THE URBAN EXPLORER

Harshad Mistry, founder and principal architect, HM Architects, believes that versatility and a minimalistic clean approach with a right alignment of thought works well for him

- JAYASHREE KINI MENDES

Tell me about your practice and the journey?

I am an Ahmedabad based architect and have been practicing for more than 19 years. We run HM Architects, a multidisciplinary firm working on many iconic and functionally efficient projects. So far it has been an adventurous journey and the practice has evolved in terms of diversity and quality of completed and ongoing projects. We endeavour to meet the ever-changing needs of the architectural profession.

As an architect, you have a multidisciplinary portfolio. What are some of the factors you consider before taking up projects?

Alignment of thoughts is very important - synergy between client, project requisites as well as our design philosophy and principles. We work closely with our clients to develop bespoke design solutions that are optimised for their performance.

Could you name some of the most significant projects you have done?

Having a diverse portfolio spanning from urban planning to master planning, EWS to most luxurious apartments, houses to bungalows, office to corporate offices, from cafes to premium hotels to resorts, clinics to hospitals, factory to industrial hubs, etc., it’s difficult to identify ‘most significant’ projects. All of them are significant for us.

If you had to define your style of design, in a few words, how would you do that?

I am more of an explorer rather than just an ‘architect’. Our approach is to ‘observe, adapt, explore, create, deliver and enjoy.’ We understand and decode the project logically, explore scenario-based possibilities, play with the design parameters, evolve feasible and functional solutions – this defines our working style.