DesignAsia
In the culturally rich and fast-developing city of Surat, Gujarat, stands an architectural firm that is redefining the way we look at luxury living and sustainable design—Studio TAG. At the center of this creative powerhouse is Mauliv Patel, an architect whose journey from passion to profession is as inspiring as the spaces he designs. As the founder and director of Studio TAG, Mauliv has built more than just a business—he has built a vision, brick by brick, that continues to inspire a generation of designers.
Early Roots and a Passion Unshaken
Mauliv Patel hails from a family of advocates, where discussions around legalities and courtrooms were a daily affair. But from an early age, his heart leaned towards design. While others in the family spoke the language of law, Mauliv was enchanted by forms, textures, and the timeless beauty of architecture.
“Coming from an advocate family, people expected me to follow a traditional career path. But I always found myself drawn to buildings—how they were made, how they looked, and how they made people feel,” he recalls. That passion never left him. What began as sketches and curiosity evolved into a full-blown mission—to become an architect and bring his ideas to life.
The Birth of Studio TAG
In 2018, Mauliv made the leap from employee to entrepreneur and established Studio TAG. The studio began modestly, taking on small renovation projects, but with a vision far greater than its scale. Over time, the firm grew into a robust team of over 10 designers and 3D artists—each contributing to high-end residential projects known for their elegance, innovation, and timely delivery.
Located at 303 Pulse House, Lal Darwaja, Gotalawadi, Surat, Studio TAG now stands as a trusted name in the architecture and design world, especially when it comes to luxurious large-scale bungalows and villas.
“Our core belief is to create spaces that are both aesthetically beautiful and functionally strong,” says Mauliv. “And most importantly, we never miss deadlines. That’s our promise.”
Design That Speaks to the Soul
What makes Studio TAG different is the depth of thought behind each project. For Mauliv, a building is not just a structure; it’s a living, breathing space that must reflect the personality of its inhabitants and enhance their quality of life.
“Our approach is to design homes that feel like sanctuaries. Every corner, every material, every detail is intentional,” he explains.
Studio TAG’s work blends luxury with utility. From large, airy courtyards and natural lighting to state-of-the-art materials and ergonomic planning—the firm is known for delivering dream homes that clients fall in love with.
Beyond Beauty: The Social Impact
Good architecture does more than please the eye—it shapes behavior, influences well-being, and reflects social values. Through his work, Mauliv aims to positively impact society by creating sustainable and thoughtful spaces.
“We’re contributing to the lifestyle of families, improving neighborhoods, and doing our part for the environment,” he notes.
This larger vision is now being realized through his growing interest and commitment to sustainable design. “It’s no longer just a trend. It’s a necessity. Sustainable architecture is the future—and we must be responsible citizens of this planet.”
Struggles and Lessons from the Ground Up
Like any entrepreneur, Mauliv faced his fair share of struggles—especially in the early days. One of the biggest challenges was project management. Coordinating between contractors, agencies, vendors, and clients was far from easy.
“At the beginning, I found it really hard to manage expectations from both sides—clients want perfection on time, while contractors often face delays,” he says. “And as a young firm, getting everyone aligned and delivering high-quality work on schedule was a big learning curve.”
Moreover, handling finances—particularly chasing payments from clients while maintaining cash flow for team salaries and materials—was another major hurdle. But Mauliv didn’t give up. He developed systems, built a reliable team, and learned to lead by example.
“Every challenge taught me something new,” he says. “The biggest lesson? Never lose patience. Leadership is about staying steady, especially when things get chaotic.”
A Professional Idol: The Influence of Ar. Premnath
When it comes to professional inspiration, Mauliv is quick to name Ar. Premnath, an industry stalwart known for his pioneering work in Indian architecture.
“His work has always fascinated me. He combines futuristic design with a deep respect for culture and sustainability. That balance is something I strive for in my own work,” Mauliv shares.
Just like his idol, Mauliv believes in pushing boundaries—whether it’s experimenting with new materials, adopting cutting-edge design software, or exploring unconventional architectural techniques.
Key to Success: Passion, Leadership, and Constant Learning
Ask Mauliv what it takes to succeed in architecture, and his answer is simple: Passion.
“You can have the best degree, the most talented team, and the biggest office, but if you don’t have passion, it won’t last,” he asserts.
However, passion must be paired with execution. One of the traits that sets Mauliv apart is his leadership style—open-minded, inclusive, and ever-evolving. He is always exploring new materials, tools, and methods to stay ahead of the curve.
“I believe in upgrading myself continuously. If there’s a better way to do something—whether it’s a new rendering tool or a more eco-friendly building technique—I’m all in.”
The Screen-Bungalow: A Project Close to His Heart
Among the many projects that Mauliv and his team have delivered, one stands out for its emotional and professional significance—the Screen-Bungalow designed for a young, visionary builder.
“This project is very close to my heart. It challenged me to think differently. From the facade treatment to the interiors, every inch is a conversation between design and functionality,” he explains.
Currently in its final stages, the Screen-Bungalow is set to become a defining landmark in Studio TAG’s portfolio—blending bold geometry, natural elements, and advanced tech into a seamless architectural narrative.
The Human Factor: Understanding Client Psychology
For Mauliv, successful architecture is not just about skill or aesthetics—it’s also about understanding people.
“You have to get into the client’s mindset. What are their fears? Their dreams? Their lifestyle? Only then can you design a space that truly fits them,” he says.
He believes that architecture is as much a psychological endeavor as it is a technical one. That emotional intelligence—alongside creativity and precision—is what has made Studio TAG a favorite among discerning clients.
Growth, Evolution, and a Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Mauliv has ambitious plans for Studio TAG. He envisions expanding the studio’s footprint beyond Surat, taking on commercial projects, and exploring more sustainable technologies and eco-conscious practices.
“Our goal is to become a firm that not only designs luxurious spaces but also builds a better future,” he says.
He’s particularly interested in how technology like AI, green energy systems, and smart materials can be integrated into residential architecture to create homes that are not just smart—but soulful.
Words for the Next Generation
Mauliv has a strong message for young architects and designers just stepping into the field:
“Always keep upgrading yourself. Design trends change, materials evolve, and client expectations grow. You need to stay ahead, but never lose your core values,” he says.
And perhaps his most important advice: Never forget your goal.
“Dreams without direction are just wishes. Know where you want to go, and work relentlessly to get there—one project at a time.”
