Interview with Amee Vora

The name AV 4th Dimension is a derivative of my initials and the 4th Dimension that was at the centre of the Dimensionist Manifesto signed in 1936 by various artists that talks about this dimension being symbolic of the advancement from 'line' to 'space'. The Design studio was established in 2010, and is adept at handling both interior design and architecture projects, for varying spaces like residential homes, hospitality ventures and commercial spaces.

"Design" for me is way of life. It allows you to live beautifully.

Designing excites me and when i have the opportunity to create something exciting it gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction. This joy till now has been experienced by me the most when I have designed residential homes.

This is very difficult to answer as the endeavour in each project is to get in something new and fresh. But the one thing I like to do is to integrate an Indian artform, in some way, in each of my work as a tribute to India's rich and diverse culture. One particular large residential space with double height ceiling required me to design something
unique. Here I took the opportunity to involve artists to paint a fresco depicting characters from India, which gave the space a very different identity.

Furniture products for bedroom spaces.

Metal is my favourite material; and then fusing it with wood in various ways and finishes is a challenge I always like to take on.

I feel the most creative when in my comfort zone. That allows me to think freely and create without boundaries.

For me the flow of design elements and use of appropriate materials that narrate the story of the space. My focus is to ensure that I get right each time, every time.

I need to be at peace to start designing in the first place. But post that, the act of designing is too fulfilling to leave any space for another emotion.

Joy and fulfillment.

The success begins with understanding the client needs and creating an aesthetic and functional envelope around them. The pre-requisite to success is also the clarity of thought on the client's part about what they want and their ability to articulate these needs. It also depends on collaboration: the people who stand with you, are willing to experiment and stay motivated through the entire process.

Finishing, flow of materials (basically whether the story is complete or not), and whether the functionality has been maintained. It has to be a user-friendly space.

Make life better. Create opportunities - especially in case of artisans who are struggling to make a living. Occasionally, also educating the people about living with the times.

Over the next few years, design will become a way of life, and not stay restricted to a certain segment of the society. Considering the economic upheaval of recent times, the shift is going to be towards products and services imbued with more value.

The last exhibition was three years ago! Thereafter interior and architecture projects have left little time to participate in such events. First available opportunity.

Reading, observing, travelling, experiencing new experiences... All these are triggers to looking at things with fresh eyes.

My design style is contemporary. It is a continuously evolving style, which gives me enough elbow room to try different things. Approach to design: client satisfaction.

I live in Mumbai, india. Yes, cultural heritage definitely impacts my designs. Pros: diverse design forms. Cons: scalability since much of these artforms are handmade and the number of skilled artisans is also dwindling.

The bulk of our work involves high networth individuals, and not companies.

Having the right company representative who liaises with creative individuals would help. But having said that, as I mentioned earlier, we deal with individuals and not companies.

Begins with the design brief goes through a creative process of several hand sketch variations which eventually culminate into a final design.

Suspension lamp (self-designed). Coffee table with stone marquetry. Charcoal sketches from Ajanta-Ellora caves. My coffee mug by Villeroy & Boch. My gel bed mattresses that is cooling and comfortable!

Wake up. Fix breakfast. Eat. Drop son to school. Work. Work. Work. Head home. Go for a walk. Eat dinner. Play board game. Sleep.

To start off, they need to be really hands on with the design process. Knowing the history of design is helpful, since that is where you can learn from the past and adapt these learnings to create a new language. And last but not the least, there is no substitute for hardwork and dedication.

Positives: Your are able to indulge your creativity. Negatives: You have to keep proving yourself all the time since this field is very subjective.

Keep at it. And never stop innovating.

Observation. The ability to adapt. Exploring new techniques in material applications.

Inside my toolbox: pencils and sketch pad. Outside the toolbox: fertile imagination.

Running an establishment is a time-consuming task because of the administrative angle of things, etc. When i have to think, till date, I get up really early - like 3am or so! If I am unable to do that for any reason, I just shut the door and put on the music - and put everything else on hold.

I design homes, and it can take anything from a few days to a few months!

How could you think of such wonderful design!!!!

An important job experience is when your thought process aligns with the clients'.

Confidential.

Anything which has the scope to create something different.

To continue creating good work. To be in the moment.

It's teamwork, all the way. As I mentioned before, one of the important things for a design to be successful is good collaboration.

Currently, we are collaborating with two artisan communities for developing a product range and an installation.

contact@ameevora.com

Every project is a collaborative effort, and may have several influencers. In the case of Luxury Indeaah Redefined, it was Ms Shweta Patel who played this role by adopting the rich material palette which gave the projects its final shape and sense of luxury.