Interviews with The Grid Architects

tHE gRID is a multidisciplinary architecture firm based in the bustling city of Ahmedabad Gujarat India and was established about 15 years back. Snehal has done his maters in sustainability and Bhadri is an Interior designer from APIED Vidyanagar Gujarat.

The firm incorporates an array of design combinations and experiences, qualification and skills and deeply committed to excellence. Our endeavour has always been to satisfy the environmental and meaningful aesthetic needs simultaneously. We are very versatile in our portfolio from architecture to landscape to interior to specialized furniture design, all incorporated by sustainable and environmentally friendly designs. For us DESIGNING IS A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

Snehal was born in a carpenter’s family and always saw small ideas developing into enormous results. When he sees end users happy and enjoying the design and understanding the meaning the feeling had a lasting impression and motivated him to choose this line of profession. Bhadri was always inclined towards art and craft and at a very young age chose this path. For both its not just a profession but it’s their passion. Snehal is a civil engineer and has also done his Masters in sustainable Design and Bhadri (spouse – wife) is an Interior Designer from APIED Gujarat India.

Functionality, proportions, aesthetics, comfort to the end user are our prime concerns while designing.

Sketching is the first tool. Stationery, pencils, colours, books, I pad are our other aides.

Spiritual and calm and sacred

Meditation and sports, reading and travelling are our interests

To be able to do more sustainable work. we also have a product design company “Carpenter’s “and we would like to design more products and furniture and take it ahead.

Next is doing more meaningful designs.

Passion, love, consciousness and consistency and persistence. There is no alternative to hard work.

We should start from the scratch, unlearn everything when we start a new design and only remember the flaws in the previous design.

To work and design with the inner consciousness, and thoughts driven by the heart because it’s an honest pathway to the project and meaningful.

Morning meditation, GYM and breakfast and then office. All geared to design. I have my schedule in place – meetings and design time and site visits. I am happiest when I am sketching, and my concepts are translated on paper. We start and end our days with design news.

Design sets the trends but maybe trends are temporary, but class is timeless. Nature is the mother of all inspiration and we follow our instinct consciously. The concept of a sustainable design benefiting the performance of the architecture is our humble philosophy

Functionality, proportions, aesthetics, comfort to the end user are our prime concerns while designing.

Normally in planning we freeze the plan once its viable functionally and resolve the aesthetics, but onsite changes flexibility is always there in some cases. If we manage to convert all our ideas into realty for the particular project, then we know it’s a success.

Biggest and best design is yet to happen.

We are excited about a very close to heart project - Animal shelter - This animal welfare centre facility aims to rehabilitate these orphaned and traumatised domestic animals, birds and mammals, and is concerned with the health, safety and psychological wellness of the animals and provides free treatment. To RESCUE, TREAT AND REHABILITATE and create a caring and loving environment.

To create public awareness and set an example for the next generation. To sensitise through mutual interaction.

My favourite designers are – Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Kahn, Richard Neutra, Luis Barragan, and many Japanese architects.

1. Falling water by FLW – because it’s a great amalgamation of nature and architecture

2.Church of Light by Tadao Ando- great sense of minimalism

3.Casa Gilardi by Luis Barragan – the courage to use colours in black and white era (digital)

He is my hero architect as far as colour sense is concerned

India has a very unique and diversified culture. We live in India which has a very rich cultural heritage and a huge history of sustainable designs and paths for architecture. This has a great impact on our design and its processes. There is a tremendous amalgamation of so many mix cultures living together

We are working on a very interesting project - Animal shelter - This animal welfare centre facility aims to rehabilitate these orphaned and traumatized domestic animals, birds and mammals, and is concerned with the health, safety and psychological wellness of the animals and provides free treatment. To RESCUE, TREAT AND REHABILITATE and create a caring and loving environment.

To create public awareness and set an example for the next generation. To sensitise through mutual interaction. The future of design is learning from the roots and implementing in today’s technology

“The use of green ensemble is a way of inspiring our fellow designers and tell them that our passion and creativity can make an ordinary material transform a space. This is our way to integrate sustainable and traditional architecture in the urban lifestyle. Initially one may feel that they have to make extra efforts to design a green building, space or interior but once the practice becomes your belief then it becomes a part of the natural process of designing,” concludes the duo. For us, designing is a spiritual journey.

A good understanding of a sustainable and approachable design helps the people to be more sensitive to small details and creates awareness to the necessary and gives clarity. It makes them realize the importance of the earth’s resources and preserve.

