Interview with Hardik Shah

Hardik Shah ("HS") interviewed on Friday, 24 May.

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

HS : Always been keen to learn and give my best to designing meaningful spaces, has drived my process since the beginning. I feel very fortunate to have worked with Mathew and Ghosh Architects during my internship. The journey there, has formed the base of my practice. It helped me realise how a systematic approach to things can help realize dreams better. After working at various architectural studios across the country, I was faced with an internal struggle—to work as I was, or to realize my own vision of a well-managed architectural practice. I chose the latter, and Studio Lagom came into being in 2011. Having made my debut with the Skewed house, it taught me a lot. This house represents the firming up of several convictions: that each building is unique by way of its users, setting, function, and more; that you will deliver quality if you care enough; that there is no substitute for nature; and that architecture can leverage the innate beauty of every material, by creating the right balance between less and more. Since then , its 9 years now, and we have constantly worked to create meaningful architecture and spaces that are sensitive to its users and nature. Today, our practice is involved in creating beautiful residences, compelling retail spaces, sustainable furniture, experiential restaurants, inspiring institutional spaces, and more. If you have a vision in mind, and would like to discuss about it, please get in touch . As we struggle through the unknown, we only see the beautiful future that is not less than nature itself, and not more.

How did you become a designer?

HS : I just followed my internal drive while opting for a field after schooling and then everything followed. I feel highly obliged to have opportunity and ability of creating spaces for lifestyles and cultures.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

HS : At our studio, caring is the culture. We believe that each building demands care, because each building is unique by way of its users, setting, function, and more. Every process needs to be followed through rigorously, in order to create something that is in harmony with nature. We like to infuse natural elements into spaces. Our process is rooted in eye for detail. Detailing out each element of the plan first, we move to on-site execution. At times, as the site progresses, new perspectives may demand a further round of detailing, which would lead to new solutions. We believe that without this kind of time spent on detail, we cannot do proper justice to the project at hand. Talking about the tools and techniques, keeping in pace with the world, of course we use digital tools. However we believe certain things are best understood while you make physical mock models, as you realise the whole process, you get more aware about every junction and how it can be solved. At the same time aesthetics, colour, etc are best tested in computer aided renderings, giving it a real like touch and helping us to visualize better. Our process involves working on different mediums parallely, like sections and model when going side by side, both can be help each other and help us attain a higher level of clarity.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

HS : Designing as a process itself is the most pleasurable aspect of my life. However, it is most exciting when the ideas land on site, i.e. the phase when execution starts or is about to start. It is then, when the real feasibility, minute issues, material, etc. is discovered. It gives me immense pleasure in solving those details, as they teach me something new every time. I feel highly obliged to have opportunity and ability of creating spaces for lifestyles and cultures. Creating something that guides somebody's daily routine, and molding people's life towards natural elements, which are often neglected in our fast-paced modern world, feels like bliss.

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

HS : My personal nature of trying to be accurate and organized about everything, be it how things are placed around me and being aware about my surroundings, nature, light , food, air, animals, etc. and caring for them has shaped me a lot as a designer. It helps because when you are fully aware about your surroundings, what amount of water a plant needs, to dust will spoil my appliances ,what brings good vibes and motivation , and what works better for me, you come to know how should a space be designed for somebody. I believe your routine will shape you a lot as a designer. The more you care and become aware, the more you are sensitive as a designer.

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

HS : As we struggle through the unknown, we only see a beautiful future ahead. As we keep giving our best to projects and any other things that come our way.

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

HS : Young designers!! I believe i am quite young yet :) However, for freshers, for those who have just stepped in this world, I would like to say, believe in what you do, because design is not business, that you shut down your pc and it is over. It is a part of your life, it is in harmony with you! What you design will reflect your beliefs and life philosophies. A good training under a mentor that provides a clear perspective of life and design and gives you a kick is a must. Rest, keep working hard and stay in the field by constantly updating yourself with what's new but in a limit such that it does not repress your original ideas . Here comes the most important point, while in the process of browsing stuffs around you , there's a thin line between inspiration and plagiarism. Find your own technique to ensure you do not cross the line and join the herds.

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

HS : Being successful is a state of mind and satisfaction that comes from within. Work so hard that you can never be unsuccessful and dissatisfied at heart. I would suggest designers to be more sensitive about nature as well as your client's life and design accordingly. Do not get swayed away by internet images, as each one of us have a different mind. Also I would suggest designers to stick to the roots of our design process to a certain level, for example - making physical models and hand drawings, because it does greater good and helps attain clarity which does not come from computer graphics. And go in details of every element, it is a must thing that one should do. Because 10mm can change how your furniture looks and 100mm can change how your space feels. Designing something new feels good, but at the same time being a part of designing fraternity, it feels good to see new works, different ideologies and extra ordinary designs from other designers. I would like to thank all designers working in the direction of trying to make this world beautiful.

