Own Studio | Nikhil Juvekar

Own Design Studio, Mumbai It’s kind of obvious that I would want my own space very much different than the rest in all aspects. The requirements were chalked out assuming the growing needs of the practice. In a profession like this we interact with kinds of people in form of agencies, clients and so on. A dedicated area for discussions which could accommodate number of people was necessary. Staff/Assistants – about 07-09 persons. A small waiting area. Pantry/ toilet. Process: It almost took me a year to shortlist the kind of place I was looking for. This was an essential step considering the growing needs of our practice. When I saw the place the first impression I had was that of a “lost fort”. Every corner had a worn out look with cracks on every possible surface. It was quite a mental challenge to imagine myself here for ever. Soon the space was on board about to go through a drastic design and planning stage. I was pretty sure about what I wanted. I wanted the office to be more like a “studio” where various kind of related activities can be carried out. I think a space should match one’s working style more then what the current trend may be. There has to be a “Poetic” content in the surrounding. Design freedom was at the peak so the ideas were even more vibrant. As I was sure about the requirements it didn’t take much time to set the layout supporting a few alternate options. This place had to look distinctive and far away from a typical “corporate” environment. When we actually hit the hammer I asked myself, why should an office be a pack of boredom?. Can’t we have a place where in we would feel at home. By now I had decided to break a few rules. I had got an opportunity to do something which I struggle to help all my clients with - sheer simplicity, originality and warmth. A design has to be rooted not only for better aesthetics but to define its importance and cause. As you near a sign board “njda” shaded with lush green “aerica palms” a door with a long non-ferrous handle welcomes you creating a curiosity of peeping in to know what’s more in the store. There are no door closers hitting your face. This is pretty much like a domestic entrance. A keen study of materials was required. Everything ages, why not let it age gracefully .As per my liking, I happily chose to stay away from the glossy, artificial and expensive commercial materials. An inimitable material palette was chosen which makes the mark. “Criticism” holds a vital role in this space. When some one extra ordinarily enquires about a certain placement with a raised eyebrow or simply gives an average comment, it further concludes and strengthens my design and abilities to do so. Some one has said it right Appreciation and Criticism are vital to an informed design response. The concept behind creating this studio was to shelter ideas. As one enters, a tall natural stackable screen takes your eye away from the staff area behind. An introduction with lord “Ganesha” is inescapable as you approach further. The Ganesha is placed over a sleek chest of drawers which is used as a material library on daily bases which stocks a number of permutations and combinations. To the left of the entry is a small waiting area with a seating of two. Considering the number of daily visitors, this proves to be apt. The chairs overall here may seem to be from “old school of thoughts” but they deliver a sturdy and unbeatable comfort. As one waits for his/her turn to be called, a discussion table is an obvious invitation which is placed right in the front. A copper hanging lamp focuses on the matter and compliments the feel. As mentioned before the profession demands to interact with a variety of people. The stone top table acts as a formal meeting table and takes care of the maintenance aspect. So are the staff table tops. The stone solves most of the practical aspects for us. We have a very singular style of working. Our focus is not towards loading the client and contractors with sheets full of detail drawings and descriptions. I strongly believe that a “concept” is progressively developed. Design isn’t some sort of mechanics.To differentiate and split this monotony, we make models of details etc which enables the client to have a clear picture of what’s coming his way. A unit is seen next to the waiting which houses various models. Next to it is a set of display boards with some of our recent published projects.This certainly eases the visitors wait. I work with a bunch of handpicked workers who are meticulous in matching my designs, details and quality. Almost every thing you see here from handles, hardware, tops, finishes, light fixtures, furniture have been specially customized and especially ordered to maintain the uniqueness of the space. A tucked in Principals cabin is indeed special. The cabin door has a conventional fabric drop which slides allowing the entire view of the studio.As the Cabin door opens the stone clad wall is absolutely grand and jaw dropping. The eye just rolls over the length of smooth mahogany table top. The material sourcing was quite tough and time consuming as it was difficult to procure absolute dry wood. Privacy with the clients is truly important at times. The wooden lovers take care of this as they are designed to slide upwards making the cabin interiors opaque. The display board at the corner usually holds presentations or the on-going project. Currently placed are some litho prints of my favorite artist which adds a dash of color. This largely solves the purpose of a cabin cum conference room. At any given point of time the room arrangement can hold strength of 08 people. This is extremely helpful at the time of joint meetings with the client and contractors. The particular area in the office allows Presentations and discussions at a larger scale. A white wash makes the space appear much larger and created some breathing space. The pantry and toilet are centrally located for an easy access. Nikhil Juvekar Design Associates, Mumbai www.nikhiljuvekar.com