Tulna Patel is a Principal Interior Architect, and one-third of the design trio at AAKRUTI, based in Ahmedabad. Aakruti was established in 1980 by Dilip and two friends from School of Architecture (CEPT University, Ahmedabad) who shared a vigour for design. Since 1998, Aakruti is headed by Dilip, who is now joined by Toyam and Tulna, both interior designers (from School of Interior Design, CEPT University). Over the years, their design approach has been that of providing simple, straightforward and responsive solutions to the programmatic challenges. The social, cultural, climatic, economic and functional parameters are the major guides that have shaped theiraesthetic responses over the years. The visual vocabulary, thus arising, is a collaborative exploration of traditional and vernacular knowledge with contemporary design innovations. Their professional repertoire has diversified from architectural solutions to interior design, exhibition design, furniture design and institutional design management, to name a few, over a period of 40years. Since 2009, Aakruti has also been involved in making of turn-key projects with an associate company, Saraa. Saraa has dealt with varied scales of ‘design and build’ or just ‘build’ challenges for corporate and individual clients across the country.
TULNA Tulna graduated in 2013, with a graduate research thesis on Embedded ritual spaces in Hinduism: a study of three crematoriums in south Gujarat. Since 2014, she is a Partner at Aakruti. Tulna believes in user-responsive design approach, and explorations with streamlined geometry, colours and finishes excite her as a designer. She has been the Editor for an exhibition catalogue titled The Perpetual Project: CEPT Campus, a retrospective exhibition of Aakruti’s work as a Campus architect to CEPT since 2012-19. DILIP Dilip has been involved in design for projects of varying scales starting from low cost housing to private residences, institutions, industries, exhibitions and interior design for retail, corporate and residential sector. His methodology, much influenced by his traditional upbringing, has been to sensibly respond to the given parameters of site and program. In his context specific solutions, an outlook towards meticulous, yet modest detailing forms to be an integral component. Apart from his design oeuvre, he has also been a Visiting Faculty at the Faculty of Architecture and Faculty of Design (CEPT University). Since 2012, Dilip offers his services as a Campus Architect to the CEPT University. TOYAM Toyam studied design for 6 months at the DAAP, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA while on a student exchange program. He graduated as an interior designer in 2009, with a graduate research thesis on Charismatic Brand Experiences: its conception and realisation. Toyam has built on Aakruti’s responsive design ideals since then, adding to it a newer zest characterised by explorations of forms, colours and material. MILESTONES The Perpetual Project: CEPT Campus(2019-2020): A retrospective exhibition on Aakruti’s work at CEPT University, curated by Vivek Sheth, and showcased in Ahmedabad and Chennai. The Perpetual Project: CEPT Campus (March 2020): Exhibition catalogue on Aakruti’s work at CEPT University, published by CEPT University press, and edited by Tulna Patel. Images Retail Magazine (February 2010): A feature on SportXS retail store, Bangalore. Architect and Interiors India awards (October 2019): Nomination for Best Living room design, in Aces of Spaces Awards,for the project House around a courtyard. Architect and Interiors India awards (October 2019): Nomination for Best Kitchen design, in Aces of Spaces Awards,for the project House around a courtyard. Better Interiors Magazine(January 2020): A feature on House around a courtyard, Ahmedabad. Design Essentia Magazine (January 2020): Online feature on House around a courtyard, Ahmedabad. Architect and Interiors India Magazine(April 2020): Top 50 Promising young designers from across India at iGen 2020.