THE BORN ARCHITECT

A healthy mind, a kind heart and an inherent talent presenting the story of a man who has always looked at things from a different perspective!

If you are in Ahmedabad and your home looks like a green retreat, chances are that it is designed by Architect Hiren Patel. One of the humblest, hardworking yet mentally and physically calm and energising human beings you would ever come across, Hiren Patel is a forerunner in design in the country – creating designs that don’t overpower their surroundings, but embrace them. He may be responsible for connecting more people to nature through his designs, but if you’re wondering who shaped him into an architect, it was nothing but destiny. He cannot point to one reason. Perhaps it was his brothers, who were civil engineers, and the brick house being constructed across from his own home that intrigued him as he spent hours observing it. It could also have been his acquaintance with NID Professors who opened his eyes to the world of architecture when he didn’t even know that becoming an architect could be a reality. Whatever the reason, this little studious boy, now doing headstands all over the world as he prepares to celebrate his 60th birthday, is making people go head over heels for his designs with such e­ortless grace. Architect Hiren Patel opens up about his passion for architecture, shares his early influences and his inspiring journey to crafting serene, luxurious nature-inspired homes.! SUMISHA GILOTRA chats with him about design, his journey through it and what he thinks makes him tick!

You have designed some of the most gorgeous homes we have seen and continue to break the norm with your nature-inspired designs. What inspired you to specialise in designing high-end villas and bungalows?