"SUSTAINABILITY HAS NEVER BEEN A TREND FOR US"

With eco-friendly designs forming the core of their design thinking, STAPATI stands out as a unique architectural practice

- By RIDHI KALE

Drawing meaning from a Sanskrit term for master craftsman, STAPATI is based on artistry, skill, and integrity. It was founded in 1989 by Tony Joseph and joined by George Seemon and other partners. The practice is firm on ensuring every project is committed to integrity, innovation, and sustainability. Taking the concept forward they also have VANAM, a landscape division, and SMARAM, a furniture line. With a legacy in design for the past 35 years, we caught up with Seemon and Joseph to talk about all things green.

1. What are the sustainable practices you follow?

(Seemon) Sustainability is at the core of everything we design, guided by sincerity to both the client and the site. Our approach ensures each project harmonises with its surroundings while meeting the client's vision. Thoughtful material selection, energy efficiency, and minimal environmental impact shape our design philosophy. Locally sourced materials reduce the ecological footprint while grounding projects in their natural and cultural context. We also emphasise the use of recycled and reclaimed materials, preserving resources, and adding unique character. For instance, many of our resorts and residences feature wood salvaged from older homes, giving new life to historic materials. This philosophy extends to Smaram, our furniture brand, which crafts pieces from reclaimed wood, allowing its history to be part of every design.