Blending Tradition, Innovation, and Emotional Narratives in Design.
Interview with Architect Vinayak Mutgekar, Principal Architect of Rukmini Architects: Blending Tradition, Innovation, and Emotional Narratives in Design.
AN INTERVIEW BY
YASH BHARAT PATIL (R20AR069), SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, REVA
UNIVERSITY.
ABOUT THE FIRM:
R-CHITECTS / RUKMINI ARCHITECTS:
Ar.Vinayak Mutgekar,
Principal Architect, Rukmini Architects.
The firm’s work spans a diverse range of projects, including residential, commercial, and
large-scale developments, with a keen focus on creating spaces that resonate deeply with
users while being contextually and culturally sensitive. Their design philosophy revolves
around integrating sustainability, modern design principles, and local traditions, with an
emphasis on maintaining a strong connection between interior and exterior spaces.
Rukmini Architects is known for its collaborative approach, working closely with clients to understand their lifestyle, needs, and personal tastes. The firm consistently strives to strike a balance between client vision and architectural integrity, producing designs that are not only functional but also evoke emotional and cultural resonance. Through thoughtful material choices and innovative design solutions, Rukmini Architects creates timeless spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.
Elevation, The Mango Tree House by Rukmini architects.
INSTAGRAM: rukmini_architects Instagram (@rukmini_architects)
INTERVIEW SEGMENT
YOUTUBE LINK:A BLEND OF TRADITION AND INNOVATION - INTERVIEW WITH ARCHITECT VINAYAK MUTGEKAR , RUKMINI ARCHITECT.
What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture, and how has your journey shaped Rukmini Architects' unique design approach?
Firstly, The name "Rukmini" holds deep personal significance for me. It was my grandmother’s name, and she has always been a great source of inspiration in my life.
You know, architecture wasn’t something I initially thought I’d pursue. It’s funny how life takes you on unexpected paths. My journey began when a close friend, who was pursuing a diploma in architecture, introduced me to the field. He had seen my ability to visualize and model concepts, and he thought I might have a knack for it. At that time, I had no idea what architecture was all about, having come from a Marathi-medium school where we were only exposed to science and commerce. But as I visited my friend and saw his work, I began to understand the beauty of architecture—how it’s about creating spaces that speak to people. That was my ‘triggering point,’ as I like to call it, when I realized architecture was for me. From that moment, I never looked back.
How would you describe the collaborative environment at your office? How do you foster creativity and innovation among your team members?
For us, “Architecture is like a blooming flower”—you can't just rely on one idea or one person's vision. It's a process of collaboration, where every idea matters. We encourage open discussions with the team, as everyone has their own way of perceiving things. I always say that architecture isn’t about one individual; it’s about a collective thought process. When we bring different ideas to the table, we end up with a more balanced and relatable design. We strive to maintain a relaxed, pressure-free environment at our office. It’s important that creativity flows naturally and isn’t forced under stressful conditions. After all, the best ideas come when you're truly enjoying the design process.
Among all the projects you have worked on, which one is your favorite, and why does it hold a special place in your heart?
What we really celebrate in our work is the process—how each project evolves from a mere idea to a living reality. The journey is just as important as the final product.
That’s a tough question because each project has its own story, but if I had to choose, I’d say the Mango Tree House. This project was particularly special because of the emotional bond the family had with a mango tree planted in memory of their son, who passed away at a young age. The tree was the heart of the house, and we designed the entire home around it. It wasn’t just a structure; it was a living connection to their son. Designing this house wasn’t just about functionality or aesthetics—it was about preserving a memory and creating a space that resonates deeply with the family. That emotional aspect made this project incredibly meaningful for me and my team.
The Mango Tree House By Rukmini architects
What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on, and how did you overcome those challenges?
Designing a factory was definitely one of the most challenging projects we’ve tackled. It was a large-scale industrial project located near Hubbali,Karnataka and covered around 30 acres, which required us to step out of our comfort zone. We had to design a shed for the production machines, and we weren’t familiar with the technical aspects of factory operations. To overcome this, we visited their existing facility multiple times, studied the production process, and adapted our designs accordingly. It was a long and technical process, but it taught us a lot about the importance of functionality in spaces that are very different from the typical residential or commercial projects we’re used to. In architecture, each project is a learning experience, and this one certainly expanded our knowledge base.
