In this issue of CioLook – "The 7 Influential Leaders in Architect - 2021, let’s embark on a journey of exploring the pathbreaking companies which best architect industry and are upholding innovation, coordination, and cooperation.
In this issue of CioLook – "The 7 Influential Leaders in Architect - 2021, let’s embark on a journey of exploring the pathbreaking companies which best architect industry and are upholding innovation, coordination, and cooperation.
1.
I N D I A
Architecture Today
Modern Architectural
Marvels - An
Overview
July 2021
Architecture Insights
Essentials for
Being an Ideal
Architect
Architecture
is in
some ways
a paradoxical
profession
“
“
Oscar & Ponni
Architects Facilitating Sustainable
Architectural Designs
Ponni Concessao
Architect
Oscar Concessao
Architect
The
Influential
Leaders in
Architect
2021
7
2.
Editor's Note
MAKING YOUR UTOPIA
COME TRUE
Indian architecture has always sparked interest among
architects, connoisseurs, and the beholder in general.
Being magnanimous and intricate, the architecture of
ancient to medieval India fascinated the visitors, rulers,
and invaders of other countries. Indian architecture also
starkly reflects the mark of each ruler, with each creation
representing the era that it came into existence. The
heritage buildings of India are testimony to the fact that
Indian art and design spell quality and strength.
Indian architecture is a pleasant amalgamation of
monuments and modern buildings. Post-independence
and with the exit of the British, India saw a mix of both
modern and traditional architecture to strike a balance
between the needs of growing urbanisation and retaining
the heritage.
With rapid urbanisation there was no stopping for the
developments in architecture. To satiate the needs of a
growing urban population, compact spaces and tall
buildings came into existence. Before one could bat an
eyelid, high rises became the focus of architects, be it
commercial or residential projects. Suddenly, everyone
wanted to live in ultra-modern homes and work in ultra-
modern offices. Air-conditioned offices became the basic
requirement in an all-enclosed office where ventilation
meant AC and light meant electric lamps instead of the
traditional windows, outlets, and natural lights. With
globalization practically percolating every corner of the
world, architecture was also naturally swept by it, and
being world-class became the mantra of each architect.
The changing trends in architecture were sheer
reflections of a developing society. Infrastructure and
landscapes also changed dramatically to accommodate
the demands of urban town planning.
Even as Indian architecture began booming at an
enviable tempo, realisation dawned upon some
architects to have a harmonious balance of nature with
state-of-the-art architecture at par with the global
architecture and sustainability written as clear and loud
as one could see and hear. Architecture today means not
aping the West blindly but simply picking what will suit
the Indian topography and climatic condition, most
importantly, it is all about living close to nature.
Technology is only incorporated where it is essential,
particularly for security purposes. Technology is,
however, used for the construction material and process.
These are the architects who chose to do things
differently, aesthetically, sustainably, and yet established
themselves on the global platform. They are the ones
who are most sought after and are showing the way to
the world.
Contemporary architecture is all about sustainability,
aesthetics, and world-class architecture that includes
minimalistic but multi-utility features. The attempt has
always been the best use of available space where more
room is created. Malls, shopping complexes, and most
commercial establishments, however, are as per the
global tastes. Today, even smart city projects of the
government are focused on retaining natural elements
while providing infrastructure and necessary amenities
for comfortable living.
In our latest edition of CIOLOOK, The 7 Influential Leaders
in Architecture, 2021, we featured architects who chose
not to take the beaten path and proved that
commercialisation does not necessarily mean
compromising on creativity and nature.
Have a great read as each page unfolds interesting ideas
and creations by exceptional architects.
3.
Oscar & Ponni Architects
Studio Symbiosis
Excelize
D Zone Interiors provides personal, modern, and warm designs
to incite a feel good atmosphere to home interiors
Oscar & Ponni Architects specializes in urban design,
architecture, and interior design stressing on green building
norms and sustainable architectural design
Studio Symbiosis is an architectural, master planning, and
interior design studio based in Stuttgart Germany and Delhi
NCR India
Modarch India
Modarch India believes in creating environments that are
contemporary, multi-layered, and sensitive to relative
conditions
With over a decade of experience under its belt, Excelize is a
one-stop-shop for its clients
D Zone Interiors
Brief
Company Name
Amit Gupta
Founding Partner
Pratap Dhopte
Co-Founder
Dinesh Kirve
Interior Designer
Architects
Dr. Oscar G.
Concessao
Dr. Ponni M.
Concessao
Amit Gangal
Principal Architect
Featuring
Creators Architects
BLD Design Studio offers specialized service in architecture,
interior design, elevation, and landscape design
Creators Architects is a brand that has not only created stunning
buildings but has delivered award-winning innovative
architectural 'landmarks' in a wide array of industries
BLD Design Studio
Utssav Gupta
Partner/ CEO
Ramesh Thamilmani
Chief Architect/
Interior Designer
7.
Ponni Concessao
Architect
Oscar Concessao
Architect
8.
Oscar & Ponni
Architects
Facilitating Sustainable
Architectural Designs
Running an architecture practice
is not a sprint, and it takes years
and countless hours of dedication
and careful planning to create
a business that can weather crises
and grow sustainably
Influential Leaders
Architect 2021
9.
C
ovid-19 has fast-tracked
changes in the architecture
and construction industry,
bringing in its wake an emphasis to
safety and wellness. There has been
a paradigm shift across industries
and the construction industry can
take the lead in re-strategizing,
upskilling, and investing to reshape
the industry.
