--- title: "Our Design Journey and Architectural Awards | Compartment S4" description: "Explore the design journey of Compartment S4, an award-winning architectural and interior design firm. Discover our philosophy, team, and the stories behind our recognized public and urban design projects." canonical: https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/community-public-space-design/our-journey-recognition last_updated: 2025-09-12 --- # Our Design Journey and Milestones Tribe Verified · 8 years, 8 partners, 1 collective. By [Compartment S4](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4) · Studios in Ahmedabad & Bengaluru; Public space projects across India · ₹75 per square foot (estimate) Part of [Community & Public Space Design](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/community-public-space-design). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/community-public-space-design/gallery) From hostel sketches to national awards, this is the story of our collective journey and the philosophy that anchors us. ## Photos and videos - ![A photo of our team of eight partners, marking our eighth anniversary. Our practice began as a shared dream among friends to build meaningful public spaces, and that collaborative spirit remains our foundation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/108602b8-4118-49a5-b0de-1c8dea51cc53) - ![The genesis of Compartment S4: born out of conversations in hostels and studios, questioning how architecture can be more than just design. This photo captures one of our early design marathons.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7d44215d-ec8e-44d6-a3ba-09307a80b01d) - ![Our beginnings in 2017. We said yes to the unknown with intuition, borrowed tools, and a borrowed space, laying our first bricks, both literal and metaphorical.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/45ad66a0-e59c-4501-964e-bebe6d2ca886) - ![A photo from 2018, a year of firsts. We held our first exhibition and completed our first five projects, testing ideas in the real world and exploring not just what to design, but how, where, and for whom.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d023815b-a78b-4c86-87d2-ace3d5bb2f57) - ![From a hands-on workshop in 2019. Mud, makeshift tools, and uncomfortable energy became our language, and building became our teacher. This reflects our commitment to getting our hands dirty.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cea7b2ef-7b61-4198-8c27-00e102f128a1) - ![A team photo from 2020, a year of balance. With one foot in the field experimenting with materials and the other in the studio balancing infrastructure with structure, we learned to navigate new terrain.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/454fb99b-9336-4865-8c10-a6eed69235c3) - ![Our team featured in The Architect's Diary. We are a multidisciplinary practice founded by 8 partners, providing a range of services from architecture and interiors to urban design and landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/769fd457-366d-43f4-af8e-5038ffe234e3) - ![We are honored to be featured in the inaugural TAD 50 list, which celebrates 50 firms driving positive change through design in India. The quote reflects our democratic and non-hierarchical approach.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0a30706e-bf73-4a6e-8953-7575025b16b5) - ![Another view of our feature in the TAD 50 publication, placing us in the company of inspiring practices shaping the future of our built environments.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/93f89d40-87e0-4d36-9e9a-e0cb8291a2a4) - ![The TAD 50 award and special edition magazine. We are grateful for this recognition of our people-centric design process aimed at achieving social and environmental sustainability.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0e9bc8af-4623-46d6-9fcd-f6e9dc2101aa) - ![Co-founder Kishan Shah accepting the People’s Choice Award at the Geevees Awards 2025 for our Nepean Greens project in the Public Building Category.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/37ef082d-9752-4253-8aa8-aafd5d615e74) - ![A collage from the Geevees Awards, celebrating with our team. This recognition is a testament to our dedication to creating sustainable and community-driven spaces.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3e29a0d4-f2e3-42a0-b79e-09918090232c) - [Video: A video of the award moment at the Geevees Awards 2025 for the Nepean Greens project.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fce83ded-08b2-42f7-9fa7-44ca96a08d53) - ![Presenting our Nepean Greens project at the Monsoon Architecture Awards, where it was nominated for the Best Public Space Award.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7e0323ca-69e7-43ec-896c-c3e9642eab3e) - ![Our Nepean Greens project featured in the Monsoon Architecture Festival publication. We were thrilled to be nominated alongside visionary architects from across South and Southeast Asia.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6ebdb5ef-9062-48c8-a7b5-c69687ebd1e9) - ![A spread from the publication detailing the concept and design of Nepean Greens, with a jury comment praising it as an "imaginative and controlled intervention."](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fc111731-1cad-4529-959e-cb5a342091d0) - ![Our Nepean Greens project was featured in the LA Journal of Landscape Architecture. We are thankful for the opportunity to showcase this democratic and sustainable urban haven.