From retail to corporate studios, AA Patel & Associates creates memorable destinations for the clients.
Straight lines, monotonous colours and dull ambiance are some very common terms associated with corporate interiors for a long time now. Contrary to the belief, companies have now started to realize the importance of providing their employees with a work stimulating atmosphere that will drive them to work more. And delivering this is a job of the designer.
Adhering to the specific needs of the clients with their creativity in the right place, are designer duo Ankit and Ankura Patel of Mumbai-based AA Patel & Associates. High school colleagues, the husband-wife team did not envisage the way their lives and careers would be woven closely together. With Ankura, a whirlwind of creative efficiency and Ankit, backed by his management skills and experience, in the forefront the firm is expanding with giant strides. They have also won the award of Best Designers for Commercial space’s given by CNBC Awaaz- CRISIL Real Estate awards in the year 2007.
“The strategizing, scheduling, execution and implementation are equally critical for us, as the final product must balance the brand, needs, budget and culture,” comments Ankura. “We conceptualize and deliver innovative designs for creative minds. Our design solutions are developed with special considerations for ergonomics and user comfort,” Ankit adds. Over the years, the firm has gotten into the habit of not just taking on projects, but has been responsible for designing office spaces for the nation-wide network of their clients. This in itself speaks volumes about their commitment.
AA Patel & Associates now has a sister concern ANA Designs Pvt. Ltd. That does both design and design & build for projects. They also have tie-ups with national and international consultants for different services and are now venturing into architecture as well. A look at a few hand-picked projects from the large pool that constitutes their portfolio.
ICICI SECURITIES CORPORATE OFFICE, NAVI MUMBAI
The office for ICICI Securities was shifting from Prabhadevi to Turbe, which upset the staff. The only thing, the management believed would make them happy was the first look of the new office. Which is why, a ‘wow’ factor was required and this simple brief became the guiding force for the design process for the 90,000 sq. ft. office that is spread over two floors. The grand reception follows a colour palette of brown and beige and the same feel is taken through to the corporate area which includes the MD’s Cabin, lounge and board room. As a contrast, the work area which is open and transparent gets splashed with colour — on the ceiling, workstations, pillars and lighting. The corporate colours of ICICI are used very creatively. The cafeteria is a visual treat and is made on the theme of a racing track. Breakout zone and the central meeting room cluster, are focal points as well as break monotony of the open office. All in all, the office redefines the joy and pleasure of work while reinforcing the sincerity and reliability of the brand.
PERAL VISION
More often than not, a similar template is usually run through all the offices of a company. However, very consciously, this did not hold true for Peral Vision, having offices in Mumbai and Chennai. Mumbai – Just a glance around the office and it is evident that Ankit and Ankura have played a lot with geometric shapes. The office here is mainly dominated by pure white. However, one does witness the use of colour in a variety of ways. Green as the corporate colour becomes a part of the decor in various places including workstations, walls and even ceiling. Lighting, also an integral part of the ambiance, has received special attention. All lights are with dimmer controls, for the work here requires low level flux lights. Expensive fabric not only adds a zing to the white decor but also works as a great design element.
Chennai – A complete contrast to the Mumbai office, this one in Chennai sees the use of colours. Flame granite forms a pattern at the reception and the highlighting elements are the glass flooring and lamps above. An elevated floor space in the lobby with a lounge effect is a waiting area for the visitors. A distinguished use of circles and curves in the office imparts a casual look to the ambiance. (The circle is also the logo of the company.) Huge pillars, which could have been a threat to the interiors, are now an integral part of the same.
PROVOGUE/PROZON CORPORATE OFFICE, MUMBAI : Spread over an area of 15,000 sq. ft., this office is chic and lavish. The client required an executive wing and the one thing they loved was the colour white. They were also very clear to make the office look spacious, huge and sophisticated. A lounge overlooking the exteriors through a floor to ceiling glass is made for informal meetings with foreign clients. White dominates the interiors of the entire office with hints of colour in the meeting room. Mirror also forms an important decor element whereas rich fabric and leather panelling make its way to the walls for the lavish look. All in all, luxurious materials, refined finishes and a sophisticated look and feel define the interiors of this office
BIG ADDA, MUMBAI : Big Adda – a networking portal — has its office located in a factory shed with a height of 20 ft. Ankit and Ankura have created an office that is vibrant, energetic and adheres to everything that the brand stands for. Given the casual approach of the work environment, the layout, too, is relaxed with no fuss about hierarchy. Right in the middle of the workstations is the break-out area – ‘the adda’ — with sofas for casual discussions and meetings and the same circular design is reflected in the ceiling with the help of round exposed ducts that are painted with abstract designs that become an integral part of the interiors. The use of graphics related to networking is seen through out the office. The café, which is a break-out zone, has been designed in an interesting way with graphics symbolizing a music concert or a discotheque. Another out-of-the-ordinary element is the brand logo suspended from the ceiling in the reception area.
SHOPPERS STOP, JAIPUR : Located in Triton Mall, Jaipur, Shoppers Stop has been designed in a way to get every customer to every single area of the store. The architects have created focal points which are either free standing or are walls themselves, at the dead ends. The ceiling design as well as the flooring acts as a visual guide for every customer. A muted colour palate is maintained to avoid making any single area stand out too much, and also to maintain the focus on the merchandise in the store.
AA Patel & Associates, 4-B1 Takshila Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400093; Tel: 28233227; Email: designs@aapatel.com; Website: www.aapatel.com
For more pictures of the projects, visit www.societyinteriors.co.in