Companies, with investments in
digital capabilities, saw great
success with remote working
policies, and considering the global
environment, this is expected to
continue at least till 2021. The
impact of the lockdown on office
spaces, has been rather restricted,
and comprises only a portion of the
firm's overheads.
However, this unprecedented time
has somehow prompted firms to go
back to their drawing board, to re-
strategize their approach of the
conventional workplace. Firms that
are flexible enough to reinvent
themselves and conceive out-of-
the-box solutions to stay connected
with their target audience, will be
the successful ones in the post-
Covid era. Invisible presence of
technology in the structures
developed is another trend that is
winning attention everywhere.
The Covid-19 pandemic has hit
architectural firms hard, and what
lies ahead for the industry and
potential recession is impacting this
industry and how we can shield
ourselves from this worst economic
outcome is a real challenge. “At
Oscar & Ponni Architects like most
design studios, we followed the
instructions from our government to
shut our sites as well as our offices and
operate remotely with all the
technology at our disposal,” says
Ponni Concessao and Oscar
Concessao, Architects.
10.
Oscar & Ponni Architects'
approach to architecture,
interiors and urban design studio
imbued based in logic, beauty,
and humanism, with a spirit
of idealism and innovation
11.
The Dynamic Duo
The duo has experienced project
delays as a result of the pandemic,
while at least 50% projects were
impacted by site closures. There
have been reduced cash flows as
well as increased business costs and
unrecoverable outlays. For
practicing architects, this has
proven to be a tremendous
challenge. The Covid-19 pandemic
has changed everything for the
global populace. Its impact has
forced people in every industry to
flex and evolve, in real-time and with
lasting effects that will endure in the
long-term. “The very ways in which we
live, work, learn, and even play have
transformed dramatically during the
days of the crisis. In many ways, the
changes are here to stay,” shares
Oscar.
Oscar & Ponni Architects is husband
and wife partnership firm
specializing in Urban design,
Architecture and Interior Design
stressing on Green Building norms
and sustainable architectural design.
“Our project typologies include
institutional, hotels and resorts, IT
parks, government building complexes,
museums, 100 acres plus housing
projects, luxury homes and all types of
commercial projects,” describes the
duo.
They have also been involved in the
Indian government's Pradhan
Mantri Awas Yojana project and
built mid-day meal centers, toilets
for underprivileged girl students as
well as schools for leprosy afflicted
patients' children as part of their
corporate responsibility and charity
works. Their architectural
entrepreneurship was encouraged
by both Indian corporate and
government agencies. “Our footprint
of projects is in over 100 different
locations of India and abroad. We are
proud winners of over 140
international, national, state and local
awards,” shares Oscar and Ponni.
12.
A Differentiated Approach
“Our architectural journey has been
relentlessly optimistic and exhilarating,
one which has embraced both the
possibilities and challenges of
international practice in the 21st
century,” states the duo. Their USA
academics and work experience
really gave them confidence to work
on large scale projects in India. One
thing that sets the duo apart is that
they do not fish in the same pond as
their competitors.
Specialized overseas education and
international work experience
which set them apart few years ago
is no longer enough. “Surviving,
thriving, in this very creative
competitive field depends on your
ability to serve your customers in a
way that is unique, authentic and
memorable. However, you can't do that
if your architectural firm isn't firing on
all cylinders,” suggests Ponni.
Originally, they chose architecture
because it is a very creative
profession. As time progressed, the
duo began to be intrigued by how
buildings could affect the way we
live, our mood and behaviour.
People spend most of their lives in
buildings and through architecture
one can influence the way people
live their lives for the better.
“With the above-mentioned
philosophy, we draw inspiration from
nature, my client's brief, site conditions
as well as contextual factors,” claims
Oscar and Ponni. They both strongly
believe in technologically allied
design and combine it with elements
of the Indian heritage, contextual
architecture, culture, sustainability,
and materiality.
Bringing in new work while handling
the daily ins and outs of running a
company requires a combination of
talent, skill, team effort, a great
business plan and smart
organization. Particularly in the
moments that call for scaling up, it
becomes apparent that architecture
is an industry in which technical
knowledge, management, and
business understanding are as
important as good design.
“We are also looking at Growth in new
territories and to penetrate new
markets and globalization and serve
new clients better by being more
diversified geographically or offering
more services and in different sectors
or building typologies,” shares Oscar.
“It's time for architecture to be
inspirational and broaden its mission in
an increasingly urbanized world,”
concludes Ponni.
13.
Our practice
is research-oriented
and forward thinking,
drawing upon a depth
of experience to solve
contemporary building
challenges in imaginative
and unexpected ways
and a patient search
to discover the art inside
14.
I did my schooling at the St Aloysius
Institutions in Mangalore a coastal western
town and was very much inspired by the
local Portuguese and Mangalore tile
architecture, was interested in building
miniature models, carpentry at our school
workshops, and I also had a fascination in
the sciences – architecture is a good mix of
all three. After my Pre-University exams I
got selected to the B. Arch degree program
at the National Institute of Technology,
Tiruchirappalli and then my Master's in
Architecture on a research scholarship in
Urban Design at the University of Oklahoma
at Norman and specialization in Advanced
Design Studies at the Harvard University.
During my master’s program in the USA, I
also took part in my first International van
Allen Fellowship Design competition to
design a University in Africa, which I won at
a very young age of 23.
