search

TADstories with Ar. Mrugini Pandya | Robust Studio

Ar. Mrugini Pandya, founder of Robust Studio shares her compelling design journey that began from her deep interest towards design.

Robust Studio is based in Vadodara, Gujarat, led by Ar. Mrugini Pandya. Since childhood, she had a bug for design and soon enough it flourished in her professional practice. After finishing her studies in design, she found opportunity to work on elaborate projects and gave her valuable exposure. 

In this following conversation, Mrugini tells us about her exciting journey from studying design to working as a professional. And eventually creating a foundation of belief of not just shaping a space but also providing a lifestyle to the clients and their entire surrounding.

Robust Studio founder and logo

Who is Mrugini Pandya? How did you begin the journey of Robust Studio?

I feel that right from my childhood I had a design bug. Coming from a family who had no relation with this industry, it was difficult to make a space and get my work recognized. After I completed my Bachelor’s in Architecture in 2018 from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, I decided to rejoin the same firm where I did my internship. The biggest advantage was that I got an opportunity to work on complex projects and gain valuable on-site experience right from the start. So in a reasonably short time-span, I gained ample amount of exposure.

Robust studio apartment interiors - living room

I consciously decided then to never turn down any opportunity that came my way, whether it was designing an artwork or creating a single piece of furniture. In late 2019, I felt confident and capable of handling projects independently, which led to my decision to leave my job and embark on the journey of establishing Robust Studio.

Robust studio apartment interiors - corner decor

How did you get your first project and what was it?

I obtained my first project in late 2019, which was a 3-bedroom apartment interior design. Interestingly, soon after I started working on it, the world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. It led to an extended timeline for the project, taking more than a year and a half to complete. However, it gave me a chance to reassess my work and gladly it shaped just how I envisioned it. In addition, it received a great deal of recognition on various social media platforms and even appeared in a magazine.

Robust studio apartment interiors - hall focus wall

When it comes to interiors, there are plenty of choices in materials. What is your design approach and signature style in terms of planning and execution?

I prefer not to adhere to any particular design style, but rather, my approach to design always begins with an in-depth analysis of the project’s nature. Extensive research is a fundamental part of our process, encompassing materials, color palettes, and technological considerations. We explore numerous options before arriving at the most suitable one. If you were to look back, you’d find an abundance of sketches dedicated to individual project elements. This research is instrumental in determining what best suits the specific site.

Check out TADstories with Anusha Arun I Atelier 108, a young and aspiring designer and her journey

Robust studio apartment interiors - bedroom wall decor

As an architect, I firmly believe that any project is incomplete without solving architectural issues. Adequate illumination and a functional layout with smooth circulation are key elements in addressing architectural challenges. Once we understand the project’s functional needs, we then seek to enhance its aesthetic appeal. With a highly skilled, experienced and enthusiastic team by our side, our execution process has become our greatest strength. Together, we strive to bring each project to its fullest potential.

Robust studio apartment interiors - bedroom design

In the past few years, especially after Covid, there has been a rapid change in residential design trends. What is one trend change that you encourage seeing in the field?

Now people know the importance of their surroundings & home has become more important than ever. No matter how small the space is, people understood the need of green pockets and a dedicated space to unwind. Work from home has become the new norm so now it has become a trend to create a space that serve multiple functions, which in my opinion is a great opportunity for any designer to showcase his/her knowledge.

Robust studio apartment interiors - bedroom bedside headboard design
Robust studio apartment interiors - master bedroom

Nowadays there are numerous online platforms to get inspired and get ideas. How do you cater to the client’s requirements regarding your style of design?

I feel blessed to be in the era of social media where my clients know what they want, to some extent so we are not starting without a lead. After completing multiple projects, now my clients are approaching me with an idea of my design approach so I have been blessed with clients who had immense trust in my team and gave a free hand in designing after giving us their requirements.

I firmly believe that a designer is not just shaping a space but also providing a lifestyle to the clients & their entire surrounding.

Robust studio office interiors - entrance passage
Robust studio office interiors - waiting lounge

What are the biggest challenges when it comes to transforming a given space into a masterpiece?

It would be a big lie if any designer would say a budget was not a concern. It always is a topic of concern especially for any young designing firm. Maybe not in the beginning of the project but as it proceeds, the options might get narrowed down and sometimes small but very vital elements like landscape & decorative items get compromised. Second will be the management and communication but that can be easily solved with a great team by your side.

Robust studio office interiors - office cabin

If you had the opportunity to design a dream project, what would it be and why?

That would definitely be any educational building as I strongly believe that the ambiance and the surrounding environment of a space have a profound influence on a person’s perspective and approach to various aspects of life. Also it will be a highly challenging endeavor due to the multifaceted considerations involved like sustainability, adaptability, flexibility for future, technologies, architectural styles and the most important is a social responsibility to create an inspiring learning environment and the list goes on.

Nowadays collaborations are in trend. If you had the opportunity to collaborate with other designers, who would it be and what would you create?

