An interview with Ar. Anurag Pashine and Ar. Pallavi Pashine, Founders and Principal Architects of Salankar Pashine & Associates, a leading Nagpur-based architectural and interior design firm
Ar. Anurag and Ar. Pallavi Pashine, the visionary founders of Salankar Pashine & Associates, have redefined the architectural landscape with their innovative designs and entrepreneurial spirit.
In this interview, they share the inspiring journey of building their renowned firm from the ground up, offering insights into their creative process, challenges, and the drive that propelled them to success.
Anurag and Pallavi, what inspired you both to pursue a career in architecture and interior design?
Ar. Anurag Pashine: We started our tale in 1999 as postgraduate students hoping to pursue careers in design. We took on early initiatives, using Pallavi’s father’s architectural experience to gain traction, motivated by a common goal.
“We had originally intended to establish in Delhi, but because of our college at VNIT, Nagpur, we accepted the challenge and decided to leave our mark in the same city,” says Anurag. Despite the obstacles we encountered and our lack of industry experience, our early work set the groundwork for transforming innovative ideas into long-lasting realities, which is how we got to where we are now!
As a duo, how do you balance your creative ideas and professional expertise?
Ar. Anurag Pashine: We balance creativity with the business aspect of our profession, ensuring projects remain innovative and financially viable. It is crucial to design uniquely within strict budgetary constraints, maintaining integrity and vision throughout.
“Effective financial management, externally with clients and internally within the firm, is key to project success and should be an integral part of architectural education.
I continue to attend webinars on finance to refine my understanding and incorporate these principles into my practice. Additionally, through innovative design, we aim to create timeless spaces”, concludes Anurag.
Salankar Pashine & Associates has built a reputation for unique and innovative designs. What would you say sets your firm apart from others in the industry?
Ar. Pallavi Pashine: What sets our firm apart is our approach to every design project, be it a small-scale or a large-scale project. We take a distinct approach when developing commercial or mixed-use spaces, taking into account the functional requirements of the surrounding environment as well as spatial layouts.
Our method is based on comprehending the nuances of every area and creating solutions that capture the spirit and intent of the project. We build unified environments by analysing flow and arrangement, making sure that each component supports the goal of the design.
We can create settings that are aesthetically pleasing and incredibly practical because of this meticulous approach.
How do you approach sustainability and eco-friendly design in your projects?
Ar. Pallavi Pashine: To integrate sustainability, we frequently start by maintaining the site’s current features, giving areas new life while respecting their unique personality. “We place a high value on open, well-planned layouts that capture natural light to create airy and welcoming spaces.
Our solutions provide comfortable spaces, with appropriate ventilation as a key component. To lessen our influence on the environment, we integrate renewable resources like solar panels and rainwater collection into our operations.
Anurag articulates, “Our approach is defined by our dedication to openness and eco-friendly innovation, resulting in spaces that are enduringly beautiful and responsibly designed.”
When working on a new project, what are the first steps you take to understand the client’s needs and vision?
Ar. Anurag Pashine: Any of our projects begin with a comprehensive discussion with our clients, understanding their preferences, ideas and more importantly their personalities.
We often delve into explaining our clients’ various trends, design styles and materials which will resonate with their design ideas and make a perfect place for them to reside.
Further, this is followed by frequent site visits to understand the site topography and vegetation, resulting in an optimised architectural masterpiece.
As leading architects in Nagpur, what have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in building your firm and establishing your reputation?
Ar. Pallavi Pashine: Considering Nagpur’s architectural landscape, one of the challenges was to go beyond the conventional design styles and craft designs that etch a signature in the skyline.
Our design approach emphasised spacious layouts that optimise natural light, ventilation, and seamless flow, creating environments that feel expansive and welcoming.
By focusing on innovative spatial planning and reducing visual clutter, we crafted interiors that foster comfort and ease, which further established a renowned reputation in the city.
With the rise of smart homes and technological advancements in design, how do you see the future of architecture evolving in the next decade?
Ar. Anurag Pashine: The next decade will witness architecture evolving into an integration of technology, sustainability, and human-centric design. Smart homes, powered by IoT, will redefine living spaces, enhancing convenience and customisation.
The industry will leverage advancements like computational design, 3D printing, and digital twins to create responsive structures.
Emphasis on sustainable materials and net-zero energy buildings will grow, addressing environmental challenges. Moreover, architecture will increasingly prioritise user experience, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
What advice would you give to aspiring architects and designers who want to leave a meaningful mark on the industry?
Ar. Pallavi Pashine: For youngsters, we advise them to stay ahead of trends and keep learning new things. Be it new software for construction concepts or exploring innovations in the market, they should be able to understand the evolving landscape of the industry.
Moreover, attending seminars, expos, and design conventions also helps them to make a meaningful mark in the industry.
Are there any exciting upcoming projects or collaborations you can share with us?
Ar. Anurag Pashine: We aim to expand our focus on commercial spaces, larger residential apartments, and healthcare facilities.
This growth allows us to engage with diverse clients from various professions and cultures, fostering continuous learning and adaptation. Our goal is to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each sector.
The Pashines’ story is one of perseverance, passion, and excellence. Their journey from startup to industry leaders serves as a powerful reminder of what visionary architects can achieve when they combine creativity with business acumen.
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