That motivated me to be very competitive
and then I moved to New York City to work
with marquee design firms and gained
international experience on working on
projects in different cities around the world,
before moving to Chennai to set up the firm
Oscar & Ponni Architects, Chennai.
Oscar Concessao’s Journey
15.
I have always had a combined interest in
art and engineering right from my student
days in Church Park Convent, Chennai. As
my father was an IRSE officer, a structural
engineer in the Indian Railways, who built
bridges, tunnels, buildings, etc and I had a
phenomenal exposure to buildings early in
life. I often accompanied him to his sites
pan India which was an exciting experience
for me.
After my Plus 2 board exams I got selected
into the B. Arch degree program at the
prestigious National Institute of Technology
in Tiruchirapalli and was the first girl
student of the campus amongst hundreds
of male students. I pursued post graduate
studies on a research scholarship in Design
at Cornell University and specialization in
Advanced Design studies at Harvard
University, USA.
In the Summer of 1988, I got the fellowship
from Yonkers Planning Department, New
York, USA, and National Trust of Historic
Preservation, Washington D.C., USA. I had
the privilege of working directly with
Architect Edward Larrabee Barnes in New
York, USA and got a fantastic insight into
international architecture which spurred
me to return to India and be a nation
builder.
At Oscar & Ponni Architects, I spearhead
projects right from inception which involves
absorbing the brief from the client, visiting
sites that influences concept generation,
and design presentation that leads onto
design development and ultimately
monitor the building built under a specific
timeframe. My professional work
experience in India has spanned more than
two decades and we have built projects all
over the country as well as abroad in more
than 100 locations in India and abroad.
Ponni Concessao’s Diary
16.
Subscribe to CIOLOOKINDIA
Get CIOLOOKINDIA Magazine in print, and
digital on www.ciolookindia.com
I N D I A
JANUARY 1
202
VIRTUAL
PEBBLES
The Trendsetters in Digital Marketing
5
RECOMMENDED
Digital
Marketing
COMPANIES
DIGITAL MARKETING
VS TRADITIONAL
MARKETING – WHICH
ONE IS THE WINNER?
MARKETING INSIGHTS
DYNAMICS OF
INDIAN DIGITAL
MARKETING SPACE
MARKETING DYNAMICS
Tarun Gurwara
Founder
BEST OF
THE
I N D I A
17.
L
iving in the 21st century and
looking at thousands of different
architectures that are centuries
old is simply mesmerising. We notice
differences and similarities in those
monuments as they have evolved. We
enjoy their beauty and try to
understand its connection with the
purpose of its creation.
Have you ever tried to imagine how
such huge and glorious sites were
constructed in those old times? Do
you feel the curiosity to know how it
was made and who made them?
Every architecture is unique. There
are more than 30 types of
architecture from ancient times till
the late medieval time in India itself.
But what were the challenges faced by
its creators?
What kind of training and experience
did the engineers of those days had
who contributed to such exquisite
buildings that are still standing
proudly?
This article will focus upon the
technology that has helped the
architects to realise their imagination.
And shed some light on
the innovations in
technologies that have played key role
in architectural evolution.
July 2021 |22 | www.ciolookindia.com
18.
-an overview
Architectural Marvels
For centuries, people have believed in
the theory of heaven and hell. Heaven
is above in the sky, where the gods live
and hell below the earth’s surface.
In history, we have read about many
kings who claimed to be the
secondary to the gods. They used to
build tall architecture to feel closer to
their gods.
The tallest minaret in the world is 210
metres - Hassan II Mosque standing
on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, in
Morocco. Construction of this mosque
took five years and six thousand
workers contributed to it.
The key feature of this mosque is that
all its structures are made of concrete
cement. Its builder, King Hassan, said
that he wanted to build this mosque
on water because he believed that
God’s throne was on water.
But that is not all, the architecture
building capacity of the kingdom
displays its economic strength and
technical accomplishments in matter
of construction.
And this theory of building great
structures is applicable even today, as
it showcases the economic strength
and power of the country.
Today, we can witness a game of ‘one-
upping’ between some of the tallest
architectural developments around
the world like: After the great pyramid
of Giza, it was Eiffel Tower- France;
Empire state building - New York;
Petronas tower - Kuala Lumpur, Taipei
– Taiwan; World Trade Centre - New
York; Willis Tower – Chicago; CN
Tower - Toronto KVLY-TV Mast –
Blanchard; Warsaw Radio Mast –
Gabin, and now it is Burj Khalifa -
Dubai.
One by one, all of them had succeeded
each other in breaking the world
record and in becoming the world’s
tallest building.
These constructions require
technology, manpower, top architects
and humongous funding.
Construction of Burj Khalifa – The
technology used was Buttressed Core
System – the high-performance
concrete wall. This design makes the
building strong enough to stand stiff
against the wind force and the related
effects.
More than 12000 workers worked
hard for its construction.
Its head architect was Adrian D.
Smith.
Funding for this project was
supported by the ruler of Abu
Dhabi, Khalifa bin Zayed Al
Nahyan when Dubai borrowed billions
of dollars for its project’s
construction, Abu Dhabi and the
federal government of UAE lent Dubai
tens of billions of US dollars so that
Dubai could pay its debts.
Another most awaited project is
located on the north side
of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Jeddah
Tower, which is planned to be the
world's first 1 km high building.
The leader of this grand project is the
Saudi Arabian prince Al-Waleed bin
Talal.
