Western Hemlock Species: Properties, Uses, and Sustainability Practices

• March 9, 2024
• By: Editorial Team
• PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS

BMR proudly presents a Special Editorial Feature in honour of International Women's Day, highlighting the remarkable power, creativity, and influence of women in design. Join us as we celebrate the outstanding efforts and successes of these visionary designers through our philosophy of Share, Learn, and Innovate.

“In the realm of architecture, my work unfolds as a symphony of innovation, harmonizing form and function to orchestrate spaces that captivate the spirit of their surroundings”.

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Innovative: Constantly Pushing Boundaries And Exploring New Ideas.
• Soulful: Designs That Evoke Deep Emotional Connections And Resonate With The Human Spirit.
• Path-Breaking: Pioneering New Approaches And Setting Trends In The Industry.
• Meaningful: Designs That Have Purpose And Significance, Enriching The Lives Of Those Who Experience Them.
• Award-Winning: Recognized And Celebrated For Excellence In Design, Both Nationally And Internationally.

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

In the ever-evolving landscape of design, I envision our studio pushing boundaries and redefining conventions. Over the next five years, I see us expanding our global presence, collaborating with diverse talents, and continuing to create soulful, meaningful spaces that resonate with people on a profound level.

"In the realm of architectural imagination and creativity, my potential knows no bounds. Success in my journey is gauged by the expansive dreams I pursue, undeterred by considerations of gender or ethnicity, resonating with the enduring essence of timeless designs."

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Understanding: Our Approach Involves Comprehending User Needs Deeply, Ensuring Solutions Align With Expectations. 
• Flexibility: We Embrace Adaptability, Tailoring Responses To Evolving Requirements. 
• Innovation: We Prioritize Creative Solutions, Fostering Uniqueness In Every Project. 
• Collaboration: Teamwork Is Fundamental, Encouraging Diverse Perspectives For Enriched Outcomes. 
• Sustainability: We Are Committed To Eco-Friendly Practices, Integrating Environmental Consciousness Into Our Designs.

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

• Evolution: Embracing technological advancements, I aim to be at the forefront of innovative design solutions. 
• Collaboration: Strengthening interdisciplinary partnerships for holistic creations. 
• Sustainability: Deepening commitment to eco-conscious practices. 
• Global Reach: Expanding influence and working on diverse, international projects. 
• Thought Leadership: Contributing to design discourse and pushing boundaries.

“Doing it by hand means doing it slowly.
doing it slowly is feeling it,
to feel it is to appropriate it
to appropriate it is to love it,
to love it is to share it
sharing it is knitting it
to weave it is to restore it,
to restore it is to inhabit it,
inhabiting it is expanding our heartbeats
to do it together is to increase the scale on which they are perceived;
love us.”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Observe reality
• Listen to desire
• Imagine the possibility
• Propose together
• Design, build from what there is, and feel full of having achieved it with our minds, hearts, and hands in tune.

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

We receive in our forest laboratory many travellers who recreate this landscape that we inhabit through its forms of expression and who are inspired by it to carry out their works wherever they go—visiting different places in the world to activate creative spaces and collective fabrics to recreate the dreamed universe with the resources at hand.

“The design should reflect its time, place and people; but the desire for timelessness”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Innovative: Harnessing Advanced Technologies And Imaginative Problem-Solving To Tackle Design Complexities, Cultivating Originality And Progressive Thinking In Architectural Visions.
• Sustainable: Integrating Regenerative Practices, Prioritizing Eco-Friendly Materials And Energy-Efficient Systems For Enduring And Environmentally Conscious Designs.
• Empowering: Crafting Spaces That Inspire A Sense Of Purpose And Autonomy, Where Users Feel A Profound Connection And Influence Within Their Environments.
• Contextual: Seamlessly Weaving Architecture Into Its Surroundings, Respecting And Interpreting The Cultural, Historical, And Natural Context To Create A Harmonious And Purposeful Presence.
• Experiential: Curating Environments As Immersive Narratives, Where Every Space Is A Deliberate Encounter, Engaging Emotions And Senses To Create Lasting, Meaningful Impressions.

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

In the dynamic landscape of design, navigating rapid changes, I envision myself as a resilient entrepreneur, leading with creativity and adaptability. Fueled by innovation and a passion for transformative creations, I aspire to elevate my practice, embrace evolving trends, and carve a distinctive mark in the design realm over the next five years.

