Ar. Hiren Patel, an architectural icon, who has transformed residential architecture in India with his unique blend of architectural and landscape design.

Ar. Hiren Patel is one of India’s most celebrated architects. He completed his architectural studies in 1983 from CEPT University and that led to the beginning of a legendary journey. Patel founded Hiren Patel Architects in 1989 after completing his intense studies in landscape design.

Excerpts from the interview with Ar. Hiren Patel

Ar. Simran Khare (Co-Editor): Your journey through architecture, from your initial embrace of the field to becoming an icon, must have been incredibly rich with experiences. Could you share some of the key moments throughout this complete journey?

Ar. Hiren Patel: I entered into architecture way back in 1983, after excelling in school. Back then, the choices for careers were mainly limited to being a doctor or engineer; architecture was not very well known. However, with my high marks, I chose architecture being inspired by my brothers who are civil engineers, and my father, a town planner. I remained serious and dedicated throughout my studies, starting my career with challenging real estate projects.

At that time, initially, interior design work was more approachable, so I started working on it seriously, despite it being seen as lesser work. My seriousness paid, and I started gaining respect in this particular field. No one can become an architect, without hard work and experience, just like no one can become a doctor without the knowledge of medicine. I have learned one thing during my 35-year journey: the key to success in architecture is devotion and perseverance.

Ar. Simran Khare (Co-Editor): Having witnessed the transforming design trends in architecture, how do you think the industry has changed since you started your career?

Ar. Hiren Patel: I somehow demarcate two phases in the architecture industry and three in my development. I was quite fortunate to be a citizen of Ahmedabad and study at CEPT, one of the finest colleges. The culture of Ahmedabad, informed by icons like Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn, Charles Correa, and BV Doshi instilled respect for architects and modern architecture and proved to be a very supportive habitat for starting my practice. In the early phase of my career, I witnessed challenges like the earthquake, but rapid growth within the past 15 years of India’s journey brought along new opportunities and complexities through increased materialism and choice.

This era contrasts with the simple, respectful past. My career evolved in three phases. Firstly, I was focusing on interior design. It gave me detailing skills and taught me that “God lives in the details.” I gained useful experience with carpenters and plumbers during this hands-on work. Fifteen years later, I developed an interest in landscape design. I was self-taught, but the fusion of nature with architecture was an exciting exercise, except for the times when it made me feel insecure that I did not have formal qualifications. It’s this humility and learning that keeps me humbly grounded and appreciative of new talent. Thus, my journey reflects a mix of commitment, adaptability, and a passion for learning to build a fulfilling career in architecture.

Ar. Simran Khare (Co-Editor): Your design language, characterized by a zen aura, is evident in most of the projects. I am curious to know what mind space you are in during the design stage of any project.

Ar. Hiren Patel: The happiness of the end user is always on our minds, while we design. It’s not just a question of elements of luxury like Italian marble but a far greater sense of joy and positivity. It’s about the subconscious impact one has on the people who enter the projects. Second is timelessness in architecture, which has been one of our main objectives. We work on projects not only meant to last but to be relevant. This needs to be ceaselessly put into an act of passion, believing in creating uplifting spaces. I consider design to be a spiritual activity. It is not necessarily religious; however, I am deeply in awe of the idea of spirituality. To me, spirituality deals with the simple subject of connecting with nature and learning all the time. Doing so gives a sense of fulfillment and happiness in work.

Ar. Simran Khare (Co-Editor): Landscape has been a major tool used by you for designing iconic residences. Who was that initial source of inspiration for you to turn this realization into a practical design intervention?

Ar. Hiren Patel: My journey has been somewhat like Eklavya’s, with gurus I never met teaching me. I was in Ahmedabad, and, as a landscape artist, the one person who inspired me was Aniket Bhagwat. I never told him, but his influence reached me anyway, indirectly. So one day, his recognition of my work mattered much to me. I am highly inspired by Jeffrey Bawa for his unbelievable grip over landscaping without being a landscaper himself, followed by other greats such as Bill Bensley and Burle Marx after that. I have had several gurus in landscaping, architecture, and interiors at different periods, from whom I learned incessantly through their work and checked mine against their standards. This diverse guidance shaped my approach and helped me find my unique way.

Ar. Simran Khare (Co-Editor): With years of architectural practice, how do you see your work serving the larger needs of the community in the future?

Ar. Hiren Patel: I would like to work on a larger scale, perhaps at the urban or city-level design. I get excited about large-scale projects, like big public or historical buildings, due to their impact.
People like Bimal Patel and firms like HCP, who did projects like Central Vista and the Sabarmati Riverfront, are quite inspiring. Of course, there are several criticisms against these works, but seeing thousands of people use such projects is motivation enough. Even if not perfect, they offer considerable betterment for the city. I seek opportunities to participate in such impactful projects. But government projects necessarily involve bureaucracy, hence the challenge.