Its design is created by the American
architect Adrian Smith, who also
designed the Burj Khalifa.
Architecture Today
July 2021 |23 | www.ciolookindia.com
19.
So, what are the ‘key factors’ that
gave birth to the next level of great
heights in human history?
The architects, who plan the
skyscraper are the key persons in the
projects. And one first nest from
where the world class architects come
from is - The Chicago school of
architecture – developed a spatial
aesthetic approach that has
influenced the parallel development in
Europe's architectural evolution.
It also promoted new technologies of
steel frame construction in the
commercial buildings also known as
commercial style of Chicago School.
The term ‘Skyscraper’ became very
common with these schools, which
means a tall habitable building with
multiple floors, steel framework, and
which supports the curtain walls.
Steel, key ingredients that support tall
buildings. Excess amount of steel is
required to build skyscraper. But how,
from where this much of steel is being
arranged?
Its the Bessemer process, named
after Sir Henry Bessemer of England.
(It removes
impurities by oxidation from the iron,
with air being blown through the
molten iron.)
Sir henry discovered the first method
of steel mass production, in 1856.
So, what technologies made this
construction possible? What are the
new inventions that played a key role
in the birth of this skyscraper?
Buildings higher than 200m are
sensitive to wind-induced vibration.
The special quality of skyscrapers is
their stiffness, resistance towards
resonance with the wind and
oscillatory swaying.
Some of the latest technological
developments in geometrical
forms, sustainability, advanced
materials, structural system, and
damping systems are the reason that
play a key role in the construction of a
skyscraper.
Some of the best examples of those
developments are -
Diagrid system is used in the
construction of buildings and roofs. It
‘eliminates the need for columns’ and
can be used to make large column-free
expanses of the roofing. It is a
framework of diagonally intersecting
metal and concrete.
The best examples are the
construction of Swiss Re - London, UK
and Capital Gate Tower - Abu Dhabi,
UAE.
Such tall buildings also stand against
the danger of vibrations, caused by
calamities, for which Advanced
Vibration Damping Systems is
developed for safety reasons against
earthquakes.
It is a system that reduces the
vibration level to avoid the shaking of
the entire building.
The best example of this technology is
in Japan, the most active seismic zone
in the world, which is also in the top
three on the list of countries for
having skyscrapers, like the ‘Tokyo
Skytree’.
Earlier, steel was the key element in
the creation of Skyscrapers. Now,
concrete technology has developed
‘mixed steel-concrete technology’. It is
the main material used for
skyscrapers.
In the past few years, concrete
properties have been modified,
resulting in a significant improvement
in its strength. Now it enables the
construction work at both very high
and very low temperatures.
The concrete used in Burj Khalifa or
Jeddah tower, was Self-consolidating
concrete (SCC) and very high strength
concrete (VHSC), the latest developed
concrete. It also allows diversification
in the construction of the forms and
shapes of the buildings.
The secret behind Tokyo Sky-tree (the
highest free-standing tower, 634 m) is
the Developed Steel Material –
Thermo-Mechanical Control Process
(TMCP), technology that makes high
strength steel.
This is the reason why the
construction of the Tokyo Sky-tree
was possible in Japan despite its
unfavourable geographical location.
But what about the wind pressure and
temperature, that these buildings face
at such height?
This problem is solved by the
development of Low-E glass. It helps
to reflect long-wave radiation and
minimizes its transmission. It can take
extreme wind load and temperature
differences.
There are various qualities of glass
that are used according to the
geographic location and the need of
the skyscraper.
Such combination of ingredients like, a
leader with the reasons and ability to
sponsor the construction of
skyscrapers, the invention of
technologies that gives builders the
ability to build, and the skilled
architects who can build them are the
reasons that has given the next level
of high in the history of humankind
that we are witnessing.
- Nidhi Arya
July 2021 |24 | www.ciolookindia.com
20.
Utssav
Gupta
Innovative Virtuoso Architect
Transforming Vision into Reality
Partner and CEO
arketing and business
Mexpert, Steven Jeffes
once said - Innovation is
the unrelenting drive to break the
status quo and develop anew
where few have dared to go.
Nothing could be truer for
Utssav Gupta, partner, and CEO
of Creators Architects who has
rewritten the way innovative and
strategic design can be used to
create mindful architecture. This
kind of architecture focuses on
sustainability of the project right
from the conceptualisation till
the completion rather than just
as an afterthought.
Utssav is renowned in the field of
architecture for his ‘Diagnostic
Innovation’ and holistic
approach. Passionate for
At Creators Architects,
we don’t see our work
just as design but as a
way of crafting client’s
vision into reality. When
the solutions we design
give a creative edge to
our clients and help them
disrupt their space, we
take it as an
achievement.
“
“
July 2021 |26 | www.ciolookindia.com
22.
architecture and driven by the impact of
innovation, the company works on strategic
designs that enhance their clients’ business cases
in every solution it offers.
As an innovation expert and strategic thinker,
Utssav does not believe in limiting innovation only
to the aesthetics of architecture. He finds that a
very limiting way to define it and does not
extrapolate what innovation can truly do for
humans.
In his book Rebound, Utssav talks about the
relationship between business and ‘Diagnostic
Innovation’ for a successful outcome.
His approach of going beyond the ordinary and
sowing innovative ways into client solutions has
transformed his clients’ vision into reality. “To
create architecture as a tool for transformation, is our
pursuit,” says Utssav.
