#OnTheCover 23DC Architects blends innovative design with cultural heritage, transforming everything from private residences to public spaces into sustainable works of art that stand the test of time

Founded by Mohit Chawla and Shiv Dada, 23DC Architects have rapidly evolved from designing luxury homes to shaping entire urban landscapes across India and beyond. Their philosophy is rooted in a unique interpretation of luxury—one that goes beyond opulent materials and extravagant finishes. For them, true luxury lies in enhancing the lifestyle of those who inhabit their spaces. It’s about creating environments that foster personal growth, nurture relationships, and seamlessly blend with nature. A typical day at 23DC is anything but ordinary. From team meetings in their minimalist, light-filled office to immersive sessions in their design studio, every day brings new challenges and inspirations. The firm’s innovative approach extends to their work structure, with each day of the week dedicated to a different department – be it operations, research, or interior design. This holistic method ensures that every project benefits from the firm’s diverse expertise.

What sets 23DC apart is their commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship. They’re not just designing buildings; they’re breathing new life into traditional arts, collaborating with local artisans, and reimagining urban spaces in tier-2 cities. Their portfolio, spanning luxury homes, hotels, schools, and even public infrastructure,
showcases their versatility and vision. As you delve into this conversation, prepare to be inspired by 23DC’s journey, their unique perspective on luxury and sustainability. This is more than just an architectural firm; it’s a movement towards thoughtful, impactful design that respects tradition while boldly stepping into the future.

How did you two meet and decide to start 23DC Architects together?
Shiv Dada: I clearly remember it happened the day after our college graduation. On what seemed like an ordinary visit to Mohit’s residence, he proposed an unexpected yet intriguing idea: that we should embark on a professional journey together. The suggestion resonated with me immediately, and I agreed without hesitation. Thus, barely 24 hours after completing our formal education, we found ourselves laying the foundation for our joint venture.

Mohit Chawla: Regarding the origin of our company’s name, “23DC,” it holds a personal significance. The number 23 represents our age at the time we established our office, while “D” and “C” are derived from our surnames, Dada and Chawla, respectively. This blend of numerical and personal elements encapsulates both the timing of our entrepreneurial leap and our individual identities.

Can you explain how you navigate the apparent contradiction between luxury and sustainability in your business operations? And what steps do you take to balance both aspects?

Mohit Chawla: The perceived paradox between luxury and sustainability is a common misconception that we’re actively working to dispel. Our research department plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. Through extensive experimentation with new materials and innovative techniques, we’re demonstrating that sustainability and opulence can coexist harmoniously. This approach allows us to push boundaries and explore unprecedented combinations, effectively bridging the gap between ecoconsciousness and high-end design.

Shiv Dada: A prime example of this synthesis is our use of rammed earth in conjunction with parametric walls. This technique not only aligns with our sustainability goals but also results in a sophisticated, high-end aesthetic. Moreover, it imbues our designs with a sense of locality, creating spaces that are both globally conscious and contextually relevant. By leveraging our research capabilities, we’re not only advancing our design practices but also reshaping perceptions about the compatibility of luxury and sustainability in architecture. Our aim is to create spaces that are as environmentally responsible as they are visually stunning, proving that one need not compromise on elegance to embrace eco-friendly design principles.

How would you define 23DC Architects’ signature style when it comes to luxury projects?

Shiv Dada: I think for us it’s more about fluidity—fluidity in design, amalgamated with a lot of sustainable materials, local materials. We pride ourselves on creating designs that seamlessly integrate flowing, organic forms with an astute selection of sustainable and locally sourced materials. This unique combination allows us to craft spaces that are simultaneously eco-conscious and opulent. Our design philosophy can be linked to a finely balanced coin, with sustainability on one side and luxury on the other.

Mohit Chawla: We strive to create an equilibrium where these seemingly disparate concepts coalesce into a singular, cohesive vision. The result is an architectural language that speaks to both environmental responsibility and refined aesthetics. In essence, each 23DC project can be viewed as a limited-edition work of art. We’re not merely constructing buildings; we’re crafting singular pieces of architectural artistry that stand as testaments to our clients’ discerning tastes and our innovative design approach. This exclusivity adds an extra layer of value and prestige to our luxury projects, making them not just homes or spaces, but unique, collectible expressions.

Can you walk us through a recent luxury project that you’re particularly proud of?

