our work. Especially healthcare, which is heavy on medical/spatial/functional planning whilst striving for a balance of creativity and thoughtful ocular communication.
4. What inspires you in your day-to-day architectural practice?
We are inspired by the quest to curate exceedingly efficient spaces, interactive forms and experiences, and impactful built environments. Everything in architecture boils down to these three fundamental pursuits for us. The culmination, when efforts come to life, is immensely gratifying.
5. Who is your favourite architect?
Peter Zumthor: A strong advocate of his connotation of phenomenology in architecture that focuses on evoking feelings through spaces and designs.
6. Do you have a signature style?
Our approach to design is project specific and strategically responsive to the context and client requirements. Each project differs, so we don’t believe in a signature style.
7. The one design philosophy you swear by?
My design philosophy is to create functionally powerful and experientially robust architecture. In other words, it should:
- Institute a culture of inclusion and equity
- Critically analyse and evolve the program to make it functionally interactive, financially viable and resilient for future.
- Evaluate the impact of interior and exterior forms and finishes on users/context.
- Carefully evaluate the impact of the development on the environment and the ecosystem through intensive simulation studies.
Perceive every piece of design as an active device of communication.
8. The one design quote you find timeless?
“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness” – Frank Gehry
9. A hobby that sets you apart?
Continually fuelling curiosity, perhaps.
10. A message to those few young practising Architects out there?
My only recommendation is to look for some meaningful distinction in the work domain. Always look at the larger picture in terms of the positive impacts it could bestow – be it related to the environment, human health, or community welfare.
11. Which design blog/page/handle do you follow avidly?
Healthcare Design Magazine – Website