us
Our practice is a reflection of our interests, passions and personalities.
We love to discover, research, experiment and have a zeal for adventure.
Our office is a studio, a lab, a workshop, a theatre, a classroom, a gallery and a home.
We believe that a project’s success relies on efficient planning and allowing the materials to speak for themselves, as they have an identity of their own that needs to be retained.
We operate with the same logic when it comes to the people we work with.
We love the environment and it is an overlying focus of our designs.
Our process is a constant negotiation between, what the brief demands and what the site requires, as we weigh both equally.
We dedicate all our energy to construct an experience within the space.
We do not have a problem-solving approach but view the process followed for every project as a journey, wherein we invest ourselves not only professionally but also emotionally.
We are always up for good music, desserts and celebrating small victories. We are simple and fun-loving and we believe in integrity.
We are Studio XS!
SHIVANI KUMAR
Principal Architect
Shivani is the Principal architect and the Founding partner at Studio XS.
She is a passionate traveller, runner and cyclist. With a curious mind and a courageous heart, she never hesitates to dive into a new enterprise.
Shivani graduated from the Academy of Architecture Mumbai in 2001. She brings her extensive work experience – in India and abroad, leadership qualities, organisational skills and her undying enthusiasm to the table.
Being one of the youngest associates at Omniplan Dallas, she was intrinsically involved in all their design proposals.
She has worked for global architectural firms like HOK in San Francisco, and the leading ones in the Indian industry like RSP in Bangalore, Raj Rewal in Delhi and STUP Consultants in Mumbai.
Her strong individual work ethic and design talent helped her win the AIA* Gold Medal for being the best designer while graduating from her master’s program at Texas A&M US in 2005.
*AIA – American Institute of Architects
SUCHETH PALAT
Principal Architect
Sucheth is the Principal architect and the Founding partner at Studio XS.
He loves adventure and has extensively hiked through several nature parks across the world, which led him to appreciate the environment all the more.
He brings his ability to pay attention to detail, out of box ideas and witty humour to the table.
After his bachelors, he worked with Dean D’cruz (Mozaic Design Combine) in Goa and more recently with Venkatramanan Associates in Bangalore.
Sucheth is a graduate of The Academy of Architecture Mumbai and completed his Masters from Texas A&M US. After his Masters in the US he worked with RTKL ( Callison RTKL) and the Beck Group in Dallas. Being part of teams that won AIA* Design Awards and working with a design-build firm has strengthened Sucheth’s understanding regarding what it takes to convert a concept to reality.
He is very passionate about working towards the betterment of the social environment and partakes in planning the future for India.
Additionally, he was part of the design faculty at BMS College of Architecture, Bangalore and volunteers his time working for civic authorities that contribute towards improving the infrastructure.
*AIA – American Institute of Architects
STUDIO
Located in the quaint area of Defence colony, our studio is a creative den always buzzing with bright ideas, laughter and good music. It is a spatial translation of our work culture and core ethics. Situated on the terrace of an existing residence, we were able to have a little slice of heaven for us, by framing the view of the thick green canopies and the sky. Our studio is a retreat right in the middle of the city. The space not only motivates us to work hard and party harder, but consistently spoils us with breathtaking views, the moment we decide to take a pause from our screens.
The studio spreads across two floors. At the entry, one is welcomed with a seating area, which we use as an outdoor dining space for lunch. Our lunch sessions on some days turn into intense discussions around topics ranging from food, politics, site visits, architecture and some more food. While most of the other times we are just trying to figure out, as to who gets to eat the last piece of the dessert from the office tiffin. Yes, we are very versatile like that.
The lower level of the studio is comprised of work stations, a discussion area and the pantry. It is an open floor, free of partitions, as we believe in barrier-free interactions and harbouring an environment where everybody is their own boss. We believe each one brings their unique personality and perspective to the table, at XS we value that the most. Although, we are very choosy about our music. You would be eligible to play music for everyone, only if you have a refined taste. After all, we are just people with fair policies.
The upper floor consists of another discussion space, which also offers a panoramic view of the entire studio below. This space could serve various purposes, in case one needs to feel all the more motivated by looking at others engrossed in work or wants to announce some really happy news, a tad bit more dramatically.
XS is as much about the people, as it is about the work. We are a closely-knit cult, that follows a ritual of buying each other desserts, whether it is our current or ex-employees. Perhaps, it is this sweetness that ties us together and keeps us up and going, to reach new heights each day.