Mr. Tripat Girdhar, Founder & Architect at Arete Design studio 

1. Can you walk us through your journey of founding Arete Design Studio? What inspired you to step into the world of architecture and interior design?
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   The journey of founding Arete Design Studio was not merely about establishing a practice—it was about crafting a philosophy. My inspiration drew deeply from the natural world: the rhythm of waves, the energy of sunlight, the vastness of the sky, the fluidity of wind, and the texture of sand. These elemental forces are not just beautiful—they are powerful design cues. I was always fascinated by how built environments can harmonize with nature rather than stand apart from it. With Arete, the vision was to create spaces that aren’t just visually striking, but that resonate emotionally and experientially with the people who inhabit them. I wanted our designs to evoke a sense of balance, serenity, and timelessness—qualities that I believe are more important today than ever before.

2. Arete is known for blending functionality with aesthetics. How would you define your design philosophy?
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   Our design philosophy is grounded in the belief that a space must work as beautifully as it looks. At Arete, we believe that form and function are two sides of the same coin. Every project we undertake is approached with a mindset that beauty should never come at the cost of usability. We place a strong emphasis on creating experiential luxury—spaces that feel indulgent yet are completely in sync with the way people live, work, and interact. Comfort, practicality, and emotional resonance are as important to us as material palettes and finishes. Our aim is always to design with empathy, purpose, and timeless elegance.

3. Tell us about one or two recent projects that best reflect your studio’s core vision and innovation.
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   Some of our recent works, such as Marbella Royce, EVOQ Antalia, and GB – Opus One, truly reflect the spirit and vision of Arete. These projects go beyond conventional design—they are bold yet functional, immersive yet refined. Take EVOQ Antalia, for instance—it’s a study in how materiality and spatial planning can come together to create a calming, organic experience. GB – Opus One, on the other hand, allowed us to experiment with spatial transitions, sustainable elements, and high-end detailing in a way that pushed creative boundaries. Across all these projects, our team has focused on crafting efficient layouts, introducing biophilic elements, and enhancing the tactile quality of the interiors—delivering innovation not just in visuals, but in how people feel within the space.

4. How do you approach projects differently when designing residential versus commercial spaces?

   Residential and commercial spaces demand completely different emotional and functional approaches. In residences, our designs are highly personalized—they revolve around the intimate needs, habits, and aspirations of individuals or families. It’s about storytelling—every corner reflects a piece of the client’s identity. With commercial spaces, the narrative shifts toward engagement, utility, and impact. Whether it’s an office, hospitality space, or retail environment, the design needs to serve a collective purpose, foster interaction, and align with brand values or productivity goals. While both types of projects are human-centric at heart, the intention, scale, and interaction with the space differ dramatically—and that’s what makes each one a unique challenge.

5. Sustainability is now a cornerstone in modern design. How is Arete incorporating green practices and eco-conscious materials into its projects?

   Sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of our core design DNA. At Arete, we believe that responsible design should consider both the present and future impact of our choices. We use locally sourced materials, prioritize energy-efficient systems, and adopt passive design strategies like optimizing natural light and cross-ventilation. Features such as green roofs, rainwater harvesting, low-VOC finishes, and recycled wood or stone elements are commonly integrated into our designs. We also engage in constant material research to stay ahead of eco-conscious innovations. For us, sustainability is not just a checkbox—it’s about crafting buildings that live in harmony with their environment and reduce their carbon footprint meaningfully.

6. What role do technology and smart design tools play in your work today? Are you exploring AI, VR, or other digital solutions?

   Technology has become an indispensable part of how we ideate, iterate, and communicate design today. At Arete, we use BIM (Building Information Modeling) extensively for precise planning and coordination. Our clients experience their spaces through VR walkthroughs, allowing them to visualize and engage with the design long before it's built. We’ve also begun integrating AI-assisted tools to help in optimizing layouts, simulating energy performance, and even generating material combinations that align with sustainability metrics. These digital tools bridge the gap between imagination and reality—they empower faster decision-making, minimize errors, and elevate the design experience for both the studio and the client.

7. What are the top interior design or architectural trends you're seeing in 2025? Are Indian clients more receptive to global design influences now?

   In 2025, design is taking a more intentional and intuitive turn. We’re seeing a strong shift toward minimalist luxury—clean lines paired with rich textures and organic materials. Biophilic design is a major trend, with an increased use of greenery, natural light, and ventilation to promote wellness. There's also a growing demand for multifunctional spaces that adapt to changing lifestyles—especially post-pandemic. Smart home tech, mood-responsive lighting, and sustainable materials like lime plaster or reclaimed wood are in vogue. Indian clients today are incredibly well-traveled and informed. They are embracing global aesthetics, but they also seek to retain cultural nuance, creating a fusion that is uniquely Indian yet globally relevant.

8. What kind of design aspirations do today’s homebuyers and developers bring to the table? Has there been a shift post-pandemic?

   Absolutely. The pandemic has been a powerful inflection point. Today’s homebuyers are much more aware and selective about how space affects their mental and physical well-being. They value open layouts, natural lighting, balconies, terraces, and wellness zones. There’s a growing preference for flexible spaces that can double up as home offices, libraries, or hobby nooks. Developers are responding to this by prioritizing landscape integration, air quality, and communal wellness amenities. There’s also a surge in interest toward low-maintenance, high-utility homes that offer both comfort and sustainability. It’s no longer just about square footage—it’s about the quality and adaptability of every square foot.

9. What advice would you give to young designers trying to make a mark in this industry?

   Stay rooted in purpose. In a world flooded with visuals and trends, it’s easy to get carried away by surface aesthetics. But real design starts with understanding people, purpose, and place. Ask yourself: What is this space meant to do? Who is it for? How will it be used? Once you have clarity on that, creativity will flow with meaning. Don’t stop learning—architecture and design are constantly evolving fields. Be open to collaboration, stay humble, and always be willing to adapt. Most importantly, don’t lose your curiosity. That’s the one trait that will keep your designs alive, relevant, and impactful.

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