Architecture is not just a profession, it is an evolving journey of discovery, adaptation, and growth. At Elev8 2025, Architect Hiren Patel takes us on a journey into the design philosophy of Monkey Forest Villa. He explores the architectural elements that contribute to the home’s artistry. He also offers insight into the story of his design process, the process of designing in a forest context, and the relationship between architecture and the environment.
For Architect Hiren Patel, architecture is about experience, emotions, and human connection, more than just visual appeal. He also emphasized that young architects must go beyond Instagram-worthy images and truly engage with physical spaces, touching materials, studying light, and observing how buildings interact with their surroundings.
A pivotal moment in Patel’s career occurred when he met an 89-year-old Pritzker Prize-winning architect, who, despite his old age, maintained a level of curiosity that resembled that of a student. The encounter reaffirmed Architect Hiren Patel, “If you want to be successful in architecture, you must be a student for life.” He urged young architects to continue learning, observing, and questioning. Having a curiosity is what keeps creativity alive and what allows us to innovate.
One of the messages Architect Hiren Patel emphasized was the value of honesty in design. He believes that the best architects are creative and hard-working, but also deeply honest. In a time when clients are more informed than ever, honesty and integrity in architecture are more important than ever. He also discussed how the demand for quality spaces is at an all-time high, meaning it’s the best time for Indian Architects to explore and try new things. With a surface of opportunity, he encouraged young designers to take risks and think out of the box.
Architect Hiren Patel and his adventure transcends conventional architecture. He told us the story of the Monkey Forest, a sustainable, slow-living community spawning from a natural and simple living ethos. From the beginnings of simple a passion project, it grew into something larger after he gambled it with a risk to create spaces the way he wanted to create them.
“To do something real, if you want to create something wildly excellent, you usually have to build it.” By doing development into the process, he had larger authority to make sure the design vision was not compromised, from idea to completion.
Having visited an extensive number of places around the globe, Architect Hiren Patel draws from the experiences he has had in city after city. “From community gardens in Zurich to the philosophy of Auroville, it has become clear to me that architecture is about making life better, more balanced, and promoting getting people together,” he said. This perspective also applies to some of his latest designs by including ideas of sustainability, community living, and slow design, creating spaces that are more than functional, but also promote a way of life.
He ended with an impactful statement: “Think outside of limits. Architecture is not about buildings, it is about experiences that last a lifetime”. Hiren Patel’s career has been one of passion, integrity, and curiosity. He continues to motivate the next generation of architects. Thus, his work is evidence that great design inspires a willingness to keep learning, growing, and pushing your boundaries.
This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]
In this modern luxury home, courtyards spill into living spaces, and the lines between inside and outside dissolve into a seamless whole. This 17,800 sq. ft. bungalow in Anand, by Hiren Patel Architects, blurs the boundaries between landscape, architecture, and interiors, creating a home where nature isn’t just the backdrop but an integral part of […]
Nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range, the Himalayas is our latest project, Ekasham — a private residence refurbishment and redevelopment project, spread across an area of 2177 sqm. The monolithic home, through its volumes, composed of old and new structures, merges into a singular silhouette evoking the presence of a monolith from which […]
Ishaar is rooted in the belief that architecture should not just be seen, but deeply felt. Drawing from brutalist principles and natural tactility, the holiday villa is designed as a sensory retreat, where material, sound, light, and temperature shape the guest’s experience. Set amidst rural farmland, the villa dissolves into its landscape through a choreography […]
“Vishram Vaadi Nu Ghar” means a serene retreat amidst mango and chikoo farms, crafted to reflect the client’s vision in their mother tongue Gujarati. Vishram is a serene ground-touch structure offering breathtaking views of the Purna River and is a thoughtful example of countryside house design. Nestled amidst lush Amba and Chikoo Vaadi, the design […]
This single-story sustainable home in Ezhupunna blends traditional Kerala architecture with tropical, eco-friendly design. Inspired by the “kullakadavu” concept, a central pond encourages family interaction while enhancing the landscape. This Ezhupunna Home is Rooted in Eco-friendly Design | Judson Associates Architects & Interiors Despite being near lakes and beaches, adding a pond improves year-round moisture […]
In the heart of New Anjar, a small town tucked into the arid landscape of Kachchh, Gujarat, sits one of those modest houses designed with a quiet sense of clarity. Built for a Muslim family spanning three generations, the home isn’t trying to make a bold statement from its street-facing façade. Instead, it leans into […]
AME Studio was envisioned as a versatile yet understated architectural expression, reflecting our love for modest and unassuming architecture. AME Studio was envisioned as a versatile yet understated architectural expression, reflecting our love for modest and unassuming studio architecture. The design of AME Studio went beyond fulfilling a set of functional requirements; it was about […]
The house showcases a modern three-story residence exemplifying contemporary architectural design through its clean lines, geometric volumes, and a balanced interplay of materials. The facade skillfully combines textured tile cladding, smooth plaster, and contrasting color blocks in neutral shades of gray, black, and earthy rust, adding visual depth and dynamism. Expansive glass panels framed in […]
House of Silhouettes is located in Navratan, Udaipur. The plot is a corner one facing north and west 60’x40′ with a built-up area of 6500 sq.ft., designed in contemporary modern architecture as an independent house at three levels, including terrace. House of Silhouettes Reflects Contemporary Modern Architecture | Shaunak Singh and Associates This contemporary residence […]