“Be you. They will adjust. Or not.”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Adaptability: Our designs are tailored to each client brief, and space its natural surroundings which allows us to explore and develop our ideas to arrive at a personalized yet tangible solution with timeless aesthetics. 
• Story-listening & Storytelling: Empathy, understanding, and story-listening, to give the clients a uniquely articulated space that is a storyteller of their lifestyle, dreams, and aspirations is the key to our intent.
• Timelessness:  As Architects we are creating a mark, problem-solving, providing, and making lives better. It's most important for our spaces and design to last a lifetime to do all of these and that’s always our key consideration while designing and mentoring our employees and not doing something for the sake of it which can be tempting at times in the current lives of visuals, social media and sometimes form without function.
• Collaboration: Young and experienced minds collaborate creatively and ideas are transformed into unique, tangible endeavours in experimental and sustainable yet well-detailed design. 
• Making a difference: All design needs to make a difference while connecting to nature and memorable user experiences for well-being.

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 
I believe just like our designs are adaptable, flexible, and timeless so should the practice and process of working be. We are constantly evolving, adapting, learning, and applying and we feel collaborations with different people and being part of future technology with the right balance of our experience and old-school learning is our way forward to leap, pause, learn, and unlearn.

“ If you set your mind on something with a clear vision and self-belief then no goal seems too far and that confidence is what takes you on the path of glory and great success .”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• The use of bold 
• Creative designs, unique furniture pieces 
• Extravagant detailing
• Delivering statement 
• Bespoke homes 

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

In the next 5 years, we see ourselves delivering some of the best architecture and interior design projects in the country, consciously using some sustainable and eco-friendly materials, and doing our bit of giving back to nature and society. We would like to change the perspective of many and showcase that even maximizing projects can use sustainable materials and bring nature to our projects with the vast use of greens and plants in our design.

“To set one's own standards high and keep pushing that need be the only challenge that drives one. This attitude can achieve great things.”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Openness: We Like To Blur The Boundary Between The Inside And Outside, Giving A Feel Of Living In The Outdoors.
• Explorations: We Try To Explore New Ways Of Dealing With The Same Set Of Challenges.
• Reinterpretations: Our Past Holds Great Lessons. We Take Inspiration From It And Reinterpret It To Suit Our Present Times.
• Ventilation: This Is The Key To A Comfortable Indoors. Cross Ventilation Plays A Major Role In Our Projects Aiming To Bring Maximum Comfort To The Indoors.
• Biophilic: Connection With Nature Is Something We Fall Back On No Matter What Type Of Is At Hand.

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I see myself pushing my boundaries to achieve the new and fresh approaches.

“A good design demands sustainability, and it's not a choice! Be it through the materials, resources, or time.”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Eco-Luxe: That's A Term That I Coined For My Professional Practice. It Means Space Planning & Construction Combining The Principles Of Sustainability And Luxury.
• Optimistic: I Believe Design Should Always Inspire And Deliver A Hundredfold Than What It Is Expected To Be.
• Hope: A Good Spatial Planning Or Design Should Bring Hope To Its Built Environment In Terms Of Added Value, Future Prosperity, And New Relationships
• Drama: Always Adds A Story To Come Back For.
• Holistic: I Believe In The Magic Of The Human Body, The Environment, And The Energy They Generate When Interacting. A Good Design Should Be Enchanting For The Mind, Body, And Soul.

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

I am compelled to use newer intelligent innovative materials in the coming years that are economical, eco-friendly, and thoughtful. When material science interacts like human beings, that's where the magic begins. The next decade for me is experimenting with forms and material palettes at all architectural scales. maximizing projects can use sustainable materials and bring nature to our projects with the vast use of greens and plants in our design.

“What I think I create!”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Connection: My Practice Focuses On Building Strong Connections With Our Clients, Understanding Their Needs, And Creating Spaces That Resonate With Their Style.
• Harmony: I Strive To Achieve A Sense Of Harmony In Our Designs, Balancing Different Elements Such As Colours, Textures, And Furniture To Create Visually Pleasing.
• Creativity: My Practice Embraces Creativity, Allowing Us To Think Outside The Box And Develop Unique Designs.
• Transformation: Through My Designs, I Aim To Bring About Transformation, Not Only In The Physical Appearance Of The Space But Also In The Way People Feel And Interact Within It.
• Personalization: I Believe In The Importance Of Personalization, Tailoring Each Design To Reflect The Individuality Of The Client.

