Incorporating the concept of timelessness in Architecture with new facets of design and technology

Aravindh Kumar RP – Founder, ARARCH Design Studio, Coimbatore

ARARCH is the acronym for Artistic Research in Architecture, that was set up in 2018 by prolific architecture and designer, Aravindh Kumar RP, with a prime objective of providing spaces that would enrich livelihood of the inhabitants. Aravindh Kumar is a qualified architect from Coimbatore, who had his masters in emergent technologies in architecture from the prestigious Architectural Association School of Architecture, London. After completion of post-graduation, he worked for a couple of years as a Junior Architect, Freelancer and interned for a wide range of projects. In addition to broadening his architectural knowledge, he had successfully developed technical, parametric, fabrication and digital skills to solve design problems holistically. And working in team has helped him develop cooperation skills, management lessons, leadership qualities, critical analysis and interpersonal skills. Having an innate passion for working with bamboo, he went on to complete a course from IBUKU, Bali, Indonesia, where he got an opportunity to work along with diversified professionals across the world in constructing a 1:1 Scale building completely out of bamboo.

Through his venture, ARARCH, he is currently working on several projects across states. By virtue of his artistic and research-based design approach, he is providing enriched user experiences to all his clients. He further went on to share his knowledge and experience to the UG & PG students of SVS School of Architecture in Coimbatore, as a faculty. Till date, he has worked on 50+ projects ranging from 200 sq ft to 2,00,000 sq ft, and served clients through parametric and anthropocentric designs. ARARCH aims to increase space efficiency, along with energy efficiency, scalability and environmental resilience. 

Churning out happy customers has always been the focus of ARARCH. As a result, understanding the requirements and delivering pertinent designs with an added value has been the USP. For its expansion, ARARCH is busy exploring on the lines of material research in small scale and experimenting density in large scale projects. As a true professional, Aravindh Kumar draws inspiration from eminent personalities from varied background. Ar Charles Correa, Bjarke Injels, Ratan Tata, Elon Musk, Gaur Gopal Das, Yuval Noah Harari, Sudha Murthy and et al are some of the renowned figures whom he idolizes.

Like any other businesses, Aravindh Kumar too had to face his share of hardships during those initial days of inception. Clients denied payments resulting into huge loss and disappointment. Building a decent portfolio also took its own time which was also frustrating. Later, a lot of reading and research helped him develop systematic approach towards work. He believes in 4Cs that are vital to the success of any business – Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Creativity & Communication. This all collectively enables in enhancement and advancement of business. Also, strong research and networking helps one to be in the race of this competitive landscape of business.   

Aravindh Kumar is a fitness enthusiast and an avid reader. While recalling his series of works, he shares

“Clients trust and support has helped him to refurbish a 20-year-old café as per his own taste and style. The project being located at the prime arterial part of the city, was very challenging which he accepted and gave it a complete fresh look, thereby qualifying them to get featured in ‘The Architect’s Diary’ magazine. This particular project further brought in a good number of businesses to ARARCH.”

While sharing his key learnings along his entrepreneurial journey, Aravindh Kumar tells us that one should accept failures, learn from it and move forward. Keeping eyes wide open for new business opportunities is also important for sustainability. Most importantly, believe in your strengths and abilities, no matter what the external expectations are. Before signing off, he has few tips for the new budding architects, he wants them to be equipped with the essential skills, learn latest software and remain aware of the current trends and technologies. One should be process driven and not end driven, and in the age of information, gathering the relevant data and ability to decode them and use rationally in designs will also make a lot of difference.