PROFILE

4.4 Design established in 1993 is a group of young professionals who have in a joint and individual capacity worked on a number of Architectural and Interior projects.

4.4 Design believes in the strength of design. When considering our works and what is of value to us in design, it is important to appreciate that we devote ourselves entirely to each separate project. We – The Principals of the firm are involved intimately and directly in all aspects, from conceptualization to execution to completion.

We approach the design, primarily through structure and geometry. To us structural honesty is important and linked closely with form making. Falsifying or glorifying the created space with decorative materials is discouraged.

Built spaces are deeply rooted to the site, appropriately aligned with the movements of the sun, vagaries of the rain and the natural surroundings. Internal organizations are based on several parameters tending to be practical and poetic at the same time. To us ambient light is a material to play with.

Our work is increasingly leaning towards environmental sustainability and planning for better water management.

4.4 Design is a partnership of ideas between Dhruti Vaidya, Percy Kutar, and Hitesh Shah.
Four junior Architects & three support staff assist us in our endeavor for timely delivery & efficient management. Over the years we have established contact with consultants in various allied fields whose Professional help has proved invaluable to us.

LECTURES / FORUMS

• Jan 2000: Invited by Young Architects Forum and U.D.R.I. (Urban Design Research Institute) to talk about the firm’s work.

• Invited by the Indian Architect and Builder to present ideas on the future of the Kala Ghoda Precinct.

• Invited by CEPT College of Architecture, Ahemdabad to present works.

• Visiting faculty at Sir J.J. College of Architecture, Mumbai.

AWARDS

• Year 2008: World architecture Festival, Barcelona, Spain
   - Shortlised as best 16 in the New & Old category for PAE Limited- Tardeo, Mumbai.

• Year 2008: Indian Institute of Interior Design Awards. (National)
   - 1st place in the Corporate Interiors category for PAE Limited- Tardeo, Mumbai.

• Year 2008: Indian Institute of Interior Design Awards. (Regional)
   - 1st place in the Corporate Interiors category for PAE Limited- Tardeo, Mumbai.

• Year 2002: Indian Institute of Interior Design Awards.
   - 1st place in the Residential Interiors category for Nanda Residence- Bandra, Mumbai.

• Year 2000: Anchor I.I.A. Awards.
   - 1st place in the Interior Category for “ Sheetal Design Studio “-Mahalaxmi, Mumbai

• Year 2000: Indian Architect and Builder Award for the Young Architects.
   - 1st place in the Architectural Category for the “Rajhans Balvatika Primary School Building “, Andheri, Mumbai.
   - 2nd place in the Interior Category for the Office of “southern Couriers “, Nariman Point, Mumbai.

PUBLICATIONS

• Indian Architect and Builder – February 2000
• House Layouts – March 2000
• Bombay Times – 3rd July 2000
• Afternoon Despatch & Courier – 13th July 2000
• Indian Express – 14th July 2000
• Property Times – 14th July 2000
• Design Digest – November 2000
• Perfect Ten – Jan- Feb 2001
• Indian Architect And Builder – May 2002
• Indian Architect And Builder – June 2002
• Inside Outside – July 2002
• Inside Outside –July 2004
• Indian Design (DAAB), Germany : December 2004
• Works featured in Channel News Asia, Singapore: January 2006
• Inside Outside – June 2008
• Good Homes – July 2008