Hafele-TFOD Profile Of The Week: Khosla Associates

'Faultless' is the first word that comes to mind at the mention of Sandeep Khosla’s architecture! Serene, sincere, sensitive, sensible and sustainable – the trademark aesthetic of Khosla Associates manifests itself subtly but firmly, in all the design output from the firm, over the past two decades. Effortlessly asserting its stylistic simplicity, the firm has gathered several awards and accolades, and their work is widely published, in leading architecture and design publications from across the world!

Being at Pratt (to study architecture) and away from India for six years, Sandeep considers as his most important phase of learning – when he imbibed strong concepts and ideas about the architectonics of space. On his return, he worked for a year with Ar. Charles Correa and then set up his own practice in 1995, plunging headlong into projects and learning the ropes along the way. The time away also helped him appreciate Indian culture and context a lot better… and his unique stamp – with reinterpretations and adaptations of traditional Indian elements over an essentially international design vocabulary – started taking shape.

Amaresh Anand studied architecture at the BMS College of Engineering, Bnagalore and joined Khosla Associates in 1998, after interning with a few good architectural studios in the city. Since then, he has played a crucial role in several projects. He has been integral in helping the firm evolve into its present identity, and in the year 2000, he became an Associate and has now joined Sandeep at the helm of Khosla Associates as its Principal. Amaresh’s eye for detail and expertise in construction technologies has enabled them to explore their design vocabulary in innovative ways. 

A versatile body of work ranging from architecture and interiors of residences and corporate offices to retail and hospitality spaces embellishes the studio’s portfolio. With a remarkable body of work in the hospitality sector, and very famously associated with the hospitality brands Shiro and Hard Rock Café, their clients range from individual home owners to companies such as Biocon, the Park hotels, Nike, and MTV to educational institutions like Delhi Public School and the Doon School.

Sandeep Khosla & Amaresh Anand – the heads of the firm, believe in architecture that uses local materials and concepts, but reinterprets them with a unique and contemporary design sensibility. Their understanding and awareness of global/local trends in fashion, lifestyle and design reflects in all their work – across all sectors of architectural design and mainly manifests in the firm’s hospitality projects. Their design credos are inspired by local and global trends, lifestyle, fashion and contemporary art. Extensive travel hones their design thinking, and a Modern Indian sensibility has firmly affirmed itself in their trademark style and creations.

But ‘trademark style’ in Khosla’s case, does not mean repetitive! In each project, there is an apparent sensitivity to the site, the climate and the context. Each project emphasizes the evolution of a design solution that satisfies many parameters of good design, as well as the client’s brief! The reinterpretation of material and structure to create meaningful architecture is what can be identified as the trademark of the firm.

We, at The Future Of Design, enjoy the architects' design style and are glad to see their faith in TFOD. Their recurring visits to update their Profile on TFOD, and add new photos are much appreciated!