1. What is the inspiration behind your design firm’s name?
The inspiration behind our design firm’s name, Ocasa, comes from the Spanish word “casa”, meaning house or home. We chose this name to reflect our focus on creating personalized and intimate living spaces for our clients.
2. What is that one design book/movie you found inspiring?
“The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman. This book is a classic in the field of design and is a must-read for anyone interested in the subject. The book explores the concept of usability and how it relates to design. He argues that good design is all about making products that are easy to use and understand. The principles outlined in the book are applicable to any design discipline, and it’s a great resource for designers, engineers, and anyone involved in the creation of products or services.
3. In what ways does your personality reflect in your designs?
Our team’s personalities are reflected in our designs in different ways. One of our founding partners, Revati Pany’s perfectionism translates into meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of a project is executed flawlessly. Siddhart Sharma, the other founding partner, is all about efficiency and accountability which drive us to deliver projects on time and on budget, while my innovative mindset leads us to think outside the box and explore new design solutions.
4. What inspires you in your day-to-day architectural practice?
We draw inspiration from a variety of sources in our day-to-day practice, such as nature, art, and culture. We also stay up-to-date on industry trends and innovations to ensure that our designs are modern and relevant. We believe it’s important to stay curious and keep learning in order to push the boundaries of what’s possible in architecture. Ultimately, our goal is to create designs that not only meet our clients’ needs and vision, but also resonate with the surrounding environment and community.
5. Who is your favorite architect?
We admire the work of many architects, but if we had to choose a favorite, it would be Frank Lloyd Wright. His unique approach to architecture, emphasizing organic integration with the natural environment and attention to detail, has been a significant influence on our work.
6. Do you have a signature style?
While we don’t have a rigid signature style, we do strive to incorporate a balance of traditionality and subtlety in our designs. We believe that timeless elegance can be achieved through a fusion of classic and contemporary elements. The aim is to create a unique and personalized design that reflects the client’s individuality while ensuring the space’s functionality, beauty, and comfort.
7. The one design philosophy you swear by?
Ocasa Design Studio swears by the design philosophy of creating customized spaces without compromising on aesthetics, comfort, and an underlying sense of class. As founders of the studio, we bring our own fields of expertise and focus on perfecting different aspects of a project. At Ocasa, the focus is on blending traditionality with subtlety to create timeless designs. The team perceives experimentation as an integral part of growth and targets to craft designs that can make the landscape of each city more efficient and delightful. This design philosophy is evident in the studio’s approach to every project, whether it is a residential, commercial, or hospitality space.
8. The one design quote you find timeless?
“Less is more” by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, as it speaks to the idea that sometimes, the most effective designs are the simplest ones. Whether you’re designing a building, a piece of furniture, or a logo, the idea of “less is more” can be a powerful guiding principle.
9. A hobby that sets you apart?
One hobby that sets us apart is our love for handcrafted furniture. We launched a furniture segment specifically to furnish our designs with understated, rustic pieces that have a contemporary edge. This allows us to offer a holistic design experience to our clients, creating a cohesive look and feel in every space.
10. A message to those few young practicing Architects out there?
To young practicing architects out there, we would like to emphasize the importance of passion, perseverance, and patience. Building a successful career in architecture or interior design takes time and effort, but with dedication and a willingness to learn and grow, you can achieve great things.
11. Which design blog/page/handle do you follow avidly?
We follow many design blogs, pages, and handles, but one that we avidly follow is ArchDaily and Architectural Digest. While the former website offers a wide range of articles, news, and projects from around the world, providing valuable insights for our work; the other is a plethora of inspiration when it comes to classy and chic designs.