Ar. Dipen Gada On His Journey As An Accidental Architect

• January 19, 2026
• By: Sanyukta Baijal
• INFLUENCERS

Not every architectural journey begins with intent, some unfold through instinct, patience, and time. Ar. Dipen Gada’s path into architecture is shaped precisely by this quiet progression. With a career spanning over three decades, the architect started Dipen Gada & Associates in 1993, where he serves as Founder and Principal Designer.

Introducing a design sensibility that challenged established norms, Ar. Dipen Gada got candid about his professional as well as personal journey. He spoke at length about bringing a fresh change and new ideas to the interiors landscape which was earlier dominated only by local carpenters.

What inspired your journey into the field of architecture?

It was an accident that I am in this field. It’s quite an interesting story, after my graduation I was sitting idle and was not very keen to pursue engineering again. I had initially aspired to pursue mechanical engineering but fell short by just three marks and those three marks ultimately redirected my life. One day my cousin visited me and while sourcing marble for a home, sought my advice as an engineer. I readily agreed and ever since there was no looking back.

How were things different from now when you began your practice?

At that time, the way of working and the designs were very different than the work which is being done today. I am talking about 35 years back when the interior work was mostly handled by local carpenters. A man came to me saying, “I want to build a showroom and I saw your work and found your designs a bit different. Why don't you try and give a thought to my showroom?” That was a 450 square feet of showroom at a prominent place in Vadodara which transformed into something very different than the routine and contemporary work of those times. I even happened to name the showroom Vichitra Rachna since it was so different.

Is there a material that particularly resonates with you as a designer?

I find it hard to tell. But, I have a good hold on concrete if the project is large, whereas if the project is small, wood or glass is my preference depending upon the size of the project. So, it is contextual. I am not bound to any material or anything, rather I would term that it is a flow.

I believe the almighty gives me ideas instantly. A lot of times it has happened that I haven’t thought about any material or design but when I reach the place or interact with the client, the ideas automatically starts flowing in my head. Therefore, I go with the flow and take whatever challenge comes my way, keeping my principles intact.

What do you think is the most important element of design?

I’d like to answer this by telling you a personal story. There was a phase in my career when I was flooded with the work. At that time I was just busy counting projects in my kitty and it all became about numbers. I was quite proud about myself and as a result I started losing impact of the overall outcome, my magical touch was missing. Infact I started making lots of mistakes. Then, I understood, it’s time to stop and rethink what I am doing. I began rejecting offers and started saying no to clients. Somehow I thought I wasn’t meant for this, I wanted to do good work, or else I didn’t want to work at all.

So, my advice to the youngsters is that whether people like it or not, whether it feels right or wrong, don’t lose out on your magic touch. There’ll be a time in your life when you actually understand your value and what are you doing.

So, one of the most important elements of design, I believe, is principles. However, talking on physical terms, all elements like light, air, ventilation etc are very important in the design world. You have to respect the surroundings and when you actually balance everything, you definitely come up with the best of the project.

What is the importance of an architect?

During the time of my presentations a lot of clients feel that the job of an architect is not serious. They often say, “what are you doing, you are just taking money to draw lines and what is event the value of an architect?” This is happening because nowadays if one doesn’t get selected in any other course, architecture and interior designing is their last resort. If they are not getting admission elsewhere they feel they will get admission here. And that mentality has been going on forever.

I believe that we are not less than a doctor and I can proudly say that to everyone. See, a doctor's job is to treat your physical problems and take care of your health. Meanwhile, we are a kind of doctors who provide happiness, health and good environment with our projects. Ultimately we are not less than caregivers. And if we’ll do our work with pride, definitely that will reflect on the results.

What is your dream project?

Although, there are many dream projects, my belief is to really work for the society. And budget is the main issue over there. Therefore, I wanted to give my services to institutes, schools, hospitals and few projects which are affecting the life of people. Those projects have tight budgets, lot of constraints in terms of donation, clarity and many other things. Hence, I want to do a lot of things because I am inspired from the global architecture. But I haven’t been able to do that yet. So, my dream would be to be a part of something like a good institutional project.

Is budget really a very important factor?

It's a myth that if you have excessive budget only then you’ll be able to make a great structure. Rather, I’ll say that if your budget is low your project opens to a plethora of possibilities. This is because such situation compels you to do something unique and different in a limited money. And then your mind will start thinking creatively too.

Infact, we are struggling with low budgets in today’s time as well. In Gujarat or Baroda or smaller cities the budgets are always restricted compared to the metro cities. And, all thanks to that, one starts exploring materials like concrete, kota stone, or any Indian stone differently. So, lesser the budget, better the challenge to be more creative.

How much Importance is given to client’s perspective?

We have secluded our practice in a way that we always talk to the client. If he or she has faith in you, that is the most prestigious thing. And if they are paying a handsome consultancy to you, they will expect good results. We try to understand what are their demands and then we make them understand our perspective.

How do you approach material selection and its application in your projects?

I look at materials as a challenge. I keep on thinking how can we convert our own traditional designs into a modern one without losing the functionality. Nowadays, the glass houses or the huge glass windows are in trend. If somebody wants to do a multi-storey building there is no other ideal material than glass. It balances the structure to withstand the winds and is functional.

What are the most important things an architect or designer should take care of?

First is to read the client and the other is to read the environment upon what they are building. The site is very crucial to understand what is suitable, what is required, judging the climate over there etc.

What is your advice to the budding architects?

Message is very clear that be responsive, be human, listen to yourself, listen to the surrounding. There is no shortcut to success, according to me success is not only monetary gain or an achievement. Success is something where you are satisfied or you can talk to youself with pride that “yes, I have done this with the responsibility with the taking care of surrounding and I have done this with the done by job” this is very very important.

Also read: In Sync With Nature: Vadodara's Ar. Harsh Bhogani In An Exclusive Conversation With BMR

Also read: Exclusive: Ar. Harini T Raja Talks About Chennai's Architectural Evolution In the Coming Decade

Also read: Chennai Till 2035: Ar. Murali Murugan On City’s Future Development