Snehal Suthar and Bhadri Suthar, have set a mandate for contextual design, something that is timeless. Therefore, our designs are founded in simplicity and clarity, and create structures that are closely connected to the earth. While we strive towards compelling and dynamic spaces, we do so by combining clarity with quiet and thoughtful innovation; we endeavour to achieve the delicate balance of order and invention followed by integrity in work.

Our architecture and interiors are mindful of international standards of designs, including those for the physically challenged, known as Barrier free spaces and Green and sustainable buildings and spaces.

participating in design competitions is a great learning experience. We realize areas where we need to improve, by the experience and feedback of the judges who are evaluating our design.

The competitions have broadened our horizons and encouraged us to write and put down on paper the design processes and beliefs which have been on our subconscious mind while designing. it requires us to organize and document it very clearly to articulate our client’s goals and our design intentions in a very succinct way.

The different requirements from the different type of competitions bring in more clarity in data, it hones our communication skills and allows us to reflect on the outcomes."

. A design competition is an opportunity to document your work and put down all points and justifications in a set format. It’s about learning, about introspection of our designs. Its also about meeting other fellow designer and interaction and sharing of knowledge. To be respected and recognized is what matters.

the vision, mission and actions were the first step. the fact that you had such a transparent system and the score system actually excited us, and we decided to apply and the more data we uploaded and the kind of constant immediate guidance that we received was so energising. The more I read the more I was inspired and we were super impressed with the amazing clarity that you as a team had about the competition and its goal and the end result.

The conceptual approach was to maintain ethos of the traditional to the contemporary and to visually retain the light and shadow of the surrounding trees, back to roots, local tinge and keynote were connections, transcending convention.

The area surrounding the office is lot of land for agriculture and belongs to the owner himself. Since the client was a simple farmer, we aimed to fashion an office workspace for him which reflected his personality and bringing in nature as part of design and enhanced his daily life. The Spaces congregated to provide maximum coherence to the landscaping.

The plan is to reach this design to as many as possible so that the people realize that a sustainable and economical project is possible easily, it’s a shared aspiration that we work for.

About 2 weeks

As the client wanted the design to be simple and open space to sit and no AC. The client is a simple famer and his elementary brief was to develop an office to take care of his farms and a workspace for his next generations to further this passion in organic and sustainable agriculture. A space which would reflect his personality that is grounded to earth, and natural materials, warm and friendly. He was habituated to sit out in the open and so the philosophy was maintained/ embibed.

Client brief helped to translate the idea and this followed our ideology too

We would like to encourage the local farmers and people that design by a designer can come out with exceptional results which are economical and sustainable and user friendly.

Most people would like to have a luxurious office with AC etc. what sets this apart is that this is a farmer’s office and is true to the functions for which it has been designed and conceived. Its about rawness and honesty to the material and the concept. The entire office feels open and light reflecting the philosophy of sustainability and eco-friendly, surrounded by greens, exuding a comforting vibe. It is important for the workspace to be enjoyable and resonate a feeling of energy and truthfulness.

Since this was a workspace for a farmer and his future generations so the name came naturally

Autocad, sketchup

The innovative workspace was designed to foster collaboration and conversation preserving the comfort zone of the client.

•Under the sun, the natural stone reflects light and its surface changes colours as the sun moves. It reduces the energy consumption and the emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere, increasing the quality of life. Moreover, natural stone blends nature and design to make the spaces that are inspirational and progressive. A more efficient façade clad in natural stone requires less heat generating or dissipating power and increasing ventilation to circulate the air and keep the building cool.

•The building is slightly raised on a platform flowing into the surrounding vernacular landscape and waterbodies accentuating the overall openness and the sloping roof subtly cues architecture and interior.

•The Spaces congregated to provide maximum visibility to the garden.

• Local species of trees amalgamated with water and fish and turtles developing its own ecosystem and insect repellent plants have been incorporated.

•The rainwater would directly fall into the waterbody from the sloping roof and thus the fishes would receive fresh water.

•SOUTH WEST has been integrated in the design with raised mounds and tall trees so as to protect from the harsh heat and sunlight of the city.

As local materials were sourced so all local labour and craft was encouraged.

Local technology and common sense. To ensure that resources are judiciously used.

