#OnTheCover Celebrating 25 years of design innovation at And Design Co.

It’s 11 a.m., and the AND Design Co. team is buzzing around the set for the first cover shoot of 2025. The air hums with energy as this moment celebrates 25 years of Rupesh and Archana Baid redefining the art of living. Over the decades, the Baids have curated a diverse portfolio of hundreds of projects across cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, while extending their expertise globally with homes in London, Dubai and Antwerp. Each project reflects a unique narrative, a testament to their ability to craft spaces as distinctive and remarkable as the stories they tell.

Take, for instance, the Louis XIV-inspired villa in Bengaluru, adorned with bespoke Italian stained glass and mother-of-pearl inlays—a residence straight out of a European fairytale. In contrast, their Zen-inspired retreat embodies wabi-sabi with muted tones and clean lines, creating a sanctuary of balance and simplicity.

And then, among their most anticipated endeavours is the pièce de résistance in Chennai: an 81,000-square-foot sky house that doesn’t just redefine grandeur—it reinvents it. Imagine sprawling spaces, luxurious finishes, and even a private bowling alley! This visionary project encapsulates AND Design Co.’s belief that the future of design lies at the seamless intersection of creativity and functionality, elevating lifestyles while maintaining an unwavering commitment to detail.

But it’s not just the scale of their projects that sets the Baids apart. “Our work is as much about listening as it is about designing,” says Archana Baid, Principal Interiors, Architect and Co-Founder of AND Design Co., her voice measured and deliberate, reflecting her SoBo roots. Having grown up in Kemps Corner and pursued her interior design programme at Sophia College, Archana’s approach is deeply influenced by her formative years. “Every city has its rhythm, and our role is to honour that while adding something fresh. Chennai homes call for a careful balance between heritage and modernity, whereas Indore exudes a younger, freer energy. And Hyderabad? It’s a different beast altogether, with the bold influences of the Telugu film industry. Each location brings its own challenges and
inspirations. We let that guide our choices,” shares Rupesh Baid, Principal Interiors, Architect and Co-Founder of AND Design Co., as he adjusts his sleek black glasses—one of 20 custom frames from his collection designed by a Parisian optician.

At the heart of AND Design Co. is a commitment to values over showmanship. “Many clients today value the principles and ethos an architect brings to the table,” explains Rupesh, whose roots from Rajasthan and lessons from LS Raheja in Mumbai have profoundly shaped his approach. This philosophy came to life in a project for a renowned Telugu film director. “During a visit to his farmhouse, I sketched a concept based on our conversation. That one sketch was enough for him to entrust us with his 15,000-squarefoot home, which we completed in just 18 months,” he shares. It’s the kind of story that perfectly captures Rupesh’s creative spontaneity and his ability to turn a casual chat into a fully realised dream—a knack that seems almost like second nature to him.

Their dynamic is magnetic: Rupesh’s fast-paced, idea-driven energy meets Archana’s poised, meticulous approach. “We’re not just creating houses,” says Archana, with calm conviction. “We’re shaping lifestyles. For example, the emergence of private home theatres and entertainment lounges within luxury residences. This addition reflects a shift towards personalised in-home experiences, allowing families to enjoy entertainment without leaving their homes. It redefines leisure and social gatherings, blending exclusivity with convenience and creating a lifestyle centred around comfort and immersive living.”

As the photographer calls for a break, their daughter, Sia, joins the conversation. Having grown up surrounded by material swatches, sketches, and mood boards, her creative instincts were sharpened long before she pursued interior architecture at Oxford Brookes University in London. “Watching Mum and Dad work taught me that design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about connection,” she says, her voice carrying the spark of someone who knows she’s
standing on the shoulders of giants.

Sia brings a fresh perspective to the studio, blending her global influences with the studio’s established ethos. She also envisions a future where AI seamlessly integrates with architecture, optimising workflows and enhancing project management. “London taught me how layering elements can create an emotional experience. Whether it’s a single piece of furniture or the interplay of light in a room, it’s the little things that make spaces come alive,” she explains, her enthusiasm lighting up the room.

The Baids share a glance that says it all: pride, understanding, and the unspoken joy of seeing their legacy evolve. “We brainstorm together, always ensuring every decision aligns with the client’s needs,” says Archana. “It’s the overlap of ideas, the creative tugof-war, that keeps us sharp.” By the time the shoot wraps up, the team has captured more than just images—they’ve bottled the essence of what makes And Design Co. extraordinary. It’s not the 25 years or the accolades; it’s the stories they tell through their designs, the lives they touch, and the family bond that underpins it all. For the Baids, this isn’t just a milestone; it’s a moment to reflect, celebrate, and dream about what comes next.

