Interview with Nischal Abhaykumar

Nischal Abhaykumar ("NA") interviewed on Wednesday, 1 May.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

NA : My association with the design world started way back in 1999 when I entered the Architecture school and since then there has been no looking back. I have been privileged to study in design schools of high rankings and learn from the most prominent designers in the industry. Ben Van Berkle (UNStudio) was the dean at SAC. His design ideologies to some extent continue to influence me even today.

How did you become a designer?

NA : I consider design abilities to be my super power. We as designers have the ability to influence the way people live their lives. We also have the ability to make dreams come alive.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

NA : I find myself very comfortable in spaces which stimulate senses of see, touch, feel and smell. These senses are pretty much the basics of human behaviour. I try to bring some of these qualities to the spaces we design.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

NA : Each scenario is different, unique to location and end user – it is almost like problem solving. It is important to bring timeless quality to design relevant to changing lifestyles – one that lives and ages well.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

NA : I am a keen observer and a good listener.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

NA : My design approach is very context driven. I want to be able to look at design beyond the confines of culture, location and prevalent acceptable norms and be able to freely explore and contribute. My wish is to work on projects in different parts of the world and design the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion someday.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

NA : The biggest learning over the years has been to accept the limitations of the chaotic construction industry and adapt them to design solutions. We tweak the design based on the capabilities of the executing team to achieve a good outcome. A good design falls flat if its not executed properly.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

NA : Sincerity and hard work go a long way.

What is your day to day look like?

NA : I don’t have a very exciting routine as such. First thing I do when I walk into the office is nurse the plants. We are a small team of 8 designers, so sitting with them and charting out the work schedule, site work progress, issues to be resolved, etc. drives a regular work day.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

NA : Design blogs are good for news and awareness of whats going on in the design world. I don’t really believe in design trends.

What is your biggest design work?

NA : The CMRU Admin and Academic block has been most fun to work on. Its also because I am drawn to steel constructions more as they are very precise with minimum room for error and its fast. We finished that building in 5 months.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

NA : Award meets are very motivating. They help you meet like-minded people, talk about your work and experiences and learn from theirs.

Nischal Abhaykumar Profile