What role does client collaboration play in your creative process, and how do you incorporate their needs while maintaining your design integrity?
Client collaboration is absolutely critical in our process. We always start with a few meetings to really understand the client’s lifestyle, tastes, and even their passions. As I always say, “fashion indicates lifestyle,” and this extends into how people live in their spaces. By understanding their preferences and daily routines, we can tailor the design to suit their needs.
At the same time, it’s important to maintain design integrity. We don’t just take their requirements at face value—we find ways to infuse our own ideas into the functional spaces. It’s all about striking a balance between the client’s vision and our architectural expertise. Of course, the budget plays a significant role too. While it sets certain boundaries, it also encourages creativity in finding solutions that align with both the client’s needs and the financial framework. Working within these limitations can often lead to innovative design ideas that we wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
Model Making for Clients understanding and visualization.
Several of your projects focus on blending modern aesthetics with traditional elements. How do you maintain this balance, especially in culturally rich contexts like India?
I believe architecture should evolve from its roots—there has to be a thoughtful process behind blending modern and traditional styles. As B.V. Doshi often said, “architecture must always have an element of continuity.” His work deeply inspires me, and I try to follow a similar approach.
That’s something I’ve always been passionate about. India has such a rich architectural history, and we can learn so much by looking at traditional structures. For example, I often take walks around Belgaum’s old city area to observe how houses were built in the past. The key is not to replicate those designs blindly but to understand why they were built that way and how we can reinterpret those elements in a modern context.
Traditional elements inculcation in designsMany of your designs incorporate clean, minimalist lines while maintaining warmth and texture. What design principles do you follow to achieve this balance?
We don’t follow any rigid principles, but I believe every space has its own story to tell, and the design must reflect that. Minimalism is often about reducing clutter and focusing on the essentials, but that doesn’t mean it has to be cold or sterile. We use textures and materials to add warmth and character to the space. For example, if I’m designing a temple, I might incorporate detailed moldings or floral elements to evoke a sense of tradition, but in a way that complements the simplicity of the overall design. It’s all about creating the right atmosphere for each project.
Minimalist design by Rukmini architects.
How do you approach creating an interior-exterior fluidity in your projects, and how does this impact the overall user experience?
I’m a firm believer that exterior and interior spaces should flow seamlessly into each other. Take the Mango Tree House, for instance. The tree isn’t just an outdoor feature—it’s integrated into the house, creating a visual and physical connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. When you design spaces that allow nature to come inside, it enhances the user experience and creates a sense of openness. Similarly, we often design verandas or courtyards that extend the living space outward, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. This creates a more immersive and engaging experience for the users.
Could you share some insights into the future trends you foresee in architecture, and how Rukmini Architects is positioning itself to stay ahead in the field?
The future of architecture is undoubtedly focused on sustainability, especially in terms of using recycled and upcycled materials. For example, in one of our recent projects—a bicycle-themed restaurant—we used scrap materials from old bicycles to create unique design elements. In our own office, we’ve used cement bags for décor. These kinds of sustainable practices are going to play a huge role moving forward. At Rukmini Architects, we’re still experimenting with these ideas, but we believe that upcycling and low-budget sustainable designs are the way forward. It’s all about evolving with the times while staying true to our design philosophy.
Recycled and Re-used materials for sustainable design by Rukmini architects
How do you view your competitors in the architectural industry? What differentiates Rukmini Architects from other firms in terms of design and execution?
Honestly, I’ve never been one to focus on competition. For me, the real competition is within ourselves—pushing our own boundaries and striving to improve with every project. I believe every firm and every architect is on their own journey, working towards creating something meaningful. What differentiates Rukmini Architects is our commitment to evolving from our roots while staying innovative. We don’t follow trends blindly; instead, we create thoughtful designs that resonate with the cultural and environmental context of each project. It’s about finding our own path, rather than comparing ourselves to others.
Team Rukmini Architects.
Rukmini Architects, led by Vinayak Mutgekar, is a firm that continues to push the boundaries of contemporary architecture while staying deeply connected to tradition and sustainability. With a focus on thoughtful design, client collaboration, and innovative solutions, the firm is poised to remain at the forefront of the industry for years to come.
Comments
Post a Comment