Bhadri Suthar and Snehal Suthar founded The Grid Architects, a multi-disciplinary design studio, in 2002. With more than 100 national and international awards, the studio has gained global recognition for its innovative and sustainable approach, with work spanning architecture, interiors, landscapes, and furniture design.

The couple’s journey in architecture and design is a testament to their shared passion for creating timeless, functional, and creative spaces. Snehal, inspired by his roots in a carpenter’s family, developed a passion for transforming ideas into meaningful designs that led him to pursue a Master’s in Sustainable Architecture. From an early age, Bhadri’s inclination towards art and design inspired her to pursue a degree in interior design from APIED, Gujarat.

At the heart of Suthars’ creative process lies a profound understanding of the context, location, and unique needs of the project. For them, design is a medium that fosters meaningful connections between people, spaces, and environments. This perspective allows them to design with empathy, prioritising social impact and long-term well-being of communities.

“The essence of design lies in creating spaces that connect with nature, respect context, and prioritise human well-being,” says Bhadri.

Their groundbreaking concept of ‘Agri-tecture’ aims to provide a futuristic model for sustainability through greenhouse living. It combines advanced agricultural techniques with modern architectural design to create spaces that are not only environmentally friendly but also accessible to people of all income levels. By integrating vertical farming, renewable energy sources, and efficient water management systems, these structures significantly reduce the environmental footprint while ensuring a high quality of life.

The Suthars perceive technology as an enabler, integrated to address sustainability, comfort, and functionality, optimise space planning, and data analysis, and increase efficiency. New and upcoming technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) can be used as a supportive tool for architecture, and can enhance processes and complement thoughtful designs while keeping humanity and functionality at the core.

For the Suthars, “Good architecture is always about relationships, between buildings, the context, and the society they serve.” AI would help to enhance this vision, helping create spaces that are functional, meaningful, and rooted in humanity. By using AI, one can better collaborate with natural elements like sunlight, natural textures, and greenery, improving functionality, stimulating emotions, and promoting well-being.

The Suthars envision the future of architecture in the hands of architects who design selflessly, focusing on purpose, tradition, and context. They advise young architects to design with empathy and focus on humanity, preservation and innovation.