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

As the proprietor of an interior design firm, I foresee my practice thriving in the forthcoming 5 years. I will remain at the forefront of industry trends, embracing novel technologies and design methodologies. my primary focus will persist on forging meaningful connections with my esteemed clientele, delivering imaginative spaces, and providing bespoke designs that surpass expectations.

“For me, design is not just about aesthetics; it's a journey of exploration and discovery, where every object tells a story waiting to be unveiled.”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• People-Centric Spaces: Creating People-Centric Spaces That Revolve Around The Needs And Personalities Of The Inhabitants.
• Handcrafted, Bespoke Furniture: Penetrating To Minute Specifics, Our Designs Are Handcrafted By Local Artisans, Masters At Their Art, Who Customize It To The Last Dimension.
• Sustainability: The Studio Is A Sustainability Advocate And Believes In Opting For Ecologically Viable Options, Be It Using Ethically Sourced Materials Or Supporting The Local Ecosystem.
• Diversity In Design: With Over 500+ Completed Projects Spread Across India And More Than 25 Years Of Experience In Design And Manufacturing, The Studio’s Expertise Lies In Various Sectors From Large-Scale Residential, Industrial, And Commercial Interior Projects, To Small-Scale Customized Furniture Pieces, Each Unique In Their Expression.
• End-To-End Solutions: Our Firm Offers Comprehensive End-To-End Solutions, Seamlessly Transforming Spaces With A Keen Focus On Aesthetic Appeal, Functionality, And Personalized Client Preferences For A Truly Curated And Harmonious Living Environment.

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

I envision a future where my career and personal values are intertwined more closely than ever. Professionally, I aim to be at the forefront of sustainable interior, Beyond my design work, I envision myself as an educator and advocate for sustainability within the interior design community. On a personal level, I see myself taking more time off to connect with the ocean, which has always been a source of inspiration and solace for me. Engaging in ocean conservation projects will fulfill a personal passion and enrich my work as a designer.

“ When design goes beyond aesthetics and influences your lifestyle, you've succeeded as a designer “

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Union: We Desire To Blend Local Crafts With Modern Design In A Relatable And Functional Manner Celebrating Its Essence In Its Purest Form
• Minimalism: The Aim Is To Create A Space That Has Components That Are Layered And Thought-Out Without Feeling Overly Done Or Cluttered
• Authentic: Spaces That Speak Specifically To Its User, Deeply Personal Spaces, Thereby Creating Something Novel And Unique To Its Context
• Reflection: We Desire To Create Spaces That Grow With Their Growing Needs And Requirements Eventually Always Being A Mirror Of The User Itself
• Balance: We Always Strive To Create Spaces That Are Visually And Functionally In Equilibrium While Keeping The Essence Of The Space Intact

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

House of Ruya will be designing spaces that celebrate local craftsmanship while keeping up with current technologies and trends. One of our biggest goals is to marry the timeless elegance of traditional Indian design with the clean lines and modern sensibilities of contemporary aesthetics. The spaces we design would be inviting, aesthetically pleasing, and reflective of a calm sophistication that is timeless. I see us bridging the gap between heritage and contemporary.

“Our mantra has always been that ‘free advice has no value’ and there is no value without the right attitude, approach, thinking, and ethics. These very principles have guided us throughout our professional journey. The business end is always taken care of if adherence to principles is not compromised. Accordingly, to be honest, our USP is that our fee is a small fraction of the savings we ensure for our clients rather than coming out of their pockets.”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Timeless
• Socially Responsive 
• Environmentally Holistic
• Economical & Robust  
• Process-Driven

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

The future of architecture design in India should prioritize sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and green spaces. Designs should focus on harnessing natural light, optimizing ventilation, and integrating renewable energy sources to reduce environmental impact. Furthermore, the incorporation of technology for smart energy management and eco-friendly waste disposal can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient infrastructure, aligning with global environmental goals while ensuring improved outcomes.

