Design Asia Editor
Aravindh Kumar RP – Founder of ARARCH Design Studio in Coimbatore
ARARCH, short for Artistic Research in Architecture, was established in 2018 by Aravindh Kumar RP, a talented architect and designer. The studio’s primary goal is to create spaces that enhance the lives of their inhabitants. Aravindh Kumar holds a master’s degree in emergent technologies in architecture from the renowned Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. With a diverse background in architecture and design, he has developed a wide range of technical, parametric, fabrication, and digital skills to approach design problems holistically.
Aravindh Kumar’s passion for working with bamboo led him to complete a course at IBUKU in Bali, Indonesia, where he collaborated with professionals from around the world to construct a full-scale building entirely made of bamboo. Through ARARCH, he is currently engaged in numerous projects across different states, providing enriched user experiences through his artistic and research-based design approach. In addition to his architectural work, he shares his knowledge and experience as a faculty member at SVS School of Architecture in Coimbatore.
ARARCH focuses on delivering designs that meet the requirements of clients while adding value to their projects. The studio aims to increase space efficiency, energy efficiency, scalability, and environmental resilience. Aravindh Kumar draws inspiration from various eminent personalities, including Charles Correa, Bjarke Ingels, Ratan Tata, Elon Musk, Gaur Gopal Das, Yuval Noah Harari, and Sudha Murthy.
Like any other business, ARARCH faced challenges during its initial days, including payment issues from clients and the time-consuming process of building a portfolio. However, through reading and research, Aravindh Kumar developed a systematic approach to his work. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication (4Cs) for the success of any business. Strong research and networking are also crucial in navigating the competitive landscape of the industry.
Aravindh Kumar is a fitness enthusiast and avid reader. He takes pride in refurbishing a 20-year-old café according to his own taste and style, which gained recognition in ‘The Architect’s Diary’ magazine and brought in new business opportunities for ARARCH. Along his entrepreneurial journey, he learned to accept failures, embrace new opportunities, and believe in his strengths and abilities. He advises aspiring architects to acquire essential skills, stay updated with the latest software and industry trends, adopt a process-driven approach, and effectively gather and interpret relevant data for rational design decisions.
