Interview with Kuber Patel

Kuber Patel ("KP") interviewed on Thursday, 9 June.

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

KP : I graduated with a Master of Architecture in Emergent Technologies and Design from the Architectural Association School of Architecture, London, and have a total of 5+ years of global professional experience. In addition, I am also a visiting faculty at CEPT University and the author of the book 'Algorithmic Thinking- A parametric approach to problem-solving '. My most recent achievement includes being A' Design Award Winner for Generative, Algorithmic, and Parametric Design Category in 2021 for Darwin Bucky Exhibition Gallery and being accepted to work in the U.S. as an Individual with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement. I strive to achieve my goals by developing high-quality skillsets and sheer passion rather than through experience because of which I am the youngest local architect of the World's Largest Cricket Stadium, the youngest faculty to lead a master studio, and the youngest to start my first project in 2010 much before my undergrad in 2013. I have worked in Ahmedabad,Gujarat and London, UK and now in Atlanta, USA. We have worked with a diverse group of people like Reliance Industries, Adani, Sopariwala Exports, and Gujarat Cricket Association

How did you become a designer?

KP : I was born into a family of designers and was gradually groomed into having a creative pursuit right from childhood. As any kid, i had several interest in most bizarre professions and it took me time to realise what I was good at and what I am interested in. Since than I have ever looked back!

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KP : I feel each design project has its own unique challenge. However there few aspects I always like to keep in mind. The design process for me always begins with a clear understanding of clients/project requirements. Accumulation of research and understanding of materiality in order to influence the form along with climatic consideration in order to address sustainability is what goes next. Finally, I try to optimize all that in order to come up with design solutions.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KP : For every designer the process of designing always begins with a sense of overwhelm. At this stage you are excited and optimistic to the highest level. Following that comes the phase of Sincerity, where you try to find solution, function and rationality to the work. Finally is the feeling of satisfaction. This when you have tried you give do your best, to find the very best of what works as a designer for this project. The fact that your imagination can now be tangible and visually acceptable to everyone makes you humble.

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

KP : I like to believe that each aspects can be quantified. These can be rationalised into parameters. In a way, I can break out down any task in do steps and stages. This help be look into more detailed in depth manner. At the same time it helps to simplify the overal complex designs into more simpler form.

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

KP : Presently I am interested in pursuing a doctorate in architectural materials through selective laser sintering. I am really fascinated with a particular material called “Vantablack” absorbing up to 99.965% of visible light. His best digital platform to explore is Grasshopper3D a visual programming language and environment due to its parametric potential. I would like to immerse myself in digital fabrication tools like 3D printing and architecture materials developing such arterials.

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

KP : I realized that passion should also be inclined towards reality with the constant for financial stability one needs to support one's shelves and family. As well as use it to grow your knowledge by traveling or anything else that makes them inspired. So the young designer must be ready to take up this challenge and live life as it comes!

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

KP : Being up-to-date with the most recent technological advancement related to the field of architecture in order to stay at the top in the present time has now become a very important factor.

What is your day to day look like?

KP : My day begins early at 4:30 usually with a cup of coffee, looking at the stock markets, and worshiping god. At the office, I usually start my day meticulously cleaning my desk and begin with a delegation of work and site visits. The other half of the work is designated for creative and design work. At the end of the office hours, I focus on physical fitness, meal, and early bedtime at around 10 pm.

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

KP : I keep up with the latest design trends by teaching. I think being a visiting design faculty has helped me brainstorm to the otherwise very rational and pragmatic design solution that we must do professionally. I think it is very important for every designer to keep up with the latest trends.

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

KP : The performance quality of a building is an aspect to judge the design as good or bad. The basics such as daylighting, material usage, and energy consumption should be inspected.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

KP : Requirement are fulfilled, basic performance is statisfied and full team votes for one design

What is your biggest design work?

KP : Bucky has been one of the large design work I have been a part of. Various aspects of this project are quite innovative and the fact that this project might lead to a scope for development in portable deployable temporary structures, makes me quite proud.

Who is your favourite designer?

KP : Some of the architects that I look up to are Frei Otto, Buckminster Fuller, Santiago Calatrava, Kenzo Tange and Zaha Hadid to name a few.

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

KP : I love travelling and exploring, and as designer it helps me look at the culture, architecture, city, landscape and lifestyle in a symbiotic manner. It makes my exploration much more fun and exciting. One of my favourite city is Florence, Italy. When I work in the comfort of my home, I like to work with some lightheaded funny sitcoms, they in a way give me company and a sense of coziness. They make me realise that, in this intensively creative work, it okay not to take every bit of my life too seriously when it doesn’t work out sometimes.

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

KP : It is actually very subjective, however, this project was teamwork. I was engaged in a major part of designing as form-finding, performance optimization of the project, and fabrication. At KPA, we design everything with heart, intelligence, and skill possessing sensitivity to the highest standard in the profession with concern for the environment for a better tomorrow to the everlasting triumph of human desire and achievements. We provide services in architecture, interior and landscape design, urban planning, and design and build projects. Our design philosophy is taking complete joy in this life as an architect as they strive for a holistic design approach. The group was founded in 1981 as Kamal Patel & Associates now lead under the flagship partnership company; KPA Deesign Studio with KPA 789°, Nipa Patel Associates and an NGO Nivedita Foundation operating at their good studio in Anand recognized as the Greenest Studio in India. Having its base in Anand, Ahmedabad, London, and Atlanta KPA has executed projects spread in India, the USA, and the UK. Guided by the needs of their clients, culture, context, climate, and resources they generate innovative environments, both material and spiritual. We believe and practice with an understanding that meaningful architecture arises from a synthesis of all the elements that comprise it, its response to the way you move in and around, and its ability to lift the human spirits.

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

KP : Knowledge is the greatest form of selfless giving. And I can say that I do my share of sharing whatever I have learnt and experienced in my career by teaching as a visiting faculty in the school of architecture. Apart from this, my family and I have been involved in social worker back in India. Our NGO focuses on education for underprivileged kids and empowerment for girls.

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

KP : I am very grateful to be a part of this award. I feel very humbled by this recognition that is given to me and I hope it opens up opportunities for some great new innovating and inspiring design projects in the future.

Kuber Patel Profile