We started with the thought that be sensitive to the local culture and natural environment. Some of the research included studying the Sun path, local materials, local soil quality, sustainable materials with low carbon footprints and means and ways to construct environmentally conscious spaces.

a)Use of natural materials stone

b)SOUTH WEST has been integrated in the design with raised mounds and tall trees so as to protect from the harsh heat and sunlight of the city.

c)Use of shingles on the sloping roof releases a chemical after the first rain which lead to the death of the fishes in the waterbody that surrounded the whole raised plinth. We then tested the water in the lab and resolved the chemical issue.

d)The private office / cabins are adjoined by a water body and a breakout space - wall to protect from harsh sunlight of the south west, creating beautiful shadows and daylight shimmering water adding vibrancy to the space. There are punctures in the breakout wall to guide the breeze which cools as it flows through the water before entering the cabin. which It is fully glazed to echo the greenness outside.

our project is simple and built with humble and sustainable materials and techniques, low maintenance, low carbon footprint. The purpose of the design was achieved as per client’s requirements and our philosophy. The project is close to nature and the design approach was honest

The project can be delivered at its best by having simple solutions, local and sustainable materials and local labour. Our approach and willingness need to be positive and we need to be persistent with our beliefs are our learnings.

•While the craftsmen were tying the rope to the pipe it was easy to keep the rope straight at the narrow end but as the angle increased the length and weight of the rope increased and to keep the rope straight they applied more pressure resulting in the pipe to bend. We realized This may damage the existing structure, so we let the rope be slightly loose. The sagging part of the rope created dramatic shape and shadows

Rope has been a tool used throughout time and the material has a purpose making an impressive statement. It has a beautiful texture and natural rope is made from natural fibers. These fibers are obtained from organic material (such as materials produced by plants).

Reemphasizing the need to go back to roots and source natural and earthy materials.

The plan is to reach this design to as many as possible so that the people realize that a sustainable and economical project is possible easily, it’s a shared aspiration that we work for.

About 2 to 3 days and rest all decisions were taken onsite with the ongoing challenges and processes.

Exploring Rope as a material opened many avenues in our thinking and strengthened our design philosophy. With budget strictures there was a conscious endeavour to create an innovative, attractive and efficient space. Rope was our main material and design concept and weaving as a spatial partition defined the function for each space and experience. The adaptability of the material as a form allowing you to experiment with different sizes is a winner for the eco conscious

The client had left the design completely up to us.

As the young clients were dependent on us it gave us the freedom to translate the idea and this followed our ideology too

The Rope materials used in the Indian Charpoy was our source of inspiration.

We would like to encourage the humankind that design by a designer can come out with exceptional results which are economical and sustainable and user friendly.

Rope can be used in its simplistic state to influence form and shape of a space and it symbolically inherits the interwoven spaces and light that creates new depth of fields, perspectives and sight lines. The processional influence simultaneously creates an interactive and changing quality of the space maintaining fluid motions of light and dynamism making this project an interesting intervention.

The humble material Jute Rope the focus materials itself gave the name to the design.

Autocad, sketchup

•The south-west facade features corrugated sheet as a protective layer from harsh sunlight.

•The flooring is recycled babool wood

•The angles of the woven canopy were decided such that the part canopy created a shadow for the rest of the terrace.

•Building by-laws precluded the possibility of any kind of permanent or semi-permanent structure so we could cover the terrace with semi-permanent structure only, so the Rope was an apt material keeping in mind the climate. If the rope was watered, it would make the surrounding cool and it also does not absorb and retain heat

As local materials were sourced so all local labour and craft was encouraged.

Local technology and common sense. To ensure that resources are judiciously used.

We started with the thought that be sensitive to the local culture and natural environment. Some of the research included studying the Sun path, Rope materials, sustainable materials with low carbon footprints and means and ways to construct environmentally conscious spaces.

•The flooring is recycled babool wood sourced from the forest department for very low cost. The wood was not directly screwed on the floors so as to not damage the waterproofing layer for the offices below. Instead, flooring modules with aluminium frames (aluminium as it does not rust) were laid such that water flows easily below it.

•Building by-laws precluded the possibility of any kind of permanent or semi-permanent structure so we could cover the terrace with semi-permanent structure only, so the Rope was an apt material keeping in mind the climate. If the rope was watered, it would make the surrounding cool and it also does not absorb and retain heat.

•While the craftsmen were tying the rope to the pipe it was easy to keep the rope straight at the narrow end but as the angle increased the length and weight of the rope increased and to keep the rope straight they applied more pressure resulting in the pipe to bend. We realized This may damage the existing structure, so we let the rope be slightly loose. The sagging part of the rope created dramatic shape and shadows.

our project is simple and built with humble and sustainable materials and techniques, low maintenance, low carbon footprint. The purpose of the design was achieved as per client’s requirements and our philosophy. The project is close to nature and the design approach was honest

The project can be delivered at its best by having simple solutions, local and sustainable materials and local labour. Our approach and willingness need to be positive and we need to be persistent with our beliefs are our learnings.

