Name: Ketan Jawdekar
Company: Studio K-7 Designs Pvt. Ltd.
Position within company: Founder, Managing Director
Website: www.studiok-7.com
. Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Art is a gift that has been given to me by my father, who is an artist and by mother, who is a classical singer. I have been painting since childhood and have bagged many accolades at the State and National level competitions in my early academic career. I was always fascinated with various compositions and always tried to extract them into three-dimensional structures. I discovered that visual arts can be explored on a larger canvas if I pursue Architecture and so instead of fine arts, I opted for the ‘Mother of all Arts’ -Architecture, as a career. While my profession has gone digital, I still believe in hand sketches. Yet, I find time to go back to nature with my sketchbook and often paint in my studio. Established in 1995, a proprietary company now converted into Pvt. Ltd. is a design cell of young and dynamic entrepreneurs implementing innovative ideas for the finest creation. Our strong belief is that the finesse of an architecture created is comparable to an emergent poetry arising from the fine application of patterns, generative principals and refraction. The master key of the designer’s den is effectively used as the team works on the guided principal of providing a complete design solution, may we call it ‘PIN TO PIANO’.
. How would you describe your personal design style?
I do not follow any particular design style or theme based designs. Theme decors are fun; but can get monotonous over time. In that sense a contemporary styling manages to interest patrons more; and that is necessary to draw them to the commercial/ hospitality outlets over and over again. Therefore, I choose a subtle fusion of aesthetics. It is interesting to venture how each material behaves individually, in contrast; yet combined together creates poetry in design. As a result, rural materials and objects are seen woven into the contemporary fabric. With simplicity as the primary guiding factor, I choose straight line look and splashes of bold colors are introduced through various elements such as traditional local art-e-facts, displays and merchandise. An engaging play of light and shade – with a cleverly designed lighting pattern enhances the divine experience generated through organic components like wood and stones. The overall experience though quite emotive, I try to showcase local context and philosophy ingeniously without compromising on the functional and visual factors.
There is a deliberate attempt in designs to use fusion of traditional elements with a contemporary design as a base. It creates an international look yet does not loose its identity with respect to local context. Our designs are based on these principals; especially the hospitality interiors and we at Studio K-7 try to achieve this balance, which we call it, FAD – “Fusion Aided Design”.
. Where does your design inspiration come from?
Nature is the ultimate guru. It teaches you each and every aspect of life. I am fascinated by its creation and the evolution. I believe that nature is an open source for all sorts of information. What we need is the sensitivity to understand and learn from it. Mostly I get my inspiration from Nature and its marvellous creations.
. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Technology has played a major role in the development of design, especially in metro cities. It has changed the perspective of architects, designers, and developers and even has influenced a common man. With the modern technology penetrating in the market, I think it has given broader perspective and vision to the designers to experiment on various fronts. More and more fluid designs are evolving but sometimes, organic characters that are created with modern techniques lack dialogue between the built and the UN built.
Technology is an evolving field and we cannot ignore it. It applies to products as well. There will always be a change. New trends, products and technologies would be introduced. Use of eco friendly, bio degradable, recycled materials is a need of time and future. At the same time, we need to adapt modern technology, and latest materials to stay in tune with the times. We as designers should be able to balance these aspects to create timeless designs without compromising on the functionality and aesthetics of the design.
. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.
Functionality
Local context
Dialogue between the built and the UN built
Sustainability
Simplicity
. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
Believe in yourself and listen to your inner voice.
. How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Awards like International Hotel and Property Awards are of utmost importance for the Designers and Architects. It is a scale to judge our own talent as well as is a learning process. Competitions not only give us the global platform but also help in boosting moral. Recognition of talent and the achievement is like a jet pack to take off in the professional stream.
. What projects are you currently working on?
Till today, the Studio K-7 has successfully delivered about 1,000,000 Sq. Ft. of Architectural and Interior experiences to our satisfied clients. Talking about recent Hospitality projects, we are working on
“Wellness City Spa” spread across in 25 Acres At Shahapur, Near Mumbai;
A “Premium serviced apartment” in Mt Wara township- Tanzania;
A “Spa Resort” near Pune spread across in 35 Acres;
A Business Hotel- “Raysons” in Kolhapur, India and
few Restaurants and Bars in Mumbai and Pune.
. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Work hard, gain international contracts and spend quality time with my family, especially with my kid.
. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
My first bike- Yamaha RX 100
Your favourite holiday destination?
Andaman Islands
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
Any place on the beach or street joints in any country.
Your favourite book / film / song?
All movies of Charlie Chaplin.
Your favourite food and drink?
Home cooked food and my morning tea.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Go on a long ride on my Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Fine Artist or Pilot- Indian Airforce.
Anything else interesting?
Recently won “A’ Design Award” in Six Categories for Hospitality Projects.