After studying architecture at the Centre for Environment and Planning (CEPT), Ahmedabad (1984-90), and getting a Masters in Appropriate Technology from Flensburg University, Germany (1992-94), Ar. Mona Doctor Pingel set up Studio Naqshbandi in Auroville in 1995. Rooted in the essence and philosophy of Auroville, Studio Naqshbandi strives to achieve immersive sensorial experiences in each project. The studio believes in doing research to find the right solution – considering factors such as climate, culture, requirements and budget; while also understanding and incorporating locally available materials and craftsmanship, and aspirations of the endusers. Here, we feature two projects – an institutional building in Surat, and a garden around the Matrimandir in Auroville.

Since its inception in 1993 by the dynamic duo Ashwin and Anjali Lovekar, alumni of the prestigious Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mumbai, Lovekar Design Associates has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating spaces that are both artistically inspiring and practically rooted in their context. The Lovekars, alongside their dedicated team, embrace a design philosophy that harmonizes the distinct elements of client aspirations, site conditions, and practical constraints into a singular, cohesive narrative of space. The work of LDA invites us to reimagine our understanding of architecture—not as a static entity, but as a dynamic interplay of ideas, emotions, and tangible realities.

With a presence in both Mumbai and London, Studio Emergence is at the forefront of redefining urban development, blending local and global perspectives to craft "architecture of the future." Spearheaded by the dynamic duo of architects Seeja Sudhakaran and Khushbu Davda, the studio’s approach is rooted in a deep love for geometry and parametric methodology. By bridging the gap between material properties, contextual parameters, and advanced digital techniques, Studio Emergence produces designs that are innovative, contextually responsive, and emotionally impactful. In this feature, we look at three diverse projects from the firm’s repertoire of work across India, with an office interior done in Dubai.

Anuj and Anand Ambalal, sons of renowned artist Amit Ambalal established a design studio A Cube Inc. in 2004. The Ahmedabad-based studio crafts bespoke wooden furniture - experimenting at the cusp of art and design. At A Cube Inc., asking questions is considered integral to the design process, and helps not only in arriving at successful design solutions, but also in keeping the process fun. Though the brothers spend a lot of time on the ideation phase, they passionately believe that the best design decisions come from creative intuition.

Edifice Consultants helmed by Ar. Ravi Sarangan, is an award-winning design practice that crafts design solutions through focused collaborative efforts. Powered by a highly motivated work-force with global education, exposure, and experience, the firm makes a concerted effort to create beautiful living and working environments and focuses on delivering genuinely sustainable solutions which transcend certifications. Featured here is a 40,000 sq. ft. office for a software company in Pune.