Nurturing Passion to Profession
Born and raised in a family of architects, Utssav
was exposed to the field of architecture from a
young age and was fascinated with it. “As both my
parents were architects, our family atmosphere and
dining table conversations were naturally built around
everything related to this way of life.” shares Utssav.
Pursuing his passion, he studied architecture in
Delhi and completed his post-graduation from the
United Kingdom.
Utssav says, “I feel included and driven by this
profession. I constantly look for newness, problem-
solving approaches, and trends to understand
changing demands for the architecture to respond
towards.” His words express his passion for
architecture that encourages him to return to
work with the same zeal every day.
Leading with the Science of Innovation
After completing his post-graduation, Utssav
forayed into the architecture space as a
professional and has been diligently leading
Creators Architects by blending technology and
art. As an ambitious and visionary leader, Utssav
brings innovation as a science to the table.
His framework of ‘Diagnostic Innovation’ helps the
company to incorporate a holistic approach and
creative ways to the architectural processes and in
understanding business case of the client. The
company’s emphasis on holistic innovation to
understand the client’s pain point and think
beyond aesthetic architecture has helped
Creators Architects stand out from their
competitors.
The Genesis of Creators Architects
Founded by late Mr. Rajiv Gupta and Mrs. Mukta
Gupta in 1986, Creators Architects has always
focused on delivering an experience with honesty
to the clients. Over the years the company has
evolved as the customer-centric service provider
in the architectural field by emphasising on in-
depth understanding, avoiding preconceived
notions, and rigour in work.
From the start, precise work and clear
communication have been the bedrock of the
company's success. “As most of our projects were
out-of-station, my parents made sure that the whole
design be conceptualised and clearly communicated
with the clients and teams at remote sites,” Utssav
explains.
Utssav further shares the company’s expansion in
several fields. Over the years, Creators Architects
has experienced organic growth in several sectors
from the private sector to the public sector and in
the field of education.
As a second-generation architect, Utssav shares
his gratitude towards the team at the firm. “Most of
the team members have been with us for years. I can
remember having seen some of them around since I
was 10 years old,” he says, “When I joined the firm,
earning respect from such senior associates mattered
to me.”
July 2021 |28 | www.ciolookindia.com
23.
The 7 Influential Leaders in Architect - 2021
Utssav further shares that the experienced
associates collaborating with fresh talent bringing
new technology to the table, have helped the firm
to grow. The team’s contribution and collaboration
towards delivering quality work in time have
helped the firm complete 35 successful years,
catering to an array of sectors today.
Crafting Client’s Vision into Reality
Creators Architects has thrived on delivering high-
quality work since it was founded and led by
Ambitious Architects. Following the customer-
centric philosophy, the company has always
sought to better understand and build solutions
around customers’ needs. This zeal of delivering
quality and constantly bringing freshness to the
work has built the foundation for a sizable
portfolio of one-of-a-kind projects that the firm
holds.
Over the last decade, technological revolutions
and new business models have changed the needs
of clients in every industry, talking about which
Utssav says, “At Creators Architects, we enjoy picking
up such challenges, which require out-of-the-box
solutions and innovate for new typologies.”
July 2021 |29 | www.ciolookindia.com
24.
The work culture with holistic
innovation, the team’s efforts to
go beyond conventional means
and methods to create
architecture that fulfils the
client’s dreams and solves their
pain points have given a strong
edge to Creators Architects in
today’s market.
“At Creators Architects, we don’t
see our work just as design but as a
way of crafting client’s vision into
reality. When the solutions we
design give a creative edge to our
clients and help them disrupt their
space, we take it as an
achievement,” shares Utssav.
Facing the Pandemic with
Technology and Innovation
Over the years, the company has
been a pioneer in incorporating
technology to streamline
processes and improve business
operations. The company has
long been a proponent of cloud
computing for the efficient
management of business
processes. Thus, when the
lockdown was enforced in India
due to COVID-19, the entire
Creators Architects team was
able to work from home.
However, design is a subject
requiring high degree of
interpersonal communication,
which had to be entirely replaced
by Zoom and Google meets.
Utssav shares how the company
managed to tackle that challenge
as well, “Our team has always
shared tight-knit bond at the
workplace. The culture is very
DTU Raj Soin Hall, New Delhi
World Heartfulness Centre, Hyderabad
It is our objective for architecture to serve as
a tool of transformation for the people,
communities and businesses. As a practice,
we have had a keen eye towards emerging
needs that we believe architecture must
respond towards including climate change
and human empathy.
“
“
July 2021 |30 | www.ciolookindia.com
25.
Central Park, Guwahati
Apex Hospital, Jaipur
BM Cambridge School, Surat Integrated Election Complex, New Delhi
July 2021 |31 | www.ciolookindia.com
26.
grounded using physical tools like sketches and quick models
to inspire each other, and that is what supported the
communication across a virtual desk with the same
efficiency.”
Advancing with this technological approach combined
with basic tools for team communication and
collaboration enabled the company to perform
reasonably well during the pandemic.
Financial disruption caused due to the lockdown was yet
another issue that nearly every industry encountered
during the pandemic. The company leaders at
Creators Architects faced similar challenges, which
they met with candour and integrity.
“Openly talking about the situation with the team
helped us all move through the tough time
together,” Utssav shared, “We maintained our
optimistic attitude, which was needed more
than ever. The team focused on the work at
hand, delivering their best even during
such circumstances.”
