PG Patki Architects

Amalgamation Of Art And Logic

Evolving with the times has helped SP and Viraj Patki thrive for decades as designers of creative structures.

SP still considers himself a student of architecture despite having over 30 years of experience. “My journey is an evolution because I feel architecture itself is one of the most dynamic professions,” says SP. “It evolves as societies evolve.”

“I think it is one profession where art and logic meets,” says Viraj, whose career has spanned over 20 years.

Today, the couple runs one of the country’s top architectural firms, PG Patki Architects, which was founded 45 years ago by SP’s father, the late PG Patki, in Mumbai. The firm’s portfolio includes diverse projects, from luxury hotels to residential townships, including landmark projects such as the St. Regis and Palladium in Mumbai, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, and AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad.

Ethical practice is foremost for the firm. “We realise what we build is going to live for generations because I think whatever we build is going to influence the way people live,” says Viraj. Work on the meditation centre for Osho in Pune—inspired by the Louvre Museum in Paris—is a reflection of the firm’s mindful approach to each project’s function and requirement. “This is a black pyramid surrounded by a water body. The engineering is just perfect in the sense of air conditioning, structure and acoustics,” says Viraj. “It’s a statement of simplicity and still incorporates everything that you would want to strive to achieve.”

The firm’s ongoing projects include shopping malls and hotels.

While there is greater use of technology and mechanical services, SP feels architects need to understand such practices to practice good architecture. “I think what the newer generation of architects should practise is something that will benefit the future generations,” he says.

By Darielle Britto