At FOAID 2024, architect Rupesh Baid of And Design Co. transported the audience into a world where classical architecture finds new meaning through Indian artistry. In his solo presentation, Baid offered a passionate and poetic exploration of how timeless European classical design can be reinvented through the lens of Indian culture, touch, and craft. With an eye for grandeur and a heart rooted in heritage, he shared how details as small as a door handle or as majestic as a dome can evoke a lasting emotional and sensory response—building not just homes, but legacies.
The Power of Permanence and the Desire to Feel
Baid began by exploring the emotional undertone that lies at the heart of classical architecture—the idea of permanence. Unlike modern architecture that often chases fleeting trends, classical buildings, he argued, leave behind legacies.
Referencing Gothic cathedrals in Milan, palaces in Florence, and the elaborate façades of London, Baid made a compelling case for why we continue to be drawn to such architecture: not just for its beauty, but for its enduring presence. He emphasized that classical design is not merely about surface aesthetics; it’s about layered experiences—where cornices, moldings, arches, and columns invite us to look closer, to reach out and feel. He shared how, in his own projects, the urge to touch an intricately carved surface or admire a hand-laid stone pattern often becomes a ritual in itself—a quiet moment of connection between human and structure.
Blending Cultures: Indian Craft Meets European Classicism
What makes Rupesh Baid’s architectural language unique is his ability to marry the structural grammar of European classicism with the soulful artistry of Indian design. He recounted his experience working with three distinct clients—each desiring a classical-style villa, but each approaching it through a different emotional lens. One saw it as an extension of his personal identity, another as a link to cultural heritage, and the third as a symbol of success and stature.
For Baid, this diversity of purpose became fertile ground to inject layers of Indian meaning into a European framework. He walked the audience through choices like incorporating brass inlay work, vegetal gold leaf moldings, wooden latticework, and hand-carved stone jalis. These weren’t just decorative gestures—they were statements of belonging. Baid stressed the importance of engaging with Indian artisans and bringing their legacy to the forefront, showing how architecture becomes a collaborative celebration of both tradition and aspiration.
From Vision to Volume: A Palatial Home Rooted in Vastu and Grandeur
One of the most captivating segments of Baid’s talk revolved around a 25,000+ square foot palatial villa in Bangalore—a project that became his canvas for classical reinterpretation. He described its majestic entrance graced with eight columns and a stone fountain, setting the tone for what lay inside: a spatial experience that balances theatrical grandeur with spiritual intention.
The home was planned according to Vastu Shastra, with the sacred ‘Brahmasthan’ (central space) anchoring the design. Above it, a dome inspired by Rome’s Pantheon let filtered sunlight pour through stained glass, creating a spiritual ambiance. Baid described the central staircase as a sculptural marvel, inspired by 18th-century French residences and embellished with intricate wrought iron railings and gilded flourishes. Persian rugs, richly carved columns, and custom-made frescoes completed the setting. He took the audience on a virtual tour of the villa, pausing at the game lounge, indoor pool, temple dome, and even the elevator doors—each treated with artisanal care and storytelling intent.
Legacy in the Details: Architecture as Cultural Expression
As his presentation neared its close, Baid turned philosophical. He spoke about how architecture is ultimately a mirror of its creator’s soul—and of the people who inhabit it. He emphasized that every ceiling fresco, every etched mirror, every stained glass skylight wasn’t just about design; it was about memory-making.
In one project, an artist painstakingly painted a temple dome by hand over ten days, often lying on his back for hours—a process reminiscent of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. These efforts, Baid noted, add a kind of intangible value that cannot be measured by budget or timeline. They’re acts of devotion. In another villa in Chennai, he brought the baroque style alive on the façade, while inside, Corinthian columns and curved furniture created theatrical elegance. But it wasn’t just about opulence—it was about honoring cultural heritage in a way that feels personal, grounded, and emotionally resonant. Baid closed with a powerful reminder: that such homes are more than buildings—they are cultural legacies.
Key Takeaways
- Timeless design is emotional design: Classical architecture survives not because of nostalgia, but because it resonates across generations.
- Material and memory are intertwined: Marble, wood, brass, and stone—when shaped by the human hand—become vessels of tradition and emotion.
- Indian artisanship has global relevance: Blending global design languages with local craft creates architecture that is both rooted and refined.
- Architecture is storytelling: Every detail, no matter how small, contributes to a larger narrative—of identity, culture, and aspiration.
A Vision Rooted in Legacy
Rupesh Baid’s presentation at FOAID 2024 was a rich tapestry of philosophy, practice, and purpose. His approach to classical architecture—with its Indian reinterpretation—demonstrates a future-forward yet heritage-conscious direction for design. By elevating the role of artisans and embedding cultural meaning into every surface, Baid invites us to see homes not just as spaces to live in, but as symbols of who we are and what we value. In doing so, he leaves behind not just buildings—but legacies.
Curious to experience the full conversation? Watch the complete session here:
