Tell us about your definition of a good design?


Design and its outcome are a powerful tool to understand society. By looking at 
what society creates for people, we can gain valuable insights into its current state and 
future direction. It provides a glimpse into where society stands and where it’s likely headed.

Tell us a little about your background. How did you develop a passion for design?


I am an architect and one of the co-founding partners of Morphogenesis, an architectural, interior design, landscape, and urbanism firm that has thrived for nearly 28 years now.

I completed my B. Arch from the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi in 1991
following which I went for post graduation to Architectural Association, School of Architecture in London.


I have always been curious about how people inhabit spaces, how dwellings are formed, 
and this has further generated an interest in art, design, architecture, and urbanism. Design has always been an integral part of my life, as I was raised in a household of architect parents and interior designers. It is what I grew up observing, what I developed a passion for, and where I still feel a sense of belonging. I have always had a serious interest in reading, model making as well as observing buildings when I travelled, so all of these things put together supported my interest. Essentially that is the starting point for howI developed a passion for design. Design is not just a profession to me; it is a way of life that I am deeply committed to.

What attributes do you think makes a design stand out from the rest in Awards such as
the IDA?

For me a design stands out from others in a competition when it is addressing something which is a problem statement or a societal need or envisioning the direction society should take, how humans need to engage with the planet or has addressed emergent ideas. For me that’s what I look for when I go to a design competition. Needless to say, that the design flair, the architectural attitude is of course a given. However, it must also embody a concept and convey a meaningful message.

What advice would you give to future IDA entrants?


I have two pieces of advice for aspiring IDA entrants, each tailored to distinct experience 
levels. The first advice is for those who have been practicing architecture for a while. It is 
crucial that your submission reflects an intense sense of responsibility towards the idea you 
are pursuing. Take my example of promoting S.O.U.L. i.e., Sustainability, Optimization, 
Unique and Livable spaces. It is vital that my work embodies these principles because the 
IDA awards serve the purpose of being exemplars and sources of inspiration. Therefore, 
whatever idea you choose to pursue, ensure that it serves as an exemplary inspiration to 
others.

Now, for the younger practitioners of architecture, I encourage you to push yourselves to 
the limits and explore all the opportunities that a project offers. This approach is the way 
forward for a remarkable and fresh entrance. Embrace the chance to think beyond conventions, challenge norms, and bring forth new and innovative thoughts. By doing so, 
your work will captivate the judges and leave an impression on people from all corners of 
the world who come across it.


Regardless of your experience level, your IDA submission should demonstrate your 
dedication, passion, and capacity to make a significant impact in the field of 
architecture.

What is your own guiding design principle?


My own guiding design principle is one that I have evolved together with my co-founder 
and colleagues from Morphogenesis over the years. It is called S.O.U.L i.e., Sustainability, Optimization, Unique and Livability. In recent years, sustainability has expanded to encompass not only energy and environmental concerns but also social and cultural inclusivity.

Do you believe there is a design ethic?


There is an ethical way of living and for me design is a way of living. Therefore, I do not 
know when those boundaries converge, and they seem to be always converging. So, I 
think yes, there is a design ethic. It is as ethical as the life we choose to lead.

What do you think are the biggest challenges and opportunities for a designer today?


When it comes to designers today, there is a valuable discussion to be had about the 
challenges they face and the opportunities that arise from them. A designer’s job in 
society is always to create products that elevate the human condition and those are the 
challenges. Without challenges there is almost no opportunity and when the challenges 
are addressed, it becomes an opportunity. It is this interplay between challenges and 
opportunities that drives designers to continually innovate and elevate the world around 
us.

If you were to offer a designer a piece of advice on how to succeed in the industry today, what would you tell them?


In order to thrive in the industry, it’s essential to immerse oneself in an information-rich environment that encompasses the world at large. Without that, the ability to recognize 
a challenge is lost and hence, the ability to create an opportunity is diminished.

How much influence does your own personal taste influence your decisions in judging a
design award?


While I strive for impartiality in my judging decisions, it is difficult for any juror to completely avoid the influence of their prior knowledge and personal interests. For instance, sustainability resonates deeply with me, thus, I naturally seek out projects that address sustainability challenges and seize related opportunities. Likewise, I actively look for opportunities to engage marginalized communities in my work. Whilst I understand that every project around the world may not be able to achieve this goal, I cannot deny my excitement if I come across a project that successfully includes and empowers marginalized communities. And while I do not claim to speak on behalf of 
the entire design community, experienced designers worldwide, knowingly or unknowingly, are likely to be influenced by their own experiences when making design decisions.