Success, an incessant journey to Ar. Prem Nath

Prem Nath, a well-acclaimed architect of our country has few firsts in his genre worth mentioning The first ever Revolving Restaurant of Ambassador Hotel in Mumbai around 1970s, India's first Health Spa  Golden Palms Bangalore, India's first  mall multiplex at Fame Adlabs Citi-Mall, Mumbai and many more. Of course, he was the first architect to buy computer in 80s, he reminisces and says, "Over the last four decades, my professional experience has evolved to an extent that today I have seen it all done it all, from nightclubs to temples, from skyrocketing residential apartments, offices interiors to corporate IT Parks, large scaled Green Township, sustainable developments, seven star resorts."

With his hardships and dedication, Ar. Prem Nath founded Prem Nath & Associates way back in 1967. In fact, very few know that he started his career as an interior designer. He pursued his graduation from Sir J. J School of Architecture, Mumbai and initially began his career as an interior designer. Ar. Prem Nath interacts exclusively to Built Expressions on his journey from struggle years to recognition.  

Journey

His initial journey during academics and profession was not an icing on the cake. "I have seen life change very closely from the struggle in my yesteryears; I use to sell newspapers on bicycle in the morning and went to school in afternoon. When I enrolled for a diploma course in JJ College of Architecture, I was ridiculed by the degree students, being a diploma student. The scenario changed when I stunned everyone with my college project that was much appreciated in an exhibition. That recognition opened a door of opportunities and I was invited by Stein to work, however, I turned down the offer as I wanted to stay in Mumbai for my assignments. In fact, I was the recipient gold medalist in 1965. The next few years I worked for 18-20 hours a day and got the right exposure that paved my way to success," shares Ar. Prem Nath.

Design philosophy

The design philosophy of his firm centers on ‘To foresee the changes anticipated with time, & act upon it, to benefit society and promote excellence in the profession for a better World.' He claims that, "An architect in today's scenario is both an artist and an Engineer, who must combine knowledge of design and construction with the available resources in labor techniques and materials to produce a harmonious and functional work".  He has come across people from all walks of life which have let him to undergo training to visualise clients' requirements. "When one focuses towards quality based Service, he never stays hungry  Tough times come and go, I have been always maintaining a good balance between private and public sector projects, we maintain quality, service & efficiency. My mantra is simply to do my best and go a step further in my services of design to build elegant and beautiful architecture. For me, quality is the priority that is backed by ease of conduct and comfort of interaction, which gives confidence to my clients, which make them come, to me, again and again and get new clients," he adds.

Out of his fervor for architecture, he has imbibed certain value systems that an architect requires, which he is keen to pass on to the flourishing architects. He says, "I foresee a bright future for young Architects the future developments shall speak of large scale Developments and I see cities like Mumbai being decongested & rebuilt; here are better times ahead  positively speaking future has a lot of opportunities, India has just begun building and more will be built, giving immense opportunities. India has a very bright future ahead. There is so much in store for the new generation with immense opportunities."

Architectural Scenario

HMEL Township

In the contemporary age, the scope of architecture is vast. With the high technology crept in, architecture is getting smarter every day. He comments on the architectural transition over the last four decades saying, "When I started practicing architecture the scenario was so different from now, the profession was limited, scale was very diminutive, resources was inadequate, at that time pen & ink was the architecture. In the Evolution of last decade, there has been a glut of designers, manufacturers, vendors, suppliers, international clients, causing the shift more towards commercialization. There is an ocean of changes in availability of resources from overseas countries, from materials to finishes. Designing is no more detailing all the parts, now it is setting up of resources available and assembling them. Now, architecture is getting smarter day by day, we are using Hi-Technology, automation, we advanced ourselves. It's a time of fast track architecture to match our rapid & fast track life style. Yet, we have a lot of scope and opportunities, India has just begun building and more will be built, giving immense opportunities."

Sustainable architecture as a routine

Raitech - IT Park

'Green' is in Vogue  every architect is speaking of a LEED rated project, sustainable architecture, every developer is trying to get ahead in the race of providing green homes, Healthy Living, with certification, and is becoming a show-off and sales gimmick. "I have been practicing green and sustainable architecture as a routine, I adopt the old principles of environment based design with cross ventilation and natural light, which is tried and tested method of green design.  My projects not only depict what is Green in Design, but also speak of Zero Depletion, Renewable Energy, Thermal Comfort, and Low VOC Materials. Looking forward to green and remote living designed by my young fraternity," he adds. Today people boast of creating Gold Rated Building, but, he has already created a gold graded Township with multiple structures and infrastructure and has created, ahead of others. In the time to come, Green Buildings shall be the way of life; perhaps it will be known as Green Living all buildings shall be designed efficiently, taking advantage of natural light & ventilation, which was already part of our ancient culture. It is era of  'SMART HOMES', having bio-metric gadgets and sensors, that save energy and simultaneously add luxury, according to him.

Currently he has taken on working few key projects including a Star Hotel and a township in Assam, a LEED Platinum Rated School in Gujarat, High-Class Residential Villas in Hyderabad & Khandala, IT tower and corporate Interiors in Mumbai and create and iconic commercial towers in Metro cities.

Having tasted success throughout his architectural journey, he has share of tips to reach peak in the profession. "Success is a result of overcoming many failures. Success is never an end but a journey. At the end of the day it's not only work that counts, it is also about who you are, the solution you give, the advancement in technology that you show, how you deal with people and the exposure in the market that you have, all of which have contributed to my success," he adds. Despite his adversities in the initial period of profession he stood up firm and confronted all challenges only to take architecture to a great height.

Box Item:

Bharat Gaurav, 1996" Award for Economic Growth & National Integration, from Industrial Economic Forum, New Delhi.

• Architect of the Year Award- Accommodation Times, Mumbai in 1996.
• International Award of architectural practice from Actualidad, Spain - 2004
• Society Interior's award for "Interior & Architecture" 2006
• Recipient of "Special Award for High End Residential Interiors", by CNBC AWAAZ CRISIL Real Estate Awards 2007.
• Recipient of Top Architects Award Successively for three years; 2006, 2007 and 2008; by Construction World Magazine

Quotes

1. An architect in today's scenario is both an artist and an Engineer, who must combine knowledge of design and construction with the available resources in labor techniques and materials to produce a harmonious and functional work. 
2. Architecture is getting smarter day by day, we are using Hi-Technology, automation, and we advanced ourselves. It's a time of fast track architecture to match our rapid & fast track life style.
3. I have been practicing green and sustainable architecture as a routine, I adopt the old principles of environment based design with cross ventilation and natural light, which is tried and tested method of green design.
4. Today people boast of creating Gold Rated Building, but, he has already created a gold graded Township with multiple structures and infrastructure and has created, ahead of others.
5. Quality is the priority that is backed by ease of conduct and comfort of interaction, which gives confidence to my clients, which make them come, to me, again and again and get new clients.