Henge Architects is an architecture and interior design firm situated in three cities namely Salem, Chennai and Bangalore. The firm founded by Darshan Singhania and now working with Vidushi Agarwal Singhani, focuses on functionality and transparency with clients.
In an interesting conversation with Darshan Singhania and Vidushi Agarwal Singhania, he shares about his long-term aspirations.
Hailing from a family with a business background, and inspired by my grandfather and father’s passion towards construction industry, my interest in its bureau had developed at an early age. With the background knowledge as traders of basic construction materials like cement and steel I was now more drawn upon the need. This gave meaning and shape to these products. I chose to pursue an undergraduate study in architecture at School of Architecture and Planning- Anna University, a coveted university in India.
The long-term aspiration is to join my family trade with a professional qualification, which would further reinforce our ideals and seek my self as an individual who can provide better solution as designer and developer. My studies changed the way I perceived and analyzed everything around me. These qualities have had a positive outcome on my personality. The ability to observe things not just as objects but rather as a processed approach to problem solving solution. I have learnt a lot through observation and meeting people of different genres. This was through travel experiences in India and abroad for education. It has also changed my perception towards design and its process.
The concept of revolutionizing the construction practices in our city sparked within me a sense of purpose. Thus motivating me to return to my hometown, a tier 3 city. Despite suggestions to leverage my exposure and foreign education in a metropolitan area or abroad, I was driven by the gratification of realizing our envisioned creations. Early on in our projects, it became evident that our city required professionals like us more than we required its opportunities.
At Henge Architects, we believe that design should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also build trust between our collaborators, clients, and those who inhabit the spaces we design. We understand that architecture is not just about creating buildings, but about creating experiences that connect people to their environment. Our team of highly skilled architects and designers has a passion for innovation and creativity that is reflected in every project we undertake. We also take pride in our ability to bring our clients’ visions to life, no matter how complex or challenging they maybe.
Remaining faithful to the site and maintaining a fresh, uninhibited approach to our brief are the cornerstones that define our conceptualization and design processes. During my early days, my inaugural project presented a formidable challenge with its compact dimensions (14′ x 70′). As the sole representative of the firm at that time, I found myself immersed in a dual role: crafting drawings into the night and assuming the responsibilities of a site overseer by day. The endeavor felt akin to a studio project from my college days, where I introduced a novel concept previously unheard of in my city, one aimed at optimizing space, functionality, and inviting ample natural light. To my astonishment, my initial proposal was embraced, prompting inquiries into its feasibility. This experience underscored the significance of an idea capable of securing a project and reshaping the future of residential design.
I firmly believe in our continuous evolution towards improvement every single day. The multitude of inspirations we glean from industry designers constantly challenges us to reassess our capabilities and strive for excellence. Each day, we embark with a fervent desire to create something novel, something so innovative that it eventually becomes a wellspring of inspiration itself. Our aim is to craft designs that are inherently pure and resonate with a sense of authenticity. However, I acknowledge that this level of refinement comes with time and experience. We have a journey ahead of us, akin to the aging process of fine wine, where our craft will mature and refine over time.
Two core values guide our approach: hard work and humility combined with honesty. We prioritize ensuring that our clients comprehend every detail outlined to transform their project into a dream space. Transparency is paramount—we provide quality material information without imposing our ideas if they don’t align with our clients’ best interests. Instead, we empower them to make informed decisions by presenting a spectrum of options and guiding them towards choices that best suit their needs. Our approach is akin to tailoring solutions precisely around their preferences and requirements.
Each project presents a fresh opportunity to glean new insights and perspectives. However, one particular project stands out for its profound impact—a home designed on a slender plot measuring 16′ x 120′. Here, we endeavoured to seamlessly integrate the preferences of two generations into a harmonious living space. Overcoming the challenge of maximizing natural light and ventilation within the constraints of the site was immensely satisfying, as it aligned perfectly with our core purpose.
In our ongoing pursuit to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, we’ve embraced the use of virtual reality tools and gadgets to enhance our clients’ understanding of their spaces. Leveraging this technology has not only facilitated clearer comprehension but has also instilled a heightened sense of confidence among our clients, subsequently expediting the project timeline.
Our first major project involved designing a bungalow on a 6,000 sqft site. We integrated one of our unique selling points into the design development. However, due to structural feasibility challenges, the project had to change direction, resulting in a more dynamic and unique space. Initially, we proposed a mezzanine floor, but it required a cantilever design with dimensions of 9 ft by 14 ft, suspended from one end. This pushed us to think beyond our current capabilities and enhanced the project’s visual and functional qualities. At this juncture, we also learned to never underestimate or misjudge the potential of a client’s vision and to always assess new possibilities.
Our projects have always aimed to maximize three-dimensional space, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. This approach has helped clients understand that space is not limited to the floor area but also includes the vertical realm, which plays a significant and challenging role in design.
I am more of a social meet-and-greet kind of person. A few healthy conversations with friends and well-wishers act as an energy boost, refreshing my mind and keeping me motivated.
I feel this is one of the best things that has happened to me personally. The skills I’ve developed as an architect have helped me analyse situations, identify their root causes, and find ingenious solutions to improve things around me. Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of listening and now take more time to understand people before imposing my ideals on them.
The first thing that comes to mind is to be as approachable as possible, connecting with many people for personal growth and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
I believe that making efforts to benefit society without seeking fame has a significant positive impact on one’s life. The ability to give selflessly and help others, even in the smallest ways, brings a sense of eternal happiness.
What makes House of Heart stand out isn’t a new gadget or flashy material, it’s the intention. Most homes today want to look perfect; this ultra modern home wants to feel perfect in the way comfort and memory make you feel perfect. This Ultra Modern Home Stands Out For Its Clean Lines And Thoughtful Planning […]
In the monsoon of 2023, our client came to us with a newly purchased 3 bedroom apartment of the recently launched Prestige Hillside Gateway Apartments in Kakkanad, Kerala. Similar to most apartments, this one too had limitations in space in terms of a flexible layout. On our first visit, the main requirement that our client […]
“The designers centered the design around creating a warm and tranquil sanctuary for a young couple, both doctors by profession—a cancer specialist and a dentist.” Their vision is a home that provides a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, offering a perfect retreat to unwind after the demands of their daily work, especially in the emotionally intense […]
In the modern house interior design of this residence, every detail tells a story of creativity and individuality. The contemporary wooden door, features exquisite black glass that adds a touch of drama and allure to the entryway, and a central metal rod accent in the safety door between those arches embraces the perfect blend of […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
In Indian homes with dynamic spaces, identification of standard interior door dimensions can have a positive impact on space optimization. First impressions matter, right? Beyond spaces inside the homes, doors carry long-time impressions through various panel sizes, intricate details, and more. While most of us remember the material and design, we tend to forget the […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
Let’s dive into a brand new topic – sliding wardrobe design, where functionality meets modern style! Whether you want to add a sleek, contemporary touch to your room or an Indo-fusion design aesthetic, sliding wardrobe can make a perfect choice to optimize space. In this post, we’ll delve into the latest trends on sliding wardrobe […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]