Excerpts from the Interview…

Let’s go back to the very beginning. What was the spark that led to the creation of AND Design Co.? Was there a defining “aha” moment?
Archana Baid (AB): The idea for AND was born from a shared desire to make design more than just a visual craft it’s about creating meaningful experiences that truly connect with people. From the beginning, we were united by a deep appreciation for how design can blend functionality with emotion, crafting spaces that are both captivating and personal.

Rupesh Baid (RB): The turning point came during a collaborative project where we saw firsthand how our unique strengths—my flair for storytelling through design and Archana’s precision in execution— came together to create something extraordinary. That understanding became the foundation of AND—a studio committed to thoughtful, timeless design that tells stories through spaces, where creativity and purpose converge to make a real difference.

Can you recall your first big project? What was the most unexpected challenge you faced, and how did you tackle it?
RB: Our first major project was a triplex designed for celebrity client Shekhar Suman, conceptualised around an American classical theme. Each floor, originally a 4BHK layout, required reconfiguration to create larger, combined spaces for the living area and master bedroom.

One of the challenges was seamlessly integrating and camouflaging the structural beams into the design while staying true to the concept. We resolved this challenge by designing joists finished in zinc, perfectly complementing the American classical aesthetic. The final result not only met the client’s vision but exceeded their expectations.

Sia, growing up in a design-driven household, what was dinner-table conversation like? Was joining the family business always on the cards for you?
Sia Baid (SB): Growing up in a designdriven household was like living in a constant creative workshop. It was inspiring and, honestly, so much fun. Dinner-table conversations weren’t just about the usual family updates—they were brainstorming sessions about ongoing projects or debates about the latest design trends.

As a kid, I was surrounded by material swatches, fabric samples, and sketches—it was just part of our everyday life. I still remember helping mum decorate for festive occasions, carefully choosing colours or debating which soft furnishings worked best in the living room. Back then, it felt like play, but looking back, those little things sparked something much bigger in me.

In our family, design wasn’t just a career; it was a way of life. Joining the family business might have seemed like the obvious choice, but my journey was never about just continuing what had already been built. My parents always encouraged me to discover my own path and find my unique voice in design.

That’s why studying in London became such an important chapter for me. London wasn’t just about learning new skills—it was about stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing myself in a whole new world of creativity. I got to experiment, challenge myself, and broaden my perspective in ways I didn’t even know I needed. It helped me shape a style that feels distinctly my own while still being deeply rooted in the design legacy I grew up with.

Joining AND wasn’t about expectation—it was simply about following what felt natural to me. And honestly, there was never a Plan B. It’s just who I’ve always been.

People often describe you as Yin and Yang—Archana, organic and sculptural; Rupesh, minimalist and linear. Can you share an example of a project where these differences led to something unexpectedly magical?
AB: Absolutely! One of our most memorable projects was a luxury beach-facing property where we had to find a balance between softness and structure. I envisioned a sculptural curved-edge façade that would evoke the natural flow of the waves, adding a fluid, graceful element to the building.

RB: I preferred a more minimalist, linear approach for the rest of the building, emphasising clean, straight lines and sharp, geometric detailing that would give the structure a modern, refined look.

AB: The real magic happened when we combined these contrasting elements. The curved edge of the façade interacted beautifully with the straight lines of the rest of the building, creating a stunning contrast that was both dynamic and harmonious. The gentle, organic curves seemed to flow toward the ocean, while the angular lines provided a strong, elegant framework.

RB: The result was an exterior that felt timeless yet contemporary—where the different architectural approaches didn’t just coexist but enhanced each other. It perfectly exemplifies how our differing design sensibilities can come together to create something truly striking and memorable.

Your projects are known for being distinct yet timeless. What makes your work unique?
RB: We see every project as an opportunity to craft a unique narrative, ensuring each design resonates with authenticity and purpose. For us, it’s about storytelling—understanding the soul of a space, its historical context, and the aspirations of those who will inhabit it.

Take the beach-facing villa we’re working on, for instance. Its architecture reflects the ocean’s fluidity, with a curved façade and open layout that seamlessly integrates with the landscape. The interiors are a tale of understated luxury, brought to life through natural textures and artisan-crafted accents, harmonising the villa with its coastal surroundings to create a tranquil, immersive experience.

AB: Another example is the restoration of interior elements for a saree store in Kala Ghoda. We meticulously restored an original column and replicated another to match its design, preserving its historic charm while aligning with the store’s contemporary identity.

This is how we weave narratives—by echoing natural elements, restoring historic details, or tailoring spaces to reflect a client’s story. It ensures every design becomes more than a space; it becomes a legacy that continues to inspire.

Sia, you’ve experienced London’s design scene firsthand. How are you bringing your fresh, global perspective to And Design Co. while honouring its core ethos?
SB: London taught me to appreciate the beauty of layering elements to create emotional connections. Walking through showrooms like Bonadea and The Conran Shop opened my eyes to how even small, curated details can transform a space.

