ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE JAN-FEB-MAR 2021 (Vol IV, Issue XIX) LIFESTYLE ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS
Article Published on: 03 FEB 2023 | www.demodemagazine.com
At MuseLAB every challenge is treated as an opportunity that is given careful thought and consideration. They use both intuitive and traditional methods of analysis to identify the tangible and the intangible. By a systematic process of conceptualization, schematic design, and design development they look to provide pure and focused experiential design. Each project irrespective of scale and typology is concept-driven and relates to a central narrative. Independent of their projects they like to explore and research materials and design and therefore in 2015 they launched MuseMART, a product design division. These self-propelled projects empowered them to embrace the uncomfortable, learn from their failures and nurture their creativity. As a practice, they are continuously seeking to explore, learn and find solutions. In early 2020, they launched MuseX our studio's dedicated research arm. Through this conscious effort, they are looking to explore relevant technological tools to be able to adapt to changing environments and deliver unique solutions through collaborations.
They believe design is a constant dialogue between the built and the unbuilt, the inhabitable and the habitable, the realized and the desired. Their approach is often pluralistic where they try to find the balance between diverse thoughts and ideas. The studio is held together by ideas, beliefs, and shared humanistic values. They refuse to adhere to any defined set of boundaries. They believe in creating with passion and building on the cultural context for the well-being of our society. Whether it is the way in which we respond to challenges; or by tailoring our solutions to the quantitative and qualitative requirements.
Stories excite them. Through each one of their projects, whether it may be through architecture, interiors, or products and furniture they are looking to inspire and share a story.
RECENT PROJECTS BY MUSELAB
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TEAM MUSELAB
Q: What kind of works in your portfolio are you most proud of and why?
A: Each project or product, irrespective of scale or budget, receives the same amount of attention in terms of design and detail. So it does not matter if it is a 40-acre resort project in Khadakvasla, an a11000sft Villa in Coimbatore, interiors for an Onco clinic in Bombay, prototypes for market-on-wheels and a public toilet or a set of birch ply coasters; we love them all and are proud of all our works.
Q: What kind of work do you usually prefer?
A: As designers, we possess a superpower to provide solutions to problems creatively. So all projects which challenge us to think laterally excite us. We do not design out of the box because, for us, the box does not exist. What is important is a visionary client who trusts our design, a brilliant team who works with us, and most importantly, an exciting site to into/upon.
Q: Explain one of your works that required the most technical expertise.
A: Our vertically MuseX is currently working on 3 interesting projects -an Algal Microforest, a market-on-wheels, and a Community Public Toilet. All three critically acclaimed projects have been designed around the parameters of sustainability and have required us to collaborate with experts from various backgrounds to create these paper projects which are in the process of being prototyped.
Q: What all factors do you prioritize during a project?
A: It is important for the client to trust us with not just our design but also with our ability to execute the project. Similarly, we should be equally excited about the project brief and the site. Timelines and budgets are big factors to consider. While every client comes to us with their wishlist, we try to edit it to accommodate their needs within realistic budgets.
Q: Which aspect attracts you most in a design? Appeal or practicality?
A: It is extremely important to design for the end user. That is more gratifying than simply designing to satisfy one’s ego as a designer. Aesthetics can always be a layer that is seamlessly woven with pragmatism. For us, form always follows function.
Q: If a client asks you to design a room that is visually pleasing and non-practical, how would you react and what would you do?
A: A client comes to us because we have certain expertise. If a room is designed to be visually pleasing but cannot be used for anything else, then the design is being abused as a tool to create problems (that are appealing to the eyes) rather than solving them. Hence, it is important to educate the client about what is right and what isn’t.
Q: Why one should get their home designed by an interior designer?
A: It is easy to decorate your space. Pinterest and other platforms are great for DIY ideas. However, an interior designer/ architect is trained to have an eye for building services like HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc along with preparing BOQs, project bar charts, working drawings, and details. Apart from these, the professional also possesses the expertise of quality control to ensure that the collective vision of the client-designer that is created on the drawing board is executed to perfection.
Q: If one wants to renovate their house, how much time does the renovation takes with minimum resources?
A: This depends on the site, the available resources, the extent of work, and the scale of the project. If we consider a 900sft 2BHK apartment in Bombay, it should ideally take a minimum of 6 months.
Q: If by chance you are behind your schedule, what will you do?
A: We have four stages in our design to the execution process. If we fall back in one of the stages, we make up for it in the other to ensure the overall project timeline stays as is.
Q: What are all details one should have with themselves during their first meeting with an interior designer?
A CAD file of the floor plan or a Site Survey plan.
Roomwise wishlist
A mood board of images that indicates the clients' aesthetics
A budget/ cost per sqft
Timeline (start and end date of the project)
An open mind
Trust
Q: How easy it is for a client to meet you (virtually or physically) & discuss their project?
A: We can be contacted on our Instagram (@muse.lab) or via email (curious@muselab.in) or on 9820146139.
