A visionary with a sharp eye for detail and winner of numerous accolades, Arun Sharma, the principal architect of Atrey & Associates, believes in aligning designs with nature. Established in 1997 as an architecture and interior design firm, Atrey & Associates has a versatile body of work ranging from luxurious residences, offices, and retail to hospitality under the dynamic leadership of Arun Sharma.
Born to an architect father, Sharma often accompanied him to project sites which instilled in him a fascination with design and the transformative power of architecture. As he recalls, “Watching spaces take shape and come to life left a lasting impression on me”. This early exposure ignited a lifelong passion for blending art, science, and creativity to craft enduring soulful spaces.
Sharma’s design approach allows all technical and non-technical aspects of design to come together and deliver brilliant results. At the core of his creative process lies a commitment to harmonising functionality with innovation to design technology-driven sustainable spaces. The design process starts with a deep understanding of the space's purpose and essence, ensuring that it serves the intended function seamlessly. Drawing inspiration from nature and materials, Sharma ensures that his team uses sun-path-oriented planning to create sustainable and indigenous designs.
One project that epitomises this vision is the ‘La Solitaire Jewelry Store’ , whose design draws inspiration from the raw beauty of gold and diamond mines with uneven, rustic surfaces that resemble the natural rock formations found deep within the earth. This concept highlights the transformation of raw materials into exquisite pieces, blending rough textures with the brilliance of jewelry telling the story of craftsmanship and nature’s beauty, creating a timeless experience.
Sharma endorses the transformative role of AI in revolutionising architecture by enhancing efficiency, precision, and creativity. He believes that the integration of AI and architecture can streamline design processes, analyse vast datasets for better decision-making, and even predict future trends in sustainability and functionality. However, he envisages AI as a collaborator rather than a replacement in shaping the future of architecture. He affirms, “The soul of a design—its emotional and cultural essence—will always come from the human touch.”
Sharma foresees architecture as a fusion of sustainability, innovation, and cultural relevance where designs will increasingly focus on harmony with nature, integrating technology to enhance functionality while preserving the human touch. His advice to young aspiring architects is to stay curious, understand people’s needs, and make purposeful designs while embracing technology, using emotional and cultural essence in creating meaningful spaces.