Vasu “Nat” Virajsilp
Principal Architect and Managing Director, Vaslab Architecture
The idea of “Timelessness” is constantly on the mind of Vasu “Nat” Virajsilp, the founder and principal architect of Vaslab – a leading architectural firm – whether he’s discussing his work, career aspirations, or personal style. Yet, this father of two confides that lately he’s been more acutely aware of the passage of time, particularly since his company celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year.
“Time does fly by,” he muses. “That’s why I believe in doing our best every day. If we’ve given it our best try, then we can accept whatever happens with no regrets.” However, the best would not be good enough without passion. “If we don’t love what we do, then there’s no joy and we won’t find happiness.”
As for Vaslab’s recent milestone, the first two decades of the firm were honoured in a monograph, produced by the magazine art4d, featuring 10 landmark projects. Bold, cutting-edge, and awe-inspiring are just some of the attributes usually associated with Nat’s works, whether they be showrooms, resorts, hotels, or community malls. Among his many achievements, he highlights the flagship store Honda Bigwing – the first Honda big bike showroom in Thailand – as one that significantly launched his career. The iconic showroom, featuring slabs of raw concrete in the shape of a boomerang, gained recognition as a finalist at the World Architecture Festival in 2009.
“It was such a breakthrough. It was the company’s first major public building, as we only designed small projects like private houses before. It was indescribable to finally see the design materialise as a real building,” says Nat, who in 1997 graduated with honours from Pratt Institute with a degree in Architecture and later received his MSC in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University in 1998.
Another landmark project that solidified the studio’s design-oriented reputation was Casa de la Flora, a resort in Khao Lak. The 36 cubical-shaped villas, adorned with natural materials such as wood and stone, were conceptualised as organic forms that gradually emerge from the ground, resembling blossoming flowers. The project garnered numerous accolades, including the Iconic Award and International Architecture Award. It was also featured in the Wallpaper City Guide and Wallpaper UK, and included as a member of the prestigious Design Hotels.
Vasu’s latest pride is the Mason Pattaya resort in Chonburi. The striking “stone carver” hotel propelled the firm further onto the international architecture stage when it was selected as the ‘Popular Choice’ winner at the Architizer A+ Awards, in the Hotels & Resorts category, in 2022. Of course, maintaining integrity and staying humble are among the most important lessons Nat has gleaned over his 20-year career.
“I started small because I believe that the measure of achievement isn’t in taking on big projects but in executing excellent ones,” he asserts. “To craft a design in alignment with the brief, provide exemplary client services, and communicate effectively.”
The relationship between architects and their clients are typically long-term, spanning a minimum of two to three years – even in the case of small-scale projects like private residences. When carefully cultivated, the professional bond often evolves into a genuine friendship.
“This is crucial. Over the years, many clients have become friends, bringing more clients to us via referrals,” Nat points out. Clearly, his strength lies in his confidence; in his taste, skills and ability to lead a project aesthetically. But that sure handedness does not lapse into arrogance.
“We don’t go around carrying ourselves as being the world’s best designer. We have to be flexible, adapting to the client’s vision without compromising our own standards. I always advise my junior colleagues never to present a half-baked draft to the client, or one they are not fully confident about.”
He adds that the buildings he’s designed are instantly recognised for having a clear character, not because he insists on having it his own way but because the clients trust in him. The best advice he has received, and the counsel he consistently offers young architects, is to uphold honesty.
“Architects operate within a close-knit community. Words travel fast and one misstep becomes widely known in no time.”
While Nat’s own favourite architectural style is modern and brutalist, his preference in clothing leans towards smart casual. This dashing architect describes himself as quintessentially a man in black (except for a few pieces in denim or navy).
“I remember trying on black outfits during my college years and felt that they looked fine on me. I’ve hardly worn other colours over the past 30 years except on occasions where black would be inappropriate,” he says.
For him, good taste connotes what can endure the test of time, a definition that fits the Swish luxury timepiece Breguet. Nat, with a relative fondness for watches, possesses a modest collection predominantly comprised of timepieces that hold sentimental value, often gifted by his family members. Breguet’s Classique, in particular, exemplifies the timeless elegance that appeals him – neither too modern nor too classical.
If he could choose a dream project, Nat says he’d like to design a museum. His plans for the future, meanwhile, involve expanding into the international market, with Vietnam and Malaysia firmly in his sights. For now, though, he’s simply looking forward to spending the holiday seasons in London and Paris with his family – his wife, Juthatham Chirathivat, their six-year-old son Davyn, and their four-year-old daughter Dia.
As a Christian, Nat believes in philanthropy. He has sponsored charity work by a pastor in Si Saket province who’s been involved in social and development projects for people in the community for many years. His firm has also partnered with other brands to create special products for charitable proceeds.
Nat enjoys music, especially Brit pop from the 80s, and collects vinyl records. But most people don’t know that he once aspired to become a DJ. And when he’s stressed, nothing beats a long drive and some great tunes. “Driving and listening to music are extremely fulfilling for me. It’s therapeutic – like healing,” he smiles.