Snehal is a civil engineer and has also done his Masters in sustainable Architecture form SFIA and Bhadri (spouse – wife) is an Interior Designer from APIED Gujarat India.

Snehal was born in a carpenter’s family and always saw small ideas developing into enormous results. When he sees end users happy and enjoying the design and understanding the meaning the feeling had a lasting impression and motivated him to choose this line of profession. Bhadri was always inclined towards art and craft and at a very young age chose this path. For both its not just a profession but its their passion.

we chose to follow this path

to design contextually and more and more with local material and local craftsmen. Close to nature and timeless.

Passion, love, consciousness and consistency and persistence.

the ability to be consistent and to deliver the project with meaningful designs and a conscious approach.

the purpose of the design which is able to achieve the epitome of its comfort for which it is meant to be along with a minimalistic approach.

Actually, there is no real value concept to the design. It’s your investment and is priceless and timeless

I would like to design a minimal house and furniture for humans.

A house on the cliff of the mountain

Minimum material palette, straight and simple forms. An honest approach to design. To simplify the complexity of the project requirement.

there are many – Frank Lloyd Wright , Louis Kahn, Richard Neutra, Luis Barragan, and many Japanese architects.

: 1. Falling water by Frank Lloyd Wright – because it’s a great amalgamation of nature and architecture

2.Church of Light by Tadao Ando- great sense of minimalism

3.Casa Gilardi by Luis Barragan – the courage to use colours in black and white era (digital)

He is my hero architect as far as colour sense is concerned

yet to do and we hope this carving stays till I live.

to work and design with the inner consciousness, and thoughts driven by the heart because it’s an honest pathway to the project and meaningful.

we have never given it a thought as didn’t have an option because our conscience never gave a chance.

design is about solving the purpose for which it is designed or sometimes it is aesthetically driven but always contextual.

my wife who believes in me more than me and for Bhadri it’s the same.

A simple and honest approach.

Trust of the clients and rejections.

with the confidence that “You are the Best “and give it your best.

villa, small organic resort, furniture and artwork showroom. The main forte of these projects will be close to nature in terms of sustainability, simple material palette and ample light, air and ventilation.

simple aesthetic solutions with minimalism

A good understanding of a sustainable and approachable design helps the people to be more sensitive to small details and creates awareness to the necessary and gives clarity. It makes them realize the importance of the earth’s resources and preserve.

Animal shelter. It’s a warm place to stay for injured and rescued domestic animals, so a deeper understanding of their behavioral patterns and needs.

The project when conceived with the simplest method in terms of minimal aspects.

We would like to see more functional and meaningful, need based designs

It’s a very individual way and perception.

It depends how long does it take us to be convinced of the concept.

We make a list of requirements then programme it. According to the importance with the respect to the concept and design need we proceed.

To be happy from my innermost consciousness.

Design sets the trends but maybe trends are temporary, but class is timeless.

Technology plays a huge role as it gives great flexibility to explore with materials, proportions, aesthetics. This also helps the client to understand how his space is going to look and feel and therefore the decisions are quicker.

We start with sketching then move to other software like CAD, photoshop, morpholio, SketchUp.

Colour plays a vital role. It immediately changes the mood and influences the soul. Colour and texture add character to the surface. Texture with light can change the space amazingly and which makes the space lively energetic.

The process.

The first thought that comes is that how would they have started the design process.

My life partner and my office partner . its part of a collaborative process - co design which happens simultaneously

The president of the “Heartfulness” the spiritual person Daaji – Kamlesh Patel

Designing Destiny by Daaji - Heartfulness

We start from the scratch, unlearn everything when we start a new design and only remember the flaws in the previous design

We would like to spend time without technology, living in farms or jungle. We would love to know how they are managing their sustainable lifestyles with local availability of techniques.

We feel good when we receive awards as it gives us energy and inspiration to perform better and give our best always consistently. Becoming famous is tough but what matters is the path you have chosen to receive the good wishes.

We are from India, so our favourite season is winter. we like all colours and is subject to the context and how it is used. we like Indian food , milk and bread, mango and nothing specific about brands.

The funniest is when a client says that he / she knows everything about design and they just want a little guidance

When I am able to complete a design as per my expectations and satisfaction it makes my day great. I challenge my instinct to motivate myself , sometimes I play sports, listen to music and read and mediate regularly

I had a very normal playful childhood playing in the garden very carefree. yet the inclination towards design and art was always there.

