India is a land of cultural diversity and what better than its architecture to showcase the same. Indian Architecture is a beautiful amalgamation of architectural styles of the native Indians and the countries it established trade relations with. Its history has been marked by several great rulers and empires, all leaving their footprints in form of architectural wonders.
So, we have forts, monuments, temples, churches, museums and more that are a source of inspiration to art lovers and architects across the globe. Drawing inspiration
from the Indian Architecture, design, crafts & craftsmanship is Jaipur based Vipin Bakiwala Design Studio.
Established by Ar. Vipin Bakiwala in 2006, the company believes that a profound knowledge about our country and its architecture helps in the understanding of traditional design philosophies, patterns and ideologies. “Also, as architects, we must pay regard to the nation’s crafts/craftsmanship, which is rich in history, culture and religion; explore our traditional roots, assess their place in the aesthetic and social life of the country, connect with them, take inspiration and thus create sustainable design and spaces,” explains Ar. Vipin.
VB Design Studio is a team of impassioned architects, designers, artists, artisans, civil and structural engineers. They have worked on an array of projects consisting of residences, restaurants, institutional, manufacturing, retail units, art installations as well as product designing.
In an interview with Insights Success, Ar Vipin Bakiwala shares his company’s vision and other things architectural.
Kindly tell us about the company’s vision and mission.
As architects, it is our duty to induce emotions into space and create an ambiance that brings forth our hidden calm, positive and spiritual side arising optimism and sense of purpose. We take it upon us to expand the brief given by the client and give him a space that is a reflection of his uplifting thoughts, which elevates and improves his living and brings him close to nature.
Living by this vision and by grooming our skills and designs each day we definitely look forward to a brighter tomorrow. As a valuable contribution to society, we wish to work on projects of national heritage, nature conservation and public welfare, and ultimately in the coming 10 years, to be able to create sustainable spaces that can be an inspiration for the entire nation.
How do you nurture growth at the company?
At first, we had a few projects and clients, which grew with time. In these past years, we have cultivated our skills and we’d say that we are still cultivating with every project, and at every stage of it.
Besides, for the last 3 years, we have been conducting a series of interactive sessions called DEPTH (Design Endeavour for Polishing Thoughts), in our studio. DEPTH aims at educating us and our fraternity about Art & Architecture, by inviting architects, artists, painters, poets, sculptors, literature, musicians and designers who share their expertise and life experiences with us, which we pursue into our designs.
What kinds of ‘unique interior’ designing solutions or services are offered by your company at par with the current industry standards?
To be able to create an expressive and essence-full design, we drive all our projects by a concept. Whenever a project comes in, we first try to know the client, his likes/dislikes, grooming, cultural background,
profession and lifestyle. This gives us food for thought to derive the project concept, which is then brought on paper through hand sketches, helping us in uniting with the project and the connected emotions, in its very initial stage. The concept is then materialized through drawings. And as the project grows brick by brick, we all grow with it, in thoughts, knowledge, and performance. And for the sake & regard of this irrefutable growth, we do not work in 3Ds which we believe somewhere reduces each of our growth, abandon us from broadening our imagination and being akin with the building at every stage.
What tool/technique does your company use to deliver the safer, economical, and more artistic interior designs to the customers?
As much as possible, we encourage the use of locally available materials, economical and easy to procure;
sustainable materials; harmless materials, paints and polishes that do not release toxic gases or carry resin substance, as that could severely affect the health of workers and other people during and after the work.
We work closely with noteworthy local artists, craftsmen, and artisans who play a tremendous role in giving the project a significant stature and help augment the interior design artistically.
What would be your advice for the budding startups and entrepreneurs in the industry?
Try to gain profound knowledge about Indian Architecture philosophies, design, crafts & craftsmanship.
Dig into the material details, and understand its touch and feel in depth. Don’t just follow aesthetics but strength and longevity too, as these are the key to sustainable design.
Before working independently, first, gain at least 3-4 years of experience under a senior, working in diverse projects and materials.
Every client has a different perception and an entirely different story, thus understand your client first and then design the space for them.
