With an eye for detail and a mind for innovation, Krubha Karan redefines modern architecture through a blend of artistry and purpose. As the Founding Partner and Principal Architect at The Design Firm, he brings a wealth of experience and a refined aesthetic that balances bold ideas with thoughtful, practical solutions. Known for creating spaces that evoke a sense of harmony and functionality, Krubha approaches each project as an opportunity to inspire and elevate the everyday experience.
Krubha emphasizes sustainability and adaptability, ensuring that each design feels both timeless and remarkably responsive to today’s dynamic world. Under Krubha ‘s leadership, The Design Firm is crafting environments that reflect a commitment to both creative excellence and meaningful impact—spaces that will not only stand but also evolve with time.
In this editorial, we delve into Krubha Karan’s inspiring journey, exploring the milestones and philosophies that have shaped his remarkable impact in the world of architecture. Discover how his vision and commitment continue to transform spaces
Krubha Karan’s journey into architecture began in childhood, deeply influenced by his father, a contractor who fostered his early passion for civil engineering and construction. “From my school days, I was exposed to construction,” Karan shares. He recalls visiting construction sites as a young student, where he developed a fascination for buildings and structures, setting the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to design.
Choosing Architecture Over Convention: After completing his SSLC, Krubha chose to pursue a diploma in civil engineering rather than following the traditional educational route. With three years of hands-on training in civil engineering, he gained a foundational understanding that strengthened his interest in construction and design. Later, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Architecture, a choice fueled by an enduring passion for the field.
Mentorship and Professional Growth at Inform Architects: Graduating from Dayanand Sagar College in 2002, Krubha joined Inform Architects under the mentorship of Kiran Venkatesh, whom he describes as a major influence on his professional journey. Krubha reflects “Working with Kiran for three years shaped my approach to architecture, crediting his boss with fostering a deeper focus on the design process, attention to detail, and an emphasis on refining design concepts”.
The Birth of The Design Firm: In 2005, with three years of industry experience, Krubha partnered with his classmate Sujit Muralidhar to establish The Design Firm. “We both wanted to work, gain experience, and then start something of our own. Now in its 20th year, The Design Firm has grown significantly, handling a variety of projects across residential, industrial, institutional, and hospitality spaces”, he explains.
A Philosophy Rooted in Passion Over Business: For Krubha, architecture is far more than a career; it’s a personal passion that has grown with him. “When passion becomes life, then life becomes interesting,” he says. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes that the knowledge and experience acquired over time have shaped his career, allowing him to refine his craft and deliver high-quality, impactful designs.
Living the Legacy – From Construction Sites to Building a Vision: Growing up in houses constructed by his father, Krubha experienced firsthand the impact of architecture on daily life. This influence carries through to his work, where he continues to bring a personal touch to every project. Unlike others who might choose a profession based on circumstance, Krubha pursued architecture with purpose and is grateful to live out his dream every day.
Krubha Karan’s design philosophy emphasizes elegance through simplicity. Reflecting on his journey, he noted, “In my earlier career, I had the opportunity to work under a design-driven mentor, where complex detailing and high innovation were standard. While that experience taught me invaluable lessons, I’ve chosen a different approach: simplicity with elegance.”
Karan explained that while innovation remains central to his work, he prioritizes clarity and practicality in his designs. “Our aim is to create spaces that look striking yet are efficient and functional. We focus on clean lines, refined detailing, and a harmonious aesthetic that enhances, rather than complicates, the project’s purpose.”
His approach to design avoids excessive ornamentation and embraces the timeless principle of “form follows function.” Karan’s philosophy centers on creating spaces that are visually appealing and architecturally sound without unnecessary complexities. “Our designs integrate well with their purpose, keeping beauty and functionality hand-in-hand without compromise”, he says.
In every project, Karan strives to achieve a balance where elegance shines through simplicity, reinforcing his belief that great design speaks through thoughtful restraint.
Krubha Karan shared insights into his approach to design, emphasizing the balance between his team’s expertise and the client’s vision to boost both his own and his organization’s efficiency. “In every project, we prioritize the client’s requirements, budget, and vision, working to shape their ideas rather than imposing our own,” he explained. Karan’s goal is to achieve contemporary, visually striking designs that go beyond client expectations without overcomplicating the process.
He added, “It should feel like, ‘Wow, this is even better than what I imagined”. This approach allows his firm to deliver class-apart designs that are both impressive and thoughtfully refined, staying true to the client’s intent while subtly incorporating modern, minimalist touches.
Krubha Karan emphasizes the importance of delivering thoughtful designs that resonate with his clients. “Most of our clients come to us after experiencing our work firsthand—either through projects we have completed for them or through recommendations,” Karan says.
When clients approach Karan, they expect more than just a functional space—they seek a design that balances aesthetic appeal, spatial harmony, lighting, ventilation, and budget. He shared, “Our focus is on creating a space that holds lasting value, tailored to the client’s lifestyle, and aligns with their financial considerations”.
Regardless of the budget, Karan aims to deliver a spatial experience that is as satisfying for mid-range clients as it is for high-end patrons, ensuring each project reflects his firm’s commitment to quality, creativity, and functionality.
He highlighted, many of these projects have earned prestigious accolades, such as the Archi Design Award 2011, IIID Anchor Ave Young Designer Award 2008, and IIID MK Awards 2007, which have distinguished his firm within the architectural circles of Bangalore and across India. Early in his career, Karan’s firm was deeply engaged in competitions, where they garnered notable wins and honorable mentions in Karnataka and beyond. Though time constraints have since limited their participation, the recognition these achievements brought continues to fuel their creative journey.
Krubha Karan shared insights into the challenges he faces in the architecture and construction field, pinpointing the critical balance between design vision and on-site execution. For him, the design phase itself is a journey of passion and creativity—each project an opportunity to innovate. While client requirements may echo across projects, his drive to deliver unique results keeps every design fresh and compelling. However, he admits the real obstacles surface once the work leaves the drawing board and moves to construction.
Karan notes, the industry’s outdated practices can hamper quality in construction. Many contractors lack an eye for the detail he envisions, often treating the process more as a business transaction than a craft. This shortfall in meticulousness, from minor detailing issues to larger construction flaws, is a recurrent challenge. Despite his team’s thorough documentation—sometimes over 300 drawings per project—execution issues arise when contractors cut corners or misinterpret the detailed instructions.
Karan emphasizes that achieving excellence requires more than just design ingenuity; it demands close collaboration with contractors who share a commitment to precision. When clients insist on using their own teams, challenges multiply as quality often suffers. To mitigate these issues, Karan’s team continuously refines their processes, updating their internal standards and learning from each project. His hope is to foster a future where architects and contractors work in unison to deliver projects that are not only completed but fulfill every detail of the original vision, creating enduring satisfaction for clients and the teams involved alike.
To be continued >>