“Let in light and nature, and each space will be worthy.”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Contextualism: Designing Contextually Is Integral To Our Work As Each Project Must Respond To The Cultural, Social, Environmental, And Spatial Context That Impacts The Design.
• Collaboration: A Successful Project Is The Result Of A Collaborative Effort Of The Team And Professionals Who Contribute Their Respective Expertise To Make It A Success.
• Innovation: In A World Of Continually Evolving Technology, Ai, Techniques, And Materials, Team Kia Remains Updated And Constantly Designs Out Of The Box.
• Design Aesthetic: At Kia, Creating Visually Appealing Buildings Is Very Closely Linked To The Building's Function And Purpose.
• Environmental Sustainability: We Are Sensitive To The Environment And Sustainability, And It Is Our Philosophy To Recycle, Reuse, And Conserve Resources.

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

Creativity has no bounds and technology further gives wings to ideas. In present times, we are seeing a surge of AI, technologies, materials, and techniques that are supplementing our thought processes and approach to design. Creativity, to offer experiential environments, is challenging the senses to engage beyond and imagine art, science, and technology to design out-of-the-box solutions.

“Designing timeless spaces on a budget!”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Rooted: We Design Inspired By And Connected To The Environment We Build In. The Local Materials, Art, And Culture Of The Region And The Site's Climate Inspire Our Design.
• Connected: We Design To Create A Sense Of Continuity Between The Inside And The Outside.
• Precise: Our Designs Are Well-Detailed And Every Material Shift Is Justified And Intentional.
• Innovative: Our Designs Aim To Question The Status Quo And Challenge The Conventional.
• Honest: Our Design Intention Is To Truly Make Our Space More Valuable And Not Just Pretend To Be So.

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

Designers have to respond to various inputs to achieve the best result for a space. We will have to keep up with rapidly evolving technology, address sustainability concerns, and deal with collaborations at work not just with humans but with Artificial Intelligence as well.

"Architecture like storytelling should evolve with time and age for the community to grow."

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Clients requirements
• Context challenges
• Climate 
• Community requirements
• Unconventional solutions for projects. 

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

The world is evolving at such a fast pace that as architects we have to constantly update ourselves to be in touch. In the next 5 years, we would love to see us having a good impact on the skyline of our city and increasing the list of our multidisciplinary avenues to product and fashion design and master planning on the other end.

“From conceptualizing architectural masterpieces to curating interior spaces, our role is to transform aspirations into tangible, aesthetically pleasing realities, where every detail is a brushstroke in the canvas of thoughtful design."

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Synergy: To Quote Renowned Architect, Louis Kahn, “Architecture Is The Thoughtful Making Of Space.” And We At The Studio Consciously Work Towards The Same. Our Team Thrives On The Synergy Created With Our Clients Who Are Partners In The Vision They Have For Their Spaces.
• Imagination: We Imagine Spaces That Define Our Clients And Symbolize Characteristics Of Their Personalities And Uniqueness.
• Dedication: We Dedicate Ourselves To Creating Spaces That Look Just As Stunning As Functional They Can Be.
• Collaboration: Collaboration To Ensure That All Ideas And Aspirations For Any Space Can Be Manifested.
• Communication: We Believe In Clear And Continuous Communication For Turning Dreams Into Reality

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Using technology with our creativity to design and develop spaces that not only resolve problems of the world but create a better place to live in.

“The bridges of success and failures can only be crossed with a constant portion of courage and belief”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Functionality: Curating Design That Is A Harmonious Blend Of Aesthetics And Functionality, Fostering A Space That Values Collaboration, Innovation, And Employee Well-Being.
• In: Bringing The Outside In.
• Inspire: Creating Spaces That Inspire Productivity And A Sense Of Well-Being To The Very Core.
• User-Experience: Adapting An Approach That Enhances User Experience.
• Holistic: Bringing In A Holistic Approach That Connects Both Us And The Clients With The Spaces We Aim To Create.

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

At a place where we grow not in terms of number and projects but in terms of passion, unwavering attention to the minutest of nuances, and sensitivity to every individual brief.

“Regardless of my gender or ethnicity, I believe in the boundless power of my dreams. They fuel my journey, driving me to push boundaries, defy stereotypes, and create a future where success knows no limits.”

 

Describe your practice in 5 specific words

• Luxury
• Opulence and elegance
• Seamless project completion without compromise
• Timeless design excellence
• Transformative spaces

 

In the realm of designing where things are changing rapidly where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 

In the dynamic landscape of design, I envision myself at the forefront of innovation, leveraging emerging technologies and sustainable practices to craft transformative spaces. Through continuous learning and collaboration, I aim to push boundaries, creating timeless designs that inspire and adapt to the evolving needs of clients and society. One design- One house.