Bhumika Chauhan
Every city has its landmarks, but only a few design studios leave an imprint that’s less about the skyline and more about the soul of the spaces we inhabit. In Mumbai, Contours — The Design Co. (CTDC), founded by Anand Mehta and Prashant Halankar in the early 2010s, has quietly yet powerfully shaped the way people live, work, and connect.
Anand and Prashant are not just designers; they are narrators of space. Both graduates of Rachana Sansad’s School of Interior Design, they entered the field with different strengths—Prashant with his structured, analytical precision and Anand with his intuitive, creative spontaneity. Their first collaborations on small projects revealed a perfect balance between method and imagination. What began as mutual support soon evolved into a shared enterprise, and from that synergy, CTDC was born.
Spaces That Speak
In the CTDC vocabulary, design is a language, and every project is a dialect. They don’t impose a singular style—instead, they listen. To the site, to the client, to the unspoken context. This context-first philosophy gives their work a rare authenticity.
Whether it’s the grand openness of a commercial atrium, the intimate luxury of a bespoke villa, or the functional elegance of an educational institution, their spaces feel lived in from the first moment—not because they’re familiar, but because they’re intuitive.
Their ability to blend global sophistication with local cultural texture makes each project distinct. The finishes are thoughtful, the lines purposeful, and the overall composition is always in conversation with its surroundings.
The Early Climb
Like any emerging firm, CTDC’s initial years were defined by challenges. Clients were hesitant to trust high-value projects to a new name. The only solution was to let the work speak louder than the hesitation. Every assignment—no matter how small—was treated as an opportunity to prove their capability.
The turning point came when word-of-mouth replaced the need for constant pitching. Their reputation became their calling card. Consistency, quality, and a genuine respect for client relationships became their unshakable foundation.
A Partnership of Contrasts
At the heart of CTDC’s success is the way Anand and Prashant’s differences serve the same purpose. Prashant’s meticulous planning ensures every beam, fixture, and finish is flawlessly executed. Anand’s vision ensures those details form a bigger, bolder picture. Together, they balance the poetry and the mathematics of design.
Their inspirations range from the cultural clarity of Charles Correa to the sculptural audacity of Zaha Hadid. But they are just as inspired by the textures of local streets, the patterns in traditional crafts, and the daily rituals of the people they design for.
When Trust Becomes a Canvas
If there is one project that distills CTDC’s philosophy, it’s the 15,000 sq. ft. villa in Goa—a project where the client granted them complete creative freedom.
The result is a home that opens to the sea breeze, flows without boundaries, and feels as if it has always belonged to its landscape. Here, stone meets sunlight, courtyards breathe, and every room holds a dialogue between indoors and out. It’s a project that affirmed for Anand and Prashant that the best designs emerge when trust is as abundant as talent.
Sustainability with Substance
CTDC sees sustainability not as a checkbox, but as a professional duty. They actively integrate energy-efficient systems, locally sourced materials, and timeless forms that remain relevant beyond trends. Their designs don’t just perform for today—they endure for decades.
Technology is also a growing layer in their work, whether in the form of adaptive lighting, climate control, or flexible spatial planning that responds to evolving needs.
The Wisdom They Share
When asked what advice they’d give the next generation of designers, Anand and Prashant say:
“Stay rooted in your ethos, but keep your eyes open to change. Listen deeply, because the best designs come from understanding people as much as spaces.”
They see design as a lifelong apprenticeship—where every project is both an achievement and a lesson.
Looking Ahead
The road ahead for CTDC is global. They’re expanding their reach, taking their design philosophy into new cultural and geographical contexts, and continuing to explore how architecture can be both a personal sanctuary and a shared experience.
From Mumbai to Goa and beyond, Contours — The Design Co. has proven that great design isn’t about imposing a style—it’s about discovering the spirit of a space and letting it speak. In every curve, every line, every detail, Anand Mehta and Prashant Halankar are crafting not just buildings, but the poetry of space itself.