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5a274efb-cc01-4323-ad86-7361a01883b5) - ![The full article spread for Nepean Greens in the LA Journal, detailing the transformation of the abandoned park.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2225c53d-7986-4ea4-9252-9acb695320ec) - [Video: A video flip-through of the LA Journal feature on Nepean Greens, showing the article and photographs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/93a9fc34-7c66-40cb-9e13-ce3c97ca0ba5) - ![We are happy to share that two of our projects were published in the book "Architectures of Transition: Emergent practices in South Asia," curated by Rahul Mehrotra of Harvard GSD.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/61cd9b2c-7712-456a-9049-1d4023b132b8) - ![Our jury choice award for architecture at Elevate India, a design festival organized by The Architect's Diary. This panel showcases the breadth of our public projects.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/02f1789f-929e-4cd1-9a94-0ce75369a05d) - ![Our exhibition panel for Nepean Greens, displayed as part of a showcase of 30 practices from Ahmedabad.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/616c2280-fa89-4b3e-b0ff-ee69969de7b7) - ![A portrait of Kishan Shah, Co-Founder and Principal Architect. Kishan is known for his detail-driven approach and ability to navigate projects across all scales, from intimate pavilions to large institutions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/41231f4a-9c0b-4863-b02c-ce149a342e34) - ![Kishan Shah at an exhibition, standing beside a display of our work. He leads the studio's outreach and public presence, instrumental in building our distinct identity.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1e2fbfeb-7519-42de-9c13-841d13e1f991) - ![Kishan holding an award for one of our projects. His efforts have helped extend our studio's reach beyond regional boundaries.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3abb3b98-0b1a-4db0-9671-0a6d90cbc3b5) - ![Kishan presenting the transformation of Nepean Greens at a conference, showcasing our process and the project's impact.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/49e2ec76-b4b7-47e8-85b5-809250800b1d) - ![A portrait of Krishna Parikh, Co-Founder and Principal Architect. With a master's in Ecological Design, Krishna brings a systems-oriented mindset, crafting hyper-local and sustainable solutions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/73117104-d9e4-4421-83f2-0328c1181ebb) - ![Krishna receiving an award at a conference. Her work spans residential, commercial, and institutional projects, all with a commitment to exploring ecological considerations.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f60cfb8b-fc42-4c5a-b4b6-a63817905e84) - ![A portrait of Nishita Parmar, Co-Founder and Principal Architect. Nishita thrives on urban complexities, using a mix of data-driven insights and fieldwork to tackle projects like road safety and market redevelopments.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6d9f863a-9828-4fc5-9847-2d27d2f36c04) - ![Nishita leading a collaborative design session. Her journey through urban studies and management shapes her hands-on approach to shaping Bengaluru's urban landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2212612f-9236-4b64-bdd8-8b07a220bdc7) - ![Nishita presenting our work at an exhibition. Her experience with urban realities in Jaipur and Bengaluru informs her passion for creating livable cities.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3cde4dd5-3433-4336-affa-f71f4431ff32) - ![Nishita presenting to a community group. Her work often involves participatory planning and engaging directly with the people who use the spaces we design.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/352d6b1a-5d8a-4360-b107-78b73c7cb8ca) - ![A portrait of Monik Shah, Co-founder and Principal Architect. Monik's passion lies in public architecture in rural contexts, where he immerses himself in local cultures and materials.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aee8a696-6458-4a88-95e2-d7303a99ed85) - ![Monik engaging with a local community in Uttarakhand. His work is rooted in forging close bonds with people and tailoring designs to their needs and aspirations.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9f254043-3328-4265-b2cf-efe71f67b5a2) - ![A portrait of Vedanti Agarwal, Partner. Vedanti holds a Master’s in Urban Design from UC Berkeley and brings expertise in urban mapping and environmentally sensitive master planning.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7157aea7-b5b8-4b57-a231-423e033153eb) - ![Vedanti at her desk. She has experience developing mixed-use, transit-oriented projects and now helms the urban design and planning vertical at our Mumbai studio.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89ad4957-21b0-48b5-bee9-2e899c5276c6) - ![Vedanti presenting her work during her studies. Her background includes collaborations across Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, and Real Estate.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5ea9fed2-506e-4546-9890-e300f6d2cea0) - ![A review session showing Vedanti's work. Her international experience at studios in San Francisco and India enriches our practice.