Ar. Darshan Desai, Ar. Pragnesh Desai and Ar. Sweta Desai, the principal architects of Design Paradigm share their journey into architecture and design.

Design Paradigm is an architectural firm situated in the city of Surat. Founded in the year 2002, the firm carries out projects in architecture and interior design while learning and evolving with every project.

In an exclusive conversation with the principal architects they share their design philosophies and ambitions.

What is the story of your passion for architecture? 

The passion for design and innovation and it’s role in everyday life attracted me towards architecture. The fact that it was the shortest path to influence the environment around me and impact so many lives as an innovator drew me towards it.

What pushed you to commence your own architecture studio?

The quest to have more freedom to implement ideas and have a certain degree of entrepreneurial freedom pushed us to start our own studio.

Journey of Design Process!

Could you write in short about the philosophy you go with when designing a certain project?

Refining, repurposing the functionality of spaces. Reinventing and redefining the usage and perception of materials for the reimagination of the aesthetic attributes of a space.

What is the inspiration behind your concept developments and design ideations?

The inspiration changes from project to project.

With years of learning and practice in architecture, how did you evolve your design language?

Design language is a continuous evolution, it started with influences from the modern masters and later as time and sensibilities change we evolved into our own contemporary chic language which is still in its evolutionary journey.

What values do you prioritize in your life and how do they reflect in your way of work?

Honesty in expression and value for the clients money spent.

Sneak peek into the projects by Design Paradigm

Looking back at all the design projects you’ve worked on, which is the project that has made an impact on you?

Every project in someway impact our journey of design evolution.

Considering the quick paced lifestyle of today, how do you use technology to deal with the project challenges?

Use of 3d software for visualization and calculations and project planning applications for project management and team management.

Could you share the story of a project which has truly challenged you go beyond your conventional style of approach?

The covid situation changed the way we work to a large extent, it taught us to manage projects better and innovate in ways to communicate better through visual means of pictures and videos as opposed to personal visits the we used to do.

How do you think your projects can make a change in the way people perceive built spaces?

In certain projects the impact has been achieved through the use of the right mix of materials while in certain other the use of a space is slightly tweaked through the layout adding a functionality which was conventionally overlooked. In some projects the design of unbuilt spaces influences the built volumes.

Beyond Design!

Apart from architecture, which are other hobbies that inspire you to keep going?

Darshan Desai: Indulges in target shooting as a sport and is a state level player in 10 mtr rifle and 25 mtr rifle events.

Pragnesh Desai : Is a flautist and indulges in playing chess.

Sweta Desai is a keen photography enthusiast and also indulges in traveling.

What impact has the journey of architecture had on you personally?

It has definitely changed the way in which we look at things and also the way we deal with problems. The attitude now is more proactive and that of a problem solver, and at times we see problems where others see none.

Looking ahead in future, what are some of the commitments to yourself to help you grow as an individual?

Use more technology to do repetitive tasks. Work on streamlining processes and play and meditate more often.

Beyond professional achievements, what personal legacy do you hope reaches the masses and can make an impact on their lives?

The understanding that simplicity is the highest form of sophistication and understanding of the complexities behind honest abstraction is what will have the highest impact on lives in the times to come.