Additionally, Utssav emphasizes
how the core practices established
by his parents as co-founders of
the company served as the
backbone of the organization
during COVID-19. By focusing on
creative necessities, being
transparent, and avoiding luxury from
the start, Creators Architects was able
to stay afloat with everyone on board
during the crisis.
Creators Architects: Tool for
Transformation
“Can you imagine a world without virtual
meetings today? The technological revolution
that we have seen over the decade has
changed things forever,” says Utssav
when asked about the company’s
future approach, “It’s time that the field
of architecture to also step up, adapt and
evolve for the needs of future India, and
• DTU Raj Soin Hall - Best Innovative
Infrastructure of the Year by Time2Leap
MSME Awards 2020 (India)
• World Heartfulness Centre - Best Health &
Wellbeing Architecture Project (India) - by Build
Architecture Awards 2021 (UK)
• Creators Architects - Most Innovative Architecture
Studio - by Build Architecture Awards 2021 (UK)
• Creators Architects - Most Innovative
Architecture & Design Firm of the Year 2021- by
National Architecture and Interior Design
Excellence Awards and Conference,
2021, Global Edition (India)
Awards
July 2021 |32 | www.ciolookindia.com
27.
that’s where we are gearing towards.”
“Creators Architects is making strong
statements by fusing innovations into
architecture,” he further says, “It is our
objective for architecture to serve as a tool of
transformation for the people, communities
and businesses. As a practice, we have had a
keen eye towards emerging needs that we
believe architecture must respond towards
including climate change and human
empathy.”
The seed of ‘Diagnostic Innovation’ in
architecture that the company sowed long
back has now reaped the fruits for its
clients. Staying true to its
holistic innovative culture
and customer-centric
approach, Creators
Architects is moving
forward with a mission
of collaborating
innovation and
architecture to
transform India’s
visions into reality.
July 2021 |33 | www.ciolookindia.com
28.
rchitecture as a
profession dates back to
the very civilization of
human beings. Essentially,
it is the very history of
human civilisation. It has
evolved over centuries in
various cultures and
across different
landscapes. When we
observe the diverse architectural styles in all these
cultures, we can’t help but be astonished by the
beauty of them all. Have you ever wondered
though, what goes behind creating these wonders?
What it takes for an individual to be an ideal
architect? In this article, we will explore some of
the major traits that make an ideal architect.
Passion for the profession – The first and foremost
thing required for being an ideal architect is
passion. In fact, for excelling in any field you need to
have passion for your profession. Passion is the
for Being an
Essentials
July 2021 |34 | www.ciolookindia.com
29.
Architecture Insights
July 2021 |35 | www.ciolookindia.com
30.
drive that makes any professional
excel in their field of work and also
keeps the individual on edge to
always look for details that will
improve their final skill or product. If
a person carries the zest to learn,
they can overcome any challenge
that might surface on their path of
achieving the end goal.
Creativity – One of the most
important traits that an architect
should possess is authentic
creativity. An architect should be an
artist at heart. Technical and
mathematical skills are something
that can be learned actively, but
creativity is something that is
innate. An architect should have
exceptional visualization skills that
will make the final picture of their
architectural project clear. Having
imaginative skills is important for an
architect to understand the whole
process towards building the final
structure of their ultimate project.
Commercial awareness – This is one
of the less talked about aspects of
being an ideal architect. An architect
should have thorough knowledge
about the market they are dealing
in. They should know the latest
trends of the market and what
works for what type of client in the
industry. Having good commercial
knowledge makes it easy to gauge
what the client might be expecting
their project to be like. It also makes
it easier for the architect to navigate
and negotiate with their client.
Having good commercial awareness
gives out a good impression of the
architect on the client, it makes
them know that the architect has
wisdom about their field of work.
Keen Observation – This is a very
significant trait for an architect to
possess. Being a keen observer
facilitates the architect’s creativity.
An architect who is also a keen
observer will always stand out with
their architectural projects. For this,
an architect should have a life
outside of their work. Visiting and
observing the architectural marvels
that already exist and noting the
details of what makes them the
marvels that they are, will surely
reflect positively in the way the
architect designs their future
projects. Attention to detail will
always make an architect stand out
in the lot.
Technical abilities – Technical
abilities are something without
which one just cannot call
themselves an architect. Technical
abilities are a must to become an
ideal architect. For an architect to
bring their vision to life, they have to
possess the technical skillset to start
the process of building their project.
For formulating the blueprints of
their would-be project, an architect
must have mathematical skills and
they also must know scales well to
even begin their project on paper.
Once they have their blueprint in
place, then only the actual creation
of their architecture starts.
Teamwork – For achieving any big
goal, a person must know how to
efficiently work in a team.
Teamwork involves a lot of aspects
and one of the important points is to
know how to effectively
communicate your ideas and
expectations to your team. Your
team must know what your vision is
so that it’s easy for them to work
towards making that vision come to
life. Another important aspect is to
understand everyone’s expertise
and limitations by listening to them
and delegating them responsibilities
accordingly.
Adaptability – As essential as it is to
assert your vision out in the open, it
is also important for an architect to
be adaptable. Even though the client
doesn’t fully understand the
technicalities of the project and how
it’s all going to work out, they are
the reason why you began the
project in the first place. So, when a
client demands to have some of
their ideas implemented into the
project, the architect has to be
adaptable to them and listen to their
client.
- Trishika Rokade
July 2021 |36 | www.ciolookindia.com
31.