I believe in direct engagement with talented architects the way Gujarat Tourism engaged Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador. Governments should actively seek out top architects rather than waiting for applications. Cities such as Paris have convened many of the best architects in the world and made themselves attractive to them. This model shows that great architects should have the space to make work that makes a difference. I get excited about being able to contribute at a city level, to bring something different into these projects.

Ar. Simran Khare (Co-Editor): Your appreciation for art is evident in your architectural projects. Has this passion for art grown alongside your architectural practice, or has it always been an integral part of your creative expression?

Ar. Hiren Patel: I always have a connection with art. As an architect, I went to the extent of putting up original artwork in sample BHK apartments. When builders were not willing to invest in paintings, I borrowed originals from artists, framed them at my expense, and returned them after two years, giving the artists framed paintings for free. Even before I began my architectural course, artist Piraji Sagra was a major influence on me. Through my father, I knew Piraji Sagra and would go to him for guidance in drawing. Later in my career, I became very close to many painters.

I had a good friendship with them; I appreciated their work and learned from them. I enjoy collaborating with an artist named Sharad Patel and incorporating his works into my projects. Naturally, this connection to art only deepened over the years, and soon I started collecting pieces for myself. I have a companion in this journey of artistic appreciation, as my wife is a dentist with a wonderful eye for sculptures. Art Beautifies Architecture with Depth and Positivity; similarly, it is from paintings that I often get my inspiration for architectural work. This way, both become created in a harmony that enhances both fields. It is this mixture of art and architecture that has combined to play a big role in making my life interesting and inspiring.

Ar. Simran Khare (Co-Editor): Many architects have learned and flourished under your guiding umbrella, How do you view their current practices and contributions to the field?

Ar. Hiren Patel: Our office has sort of become an institute of some training and talent nourishment. Most of them who start their careers with us go on to establish their independent practice, whether it’s in our city or elsewhere like Chennai or Chandigarh. Often, they tell me that the time they spent with us, even after 15-20 years, has been a continuing influence on their work. All that makes me very happy and feel blessed.

Seeing among those who have trained with us, the success and maturity to do their work brings immense satisfaction to me. I always encourage maintaining a student mindset: keep working diligently—no rushing for recognition. The urge to get fast fame is full in Social media. But even with this feeling, I am proud that many who have been part of our office remain grounded and focused on meaningful work rather than quick fame. Now, the spirit of persistent and dedicated work is very dear to my heart, and seeing it reflected in all those who have learned and grown from our place is heartening.

Ar. Simran Khare (Co-Editor): Observing the current architectural landscape, are there any emerging practices that you find particularly inspiring? What sets them apart in your eyes?

Ar. Hiren Patel: In Architecture, I would say no one. However, I admire the work of Architect Jean Nouvel and Kengo Kuma, all legends. I look at their work as an inspiration.

Ar. Simran Khare (Co-Editor): With the impeccable career you have had, what is next for Hiren Patel? Where do you see yourself in the upcoming years?

Ar. Hiren Patel: I think I’ll always stay with my commitment to learning and working. And now, at the age of almost 60, I’m quite happy to work with younger architectural firms and do interior projects that maybe they don’t have time for. For example, I often work with Mansi’s firm, which deals with high-rise buildings. I do the lift lobbies and entrances, and Mansi values exposure and learning. I tell Mansi, “I’m learning from you too, seeing how you manage everything at such a young age.” Collaboration and continuous learning are so important to me. It’s not about who’s big or who’s small or who’s the boss; it is all about growing together and learning from everyone.

Ar. Simran Khare (Co-Editor): What would be your piece of advice for listeners and the young practices out there?

Ar. Hiren Patel: I would like to say the young designers and listeners to work hard as there are no shortcuts to this field. Stay grounded and stay away from false recognition. Keep self-evaluating; be a student always. Always seek a professional designer for your architecture and interior needs if you are not an architect. Good architecture and interior design can change your life by turning your living space into a highly livable space that raises the quality of life. Basically, an architect, an interior designer, and a landscape designer are all related professions, and engaging professionals to do their jobs will always bring out the best. Investment in professional design enlivens your life and well-being.

From pursuing an unusual career path to becoming a well-known name in the fraternity, Patel’s journey exemplifies what architecture can bring to life when dedication and perseverance work together. His unique approach towards design and integration of landscape into residential architecture has been able to raise the aesthetic and functional elements of his projects, emphasizing the necessity for holistic design thinking. From these experiences, Patel highlights being grounded, keeping curiosity, and always respecting the craft over fame in the practice of architecture. Patel’s journey reminds us that the greatest achievement in design is accomplished not by any measure of recognition, but by creating spaces that give voice and enhance the lives of people who inhabit them. His values of collaboration and lifelong learning may inspire a new generation of architects to approach the profession with the same devotion and vision.