Welcome to Samvaad, where art meets conversation, and inspiration knows no bounds. Here we engage in insightful conversations with eminent personalities from the art fraternity. Through Samvaad, Abir Pothi aims to create a platform for thought-provoking discussions, providing readers with an exclusive glimpse into the creative processes, inspirations, and experiences of these creative individuals. From curating groundbreaking exhibitions to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, our interviews shed light on the diverse perspectives and contributions of these art luminaries. Samvaad is your ticket to connect with the visionaries who breathe life into the art world, offering unique insights and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their fascinating journeys.
Together, Ar. Vijay and Vaishali Chauhan represent a formidable team in the fields of interior design and architecture, with a combined career spanning more than 25 years. Their love of design and dedication to quality have been perfectly combined with their roles as seasoned professionals and life partners. The founders of the prestigious firm “Crest Architects & Interior Designers,” their synergistic collaboration has produced outstanding projects that are marked by creativity and painstaking attention to detail.
Since their inception in 1995, Vijay and Vaishali have not only crafted stunning architectural marvels but have also nurtured a family legacy within the industry. Their twin daughters, Varisha and Vipasha, stand as shining examples of their dedication, having emerged as exceptional architects in their own right. Graduating with Gold Medals from the prestigious CEPT University in Ahmedabad, the twins embody the next generation of visionary designers, poised to leave an indelible mark on the profession.
In an exclusive interview conducted by Ruby Jagrut, the Chauhan couple reflects on their collective journey, offering insights into their collaborative approach, unwavering dedication, and passion for their craft i.e., Architecture and Design
Ruby: Hi, I’m Ruby Jagrut, and welcome to yet another Samvaad at Jaquar. Today, we’re going to talk to Vaishali and Vijay Chauhan, practicing architects from Surat. For the past 25 years, they’ve been partners in life, in practice, and probably in crime. Let’s talk to Vaishali and Vijay. Welcome to Abir Pothi, and welcome to Samvaad. I’m very excited to have you here, both of you, and very curious to know how the whole thing started, especially your journey, how you met, and how the whole thing has taken 25 gorgeous years of practicing together. So, could you start with your take on it?
Vijay: Ruby, these 25 years only represent our professional practice since we started our own office, But in fact, the journey began around 33 years ago. I completed my graduation from MS University, Baroda, in 1988, and we’ve known each other since then. It’s been almost more than 34, 35 years now. After graduation, we, in fact, were very good friends, and we decided to move forward together in both making further strides in our careers and perhaps committing more crimes. So, at that time, I was basically from Baroda, and Vaishali is from Surat. After our graduation, we decided to work—I’d work in Baroda, and Vaishali would work in Surat, at least for a minimum of two years. I worked in Baroda with Mr. PS Rajan and Panna Rajan, who are very well-known, senior architects. Vaishali worked with Mr. Parikshit Talati here, who is also a very senior architect. After two years, we decided to get married, and in ’95, we got married. Then, in Baroda, we thought, because we had started our careers from scratch—no one in our family was an architect—we thought it might take a bit longer to progress, especially since Baroda is a bit slower-paced and more job-oriented. So, one day, Parikshit sir suggested, “Why don’t you come to Surat? Surat is a better city for you to grow.” Yes, he suggested that Surat would offer more opportunities. We talked to our parents, and they accepted it very positively, saying that if our growth prospects were better there, we could try it for two years, and if we weren’t comfortable, we could always come back to Baroda. That way, we moved to Surat, and then…
Vaishali: Yes, I would also like to mention that I was very much inclined towards fine arts. I had already joined a fine arts college at MSU Baroda. But it seems it was part of God’s master plan that I had to meet Vijay. So, that’s how I ended up giving an entrance exam for the architecture college and getting in. I cracked that exam and got into architecture. That’s how the journey started. We’ve been best friends, and Vijay is a very supportive person. When we shifted to Surat, Parikshit sir gave us an opportunity to teach at the college associated with the Art and Architecture Trust. That’s where we started a school of interior designing. Since I had previously worked with him, he offered me a job, and that’s how things fell into place. We decided to give it a try in Surat, and that’s how we shifted here.
Ruby: So, that’s how the journey started. You’ve practically grown up together, right? Because you were kids when you were in school or college, and then you’ve had a long 25-year journey. Let’s try to sum up and talk about every challenge, significant event of your life, mostly professionally, and we’ll try to peek into that journey.
So, before we started the interview, we talked about that small project you did, and you were so excited to have it. Can you tell me about that first project you cracked as a couple? What were the feelings like? Because it’s beautiful to look back and see how it was. I know you said it was a small project, but as a couple, when you were starting off and you landed your first project, how did it feel? What were the feelings?