Zone
D e s i g n e r s
Delivering Desirable Designs Dynamically
I
nterior designing is a field that is
boosting powerfully. A field with
innovation, art, and designing,
which feeds the soul of an artist.
Like any other business, designers
are also succeeding in their
respective jobs. It was not the case
in the past years but now it is.
Designing is not just drawing but it is
fulfilling one’s dream by giving the
desired outcome. While searching
for such different designing firms,
we came across D-Zone Designers,
an interior designing firm
magnifying the interiors of any
customers’ buildings into soothing,
pleasant, stylish, and positively
warm environment for the people
using the space.
D-Zone Designers tries to
understand the morals of well-
established true lasting
relationships with its customers and
embrace the opportunities it has in
creating their dream homes. D-Zone
Designers is in Pune near Deccan. It
is providing all interior design
related services from past six years.
The team of CIO Look India had the
opportunity to interview Mr. Dinesh
Kirve, the Owner of D Zone.
Following are the highlights of the
interview:
Please brief our audience about
your company, its values, vision,
and mission.
• Mastery: Our experience,
services and our products enrich
values, provide economical
solutions, and create new
opportunities for the customer.
We are clear with
communication and guide our
clients through entire process of
conceptualization, design, and
realization to desirable solutions
with innovation.
• Quality: We work in more
organized manner with well-
defined process and procedures
along with latest technology. We
continuously monitor all our
work, evaluate, and improve
ourselves holistically.
• Commitment: We respect and
understand our customers
requirement and we believe in
providing solutions to all their
issues in responsive and
effective manner. We own
responsibility for what we do
and for a constructive dialogue
that develops long-lasting
relationships with our
customers, suppliers, and
employees.
• Vison: Our vision is to be
respectable, sustainable,
desirable, and durable interior
design firm providing innovative
and aesthetic designs. We will
consistently deliver design
services, which will bring
complete satisfaction to our
customers and their
requirements.
• Mission: Our Mission is to
influence the lives of all the
customers and leave a long-
lasting impression on their
minds, hearts, and imagination.
Our long-term goal is to provide
customer service by taking one
step further then other
designers and stay aligned to our
core values and embrace it.
Brief us about the featured person
and their journey in the
architecture space.
I am Dinesh Kirve, owner of D-Zone
Designers. I am an interior designer
graduated from MMSID
(Marathwada Mitramandal’s School
of Interior Design) in the year 2012.
My journey began with an
internship, which I did for six
months and then I worked in two
firms as an interior design associate.
I gained good knowledge,
experience, got to learn the know-
hows of interior design firm, the
ways of working, handling dealers,
vendors, etc.
July 2021 |38 | www.ciolookindia.com
32.
Our designs
should inspire
the souls of
those who see it
”
”
The 7 Influential Leaders in Architect 2021
July 2021 |39 | www.ciolookindia.com
33.
designers claiming themselves to be
best in market. This is really an
immense feeling and as a customer
you always want to give your house
in safe hands, which are thrived to
deliver you a home that is beautiful,
alluring, and inviting, which will
make you comfortable, relax and
keep the outside world away from
your space.
I believe in myself, and I always take
new projects as a story with
different perspective of delivering
creativity, innovation, and
maintenance of free designs. Design
and services provided are usually
inclined towards classy, modern, or
contemporary designs based on
customer requirements.
After a gap of two-three months, I
started my own firm named D-Zone
Designers and started working on
consultancy projects and turnkey
projects. I learnt a lot as turnkey
projects developer and understood
the thin line between designing and
execution of the projects.
I came across several setbacks,
hurdles, and issues. Also, there were
situations where the project was
about to turn out with some
unexpected results and the real
challenge was to make sure that I
take it positively and deliver what is
promised and visualized.
What sets you apart from the rest
of your competitors?
We all know that when there is time
to hire a designer for your house,
you have hundreds and thousands of
July 2021 |40 | www.ciolookindia.com
34.
We strongly believe that ‘Simplicity
never dies’ and it can be seen in
most of the projects that inhibits
natural finishing with immortal
colors, which will make any project a
strong contender in race of time.
Being an artist, my major strength is
having an artistic view for any
project I work on, which allows me
to play with different colors with
comfortable ambience, use of
overhead, and free lights in
appropriate percentage. It allows
me to draw attention to utilities
placed on walls, interior decorations
to make the space more appealing
and establish simplistic views
What or who motivates/inspires
you to be in the architecture space?
Interior Design in the architecture
space has huge influence on people’s
feeling and their behavior. What we
July 2021 |41 | www.ciolookindia.com
35.
choose in design has a direct
proportional relationship with what
we deliver in terms of space,
comfort, and decorum, etc.
For instance, consider a home with
moderate passage entrance and
passage area, a design with correct
articulation of lights, colors and
usage of design can provide an
illusion to person of having huge
passage and this feeling and
execution excites me. This is an
actual inspiration for me to be in this
field.
I am from art field and a watercolor
artist, so this is again the major
reason for me to be in this
profession. I get an opportunity to
play with different colors,
orientation, approach, designs, and
face challenges and overcome them.
This also provides me chance to
enhance my communication skills.
Coming up with unique, pleasant,
and aesthetic design is another
reason I aspire to be in field and
grow to success that one would
always dream of.
What were the challenges you
came across when you started a
business in the architecture space?
Of the many challenges I faced, I can
describe the very first challenge I
came across for the very first
project of my
firm. The design
delivered was up
to the mark and
as expected.