We will go back to roots. There will be limited and functional desires.

I am just a normal person, who loves to play cricket, Bhadri loves to read and we respect other design and love to design

Snehal was born in a carpenter’s family and always saw small ideas developing into enormous results. When he sees end users happy and enjoying the design and understanding the meaning the feeling had a lasting impression and motivated him to choose this line of profession. Bhadri was always inclined towards art and craft and at a very young age chose this path. For both its not just a profession but its their passion. Snehal is a civil engineer and has also done his Masters in sustainable Architecture form SFIA and Bhadri ( spouse – wife) is an Interior Designer from APIED Gujarat India.

“The use of green ensemble is a way of inspiring our fellow designers and tell them that our passion and creativity can make an ordinary material transform a space. This is our way to integrate sustainable and traditional architecture in the urban lifestyle. Initially one may feel that they have to make extra efforts to design a green building, space or interior but once the practice becomes your belief then it becomes a part of the natural process of designing,” concludes the duo. For us, designing is a spiritual journey.

design is about solving the purpose for which it is designed or sometimes it is aesthetically driven but always contextual.

to design contextually and more and more with local material and local craftsmen. Close to nature and timeless.

A design which is minimal, and the material used is in its raw and organic form without any cosmetic touch is my favourite e.g.: style of wabi sabi

design layout

Material – all natural and local

Technology – as much as possible local technology

Platform – Archdaily

I am most creative when I am happy and relaxed.

Functionality, proportions, aesthetics, comfort to the end user

Spiritual and calm and sacred.

Inner and subtle happiness

the purpose of the design which is able to achieve the epitome of its comfort for which it is meant to be along with a minimalistic approach.

Functionality

We have a great social responsibility as we can convince the society to have sustainable lifestyle and yet make it stylish.

The people are becoming more conscious about sustainability and save environment. The future of design is learning from the roots and implementing in today’s technology

we would like to hold it soon by end of 2020

Nature is the mother of all inspiration and we follow our instinct consciously. The concept of a sustainable design benefiting the performance of the architecture.

Our office/firm follows the philosophy of truth and honesty. The approach of the design philosophy of the firm was sensitivity to the profession chosen and the passion towards it.

Our approach is a conscious effort to avoid unnecessary clutter / cosmetic. Anything which is functional is efficient is meaningful and truthful.

We live in India which has a very rich cultural heritage and a huge history of sustainable designs and paths for architecture. This has a great impact on our design and its processes. There is a tremendous amalgamation of so many mix cultures living together, and we can draw so much from this. The general people are not so aware of hiring a professional designer.

We work as a consultant designer.

The companies should chart out their goal and be transparent about achievable.

our designs are founded in simplicity and clarity and create structures that are closely connected to the earth. While we strive towards compelling and dynamic spaces, we do so by combining clarity with quiet and thoughtful innovation; we endeavour to achieve the delicate balance of order and invention followed by integrity in work.

Center stable, kitchen, reading lounge chair, reading lamp, work desk.

Morning meditation, GYM, drop daughter to school, pack lunch and off to office.

2nd half is site visits and meeting clients and Bhadri goes back home. Snehal comes in a little later and then we all have dinner together with our daughter and talk and share about our day and its anecdotes. Then planning for next day and study a little and engage in a little social media. Then prayer and bedtime.

Passion, love, consciousness and consistency and persistence.

JUST positives because you can be yourself and realize and fulfil others dreams and see them happy

Simplicity and honesty

To be able to visualize and sketching and the ability to explain and convince your design

Sketching is the first tool. Stationery, pencils, colours, books, I pad.

We focus and work extra hours

It depends how long does it take us to be convinced of the concept.

How soon can u deliver the design ?

The smile and happiness on the client’s face. Wealth is in the relationships.

Businessmen, developers, store owners, farmers.

to design contextually and more and more with local material and local craftsmen. Close to nature and timeless. A challenge that satisfies and thrills simultaneously.

To be able to do more sustainable work. we also have a product design company “Carpenter’s “and we would like to design more products and furniture and take it ahead.

Next is doing more meaningful designs.

Both of us design as a team and sometimes brainstorming with the extended team in the office too.

Animal shelter - This animal welfare centre facility aims to rehabilitate these orphaned and traumatised domestic animals, birds and mammals, and is concerned with the health, safety and psychological wellness of the animals and provides free treatment. To RESCUE, TREAT AND REHABILITATE and create a caring and loving environment.

To create public awareness and set an example for the next generation. To sensitise through mutual interaction.

Previous clients suggest, through our social media platforms, email , phone.