Every great design begins with a story: AND Studio

New Delhi-based AND Studio defines architecture not only through form and function, but also through narrative and emotion. Its founders aim to reintroduce the “contextual sensitivity” that is lacking in contemporary Indian architecture: seeing space, people, and culture as interwoven parts of a story. With its human-centered approach, the studio prioritizes the honest aesthetics and sustainability of natural materials. From Delhi to Noida, and from residential to hospitality projects, it consistently asks the same question: “What is the story of this space?” In this issue, we spoke with the founding team of AND Studio about storytelling in architecture, the role of natural stone in contemporary aesthetics, and future design trends.

What was your initial motivation and starting point when establishing AND Studio?

AND Studio was founded with a simple but strong motivation — to create contextually grounded, human-centric spaces that merge design clarity with cultural resonance.
The studio’s inception came from a realization that contemporary Indian architecture was often swinging between two extremes: pure functionality or overt formal experimentation. The founders wanted to bridge this gap — to create a practice where design responds to site, climate, and people, not just trends.

The starting point was small — designing private residences that were as thoughtful as they were aesthetic — but the goal was always broader: to build a multidisciplinary practice that could adapt its design philosophy across scales and geographies, while staying rooted in India’s design heritage and modern sensibilities.

Your design philosophy is summarized as “every great design begins with a better story.” How does this approach reflect in your projects?

At AND Studio, each project begins with a narrative — a story about the site, the client, and the cultural or emotional context it sits within.
For instance, a residence in Delhi may begin with the story of a family’s lifestyle and how they use light, air, and material tactility to define “home.” A hospitality space may begin with the story of its landscape and how guests should feel when they walk through it.

This storytelling method helps the team translate emotion into form — the idea being that good design isn’t just seen or built; it’s felt. The “better story” thus becomes the backbone of decisions on material, proportion, and detail — ensuring that no two projects look the same, yet all share a quiet coherence.

What role does natural stone play in your projects, both in terms of aesthetics and sustainability?

Natural stone has always been an integral material in the studio’s palette — valued for both its timeless beauty and environmental responsibility.
Aesthetically, stone provides a grounding quality — a tactile link between architecture and earth. Its inherent textures, grains, and imperfections allow spaces to age gracefully.

From a sustainability perspective, locally sourced stone reduces embodied energy and ensures longevity. Unlike synthetic materials, stone can be repurposed or recycled, extending the life cycle of the design. The studio often uses it in flooring, cladding, and landscape interfaces where durability and authenticity matter most.

Could you share some examples of projects where you have used natural stones such as marble and granite?

In several private residences in Delhi and Noida, AND Studio has explored the material richness of Indian stones:

Vij’s Residence, King’s Court, Delhi – features Makrana marble as a unifying element across spaces, bringing luminosity and calm.
Noida Villas – use Black Galaxy granite and Kota stone in flooring and façade detailing to create rhythm and contrast.
Gurugram Farmhouse – employs textured sandstone for landscape transitions, blending built form with nature.

Each of these examples shows how natural stone isn’t used as ornamentation but as a structural and emotional materialthat defines the architectural language.

India is one of the world’s largest producers of marble and granite. In your opinion, what are the strongest qualities of Indian natural stones?

Indian natural stones are remarkable for their diversity, depth, and character. Every region in India produces stone with distinct geological and visual identity — from the pure white of Makrana to the rustic warmth of Jaisalmer.

What makes Indian stones special is not just their appearance, but their workability and durability. They adapt beautifully to both modern and traditional detailing. The variety also enables designers to balance luxury and economy, achieving sustainability without compromising aesthetics.

Turkey is also renowned for the variety and quality of its marbles. Have you had the chance to work with Turkish stones in your projects?

Yes, in select projects, the studio has experimented with Turkish marbles — especially in hospitality and high-end residential interiors where certain tones or veining patterns were essential.

Turkish stones like Crema Marfil and Emperador Light bring a different tonal warmth and polish compared to Indian varieties. However, the studio uses them selectively — often blending them with local stones to maintain contextual integrity and reduce environmental impact from long-distance sourcing.

When it comes to material selection in your designs, do you prioritize “local stone” or “international stone”? Why?

The studio’s default inclination is toward local materials — not just for sustainability, but for contextual relevance. Local stones naturally respond better to climate, aging, and craftsmanship traditions in the region.

However, the choice is never ideological — it’s always intentional. If a particular narrative or project demands a certain tone or finish that an international stone can uniquely provide, the studio doesn’t shy away from it. The goal is balance: right material, right place, right story.

Your portfolio ranges from towns to hospitality projects. What common principles do you adhere to when designing at such different scales?

Across scales — whether designing a township master plan or an intimate residence — AND Studio follows three key principles:

Contextual response: Each project must belong to its place, not be imposed upon it.
Human experience: Spaces should evoke emotion, comfort, and curiosity.
Material honesty: Design should express what it’s made of, avoiding superficiality.

This consistency of intent allows their design language to remain fluid yet grounded, whether it’s a 500 m² house or a 50-acre township.

Which trends do you think will dominate architecture and interior design in the coming years?

In the coming years, design will increasingly move toward quiet luxury and conscious minimalism — a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability rather than visual excess.

Natural materials (stone, lime, wood) will continue to dominate, driven by the need for sensory connection and longevity.
Adaptive reuse and modularity will become central to sustainable architecture.
Technology and craftsmanship will work hand in hand — parametric precision meeting artisan detailing.
Most importantly, storytelling and emotional resonance will define the next decade — people want spaces that feel authentic, not just beautiful.