However, me
being a beginner
in my field could
not understand
the entire budget
the customer
would have to
pay.
The budget
quoted to client
and actual cost
had huge gap, but
I could not go
back to customer
and ask to pay for
difference in
amount as that
would falsify my
values of due-
diligence
approach in
work. The
difference in cost
was settled from
my pocket. My
first project didn’t give me any
income in terms of money, but I have
learnt important lessons of how to
work in this field.
Post this project, I somehow lost my
confidence in taking turnkey
projects, I started providing designs
and consultancy services to
customers. I had more clear vision
on how to work with this turnkey
project, slowly I gained my
confidence again and started
working in turnkey project and they
were delivered successfully with my
desired percentage in terms of
income.
Apart from this, we do come across
many issues related to space fitting
and illusions, plumbing,
electrification, material quality, and
dealing with dependency of
workers. We come across people,
vendors, suppliers, customers of
different mindset, mentality, and
understanding and we need to
understand them, clarify our points,
and get the plan executed as
designed by aligning all these people
with one understanding. And believe
me it is a difficult task.
How the adaptation of new
technology in architecture has
helped transforming your
company’s operations and what
more could be expected in the
future?
We use AutoCAD as basic software
to create detailed work, 3D-Max,
Archi-CAD, and Google Sketch UP
to create 3D designs. In last seven
years we have seen huge
transformation in this software and
how they evolved in terms of
creating the designs with great user
experience, easy to use, and
manage.
July 2021 |42 | www.ciolookindia.com
36.
These software have helped us to
create a design that are more
realistic, have it rendered so that it
can be shared with customer to
make them have the look and feel of
the space with designers’
perspective.
Instead of the evolution these
software have come across, they still
have long way to go, an upgrade is
really required in minimizing the
time in creating the design. Bringing
in more flexible drag and drop
facility in software, improving the
graphics, making it more user
friendly, aiming more on user
experience, and last but not the
least having the rendering time
improved phenomenally.
How has the ongoing pandemic
affected the operations of your
company? How are you driving
your firm to sustain its operations
and ensuring safety of your
employees at the same time?
The pandemic has really affected
our personal and professional work
in terms of mental peace, calmness,
focus, daily-routines, and certain
limitations in getting new ideas due
to restrictions.
Well, sustaining this time is difficult
but certainly possible with positive
attitude, few changes in habits, and
getting normalized with new
routines. Pandemic brought in the
strict lock-down, which restricted us
from going on-site and completing
the work. Projects were delayed due
to unavailability of workers,
materials, and several different
things.
Following the norms provided by
government, social distancing,
wearing masks compulsorily,
making-sure all your assistants are
following the same, helps me and my
co-workers remain safe.
What would be your advice to
budding entrepreneurs who aspire
to venture into the architecture
space?
It is always a blessing to have a
mentor who have already achieved
their goals and is very much
successful in their career. Getting a
Guru will always help you in finding
the correct path and guidance at
every stage of growth in your
business.
It may happen that we are not able
to find our mentor but still you can
learn it yourself by following few of
the below tips which I personally did
embrace.
Take risks, challenge yourself, keep a
business mindset, envision, find and
keep good people around, fight with
your fears, be action oriented, be
disciplined, be punctual, build an
amazing team, and last but not the
least keep the positive vibes
maintained throughout.
Where do you envision yourself
and your company to be in the long
run and what are your future goals?
We envision to be a prominent,
outstanding, and topmost interior
design firm. We are eager to deliver
unique and sustainable designs and
service excellence to a wide range of
customers in Pune and other cities.
We really aspire to add values to
living spaces of customer with
elegant, lavish, appealing, and
pleasing designs.
We are continuously working hard
to provide budget friendly and
quality solutions to meet the
expectation of every house owner,
who dreams of having well designed
house where he can spend his
quality time with utmost prestige
and pride.
I, as a designer and owner of this
firm have always provided timely
and required solution to every
customer approaching me and build
a trusting relationship. It’s our goal
to follow all the visions and mission
statement we have defined for our
firm.
What is the current scenario of the
architecture space in India?
As per one of the reports it is known
that the market for home interiors
and renovation in India is estimated
to be between USD 20 Billion to
USD 30 Billion. This number will
increase in coming years, which
gives us wonderful opportunity to
grow our business.
As the real estate market grows, the
interior design market is likely to
grow in proportionate with it. Rise in
income level and upgrade in living
standard of people is equally
responsible to bring that positive
surge in the market growth.
People now a days are choosing
theme-based designs for their
residential spaces. Social Media
usage have also increased the
influence on people to go with
interior design solutions. Virtual
reality has made visualizing and
experimenting process easy for both
client and designers.
July 2021 |43 | www.ciolookindia.com
Sie haben diese Folie bereits ins Clipboard „“ geclippt.
Clipboard erstellen
Sie haben Ihre erste Folie geclippt!
Durch Clippen können Sie wichtige Folien sammeln, die Sie später noch einmal ansehen möchten. Passen Sie den Namen des Clipboards an, um Ihre Clips zu speichern.
Clipboard erstellen
SlideShare teilen
Sonderangebot für SlideShare-Leser
Nur für Sie: KOSTENLOSE 60-tägige Testversion für die weltgrößte digitale Bibliothek.
Die SlideShare-Familie hat sich gerade vergrößert. Genießen Sie nun Zugriff auf Millionen eBooks, Bücher, Hörbücher, Zeitschriften und mehr von Scribd.