What is your day to day look like?

HS : Our studio is an ever-evolving space. The seed that was sown in 2011 has now grown from a sapling to a tree. Years of dedicated work, and a nature to curate beautiful art has resulted in a space that is soothing and inspiring at the same time. Ideas can be conceived here easily because the space enables one to think—after all, that is the function. This is where we start our work day - taking care of our studio. A bit of cleaning, gardening and a good morning coffee. After which I list down my day's task, or see if something is already on the list. Check mails and some articles and you are good to go for the day. During a boring day, I often do changes to the studio. There are so many plants and artifacts, additions, subtractions or new permutation combinations of the same, makes our space dynamic and stops it from slipping into the boring category. What makes us happy is the studio itself.

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

HS : It is always important to be aware about what is going on and at the same time it is also important to be rooted to certain principles. Just like Frank O Gehry says “Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” We do follow design trends through magazines, sites and competitions, and anything that is different and rooted would inspire a designer. Yet what mainly inspires us is the purity, serenity and respect for nature. We believe in architecture that gives importance to the beauty of each material and is created in harmony with nature, by creating the right balance between less and more.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

HS : Functionality and detailing to improve efficiency is something I look forward to in any design. And the inherent aspect of design - aesthetics, always remains. With any number of complications, or any amount of good vision, it is always important for a designer to maintain proportions and aesthetic value.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

HS : A design is never ready, because the moment you are satisfied , you deprive yourself from creating something better. There is always a scope for improvement. As stated " Our process is rooted in eye for detail. Detailing out each element of the plan first, we move to on-site execution. At times, as the site progresses, new perspectives may demand a further round of detailing, which would lead to new solutions. We believe that without this kind of time spent on detail, we cannot do proper justice to the project at hand." We know a project is a success when we can see that the client is satisfied and smiling.

What is your biggest design work?

HS : The Skewed House

Who is your favourite designer?

HS : There isn't one. Many legends working in the direction of tropical architecture inspire me. Some of them are - Bedmar & Shi, Geoffrey Bawa, Anjalendran, Hyla Architects, Anjalendran & Matthew and Gosh.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

HS : Undoubtedly, A design is always effected by culture and vice-versa. The g-local culture of today's world has exposed people to various lifestyles, trends, etc in one click. And a good design is necessary for advancement of society, because just the way people look up to internet for trends in clothes and politics, they do the same in terms of designs. So whether or not designers incorporate nature, materials, cultural arts, graphics, comfort , lesiure, etc. in their design will determine how people look at all these aspects and form a culture in long run. And hence a good design is very important. This exposure to web has made some people from different places approach me for designing their adobes or workplaces. It feels fortunate, as it exposes me to a different culture and lifestyle. Talking about my personal influence, Being in Surat, Gujarat the hard working nature of people, houses in old city area, and the culture all influence me. At the same time my travel, has exposed me to various cultures and experiences that adds on to who I am. Kochi is a city that I adore. Sri Lanka, Jaipur, Bangalore and Jaisalmer are some other places I love. And of course, music is an all time companion. Jagjit Singh songs are something I can hear all day.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

HS : At our studio, caring is the culture. We believe that each building demands care, because each building is unique by way of its users, setting, function, and more. Every process needs to be followed through rigorously, in order to create something that is in harmony with nature. We like to infuse natural elements into spaces.We believe in creating form that not only follows function, but creates spaces for lifestyles and cultures. It is always easy to work with a person who has a vision in mind, and is willing to learn and explore.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

HS : I believe my work is my contribution. Two major elements of my work that make me feel like I am contrubuting to good are as follows: 1. Incorporation of nature : As our globe goes through climate change, an increased sensitivity towards infusing nature in work, and orienting colleagues, clients towards being equally sensitive and caring for plants and animals feels like spreading good. Needless to mention, this infusion of nature moulds the micro climate of the buildings we design , reducing their dependency on artificial elements. 2. Incorporation of Art : India has survived a turbulent hisory, and yet retains a sense of originality and cultural identity that is enriched by diverse influences that it has absorbed.Similarly, as Indian architecture goes through this phase of mordernism, we are trying both - absorbing the mordernism & attempting to retain our culture through artworks. Because , “Art is not entertainment. Art is not luxury goods. Art is culture. It is you and me.” - Paige Bradley Also, Lately I have been involved with architecture colleges in Surat as a juror and helping shape the future of design.

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

HS : Such platforms always opens up an individual to a wider platform, new perspectives, and new people. It is motivating and helps us reach more people with similar inclinations and desires.

Hardik Shah Profile