Shiv Dada: Allow me to guide you through one of our recent luxury projects that we hold in particularly high regard: Ananda. From the project’s inception, we were presented with an intriguing challenge. The client, residing in a bustling urban environment, expressed a desire for a home that would transcend the conventional notion of residential architecture. Their vision was for a dwelling that would evoke the tranquil ambiance of a resort, providing a sanctuary from the frenetic pace of city life. I believe we not only met but exceeded this ambitious brief. The centerpiece of our design is a magnificent central courtyard, which serves as the heart of the home. Within this space, we placed a striking Buddha idol, meticulously carved from a single block of solid stone. This powerful focal point stands in harmonious juxtaposition with a serene, submerged water body, creating a captivating interplay of elements. The true genius of the design lies in its layout. My favourite aspect of Ananda, the courtyard is visible from all cardinal directions within the house, ensuring that this oasis of calm is everpresent, regardless of one’s location within the home.

Mohit Chawla: It’s this transformative quality, this ability to transport the occupants from the hustle and bustle of urban life into a realm of peace and reflection, that I find most compelling about this project. In Ananda, we’ve created more than just a house; we’ve sculpted a personal retreat, a haven that offers daily respite and rejuvenation.

Your portfolio is becoming really diverse, starting from luxury homes to designing a bus stop. Tell us a little more about your portfolio.

Shiv Dada: Our portfolio has indeed evolved into a diverse tapestry of architectural projects, spanning from opulent residences to public infrastructure such as bus stops. This range reflects our firm’s growth and adaptability in the field. Our journey into luxury home design was, interestingly, more serendipitous than planned. Like many architects and interior designers, we cut our teeth on residential projects. Over time, our reputation in the luxury segment grew, and we found ourselves increasingly associated with high-end residential architecture. Today, we’re proud to say that our work spans more than 15 states within India, as well as international locations. This geographical expansion has brought with it a wealth of diverse opportunities, allowing us to broaden our architectural repertoire significantly. Currently, our project slate encompasses a wide array of structures. We’re engaged in the design of several hotels, bringing our luxury aesthetic to the hospitality sector. Educational institutions have also become a significant part of our portfolio, with multiple school projects underway. One of our most intriguing current projects is a bus stand, though I’ll refrain from naming it specifically as it’s still under construction. And of course, we continue to design luxury residences, which remain our signature specialty.

How have you seen the notion of luxury evolve when it comes to your consumers?

Mohit Chawla: The evolution of luxury in architecture, particularly from our clients’ perspective, has been a fascinating journey. Our clientele has come to appreciate and embrace our unique interpretation of luxury—one that transcends mere material opulence.

For us, true luxury is not about adorning spaces with expensive materials or products. Instead, it’s about elevating the lifestyle of the inhabitant. We believe that a well-designed space should enhance every aspect of one’s life, fostering personal growth and self-belief. It’s not simply a matter of displaying wealth; rather, it’s about crafting environments that positively impact the occupant’s psyche and daily experiences. Our approach involves a meticulous exploration of spatial relationships, light dynamics, air flow, and ventilation. We aim to create spaces that resonate on a deeper level, spaces that our clients will remember for their profound psychological impact.

What specific typology in architecture are you particularly eager to work on in the near future?

Shiv Dada: Personally, I’ve developed a growing passion for landscape architecture. However, my ultimate aspiration lies in urban development on a larger scale.

Mohit Chawla: I’m particularly interested in transforming smaller cities and towns across India, such as Jalandhar and Amritsar. These tier-2 cities often lack the well-planned urban environments and developed public spaces that are hallmarks of more advanced urban centers globally. Having traveled extensively and observed exemplary urban design worldwide, I’ve become acutely aware of the deficiencies in many of our smaller towns. Our next goal, therefore, is to contribute to the upliftment of these urban areas. We aim to introduce design elements and urban planning strategies that can significantly enhance the quality of life in these developing cities. By focusing on comprehensive urban development, we hope to bring the best practices we’ve observed globally to our local context.

Both of your wives are also involved in the practice, how do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance amidst your professional commitments?

Mohit Chawla: We have cultivated a strong and positive working culture within our office, which has been instrumental in allowing us to achieve a good work-life balance. Our journey has been enriched by valuable resources such as books, mentorship, and the support of close friends who have aided us in developing an effective management system. This has enabled our workflow to operate smoothly and efficiently, freeing us from constantly chasing after work tasks. As a result, we are grateful for being able to manage our office operations effectively, which in turn has afforded us ample quality time to spend with our families outside of work.

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Portraits: Meetesh Taneja