A leading designer of ultra-luxury estate homes, the versatile projects of Aparna Kaushik, Founding Principal and Design Director, Aparna Kaushik Deisgn Group, span from a comprehensive range of luxury lifestyle creations. Her expertise lies in creating a unique balance of both aspirational design and precision. CW DesignBuild speaks to Aparna Kaushik about her vision, design influences and more. What is your vision for Aparna Kaushik Design Group? “Clarity of purpose and simplicity are the essence of design. I design to accentuate the natural qualities of a space; amplifying its particular beauty through seamless functionality and unique form.” - Aparna Kaushik Bringing the serenity of spiritualism to the design desk, the house of Aparna Kaushik Design Group translates connections of nature and human interaction with spaces to compose ergonomic and responsive structural forms. The vision for Aparna Kaushik Design Group is to not follow trends. My main goal is to design to accentuate the natural qualities of a space; amplifying its particular beauty through seamless functionality and unique form. Tell us about the major challenges you faced while establishing your firm and what were your key learnings from them? I am glad to be working on different kinds of projects each time. In fact, every project becomes unique encompassing its own vision, sensibility, needs and budgets. From European classism to contemporary minimal projects, we do an array of genres. Of course, there are challenges, especially when there is disconnect between the contractor and us, the architects. In such cases, the details are not achieved to the letter T. That is the reason we have moved on to becoming a design-and-build firm, so that we can be in perfect control of the entire execution from design concepts to building a structure. With this conviction and creative vigour, we undertake comprehensive design-to-build services, offering discerning clients a thorough and cohesive design experience. Tell us more about the influence of art and architectural history on your designs. Listening to my inner voice early on set me on the path of finding my true calling for architecture without any ambiguity. Since then, there has been no distinction between my personal and professional life — they simply merge seamlessly. I have always loved designing, creating things. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction. I was always naturally drawn to architecture. The monuments and palaces I saw during holiday trips would mesmerize me. I was in awe of the impact and the scale that they had on the human mind. With my intuitive sense of aesthetics and proportions, I knew I could study and implement them in my designs. How do you approach design to accommodate aesthetic and functionality in the projects you execute? Our work blends European classicism with modernist tropical architecture, resulting in timeless structures with elegant, inventive interiors that showcase rigorous attention to detail. Our projects comprise expansive luxury estates and farmhouses. Without going mindlessly after trends, we strive to bring in the serenity of spiritualism, as well as the calming influence of sustainability in our work. My main goal is to design to accentuate the natural qualities of a space; amplifying its particular beauty through seamless functionality and unique form. Which of your projects till date have been the most innovate and experimental and how? I started off by designing a farmhouse with a vibrant tropical and Balinese theme, researching and brushing up my knowledge about this beautiful style. It was a very enriching experience. It also refined my work and shaped my career. I have been inspired by some contemporary designers, whose work I greatly admire. Bali-based architect Alexis Dornier is one of them. He is a very material-oriented architect, who is also experimental. He uses wood to create astonishing fluid structures and curved forms, and is well-known for amalgamating the interiors and exteriors in an amazing manner. I strive to bring in a similar interaction between the interiors and exteriors creating a natural habitat. How would you define your style of design? How do you ensure that your projects bear your signature? My designs are effected by an intuitive sensitivity to client preferences and an obsessive attention to detail, synchronising social and cultural nuances to exude a subtle, yet distinctive, individuality. We undertake comprehensive design-to-build services that offers clients a unique and thorough and cohesive design experience. What changes have you perceived in your clients (in terms of demands, awareness, aesthetics, etc.)? Working in the residential sector, every client has a different set of requirements which are specific to the family setup. Clients are aware and educated about the aesthetic they want. Our intent is to provide timeless designs and accentuate the natural qualities of a space; amplifying its beauty through seamless functionality and unique form. Tell us about the projects you are working on currently. Currently we are working on multiple estates, villas and farmhouses pan India. As experienced professionals from the field of architecture, how would you advise youngsters to approach architecture as a profession? The most important advice one can give to would-be entrepreneurs is to challenge yourself constantly. The mindset to learn every day in your field of work is a must. In today’s time, everyone is career and goal oriented, but it is imperative to have the vision and the desire to achieve it. The world is full of great ideas, but success only comes through action. Also read: https://www.constructionworld.in/latest-construction-news/real-estate-news/interiors/designer-by-profession--educator-by-heart---aarti-patel/29971 https://www.constructionworld.in/latest-construction-news/real-estate-news/interiors/muted-luxury-and-elegance--highpoints-of-our-design-azure-interiors/30589