As the world continues to evolve and change, the role of architecture and design in shaping our environment has never been more crucial. Amidst this dynamic landscape, there are leaders in the industry who are pushing boundaries and inspiring change through their work. One such visionary is Ambrish Arora, co-founder and Design Principal at Studio Lotus, a New Delhi-based design firm known for its innovative and sustainable solutions.
Ambrish Arora is a highly respected figure in the field of architecture and design, serving as co-founder and Design Principal at Studio Lotus, a New Delhi-based design firm with a reputation for creating innovative and sustainable solutions. Arora’s career spans more than three decades, during which time he worked in various areas such as boat design, cinema, museum and exhibit design, and spatial design. In 2002, Arora co-founded Studio Lotus with Sidhartha Talwar and Ankur Choksi, and the firm has since become one of the most groundbreaking architectural firms in India.
Before venturing into the world of spatial design, Ambrish Arora trained and worked as a boat designer, which provided him with a unique perspective on construction and design. His passion for blending traditional techniques with modern building practices has become a hallmark of his work. Ambrish Arora strongly believes in the revival of crafts and the amalgamation of vernacular wisdom, which has helped him achieve cultural, social, and environmental sustainability in his projects.
Studio Lotus has built an impressive portfolio of work, including the Hotel Raas Jodhpur, the Krushi Bhawan government facility, and the Mehrangarh Fort visitor centre, which is currently under construction. The firm takes a conscious design approach, celebrating local resources, cultural influences, attention to detail, and an inclusive design process.
Arora is an advocate for the revival of crafts and the integration of vernacular wisdom with modern building practices. He believes that frugal and passive means of construction, often achieved through integration of artisanal skillsets, are vital to achieving cultural, social, and environmental sustainability. His approach to design has earned him a place on several national advisory bodies and juries on Design and Architecture, including the Governing Council for the Jawahar Kala Kendra.
As a passionate amateur triathlete and motivational speaker, Arora is interested in building design leadership as a catalyst for change. He has lectured extensively in India and abroad, including at the Aachen University in Germany. Arora’s commitment to inclusivity and consciousness as a way of working in the design industry is reflected in the work of Studio Lotus, which takes a deeply contextual approach and combines it with a strong focus on the tactile and sensory qualities of space.
Ambrish Arora is a strong advocate of frugal and passive means of construction, which are relevant to the sub-continent. His active engagement in integrating localized skills and resources with state-of-the-art materials and technologies has led to several innovative projects. In addition to his professional work, Ambrish is an amateur triathlete and a motivational speaker, and has a keen interest in building design leadership as a catalyst of change.
The firm has built an impressive portfolio of work, including the Hotel Raas Jodhpur, the Krushi Bhawan government facility, and the Mehrangarh Fort visitor centre, which is currently under construction. Studio Lotus’ projects are grounded in principles of conscious design, celebrating local resources, cultural influences, attention to detail, and an inclusive design process. The firm is also currently working on an interpretation centre at the Qutb Shahi necropolis gardens in Hyderabad for the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
In conclusion, Ambrish Arora’s work at Studio Lotus has had a significant impact on the design industry in India. His emphasis on sustainability, traditional techniques, and inclusive design has made his projects stand out in the industry. As he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of designers, Ambrish’s legacy in the field of architecture and design will undoubtedly endure.
