From Vision to Structure: Aniruddha V. Nafrey Discusses His Journey with Arriva Designs

An interview with Aniruddha V. Nafrey, Founder and Principal Architect of Arriva Designs, a renowned architectural and interior design firm based in Mumbai.

Mr. Aniruddha V. Nafrey, Founder and Principal Architect of Arriva Designs Pvt Ltd, is a distinguished alumnus of the Sir J. J. School of Architecture. With over 12 years of experience, he has led Arriva Designs to remarkable success since its inception in 2008.

Beyond architecture, he inspires future architects as a visiting faculty member and champions community service through the Arriva Foundation, focusing on education and healthcare initiatives.

Can you share your journey into architecture and what inspired you to establish Arriva Designs?

Aniruddha V. Nafrey:  Certainly. My journey into architecture has been shaped by a deep fascination with space, structure, and the human experience within them.

From a young age, I was captivated by how environments could inuence mood, behavior, and even thought. I was drawn to the idea that architecture is not just about buildings it’s about storytelling, purpose, and emotion.

After completing my formal education in architecture, I spent several years working across diverse typologies from residential and commercial to hospitality and public spaces. This exposure gave me a broader lens on design and its impact on both individual lifestyles and larger communities.

What is the core design philosophy of Arriva Designs, and how does it reflect in your projects?

Aniruddha V. Nafrey:  At Arriva Designs, our core design philosophy revolves around “purposeful aesthetics.” We believe that great design is not just about how a space looks, but how it functions, feels, and evolves with its users.

Every line we draw and every material we choose is guided by a sense of intent rooted in context, lifestyle, and the human experience.

We approach each project as a narrative, where the client’s aspirations meet thoughtful spatial planning, tactile materiality, and timeless design language. We don’t follow trends, we respond to the soul of the space, to its climate, culture, and surrounding environment.

Our work reects a blend of contemporary sensibilities and sustainable consciousness, with clean lines, natural textures, and a balanced palette forming a signature thread across our projects.

What has been your most memorable project to date, and what made it special for you?

Aniruddha V. Nafrey:  One of the most memorable and dening projects for me and for Arriva Designs as a studio has been the Vande Mataram Museum.

This project holds a deeply personal and national signicance, and it challenged us to step beyond conventional design and into the realm of cultural storytelling through architecture.

The museum is conceived as a tribute to India’s freedom ghters and the spirit of independence. It’s not just a physical structure, it’s an emotional and historical journey, where architecture becomes a canvas for legacy.

From the very beginning, we knew this wasn’t just about designing a museum; it was about honoring a movement, evoking pride, and creating a space that generations can walk through and feel connected to their roots.

What made it truly special was the multi-layered narrative it demanded every spatial transition had to carry emotional weight. We worked closely with historians, curators, and artisans to integrate symbolism, spatial ow, and immersive design elements.

The use of materials, lighting, and volume was all calibrated to guide visitors through moments of reection, reverence, and realization.

What current trends in architecture and interior design do you find most exciting, and how is Arriva Designs adapting to them?

Architecture and interior design are constantly evolving, but what excites me most today is the shift toward conscious, experience-driven design. There’s a clear movement away from over-stylized spaces toward those that are authentic, sustainable, and deeply human-centric.

At Arriva Designs, we’re particularly inspired by three key trends:

1. Sustainability with Sensitivity

It’s no longer enough to be aesthetically pleasing—spaces must also be environmentally responsible. We’re integrating local materials, passive design strategies, and energy-ecient technologies into our projects more than ever before.

But what’s equally important is making sustainability invisible yet impactful—so it becomes a natural part of the space, not just a checklist item.

2. Smart & Adaptive Living

With technology becoming more intuitive, smart homes are now about seamless integration, not complexity.

We’re working with systems that blend automation into the lifestyle without overwhelming it lighting, climate, and security solutions that respond to people, not just buttons.

What current trends in architecture and interior design do you find most exciting, and how is Arriva Designs adapting to them?

Aniruddha V. Nafrey:  Looking ahead, my aspiration for Arriva Designs over the next ve to ten years is to continue evolving as a forward-thinking, purpose-driven design studio, one that not only creates beautiful spaces but also contributes meaningfully to the future of architecture.

While I can’t share too much about our upcoming projects just yet, what I can say is that we’re excited about exploring new directions that integrate advanced automation and smart technologies more seamlessly into our designs.

The idea is not just to make spaces more intelligent, but to ensure that technology serves the user intuitively without overpowering the experience of the space.

At the same time, sustainability remains at the core of our philosophy. We’re committed to nding innovative ways to minimize environmental impact whether through material choices, energy eciency, or adaptable design strategies that stand the test of time.

The goal is to push boundaries where design meets innovation, and where aesthetic meets responsibility. That’s the journey we’re excited to be on.

What advice would you give to young architects and designers who are just starting their careers?

Aniruddha V. Nafrey:  To young architects and designers at the beginning of their journey, my advice would be to embrace patience, curiosity, and purpose. Architecture is not just a profession it’s a lifelong pursuit of learning, observing, and evolving.

Allow yourself the time to understand not just how things are built, but why they are built the way they are. Form follows context, and meaning follows intent.

Most importantly, stay rooted in authenticity. In an age of rapid trends and visual overload, nd your voice design with empathy, design with clarity, and design with responsibility. The built environment is a reection of our values. Make sure yours are worth building upon.

Under Mr. Nafrey’s leadership, Arriva Designs exemplifies innovation and social responsibility. His commitment to quality and community upliftment through educational and healthcare initiatives reflects a holistic approach to design.

As he continues to inspire others, Mr. Nafrey’s dedication ensures a lasting impact on both the architectural landscape and the communities he serves.

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