Knack For Knickknacks

This is a group of architects, interior decorates and design consultants all rolled into one. When Rajeev and Sheela Lunkad, Aruna Bharad...

This is a group of architects, interior decorates and design consultants all rolled into one. When Rajeev and Sheela Lunkad, Aruna Bharadwaj and Abhay Narkar teamed up to set up an architectural firm, they never predicted where they would end up.

8220;Right from when we were studying architecture at Kolapur, we would discuss over dinner how we would work together,8221; says Narkar, 8220;Of course we were very idealistic then.8221; Each went their separate ways after graduation, working under various architects, but before two years were out they were back together and SAAR an acronym of their initials, meaning essence8217; in Sanskrit was born. Though they all gave up steady jobs to set up their own firm, none of them have any regrets. 8220;The existing work environment was not exactly likable,8221; explains Rajeev, 8220;Most people are still working on decade-old ideas when the whole scenario has changed.8221;

Now architecture comprises only about 15 per cent of their work, as they have branched into other fields like interior designing, graphics designing and creating design elements like murals, frames and tiles. 8220;We have ventured into areas we may not be technically qualified in,8221; admits Bharadwaj, 8220;But most of our work is our own personal creative expression.8221; The team functions perfectly well together. They have their own interests and specialisations and thus get the opportunity to take on a wide variety of projects. 8220;We know who8217;s best suited to a project but as we understand each others8217; design concepts we can all chip in,8221; points out Sheela.

Their latest foray is into items like photo frames, candle stands, murals and furniture like side tables and cabinets 8212; all with different8217; designs and finishes. 8220;Our work is modern but it has a touch of emotions,8221; explains Bharadwaj, drawing attention both to the striking colours and how the value of each element 8212; wood, ceramic or steel 8212; is highlighted. They pride themselves on their experimental approach which results in creations which are both artifacts and items of use.

8220;We8217;ve been working on this for about 10 months and have displayed it at a few exhibitions, like the Society Interiors Expo 8217;99 last week,8221; informs Rajeev, 8220;However, our work doesn8217;t seem to appeal to 99 percent of the visitors, who are looking for utility rather than a designer product.8221; All the same, the quartet insists they8217;re up to the challenge. 8220;The Fountainhead principles don8217;t work in reality,8221; smiles Narkar, 8220;The execution of our ideas involves everything from communicating with contractors to accommodating the needs of the client. Not to mention financial constraints.8221;

This is why they are now concentrating on these objects, which are more personalised, fun and economically viable. The emphasis, in fact, is on enjoying themselves. 8220;We spend 12 hours at work and then go out together later,8221; laughs Sheela. But that8217;s not all they8217;re willing to settle for. 8220;We have a lot of hope and enthusiasm and are determined to become a company to be reckoned with,8221; she affirms. If talent is anything to go by, this dream can8217;t be too far away.