Ar. Prathamesh Naik and Ar. Anagha Naik, the founders of Triangle Designs shares their innovative approach for designing spaces and their belief in principles of Vastu Shastra.

Triangle Designs is a multifaceted architectural firm founded by Ar. Prathamesh Naik and Ar. Anagha Naik in the city of Mumbai with variety of services including architectural design, interior design and Vastu shastra consultancy.

In this interesting conversation with Ar. Prathamesh and Ar. Anagha Naik they share snippets of their design journey.

What is the story of your passion for architecture?

Both of us share a passion for creativity, driven by an innate desire to cultivate fresh ideas and innovate with the resources at our disposal. Our inspiration stems from the natural and man-made elements that surround us. As we strive to strike a harmonious balance between creativity and practicality in our roles as architects. Our goal is to design spaces that prioritize user needs while also embracing sustainability. This is through thoughtful material choices, upcycling practices, and minimizing waste.

Additionally, We aim to infuse our architecture and interior design projects with the principles of Sthapatya Shastra, drawing upon the rich heritage of Vastushastra. Meanwhile seamlessly integrating contemporary architectural styles. Our approach is to harmonize traditional wisdom with modern design sensibilities, creating spaces that reflect a balanced blend of heritage and innovation.

What pushed you to commence your own architecture studio?

Establishing our own architecture studio, Triangle Designs, has been a dream of ours since our graduation. However, we were committed to gaining valuable experience by working with diverse architectural and development firms before embarking on our entrepreneurial journey. We believe in thoroughly understanding our clients’ needs, tackling design challenges head-on, and showcasing creativity throughout every phase of a construction project to ensure a seamless and fulfilling experience. It’s this recognition of the importance of client satisfaction and creative fulfilment that motivated us to finally start our own studio.

Journey of the Design Process!

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

The design philosophy at Triangle Designs can be briefly described as being extremely creative while designing yet being thoroughly practical at its core. Our Design Concepts are innovative yet contextual and functional in approach. The credence at Triangle Designs is that the spaces and their surroundings designed by us have a direct impact and influence on the comfort and quality of an individual’s life.

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

We strive to foster inclusivity and collaboration by prioritizing our clients’ needs while also being mindful of resource utilization. Balancing these aspects ensures our design process remains client-centered, sustainable, and efficient.

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

We believe in being rational with all our clients since the spaces are designed by us but eventually, they would be occupied by our clients / individuals. Being inclusive and collaborative with clients is the basic Mantra to better understand the client’s vision, needs and requirements.

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

Upholding honesty and ethical principles in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Striving for excellence in craftsmanship and design, ensuring that each project meets high standards of quality and durability.

Sneak peek into the projects you do!

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

We have worked on various architectural and interior design projects. However, The BSF industrial project in Umbergaon, Gujarat, posed a unique challenge due to its combination of industrial facilities and an office building serving as the headquarters. The project’s complexity stemmed from several factors, including the topography and shape of the plot, adherence to standard operational procedures, and the incorporation of contextual and Vaastu Shastra principles into both the architecture and interior design. Balancing these diverse requirements while ensuring functionality and coherence presented a stimulating and demanding task for our team.

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

By conducting thorough research and engaging with end-users, we gain insights into their lifestyles, preferences, and aspirations. This enables us to tailor the design to meet their specific needs and desires, fostering a sense of belonging and ownership. Incorporating elements that reflect the cultural, historical, and contextual identity of the place helps people feel a connection to their surroundings. Whether it’s through local materials, architectural motifs, or cultural references, infusing a sense of identity into the design fosters a deeper emotional bond with the space.

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

We recently completed a small weekend home for a retired couple in Kharepatan, Sindudurg, designed to serve as a peaceful and relaxing retreat for their leisure activities. Situated on a hilly slope amidst natural surroundings, the house offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and river, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. The design focuses on simplicity and creativity, creating a comfortable and inviting space perfectly suited for the couple’s leisure time.

We meticulously planned the layout following the principles of Ancient Indian Vaastu Shastra, ensuring harmony with the surroundings while also incorporating recommended materials, color therapies, and patterns to comply with Vaastu principles. Adhering to these principles presented a challenge, but our dedication to meeting the client’s wishes resulted in a design that seamlessly integrates with both the landscape and their spiritual beliefs.

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

We are committed to crafting spaces that truly resonate with our clients, taking into account not only the internal volumes and layouts but also the external elevations, surrounding landscape, and urban context. Our approach emphasizes simplicity and elegance, ensuring that our designs seamlessly blend with the fabric of their environment. We strive to create memorable experiences for users by stimulating their senses and evoking emotional responses. This may involve incorporating elements of surprise, intrigue, or beauty into the design, leading to moments of discovery and delight that leave a lasting impression.

Beyond Design!

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

Ar. Prathamesh’s keen eye for architecture has led him to explore the realm of architectural photography professionally, culminating in an international photography award for his captivating work in the competition themed “Cities Without Architecture”. His artistic inclinations extend beyond photography, as he indulges in paintings and creating commissioned artworks, which have garnered recognition at various exhibitions across Maharashtra.

On the other hand, Ar. Anagha Naik, a dreamer and visualizer at heart, has flourished in the fields of classical singing and poetry writing. Her talent shines through in her participation in poetry readings shows ( Kavi Sammelans ). Furthermore, she serves as the cornerstone of our team, drawing strength from her expertise as a Vaastu Visharad.

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

As architects, our responsibility extends beyond just designing buildings; it also involves ensuring that the spaces we create serve the needs of the people who will inhabit them. It’s during this professional journey that we realize that when buildings are constructed and people start using those spaces, we become accountable for the experiences they have there. Therefore, to consistently provide clients with exceptional experiences, it’s imperative for an architect to always be actively engaged in their profession.