Firm/Studio Name
Vili & Vé Architecture Studio
How did you come up with the name of your studio?
It is inspired by the tales of Nordic mythology. Vili and Ve (pronounced “VILL-ee” and “VAY,” respectively) are the two brothers of the god Odin, with whom they shared a decisive role in the creation of the cosmos or life.
It is believed that, while Odin created life, Vili and Ve gave beauty and intelligence to lifeforms. A trait, as architects we work on daily; adding beauty and intelligence to spaces and buildings we create.
What determined your passion for design? Tell us about the moment when you decided this is the way to go.
Both of us chanced upon architecture as soon as we completed schooling. But the early influences and knowledge we gained in the first couple of years into college led us to believe that we were on the right path after all.
True inspiration or passion towards architecture begins only when we realize that we actually are creators and hold such great responsibility towards the clients and the spaces around us. The first sight of a space you design come to life is definitely the initial stage of addiction towards architecture. We have to say, there was no looking back after that.
What kind of projects were you doing when you first started as a designer?
Just like most other startups, we started out with minor projects, small scale interiors and single dwelling residences. At a point in time, we even took up graphic designs and product designs to keep up with the design fraternity.
Later on, we started taking up projects in association with larger firms, handling the conceptual designs and visualizations and eventually setting up our own firm. Today we handle all sorts of design calls, from graphics or product designs to the design of townships and Malls.
What field of design are you most interested in?
Both of us are biased towards the interior design of spaces. It is probably due to our early exposure to the field, during our time with Ar. Jabeen Zacharias in Cochin. Working with her on many projects made us realize how interiors influence life and add character to spaces and are not just decorative. A mentor to both of us, she’s always an architect we look up to.
What is your favourite book/magazine on design? How about your favourite site?
We adore tropical modern designs. As a keen follower of Ar. Geoffrey Bawa and Bedmar & Shi, we often end up with their works/books for inspiration.
What is your Signature Style?
The firm has a strong affinity towards tropical modern designs. But we are always keen on taking up new challenges and picking up new trends. As architects, our job is to keep innovating and setting trends.
What inspires you to thrive in this industry? Which piece of architecture inspires you the most.
Each day we see someone come up with another amazing space. Social media has brought the world closer and more open. The competition and the yearning to reach greater heights keeps us going.
As we mentioned earlier, tropical designs are always beautiful and never outdated. Nature keeps the space alive and gives it a new look as the space ages. All such spaces are an inspiration.
From your point of view, is design an art or a science?
Design is the result of a symbiotic relationship between art and science. From our experience design cannot survive with just one.
If you had no limits (money, resources), what would you create?
A jungle. Each tree we cut is just another wound we are inflicting on earth. There is no longer co-existence with nature, it’s just a merciless massacre.
What advice do you have for young designers or architects reading this interview?
Yes, our work involves creating spaces and yes we understand that it’s our livelihood. But always keep an environmental responsibility, strive towards building with nature not building over nature.