TOGETER In Design

Meet the partners in design who continue to live their dream of leaving a mark on the architectural skyline. For them, design is the pulse and strength to hold things together. Weaving magical moments and creating projects that are a spectacle of both form and function, they have indeed recalibrated the essence of design

- VANITA ARORA

Catching up with EKTA AND RAJIV PAREKH

What drew you together?

We had been dating since we were in Architecture School which was the beginning of our partnership. Thereafter, we consciously went to separate schools and design firms to gain experience and learnings that would assist us when we work together in our own studio.

What are the challenges of being a real-life couple who works together?

It is a blessing to have a partner from the same profession as it becomes easy to understand each other’s stress at work and deadlines. This also translates into sharing responsibilities at home depending on who has more work pressure at that time.

How different are you from one another, and how does that help sync your work narratives?

We are different people, but our personalities complement each other. Rajiv is the big picture person who dreams big and is constantly looking for the next trigger, which fuels his creative energy. While I, on the other hand, know the art to turn ideas and thoughts into reality.

How has the synergy between you evolved over the years?

Evolution is inevitable. When we started, it was just the two of us, and we used to function independently in our cabins but sat together for design discussions and idea presentations. Over the years, when other partners joined, we continued that ideology in the studio.

What was your first project together?