Good design is what works the best – Architect Amey Dahanukar
“Design is a journey of discovery and a good design is what works the best”, believes Amey Dahanukar. Having completed his Architecture from Rachana Sansad’s Academy of Architecture in Mumbai, he went on to do a Master’s Degree from University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in UK.
Amey founded ARA Designs in 2011 and is the inspiration behind it. He is also a partner of Dahanukar Associates.
ARA Designs is a young and dynamic Architecture, Urbanism and Design firm. From large architectural ideas to the smallest of furniture details, their work seamlessly weaves interior and exterior spaces.
Amey reminisces, “It has been an exhilarating five-year journey with a steep learning curve”. Be it architecture, interior, furniture, object or landscape, the firm leads every project from conception with passion and commitment.
ARA has been engaged in projects of various scales and types in multiple cities including a boutique Hotel – Brightland in Mahabaleshwar, completed 4 projects in the United Kingdom in the retail space, Modart International-Fashion School, 24/7 Lounge Cafe outside Mumbai Domestic Airport and designing bungalows in Delhi, Mumbai and Rajasthan.
ARA has also ventured in the Hospitality segment and has been working on various projects in the field.
Here is a feature on the “Agarwal Residence” in Kota, Rajasthan designed by ARA Design.
This project is made up of two adjoining bungalows, with each having an area of 9000 sq. ft. Different concepts were followed in both houses. While one was more ethnic, the other one has a contemporary feel.
The primary source of inspiration for this project is the bond between the families sharing the space. A combination of art and culture has been infused into the design and layout with both the houses being adorned with paintings created by artist Neena Singh. The artist understood the family and brought forward their thoughts in the form of the paintings.
There was an extensive use of beat stones from the mines of Rajasthan. The concept designers focused on a sustainable, traditional yet modern home. The use of white has given the design a very elegant and soothing effect.
The use of veneer on the staircase railings and wall panels creates an extravagant look and gives a luxurious feel. Traditional Indian look is created using warm bright colours such as orange and yellow combined with the beautiful traditional ethnic paintings. The furniture such as the sofa and the coffee tables were designed to best meet the clients need.
With large families living in these homes it was an important aspect to make maximum utilisation of the space keeping the beauty of the design. Elements such as, the sofas and centre table in the living room have been smartly designed to double up as bookshelves. The formal lounge has an opulent leather chest, which has been designed to be used as a centre table when shut, and a bar console when opened.
Detailing was very critical for this project as on had to keep in mind the different tastes of both the families as well as to maintain a synergy between the two houses. The intricate stonework and grills that one can see through the houses has been sourced locally from various parts of the state. Rajasthan being the hub of stone, experimentation of local materials is prominent through the houses. The wood work in each residence has been minutely taken care of with accents of mother of pearl and silver leafing. Extensive detailing of brass and leather has also been highlighted in the furniture. 
When it comes to architectural styles, be it contemporary or ethnic, everything for Amey Dahanukar meets at one point, and that is ‘art’. His holistic approach of creating a structure in its totality, inspires his designs and can be fully appreciated in his work.
