Recipient of the Young Designer Award 2010 has led Abhigyan and his team to get projects in Gurgaon like Prankster in Sector 29 and Social in Cyber Hub, and moving abroad with an international residential project in Surrey, UK.
At 18 while still exploring what architecture encompasses, he worked in advertising; designing for reputed brands. Upon graduating from TVB School of Habitat Studies, New Delhi in 2008, he joined Morphogenesis. With two years of distinctive architectural and interior design experience under his belt, and two potential contracts in hand – an F&B outlet Hive in Gurgaon and a farmhouse in Delhi – motivated the 25 year old to set up his own firm Chromed Design Studio in 2010.
Chromed’s portfolio includes the Fio Cookhouse & Bar and Social Offline located one above the other in New Delhi’s bustling Nehru Place, and the ubiquitous Uber’s office which has a blend of the indoors and outdoors and a handful of plush, bespoke residences.
- What is your design Philosophy?
There is no philosophy categorized as such. It is all taste based architecture with regional context considerations. Every day is a learning experience and my team draws inspiration from everything around them. For me, it is always about people; hence, all their designs are people centric; are optimized to people’s needs. That’s why the trend and philosophy is relative.
- Who inspires you?
Initially my art teacher in school – Jenson Anto taught me how to emote graphically, i.e. it is possible to evoke an emotion on paper which inspired me to become a sculptor. Now, as a designer I believe that each completed project which is appreciated by the client and end users is recognition and an inspiration in itself.
- How have the new technologies affected an Architect’s thinking process? How have they impacted procedural architecture?
“Architecture as a profession is undergoing a rampant change due to the advancement of technology that has affected several aspects of the profession. Challenges are also arising due to extreme urbanization, reducing natural resources and climatic changes. It has to innovate and reinvent itself so as to keep in perspective the global challenges and consciously tread the path of sustainability, alternative technologies and environment friendly solutions. Hence, architects are constantly evolving and learning to formulate a better world for living. I believe, the role of an architect today reaches beyond “building a building”, to offering a kaleidoscope of enrichment in varied fields.”
- Are you concerned about environmental and social sustainability in your buildings? If so, what role does green building play into your work?
Our projects focus not only on the visual aesthetics, but also value the functionality & space creation for its end users. My team at Chromed Design Studio envisages making the end user as comfortable in the surroundings created, by giving special attention to spatial character, efficient planning, material maintenance, functional quality as well as aesthetic enhancement. Sustainability is a very important aspect which is taken care of. Our projects like Fio Cookhouse & Bar New Delhi and Impromptu Gurgaon have specifically stressed upon the concoction of green with interiors. Social Offline too caters to the vernacular grunge and promotes recycling with sustainable solutions.
- Can you tell us about any projects you are currently working on that you are especially excited about?
Chromed Design Studio has widened its client base this year and landed with the designing of some prestigious projects. Creativity unfolded with the launch of Cyber hub Social and Prankster Gurgaon. I am quite excited about our next few projects, including Moonshine in Ansal Plaza Delhi, Social Offline in Aerocity and Chandigarh, Meena Bazaar in Gurgaon, Capsule in Hauz Khas Village, Dao and B.E.D in GK New Delhi to name a few.
- What is your ultimate goal when it comes to your work? What do you want to be remembered for?
I look forward to challenging projects where our creativity is stimulated, demanding nothing but the best of me and my team’s skill set to produce extra ordinary designs. It is very satisfying to create meaningful, innovative, people centric spaces and we want to be remembered for just that. A satisfied client with a repeat project to offer speaks volumes for anyone’s comprehensive design capabilities.
- What advice would you give to young designers starting out today?
As an architect, I feel that we have a social and cultural responsibility to create designs that uplift the human spirit in addition to the function they serve. We create physical environments and subtly infuse positivity and relevance, which improves quality of life. These collectives make architecture meaningful and fascinating beyond its physical manifestation.
Sensitivity and responsiveness, nevertheless, will continue to govern our architectural practice so that engaging and collaborative environments are created. So I advise; to continue to demand ‘better than before’ from your own selves and keep going to deliver your best with each design.
- How IT & IT solutions enhance value in design of living spaces?
I feel that IT Solutions give flexible solutions for functionality. Technology also gives ease of use and portable access to a lot of activities designed specifically for living spaces.
“We have a social and cultural responsibility”: Abhigyan Neogi
