Project by

Amey Dahanukar

ARA Designs

About ARA Designs

ARA Designs is a multidisciplinary architecture and interior design practice founded in 2011, specialising in boutique villas, hospitality, commercial, and mixed-use developments. With a strong focus on cultural context and user-centric design, the studio seamlessly blends architecture and interiors, crafting spaces that foster community, celebrate locality, and elevate everyday living.

ARA Designs Studio

Design Team: Styling Credits: Samir Wadekar

Site Area: 2,000 sq. ft.

Completion of Project: Jun 2024

The new extension of ARA Designs Studio represents a seamless continuation of the firm’s design philosophy while marking a confident step toward future ambitions. Located directly above their existing office, this new space has been envisioned by architects Amey and Pooja as an open, collaborative, and thoughtfully restrained environment. The goal was to create a setting that supports creativity without unnecessary distraction, shaped by clarity, honesty, and a deep respect for materials.

At the heart of the studio lies a striking parametric installation crafted from birch ply. Built using half-inch sheets assembled carefully on site, the sculptural form integrates reception, seating, and extended worktables in a single fluid gesture. It functions as a dynamic centerpiece, demonstrating the team’s attention to craftsmanship while embodying the essence of design as purposeful expression.

The spatial layout is intentionally transparent, reinforcing a culture of visibility and inclusivity within the studio. Senior architects are positioned along expansive windows that draw abundant natural light into the space. Collaborative work zones, meeting spaces, and private cabins are strategically placed to ensure an effortless flow between moments of focus and interaction. This balance captures the studio’s belief in design as a continuous exchange of ideas.

Materiality plays a grounding role in shaping the interiors. Limestone desks designed by Amey himself celebrate the inherent beauty of natural textures, while terrazzo floors and textured white walls create a neutral framework for everyday activity. Warm timber accents offer subtle contrast, lending depth to the otherwise calm palette. Plants are the only decorative elements, chosen intentionally to maintain visual openness while nurturing a connection with nature.

Daylight becomes a principal element of the design. Large windows minimize the need for artificial lighting and create a work environment that feels bright, breathable, and connected to the outside world. The restrained material choices and careful spatial organization result in a workplace that remains timeless, authentic, and highly functional.

This studio extension stands not merely as a physical expansion but as a built reflection of ARA Designs’ ethos — a space where collaboration, precision, and understated elegance come together to celebrate design as a lived, evolving experience.