It’s always great to have a fresh perspective from different minds. There are a lot of architects out there doing mind blowing work but right from my college days I am highly influenced by Ma Yansong from MAD architects. His works are futuristic, fluid and fragmented with crazy technologies and unheard materials. It feels like a whole structure has emerged from the earth itself. The learning curve will be straight upwards so it would be an honor to work along with any project anywhere with him.

Robust studio office interiors - main cabin with louvers partition

Our readers are always looking forward to learning from the best. What advice would you give to upcoming designers for startups?

This industry itself is very demanding and competitive, so you have to be master of all. Right from the designing to the management to the marketing. Research of new technologies, new materials, new trends are just as important as gaining new projects. And at the end, It is not just about working hard without knowing what your aim is! You really have to have a goal and surely your work will be recognized sooner or later.

Robust studio office interiors - work cabin
Robust studio office interiors - main cabin table design
Robust studio office interiors - work room with a city skyline view

Inside A Gurgaon Apartment That Grows With Its People | Meronym

In one of Gurgaon’s towering high-rises, a young couple made a conscious decision to reject the uniformity of trends. They didn’t want their home to be manicured; they just wanted to channel themselves into it. The brief for this Gurgaon Apartment was simple and direct – “A home,” they told us. “We don’t want something […]

Read More

A Luxury Home Interior Design In Mumbai Defines Tranquility And Timelessness | Designs by Surbhi Agrawal

This luxury residential interior is located in the heart of Mumbai, which is a harmonious blend of sophistication, comfort, and timeless elegance. Every element within the space has been thoughtfully designed to create an atmosphere of indulgence and tranquility. The design exudes refinement at every turn, from the grand entryway to the intimate spaces, offering […]

Read More

The Concept of Peedhi Is Beautifully Expressed in a Modern Traditional Style | The Blue Paw Studio

Inspired by the profound Indian concept of पीढ़ी (Peedhi), which celebrates the interconnectedness of ancestors, current, and future generations, we designed this residence for a three-generation family in a modern traditional style that thoughtfully blends timeless traditional elements – including moulding frame panels, rich walnut brown finishes, and ornate lamps – with contemporary flourishes, such […]

Read More

This Interior Design For 3 BHK Transforms An Empty Shell Into A Dream Home | The Black Touch

Designing a home from scratch is a challenge and a dream hand in hand — this interior design for 3 BHK was a dream come true. While we first visited this apartment, it was just an empty shell: no furniture, no finishes, just plain walls waiting for a story. With this, the client’s brief was […]

Read More

The Charm of This Home Lies In Its Bold Yet Balanced Eclectic Minimalist Interior Design | Pramāna Design

Ar. Darshit Tejani and Ar. Bhakti Tejani of Pramāna Design have designed this 1700 sqft home in Vile Parle, Mumbai, for a family of four who wanted their home to be a physical extension of their personalities through an eclectic minimalist interior design. The most exciting part of the brief was that no two rooms […]

Read More

Aurum Stands As A Modern Luxurious Home Rooted In Global Influence | Space Karma Design Studio

There are homes, and then there is Aurum – a modern luxurious home where luxury does not announce itself with grandiosity but lingers in the air, murmuring its presence in every fine detail. A vision born in Dubai yet rooted in Ahmedabad, this residence is an ode to refined indulgence, seamlessly blending the modern opulence […]

Read More

This Residence Reflects Scandinavian Modern Interior Design | AKJ DESIGNS

In Ratna Enclave, AKJ DESIGNS crafts a residence where clarity of design meets emotional resonance through a Scandinavian modern interior design approach. This project is a study in balance between clean modernist geometry and the warmth of personalized, memory-infused spaces. This Residence Reflects Scandinavian Modern Interior Design | AKJ DESIGNS Modern and Contemporary Styles The […]

Read More

Traditional Indian House Interior Anchors This Residence in Culture and Comfort | Collective Overlap

Nestled in the heart of Bengaluru, this home is situated in a quiet residential neighbourhood that balances the charm of old-world architecture with modern urban conveniences. The homeowners approached us with a deeply personal brief—to create a traditional Indian house interior that embodies their cherished childhood memories while seamlessly integrating modern comforts. Traditional Indian House […]

Read More

This 2 BHK Home Design In Pune Brings Serenity To a Concrete Jungle | SpacesbySaya

In this 2 BHK home design in Pune, the concept was to bring natural elements into the space, countering the city’s concrete jungle feel. The design centers around creating a harmonious flow, using a Vastu-inspired color palette that promotes balance. Rattan, wood, and floral wallpapers were thoughtfully incorporated to bring nature indoors, offering a serene, […]

Read More

Luxury Minimalist Interior Design Balances Function And Beauty In This Apartment | Hipcouch

In the vibrant and ever-evolving city of Mumbai, where space is a luxury and every square foot counts, finding the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic allure can be a challenge. The urban landscape demands homes that can adapt to the needs of modern families whilst providing a sense of warmth and refuge from the […]

Read More
  • A Lavish Home that Combines Luxury, Greens, and Simplistic Elegance | AH Architects & Maatiscape Architects

    20 Home Improvement Shows That Will Help You Redesign Yours