Art fairs like PAD and Decorex pushed me to think beyond aesthetics, focusing on craftsmanship and innovation. Similarly, visiting iconic hotels like The Dorchester and experiencing their immersive designs taught me how spaces can evoke emotion and create lasting impressions.

At AND, I aim to weave individuality into our designs by curating unexpected art pieces, introducing elements from emerging global artisans, and crafting spaces that feel deeply personal and alive. It’s about layering these global influences onto the strong foundation of quality and craftsmanship that my parents built.

Rupesh, you’re known for your ability to forge strong relationships. Has a personal connection ever influenced or reshaped a project?
RB: Absolutely. One project that stands out is a villa we designed in Bangalore. Over time, I developed a close personal relationship with the client, and it became clear that this project was about more than just creating a beautiful home—it was about reflecting their journey and values.

Through our conversations, I learned about their deep ties to family heritage, which significantly influenced the design. We incorporated traditional architectural motifs and antique furniture pieces, blending them seamlessly with modern elements.

This personal connection allowed us to create a home that wasn’t just beautiful—it became a true reflection of the client’s identity and legacy. It’s a reminder of how meaningful connections can elevate a project beyond aesthetics, making it deeply personal and impactful.

Boutique firms thrive on personal attention. Can you share an anecdote where going the extra mile for a client became the defining feature of a project?
RB: For a project close to our hearts, we proposed turning the ceiling of the entrance hallway—the ‘fifth wall’—into a canvas for art, complemented by a stunning brass door. Initially, the client was hesitant about the idea.

To bring the vision to life, we went the extra mile by creating a detailed miniature model. This approach won the client over, and the final result exceeded expectations. The ceiling became a standout feature of the home and something the client truly loved. It was a reminder of how going beyond the brief can create a lasting impact.

What’s your take on the rise of sustainability and its impact on the future of design?
AB: Sustainability is reshaping how we approach design, even in luxury projects. Eco-friendly materials like sustainably sourced wood and natural stone are becoming key, alongside energy-efficient solutions like LED lighting and smart home systems.

RB: It’s not just about selecting materials; it’s about considering the lifecycle of a space. Designs now focus on reducing waste and integrating smart technologies without compromising comfort. Ultimately, sustainability will play a crucial role in ensuring spaces are both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

How does And Design Co. blend inspirations from music, art, and travel into spaces that are both personal and impactful?

RB: Music, art, and travel are lenses through which we reinterpret design. For instance, in a project inspired by Italy’s Roman architectural grandeur, Venice stood out as a key influence. We incorporated bespoke stained glass crafted by a third-generation Italian artisan and opulent materials reminiscent of Venetian palazzos, creating a regal yet storied space.

AB: During a visit to Japan, we were inspired by Zen aesthetics and reflected that in a project through muted tones, clean lines, and a wabi-sabi approach. Stucco-finished walls and marble flooring added an understated elegance, blending simplicity with luxury.

SB: By weaving these influences into our designs, we create spaces that feel globally informed and deeply personal, connecting craftsmanship, culture, and emotion.

What’s a typical day like at And Design Co.? Do you each have specific roles, or is it a more fluid process?
AB: A typical day at AND is busy yet collaborative. While each of us has specific roles—whether it’s designing, managing clients, or handling logistics—the process is fluid.

RB: We often brainstorm as a team, allowing ideas to flow freely and encouraging input from everyone. This collaborative process ensures every design is thoughtfully executed, benefiting from our combined expertise and perspectives.

QUICK TAKES

Favourite design city?
RB: Milan—where modern design takes centre stage.
AB: Florence—a living gallery of Renaissance art and architecture.
SB: London—where classic meets modern elegance.

Must-have design tool or material?
RB: My sketchbook—all great ideas start there.
AB: My iPad—perfect for mood boards and on-site tweaks.
SB: Velvets—their plush texture adds warmth and opulence.

Most inspiring design show?
RB: Salone del Mobile—where design innovation thrives.
AB: Art Basel in Switzerland—futuristic textures galore.
SB: PAD London—a treasure trove of unique art and design.

A destination that influenced your work?
RB: Kyoto, Japan—simplicity and harmony at its best.
AB: Europe—it’s steeped in history and timeless design.
SB: Paris—it blends quiet luxury with timeless charm.

A book, movie, or designer that shaped you?
RB: Karim Rashid—breaking barriers and redefining norms.
AB: The Grand Budapest Hotel—a masterclass in colour and detail.
SB: Laura Hammett— classic interiors with a modern twist.

For the full interview, subscribe to A+D! or grab a copy of our January 2025 issue from the stands!