Parallel Paths, Unified Vision: Inside Uneven’s Thoughtful Design Journey
- November 27, 2025
- By: Syed Md. Ehteshamul Hasan
- INFLUENCERS
In an exclusive interaction with Building Material Reporter team at their Vadodara studio, Ar. Shourya Patel and Ar. Dexter Fernandes, founders of Uneven, spoke about their journey from friendship to partnership, their evolving design philosophy, and the realities of creating meaningful architecture in today’s changing world. Honest, grounded and refreshingly clear in thought, the duo reflected on how trust, balance and adaptability continue to shape their growing practice.
How did Uneven begin?
Shourya: Uneven was never the result of a formal business plan. It happened very organically. Dexter and I were close friends, spent a lot of time together, discussing ideas and observing spaces. Gradually, we realised that our thinking was moving in the same direction.
There wasn’t one dramatic moment when we decided to start a firm. We simply began taking up small projects, and those opportunities slowly grew into a practice. Looking back, that natural beginning worked in our favour because it gave us the freedom to evolve without pressure or predefined expectations.
How did friendship translate into a successful professional partnership?
Dexter: Our foundation was built during college. Working together on assignments and group projects gave us an early understanding of each other’s temperament, work ethic and approach to problem-solving. We recognised that there was compatibility, not just creatively but professionally as well.
What really works for us is that we don’t unnecessarily overlap. We function in parallel. There is a clear understanding of responsibilities, and that helps avoid friction. Instead of trying to control everything together, we trust one another’s judgement. That trust is the backbone of our partnership.
What is the story behind the name ‘Uneven’?
Shourya: When we returned from Mumbai, we began working out of a very small rented house in Vadodara. One room was our workspace with two computers, and the other room was where we lived. It was a humble start. We had already started taking projects, but the practice still had no name. Once things became serious, we knew we needed an identity.
Dexter: Interestingly, the name wasn’t over-analysed. It simply came to us while reading something, and it clicked instantly. Over time, we realised it suited our philosophy. Design is rarely perfect or symmetrical. It often lies in embracing irregularities and making them meaningful. In that sense, Uneven feels quite fitting.
How do you define design at Uneven?
Shourya: People often separate architecture and interiors, but we don’t really see design that way. For us, everything comes under two broad lenses—massing and detailing.
Massing is the larger scale of a project: form, volume, spatial planning and how the structure responds to its context. Detailing is the finer layer: materials, finishes, junctions and all the subtle elements that shape user experience.
Whether it is group housing, a private residence or a commercial project, we approach everything holistically. Design should feel seamless, not divided into compartments.
Dexter: Sometimes that thought process extends beyond the built space itself. If we have designed the architecture and interiors, we may also work on signage, branding or even stationery for the client. It is all part of the same story. For us, design is a continuous language. Even small inconsistencies can disturb the larger narrative.
What keeps your partnership balanced?
Dexter: Understanding and respect. Since we have known each other for years, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. That helps us set realistic expectations. There is also freedom in the relationship. I know certain aspects will be handled better by Shourya, and he knows the same about me. That independence makes both of us more productive.
Shourya: There is a Hindi word—poorak—which means complementing one another. That explains us perfectly. We do not interfere in each other’s domains unnecessarily. It is not about dividing work like a machine. It is about trusting the other person’s capability. That balance is what keeps things moving smoothly.
How has inspiration changed over the years?
Shourya: Design is never static. The way we approached spaces ten years ago is very different from how we approach them today. Lifestyles have changed, expectations have changed, and therefore architecture has changed too.
Today, people define comfort differently. They use homes differently. Workspaces function differently. So every project begins with asking simple but important questions—what does the user need now, and what may they need in the future? That constant reassessment keeps our work relevant. We do not believe in repeating old templates.
Dexter: Client briefs reveal a lot about changing mindsets. Earlier, people were more open to being guided entirely by the architect. Today, they come informed, opinionated and exposed to multiple references. That shift has changed how we communicate design, and in many ways, it has made the process more collaborative.
Which trend has stayed too long in design?
Dexter: Minimalism has definitely had a long run, and it will probably continue. But the issue is that many people adopt it superficially. They treat it as a style rather than understanding it as a philosophy. I feel design is moving more towards fusion—spaces that borrow from different influences while still feeling coherent. Blindly following any one trend can limit creativity. At the end of the day, the best design is what resonates with the user, not what is fashionable at the moment.
How does Vadodara shape your work?
Shourya: Vadodara is calm, compact and laid-back, and that is one of its greatest strengths. Life moves at a more comfortable pace here, which allows room for thoughtful design. At the same time, people in the city are very aware and particular about what they want. They often have strong opinions and unique tastes, which makes every project interesting. There is also a strong appreciation for detailing here. Whether homes or offices, clients value individuality. That constantly pushes us to refine our work.
Dexter, what made Vadodara home for you?
Dexter: Vadodara has a warmth that is difficult to ignore. It is welcoming and humble. It does not overwhelm you with expectations, which gives professionals room to grow naturally. From a career perspective, it offers a lot—industries, education, cultural diversity and a growing market. That creates opportunities for architects from different backgrounds. Personally, my connection to the city began in college. Those were some of the most defining years of my life, so returning here felt natural.
What influences your eye for detailing?
Dexter: Observation plays a major role. Nature is perhaps the biggest teacher. The proportions, textures and colour palettes found in natural environments are unmatched. We try to retain that sense of balance in our work because those principles inherently function well. At the same time, we learn from our own mistakes. Every completed project teaches you something. Sometimes your greatest inspiration comes from correcting what you once did wrong. That process of reflection keeps you evolving.
Many young architects start firms very early. How do you view this trend?
Shourya: There is nothing wrong with ambition, but experience cannot be rushed. You may imitate someone’s style for a while, but true understanding only comes with time. Architecture is not only about design. It is about managing clients, handling execution, understanding materials, dealing with site realities and solving unexpected problems. Those lessons come through years of practice. So while entrepreneurship is encouraging, patience is equally important in this profession.
How do you design group housing when the end user is unknown?
Shourya: In such projects, empathy becomes very important. We try to imagine the future user through demographics, budgets, age groups and lifestyle patterns. We also focus heavily on flexibility. Today’s buyers want homes that can adapt over time—rooms that can expand, spaces that can serve multiple purposes, and layouts that can evolve with family needs. If the design is flexible, it remains relevant for a wider audience.
How do you deal with Pinterest-driven client expectations?
Dexter: Pinterest has changed client behaviour significantly. On one hand, it gives people access to endless ideas. On the other, it often creates confusion. Clients come with ten different references that may not relate to each other—or to their own lifestyle. Our role then becomes less about designing from scratch and more about helping them filter what truly works.
Earlier, we could guide clients through a cleaner narrative. Today, more time goes into discussion and alignment. But that is not necessarily negative—it also gives us a chance to educate clients and make them more aware of design decisions.
Conclusion: Built on Trust, Driven by Evolution
Uneven’s story is not one of dramatic beginnings or rigid formulas. It is a story of steady growth, friendship, trust and shared ambition. Ar. Shourya Patel and Ar. Dexter Fernandes have built a practice where individuality is respected, yet collaboration remains effortless.
Their philosophy of massing and detailing reflects a mature understanding of architecture—one that values both the larger vision and the smallest touchpoint. At the same time, their partnership proves that success does not always come from sameness; sometimes it comes from moving in parallel with mutual respect.
In a profession often dominated by trends, Uneven stands apart by staying rooted in context, people and purpose. Their work continues to evolve, but its foundation remains constant: clarity of thought, honesty of process and the belief that great design lives equally in the big idea and the fine detail.
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