Our Studio, Design Process and Media Features
A glimpse into our Worli studio where sketches, physical models, and collaborative discussions shape our philosophy of slow living and deep connection to nature.
Arched French windows in our studio dining area offer a captivating glimpse into the lush greenery outside. This seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living is a core principle of our design approach.
The perfect setup for our next meeting. The live-edge wooden table, modern chairs, and bold pendant lights create an inspiring environment for creative discussions.
A view from our model room, looking through the courtyard into other office spaces. The use of large glass windows creates a sense of connectivity and transparency throughout the studio.
Transparent glass walls and a large arched window allow our conference room to be visually connected to the rest of the office, while a warm timber ceiling adds a welcoming touch.
Large windows, a double-height pitched ceiling, and warm wooden floors create an open and inspiring workspace. The open display of books, samples, and models makes it a true design studio.
The chaos behind the scenes of our team photo. This video captures the fun and collaborative spirit of our studio.
The core team behind the Dua Villa project, including our partners from Kunaal Maniar Associates. Collaboration is fundamental to our process, bringing together diverse expertise to create a cohesive whole.
An article on Architectenweb exploring our philosophy on building in nature. We argue that architecture can play an important role in creating awareness and appreciation for our environment.
Our studio was featured in Elle Decor, showcasing our workspace as an artful abode that redefines modern living and working.
The Ray Villa featured in Platform Architecture magazine. The article highlights how the design emphasizes the tropical landscape and outdoor living.
About Additional Work & Media
We do not simply produce blueprints. In our studio, we build 1:100 scale physical models and sketch continuously to examine how light hits a surface and how a wall meets the earth. This hands-on rigor ensures that our projects, whether in the Himalayas or urban Mumbai, age with character and integrate into their landscape.
Architecture is not just about building; it is about establishing a dialogue between light, material, and the surrounding environment. Our work, often featured in publications like Architectural Digest and Elle Decor, reflects this commitment to quietude and restraint.
Our Process
Every project begins with an idea that is explored through hand-drawn sketches and physical models. By working with materials like lime plaster, charred timber, and stone, we ensure our designs are tactile and grounded. We believe in being present during the construction phase, collaborating closely with artisans to execute details precisely.
Design Philosophy
Our practice, with roots in both Mumbai and Rotterdam, seeks to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. We prioritize vertical connections, sculptural staircases, and the strategic use of natural light to enhance the living experience. Whether we are designing a second home in Alibag or a high-spec urban renovation in the city, our goal is to create spaces that feel like sanctuaries.
Recognition
We are honored to be recognized on the AD100 list for 2024 and 2025. This acknowledgement serves as a testament to our team's dedication to quality, our focus on landscape integration, and our belief that nature, rather than being conquered, should be invited into the heart of the home. We invite you to explore our approach and consider how we might bring a similar rigor to your own space.
Architecture Brio
We are Shefali and Robert. We lead a team that is as passionate about the texture of lime plaster as we are about the geometry of a structure. Our studio in Worli is where these ideas take shape before they ever reach a construction site.
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