Our Design Philosophy & Studio Story
We believe design should tell a story. Explore the principles, creative partnership, and journey that drive every project at FADD Studio.
A portrait of us, Farah and Dhaval, in our element. This image was part of our AD100 feature and captures our hands-on, collaborative approach to design.
In this interview, Farah discusses our core philosophy of never repeating ourselves and always pushing for innovation. She shares insights into her design journey and our studio's belief that everything is possible in design.
A portrait of us, Farah Ahmed and Dhaval Shellugar. Our partnership is built on a shared ambition to create original work and give each client a design identity that is exclusively their own.
A wonderful reunion with our mentors and fellow designers from Khosla Associates, featured in Livingetc India. It was a homecoming that celebrated the journey from mentorship to friendship and mutual admiration within the design community.
A behind-the-scenes look at the Livingetc India photoshoot with our mentors and peers. The video captures the fun, collaborative energy and camaraderie of the Bengaluru design community.
A portrait of us for the KARVAT project. Our design philosophy is to remain fluid and avoid a singular style, allowing us to create fads of our own rather than following them.
A group photo from the Livingetc India feature. These relationships, transitioning from mentor-mentee to a community of friends, are a vital part of our creative ecosystem.
Another shot from the Khosla Associates studio reunion, capturing the warmth and easy camaraderie of the group on the studio's iconic staircase.
The 'Khosla crew' together. This feature celebrated the legacy of mentorship and the flourishing of new talent from a shared foundation of inspiration.
A professional portrait of us, Farah and Dhaval, the co-founders of FADD Studio.
About The Founders & Our Philosophy
People often ask how we balance our different energies. The truth is, we operate like a jigsaw puzzle—our differing perspectives are exactly what allow us to create spaces that feel cohesive yet layered. When you work with us, you are not getting a template; you are getting a design narrative born from that specific creative friction.
Our practice is built on a simple, stubborn rule: we never repeat ourselves. Since 2012, when we first stepped out from our time at Khosla Associates, our goal has been to create design identities that belong to the space and the people living in them, rather than a signature FADD style.
We describe our approach as quiet luxury—a focus on tactile materials, muted tones, and thoughtful layouts that encourage you to slow down. Whether it is an immersive installation or a residential project in Bengaluru, we approach every brief as a blank page. We do not believe in decorating for the sake of it; we believe in selecting elements with intent.
This means we are just as invested in the conceptual note—the 'why'—as we are in the final execution. For us, a successful space is one that feels lived-in, honest, and undeniably yours. We partner with Indian and international artists to build these narratives, ensuring every object has a reason for being there. We also maintain a focus on the sensory experience, considering how light, texture, and even scent contribute to the room. If you are looking for a space that reflects your personality rather than the latest trend, we are the right match.
Fadd Studio
We’re Farah and Dhaval, the creative force behind FADD Studio. We’ve been shaping spaces since 2012, blending our distinct perspectives to turn concepts into textured, soul-filled environments.
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