Leaders
Vaishnavi Tolety: The Visionary Architect Unleashing Creative Visions
Vaishnavi Tolety
Principal Architect, Yugen Design Space
As the world continues to evolve, there is an increasing need for well-designed spaces that meet the changing requirements of modern society. Architectural firms are tasked with creating innovative designs that make the best use of given spaces while considering factors such as sustainability, density, and livability.
Yugen Design Space is one such full-service architecture, interiors, landscape, and design firm based in Bangalore, that has emerged as a prominent player in the field over the past few years. With a multidisciplinary approach and a reputation for unique and sustainable design solutions, Yugen Design Space has garnered recognition and awards for their innovative work.
Vaishnavi Tolety, the principal architect at Yugen Design Space, is a visionary leader who brings a fresh perspective to the world of architecture and design. Her ability to envision and illustrate the design story with just a bare minimum start, along with her commitment to holistic design and excellence, sets her apart as a true innovator in the industry.
Her unwavering passion for creating meaningful spaces and her collaborative leadership style make her a driving force behind Yugen Design Space's success in emerging as a leading full-service architecture, interiors, landscape, and design firm in Bangalore, undertaking projects pan India.
How did you develop an interest in architecture and design? Tell us about the prior industry experience that you bring to the table.
Taking up architecture as my choice of course was a natural progression. My early fascination with art and painting sparked in me a deep appreciation for creativity and aesthetics. But it was my father who truly inspired me to consider a career in architecture. He is a renowned civil engineer, and I was captivated by the incredible buildings he worked on in and around India.
During my college days, I had the opportunity to learn from and intern with renowned architects in my city. These internships were invaluable in shaping me as an architect, as they provided me with hands-on experience and mentorship from established professionals.
As an architect, it is crucial to be a conscious and responsible human being, as our designs have a profound impact on the environment and society.This comes from working under the guidance of experienced architects who can mentor and shape us. Every architect I have worked with has played a crucial role in my development, serving as my mentors and contributing to who I am as a person and professional today.
What motivated you to establish Yugen Design Space? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture.
The concept of holistic architectural design services has been the driving force behind Yugen Design Space. It's about creating spaces that activate all five senses of the body, including the mind, soul, and body, to provide a unique and profound experience that cannot be expressed in words.
The goal is to create spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also provide a global outlook, taking into consideration the micro and macro aspects of the surroundings. It's about understanding the landmarks, culture, and planning of a city or country, and consciously incorporating those elements into the design. Sustainability is an essential part of this holistic approach, as it encompasses not only the environmental aspect but also the overall well-being of the users.
What are some of the most critical challenges you encounter as an architect? How do you overcome these roadblocks?
One of the significant challenges we face in our industry is the need to communicate with a wide range of clients, from those with lower backgrounds to those with higher backgrounds. We interact with people from diverse backgrounds and mindsets on a daily basis, so it's crucial to present ourselves professionally and manage their expectations effectively. We believe that being humble and grounded in our interactions with clients and fellow vendors is key to building trust and overcoming roadblocks.
Another challenge we encounter is convincing clients to understand and invest in our design process. As they are the ultimate investors in the project, we need to explain why our design approach is the best for the specific phase, how it will impact users and the surrounding environment, and even how it may change the mood of the space. To overcome this challenge, we provide clients with analysed data, such as numbers and market scenarios from our previous projects, and ensure we stay updated with current pricing trends.
"We interact with people from diverse backgrounds and mindsets on a daily basis, so it's crucial to present ourselves professionally and manage their expectations effectively"
Tell us about the milestones you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What has been your Mantra for success?
An important moment in my journey as an architect was when I started working with clients. Taking that leap of faith and having clients trust me to design spaces for them was a pivotal moment. It started as a passion-driven concept, and it grew into something truly beautiful.
As we embarked on our journey, we started small, taking up home Villa and interior projects, and even small commercial spaces spanning around 300 square feet. But today, we have come a long way, working on large layout designing projects, such as hotel management planning and IT hub planning, that require us to envision spaces spread across 30 to 50 acres.
As we continue to evolve, our mantra to success remains focused on being present, working diligently, and delivering the best for our clients, the planet, and the users. So ,“Yu-gain( Yugen)” working with Yugen. We are conscious of the impact our designs have on a macro level, and we always approach our projects from a micro to macro perspective, understanding the smallest details to the broader impact on the environment and society.
Tell us about the various recognitions and awards won byYugen Design Space.
Our dedication and hard work have been recognized by various prestigious organizations, such as the Architecture & Interior Design Excellence Awards & Conference 2021- Global Edition 2021,2022,2023 for the most futuristic and outstanding architectural and interior design firm by Architecture and Interior design award by Global edition for Karnataka. Along with the best Trendsetter Women Interior Designer and Entrepreneur of the year 2022, Karnataka.We were also recently recognised by India design awards 2023 for the Best emerging Design consultancy firm for Karnataka. Our work has also been featured in renowned magazines and channels like Zee Business, Architect’s Diary & The Design Collective..
Vaishnavi Tolety, Principal Architect, Yugen Design Space
Vaishnavi is a visionary leader who brings a fresh perspective to the world of architecture and design. Her unwavering passion for creating meaningful spaces and her collaborative leadership style make her a driving force behind Yugen Design Space's success in emerging as a leading full-service architecture, interiors, landscape, and design firm in Bangalore, undertaking projects pan India.