Pioneers from the world of design speak their mind
A casual chat with four pioneers from the design fraternity who have excitedly traversed a journey of 25 plus years
The most exciting thing that you’ve worked on in the past few years?
I have worked on some very challenging projects like restoration of a 1870 AD heritage hotel ball room building of The Savoy, Welcome Group, Mussorrie; and restored it keeping the English Gothic style of architecture and interiors intact, blending it with classic style to suit the end usage. Apart from this working on a big resort in Panipat and Udaipur; a luxury train in Rajasthan of metre gauge.
What would you say your signature look is?
My signature style has always been understated classic colonial. The blend of contemporary classic with a few elements, which speak for itself, and the homogeneous blending of architecture, landscape, interiors along with styling has always been important.
Has your upbringing influenced your style?
I come from the armed forces background. My exposure to the civilian world was limited. Being from Delhi, with a very social upbringing, I was exposed to the Lutyens Delhi architecture of clubs like Delhi Gymkhana and other armed forces clubs. So my influence has always been classic colonial.
If someone were to play you in a movie/ theatre as a designer, whom would you pick?
I would pick two leading ladies from Bollywood - Priyanka Chopra and Anushka Sharma. Both belong to the armed forces and understand the discipline, the humble roots and the dedication with which one has to struggle.
Your dream vacation would be?
Dream vacation would be undoubtedly Europe. The love for architecture, design, trends and styling are best seen there.
The most exciting thing that you’ve worked on in the past few years?
Every project for me is a breath of fresh air, and a new creative being to look forward to. I sincerely and unapologetically believe in my work, and that is the reason every project excites me. It gets me out of bed and out the door every morning. My current favourite is our Mayfair collection.
What would you say your signature look is?
I think the balance between simplicity and opulence is what our signature look is. Although when you are in the design field it is important for us as designers to keep evolving, so the aesthetics may vary from time to time with every new collection, but the underlying concept and look is that of understated luxe.
Has your upbringing influenced your style?
Absolutely! I have grown up around people who were appreciators and connoisseurs of art and architecture and in the growing years this exposure to design has definitely had an impact on me and my sensibilities.
If someone were to play you in a movie/theater as a designer, whom would you pick?
It defi nitely is a dream, and I would want my favourite Indian actor, Shahrukh Khan to don the hat.
Your dream vacation would be?
For me, a vacation is a perfect blend of my design and architectural interests and leisure time; and so a location that is a blend of both is my ideal vacation. Milan, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Dubrovnik excites me and my family.
The most exciting thing that you’ve worked on in the past few years?
I love to travel, and I am the happiest with a plane ticket in my hand. It has been exciting to have the opportunity to create projects internationally. For example, I’ve recently completed projects in Macau, China, Tbilisi, Georgia and in Thailand.
What would you say your signature look is?
I am known for my comfortable, elegant, global style that is always livable. My designs use a soothing monochromatic palette with dashes of colour and humour. I incorporate architectural elements that give my rooms an edgy sense of drama.
Has your upbringing influenced your style?
Yes, very much. Originally from Cuba, and well travelled since a child, the opportunity has given me the capacity to be open and to absorb diverse cultures, which I eventually incorporate into my work.
If someone were to play you in a movie/theater as a designer, whom would you pick?
The actor Richard Gere. People say we look alike.
Your dream vacation would be?
I love travelling to exotic places where discovery of the culture and landscape is the predominant focus. I have been to Papua in New Guinea, Darjelling in India, Bhutan and China. Given an opportunity would love to go back again in a heartbeat.
The most exciting thing that you’ve worked on in the past few years?
The most exciting thing that I have worked on in the past few years has been the creation of an ultimate luxury apartment in an up-market gated apartment community called the Magnolias in Gurgoan, facing the DLF Golf Course.
What would you say your signature look is?
My signature style has to be contemporary chic with quirky thrown in, along with a breath of fresh air.
Has your upbringing influenced your style?
Yes absolutely. I grew up in a cosmopolitan environment, with a wide exposure to the fine and visual arts, and as such, all my interiors have a strong bias towards wall art, paintings, sculptures, lots of accessories, as well as lots and lots of colour. I am not scared of using colours on walls, upholstery, exteriors, etc. After all, one just has to look at rural India, especially Rajasthan and Gujrat to see how vibrant colours can be used.
If someone were to play you in a movie/theatre as a designer, whom would you pick?
I think Ranveer Singh. I have his nervous energy, can’t sit still, and I am, at times mad and irreverent. What fun.
Your dream vacation would be?
Too many to mention. Let’s start with Barcelona, go on to Madrid, chug up to Monaco, and end up stretching my legs in Paris.