HPA (Hiren Patel Architects)

Spiritual Side To Timeless Designs

Hiren Patel’s inspiration to become an architect came from his family. His father was a town planner and government officer. His older brothers were civil engineers. “I saw them making models when I was in school,” says Patel. These experiences introduced him to the world of designing and building structures.

Eventually, he completed B Arch at CEPT University in Ahmedabad in 1989. Shortly after, Patel worked in Switzerland for a year before returning to Ahmedabad and establishing design studio HPA (Hiren Patel Architects) in 1990.

The architecture, interior design and landscaping studio works on a mix of projects—private residence, farmhouses, apartments, schools and hospitality—across India and overseas in France and the US. “We have a love for design and details,” says Patel. “People love the blend of nature in our work.”

Creating timeless, meaningful architecture and design in a spiritual way is the firm’s mission. “To me, my work is a worship to God and it shall reflect at the end when the work is completed,” says Patel.

Out of the numerous projects of all sizes and scales in the firm’s portfolio, there are two in Ahmedabad that are particularly special for Patel—the Dadamiyan Mosque and the Manav Gulzar Community Centre for underprivileged children. “Because of their quality and purity in design, and their positive impact on users,” says Patel. “These are spaces that cannot be captured in photos. One needs to visit the place to understand.”

Currently, the firm is working on high-end homes and apartments across the country.

Patel feels Indian cities need to be shaped to incorporate nature as many lack gardens and urban forests. “Doing that will change the psychology of people living in urban areas,” he says.

By Darielle Britto