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c8180af1-c27e-448c-ae8f-5aa14e7dd540) ## About Our Journey & Recognition Our practice was born from a simple question: can architecture be more than just design? We operate without rigid hierarchies, relying on the constant friction and dialogue between our eight partners to ensure every project is not just built, but crafted with intent. This collaborative friction is the engine behind our work, allowing us to move from the abstract of a napkin sketch to the reality of public plazas and heritage restoration. Compartment S4 began in 2017 in a small Ahmedabad studio. What started as a shared curiosity among eight friends has evolved into a multidisciplinary practice spanning architecture, interior design, and urban intervention. We don't believe in the 'genius architect' myth; we believe in the collective. Our process is rooted in getting our hands dirty, whether that means conducting participatory workshops with residents in Mumbai or site-mapping heritage streets in Ahmedabad. ### Recognition and Growth We are grateful that our pursuit of socially and environmentally sustainable design has been recognized by the broader design community. Our project, Nepean Greens, received the People’s Choice Award at the Geevees Awards 2025, a validation of our belief that public spaces can be both functional and deeply loved by their communities. Being featured in the inaugural TAD 50 list, which celebrates 50 Indian firms driving positive change, has further solidified our commitment to democratic and research-led architecture. ### Our Process Our design philosophy is centered on adaptive reuse and context-sensitivity. We look for the hidden charm in neglected urban pockets, intersections, and old structures. We use data-driven insights to inform our tactical urbanism but leave space for the human element—the stories and memories that residents bring to a place. From large-scale township master planning to intricate interior details, our goal remains the same: to create spaces that feel lived-in, quiet, and strong. ## About Compartment S4 We are Compartment S4, a collective of eight friends who believe design happens in the spaces between sketches and site visits. We trade corporate hierarchies for a collaborative process where the goal is to build spaces that feel as honest and lived-in as the stories that inspired them. [See all of Compartment S4's services](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4) ## More from Community & Public Space Design by Compartment S4 - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/community-public-space-design/featured) - [Urban Plazas & Community Hubs](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/community-public-space-design/urban-plazas-community-hubs) - [Adaptive Reuse & Heritage Conservation](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/community-public-space-design/adaptive-reuse-heritage-conservation) - [Large-Scale Planning & Landscape Urbanism](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/community-public-space-design/large-scale-planning-landscape-urbanism) - [Data-Driven Road Safety & Tactical Urbanism](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/community-public-space-design/data-driven-road-safety-tactical-urbanism) - [Additional Work](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/community-public-space-design/additional-work) ## More services by Compartment S4 - [Interior Design](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/interior-design) - [Adaptive Reuse & Heritage Restoration](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/adaptive-reuse-heritage-restoration) - [Architectural Design](https://mytribe.in/compartment_s4/architectural-design) ## Similar work from other experts - [Our Studio Culture and Design Awards](https://mytribe.in/architecturedialogue/interior-design/our-team-accolades) by Architecture Dialogue · Interior Design · Studios in Bengaluru & Hyderabad; Interior projects across India - [Our Design Studio: Philosophy, Process, and Recognition](https://mytribe.in/sdeg__/architectural-design/our-studio-recognition) by SDeG · Architectural Design · Takes projects across India; Visit Architecture Studio in Kasturi Nagar - [Our Design Philosophy, Team, and Awards](https://mytribe.in/beyonddesignarchitects/commercial-architecture-interior-design/our-firm-people-process-pride) by Beyond Design · Commercial Architecture & Interior Design · Takes projects in Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Hyderabad & Bengaluru; Visit office in Thane West - [Our Journey and Design Milestones](https://mytribe.in/design_by_meta/hospitality-architecture-interior-design/our-journey-milestones) by Design By Meta · Hospitality Architecture & Interior Design · Takes projects across India; Visit studio at Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi - [Our Design Philosophy and Recognition](https://mytribe.in/sjk_architects/architectural-design-residential/our-voice-philosophy-recognition) by SJK Architects · Architectural Design - Residential · Based in Colaba, Mumbai; Projects across India - [Meet the Team and Design Process Behind Studio IAAD](https://mytribe.in/studioiaad/hospitality-amenity-space-design/our-studio-people-process-recognition) by Studio IAAD · Hospitality & Amenity Space Design · Takes projects across India; Studio in DLF Phase 3, Gurugram ## Book To book Compartment S4, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Community%20%26%20Public%20Space%20Design%20by%20Compartment%20S4.) 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