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The Practice: Philosophy, Process & People

byVijay Gupta ArchitectsTakes projects across India; Visit office in Nehru Place, New DelhiStarts from₹35 Per Sq. Ft.View full gallery

Since 1964, our practice has been rooted in a simple motto: less is more. We believe design is a dialogue between context, community, and forward-thinking responsibility.

With a legacy spanning 60 years, we have delivered over 300 million square feet of architecture. This number represents not just buildings, but spaces that foster growth, sustainability, and lasting impact, reflecting our enduring commitment to our craft.

Our partner, Alpana Gupta, reflects on the responsibility of our profession. Every project is an opportunity to not only meet the needs of today but also to consider the legacy we leave for future generations, a core tenet of our design philosophy.

The journey of our designs begins with sketches that frame ideas into space. This video shows how our partners translate concepts of movement, zoning, and context into the foundational drawings that become the DNA of the final built environment.

What drives a designer? This rapid-fire video offers an unscripted glimpse into the minds shaping our practice. Get to know the partners behind the work, from their daily motivations to their go-to materials.

Partner Arti Gugnani shares her perspective on what defines good design. It is a harmony between functionality, client aspirations, and the needs of the end user, always respectful of the site's context, culture, and environmental impact.

Partner Saurabh Gupta discusses how long-term thinking shapes our projects. Good design holds its relevance over time because it is planned with flexibility from the start, allowing spaces to evolve naturally without losing their purpose.

What is the role of architects today? Partner Saurabh Gupta explains our responsibility to create designs that help restore the balance between the built and natural environments, optimizing our work to respect and enhance that equilibrium.

How do we balance environment, economy, and equity? Saurabh Gupta explains that these are not mutually exclusive. True sustainability in design comes from achieving efficiencies in resources while creating fair, equitable spaces for all.

We constantly ask how we can inspire the architects of tomorrow. We believe rethinking architectural pedagogy is key to empowering young minds with the creativity, adaptability, and practical knowledge needed for the future of the profession.

This image accompanies our thoughts on evolving architectural education. The grand, transparent entrance of this institutional building symbolizes an open and accessible approach to learning that we champion in our designs.

About The Practice: Philosophy, Process & People

Every project begins with a conversation about what we owe the future, not just the brief at hand. We do not work from a pre-set template. Instead, we map how sunlight hits your specific plot and how people will move through the space before we ever draw a line. If you are looking to build something that respects its local context while challenging conventional design, our partners want to discuss your site's unique constraints with you directly.

Delivering excellence in architecture since 1964. — Approved by the tribe
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Vijay Gupta Architects

Takes projects across India; Visit office in Nehru Place, New DelhiStarts from ₹35 Per Sq. Ft.

We are a team of architects who believe in building for the next generation. Our partners, Alpana, Saurabh, and Arti, are deeply involved in every sketch, focusing on how a space feels rather than just how it looks. We keep our studio collaborative because we believe the best designs come from questioning the norm together.

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The original "symphony" of Shivsagar Estate in 1967. This image captures a moment in Mumbai's modernist architectural history, a legacy that continues to influence the city's urban fabric.
Shivsagar Estate as it stands now, a "remix with cladding." The image shows how architectural landmarks adapt over time, sometimes finding themselves dressed for a different era, reflecting the city's evolving tastes and needs.
A timeless, black-and-white photograph of the Otters Club, designed by us in 1973. The building's bold, brutalist form and textured facade have made it an enduring architectural landmark in Bandra.

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IMK ArchitectsTakes projects across India; Visit offices in Mumbai & Bengaluru
We are honored that our Founding Partner, Shimul Javeri Kadri, was recognized as a Luminary at the INDE Awards 2024, celebrating her contribution to architecture in the Indo-Pacific region.28
Our partners featured in Commercial Design magazine, discussing our practice's focus on crafting cultural narratives through architecture.
The entire SJK Architects team, celebrating our inclusion in the prestigious AD100 list for 2024. Our strength lies in our collaborative teamwork.
A testimonial from Marasa Hospitality, reflecting on how our design for their property transformed it into a serene sanctuary for both business and spiritual travelers.

Our Practice, Design Philosophy, and Recognition

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SJK ArchitectsBased in Colaba, Mumbai; Projects across India
My core design philosophy, "Form Follows Life," is a reminder that architecture must serve the essence of life itself. When we obsess over form, we tend to miss the whole point; the starting point must always be a deeper understanding of the context.14
A quote that captures my belief that we must move away from an obsession with form and return to the essence, which is life. Before any issue of form can emerge, there must be a certain amount of reasoning and a deeper understanding of the project's purpose.

Our Design Philosophy & Architectural Process

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Malik ArchitectureTakes projects across India; Visit office at Ballard Estate, Mumbai
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Speaking at the Annual NASA Event at Ernad Knowledge City about design. The talk focused on simplicity, honesty, and intentions, and how good intentions are the most important parameter of good design.

Our Architectural Process & Philosophy

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Studio ChintalaStudios in Bengaluru & Vijayawada; Projects Pan-India
A portrait of me, Ar. Sumit Dhawan, in my element. Here I am leaning against a concrete table with a backdrop of bamboo, reflecting my design philosophy of blending raw, modern materials with natural elements.16
Great architecture begins with great minds. I take pride in inspiring and guiding future designers, seen here mentoring a group of students in our studio, equipping them with the skills to shape tomorrow’s built environment.
Celebrating the women who shape our spaces and inspire our vision. On Women's Day, we honor the strength, creativity, and dedication of the incredible female members of our team.

Behind the Design: Our Architectural Studio & Process

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Cityspace’82 ArchitectsTakes projects across India; Visit studio in DLF Phase 2, Gurugram
My design process is an evolving narrative. The mood board creation draws cues from the site’s historical elements, cultural essence, and climatic conditions. Sketching on-site is a practice I follow religiously to capture initial ideas before the concept begins to pour in.14
I always say, take a look around, the design will follow. The site context is where ideas take shape and grow. Understanding the land’s unique character is not just a canvas for my buildings but a fundamental collaborator in the design journey.
The site is a collaborator in the design journey. While ideas may flourish in our minds, it is the context of the land, with its unique character and history, that grounds visionary ideas in functionality and richness.

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Jugal Mistri ArchitectsTakes projects across Mumbai, Goa, and Delhi NCR

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