Vijay: Of course, it was a great feeling. I was working with Architect Ashok Desai in Surat, who was also a very senior architect, and Vaishali was teaching at the college, so she had some extra time on her hands. Through some contacts, one of our plywood suppliers got in touch, and although it was a very small job, it was significant for us. When we moved from Baroda to Surat, one of the main reasons was to generate extra income. So, when we got our first project, it was a fantastic feeling. It felt like we were finally going to work on our own project. Even though it was a small project with a total budget of 1 lakh rupees and our fee was around 10,000 rupees, we enjoyed working on it. It was for an electric shop. In that project, we gave it our best, of course.
Ruby: And because you gave your best, irrespective of the size of the project, you are where you are today, and I’m talking to you. So, Vaishali, when you mentioned you were teaching and then you landed this first project together as a couple, you were juggling both roles. So, how long did you continue teaching at the school of interior designing after completing that project?
Vaishali: Yes, I actually worked as a permanent faculty for just a few years, maybe around two years, but eventually, I transitioned into being a visiting faculty. Initially, as we started getting more projects, and time became a constraint, I had to step back from being a permanent teacher. We began our own practice from home, and eventually, we felt the need for a proper office. That marked another struggle—establishing the office.
Ruby: When you mentioned the last 25 years of our journey, I think about how Surat has also evolved during this time. Surat and us, as architects, have grown together. We are sensitive towards our environment, culture, and roots. With this change, we have witnessed, I felt from the airport to my hotel that I’m just flying because there are only bridges there. I don’t know how do you manage to survive this city because if you say go and find this place, I don’t think I’ll be able to find this place. Surat has changed drastically, and somebody was telling Surat is a city of flyovers. So, in this process of change, do you think, because you are from Surat, anything has been lost which was purely of Surat, or the loss is for betterment? It is okay, it is being progressive, and I’m not against development. But if you think you could have done it differently or a city could have developed in a different fashion, do you have any take on this? Because I find it’s like growing anywhere and everywhere. Surat is growing in all the fringes, in all the areas, in all the directions. So, because you have 25 years of experience, and Surat has been growing for the last 25 years, how do you see this change, and how do you see this city of over bridges? How do you see this development, which is evidently crazy? How do you see it?
Vijay: See, Surat is, first of all, a business hub. Two major businesses here are the textile industry and the diamond business, which are world-renowned. Surat is one of the fastest-growing cities in Asia. One of the reasons for this rapid growth is the proactive approach of the Surat Municipal Corporation. Due to these booming businesses, there’s a significant influx of migrants into Surat.
However, one thing we’ve lost due to the construction of flyovers and other infrastructure developments is the originality and identity of certain spaces and locations. Previously, if you went to Parley Point, for example, you would recognise it, but now, because of the flyovers, that connection is lost. This is a significant disadvantage. Additionally, shops and showrooms at lower levels are facing issues with sales and foot traffic.
Moreover, the original Suratis are now in the minority. Most of the population consists of people who have migrated from other cities and states. While this brings diversity, there’s a sense of loss among the original Suratis, like Lahri Lala, somewhere I feel has lost their identity.
Ruby: You’ve been a teacher and have been interacting with young people for many years. When you mention the loss of identity, it’s important to acknowledge that newcomers to Surat have also contributed aspects of their culture to the city. There’s always an exchange of cultures happening. I ask this question because this development has provided significant opportunities, like when you were young architects, it offered huge opportunities for growth.
While we can’t complain about these opportunities, it’s undeniable that the development has been intense and somewhat chaotic. From an outsider’s perspective, navigating the city with all the flyovers can be confusing. So, I asked this question because when you did your first project, which was a small electric shop, significant development was happening simultaneously.
I’m curious to know about the project that made you, Vijay and Vaishali, feel like you had arrived as architects. What was that project?
Vijay: I see. At that time, I was working with architect Ashok Desai, who was primarily focused on architecture and not interior design. Even after leaving my job, we continued to work with him as associates. He was handling numerous corporate projects, such as corporate offices for major clients like Grasim Industries and Larson and Turbo. One of the significant projects we worked on together as associates was the bungalow for a senior executive vice president at Birla Cellulosic, Kharach. Both Vaishali and I worked on the entire project. It had a substantial budget of around 40 to 45 lakhs, which was significant for us at that time.
Ruby: I’m sorry when you say “that time” how many years ago?
Vijay: Back in 1998-1999, that budget was indeed significant. After that project, another client, Mr. Krishna Kotari, approached us through a reference. He was looking for architects known for their transparency and ethical work practices. Someone recommended us, mentioning that we were two young architects doing good work. Mr. Kotari’s project was a residential interior with a budget of around 30-35 lakhs, making it the costliest apartment project in Surat at that time.
He had approached a few architects, and we were among them. When he came to us, I explained to him that I couldn’t show any work in Surat that matched the scale of his project. So, I took him to Kharach and showed him the bungalow we had designed for Grasim. He was impressed and immediately entrusted us with his residential interior project. After that, we never took on a smaller project. In fact, from the same building, we ended up getting another three projects.
To be continued…
