Architecture BRIO, Mumbai
Robert Verrijt, Shefali Balwani
Project in focus: Blurring the lines between architecture and nature, a villa in Alibag was conceived as a tranquil sanctuary for a Mumbai-based family. With a focus on natural materials and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, it merges modern elegance with the earthy charm of its surroundings.
Upcoming projects: A high-end boutique hotel in Sikkim; a luxury retreat in Kaziranga; and an Ekya School in Goa.
Material you’re obsessed with: Cross-laminated timber (CLT)
Philosophy: “We look at creating not just buildings but experiences—offering spaces where the human presence feels as natural as the landscape itself. We see architecture as a journey, where the forces of nature and time play a significant role in shaping the outcome.”
Architecture Discipline, Delhi
Akshat Bhatt
Project in focus: A sea-facing residence in Goa, this 8,650-square-foot home champions sustainable construction with its use of mass timber. Its open-plan interiors prioritize light, air and volume. Elevated on stilts to preserve the site’s natural slope, the linear structure features 11 glulam portal frames, offering strength with a reduced carbon footprint.
Upcoming projects: A 40-acre rewilding and regeneration project in Uttarakhand; an office building in Abu Dhabi; a residence in Delhi with a private racetrack.
Material you’re obsessed with: Glulam or glued laminated timber
Philosophy: “Create environments that foster happiness and a sense of optimism for the future, bringing value to people’s lives and work. We believe in progressive design for a changing world.”
CollectiveProject, Bengaluru
Eliza Higgins, Cyrus Patell
Project in focus: A home in Alibag designed in collaboration with Rahul Mehrotra of RMA. Spanning 30,000 square feet, this expansive holiday home features amenities such as a spa, gymnasium, and swimming pool among others. The living and dining spaces open out to the lush lawn, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
Upcoming projects: Private residences in Hyderabad and Bengaluru; a boutique office building for an actor; an apartment’s interiors in South Mumbai.
Material you’re obsessed with: Ceramic panels
Philosophy: “Quiet, material-driven, and detailed.”
Studio Momo, Goa
Gurmeet Akali
Project in focus: Tiny Homes is a project that focuses on the “simplification” of life. Built on the banks of a stream in North Goa, Tiny Home 1 is a ground-plus-one-floor cottage designed to maximize the view of the water. Both the cottages—Tiny Home 1 and 2—comprise a living room and a bedroom each and are connected through a floating bridge. The idea is to “deconstruct” a typical home and create flexibility in functionality. Both cottages can be used independently or as extensions of each other as the need arises.
Upcoming projects: Twin private villas in North Goa; an eight-villa project in Assagao; and a private villa in Covale.
Collaborations in the past year: A collaboration with Goa-based artist Richa Kashelkar to create customized murals and wall art.
Material you’re obsessed with: Paint, and paint as a medium.
Philosophy: “Studio Momo is environmentally sensitive in its approach and puts its passion into creating eco-friendly architecture. The team believes in designing and creating built forms that have a direct relationship to their contexts both physically and culturally.”
Also read: Sprawled across a three-acre plot, this 400-year-old villa in Goa is restored to its old charm
Also read: A villa in Goa that shines a light on local materials and aesthetics
Also read: A 15-year-old school in rural Andhra Pradesh gets a sustainable makeover
