Hafele-TFOD Profile Of The Week: a+t Associates, Vadodara

Graduates from  A.P.I.E.D, Vallabh Vidya Nagar, Archis and Tanvi worked at the studio of Dipen Gada. Tanvi also worked at Abhikram (under architects Nimish Patel and Parul Zaveri) and imbibed from them finer nuances of vernacular, sustainable architecture and textile design. The stylistic influences of these very sensitive, design-centric studios are evident in the work of a+t associates. They try to create rich and varied spatial experiences by infusing intangibles like mood and warmth into the tangibles of site, context, climate and materials. 

With the idea of design as a ‘journey’, Archis and Tanvi freely explore different directions, experimenting with colours and materials to enrich their essential aesthetic of ‘classic minimalism’. Their designs, marked by by clean, simple and sophisticated lines, a palette of neutral colors and interesting textures – are impressive, pleasing, comfortable and warm. 

Though the practice is still relatively in its fledgling stages, it has made a substantial impact in the realm of residential interiors in and around Vadodara. The success of a+t associates could be ascribed to their approach to design – which is without preset concepts! Of course, their preferred aesthetic and their core ideology may be taking over at some point in the process; but the apparent design intent is to stay focused on the project at hand – and respond intuitively to the site, its context, climate, orientation, natural vegetation and such other aspects and challenges. 

The a+t portfolio thus boasts of some exclusive work – Indian at heart, international in manifestation, with a deep-rooted respect for tradition and a lasting contemporaneous ethos!

We, at The Future Of Design – wish the young designers Archis Patel and Tanvi Rajpurohit a great journey ahead!!