Kalpak Bhandari, the visionary proprietor behind VEEKAS design studio. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovative design, he has built a reputation for excellence in the industry. His approach seamlessly blends creativity with functionality, ensuring each project is a true reflection of the client’s choice and vision.
Kalpak Bhandari’s extensive experience and dedication to quality have made him a trusted leader in the field, continually pushing his boundaries of design. The Best Creators have the privilege to interview Mr. Kalpak and explore his journey, inspirations, and the philosophy of his exceptional work.
So, let’s join us as we uncover the stories behind some of his most iconic projects and gain insight into the future of design.
Mr. Kalpak’s journey in the world of architecture is as much about legacy as it is about growth. Born into a family of architects, Kalpak was naturally inclined towards the field with his father who founded their firm in 1975. After completing his graduation in 1998, he joined his father’s firm, where he honed his skills and developed his professional acumen over the course of eleven years.
Though he had always envisioned pursuing a master’s degree, the initial plan to work “for a couple of years” before furthering his education extended into a fruitful decade. Finally, in 2009, he took a leap and enrolled in a one-year master’s program at the prestigious Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London. Juggling both academics and ongoing projects back in India, he successfully completed his master’s in 2010 and returned to continue his work.
Now, with 25 years of experience in the field, Mr. Kalpak reflects on a career that seamlessly blends tradition with personal ambition, marking a journey that continues to evolve.
Mr. Kalpak Bhandari’s philosophy is to form and follow the function as design should always serve the end user. Insisting that practicality and user needs should always take precedence over the designer’s ego.
He added, If you can’t do justice to the end user, no amount of additional flair will make up for that failure.This user-centric approach is the foundation of Bhandari’s design ethos. Beyond that, sustainability and practicality are non-negotiable elements in his projects.
Mr. Bhandari further concluded that there’s been a lot of talk about sustainability in the last 5-10 years, but if you look back at our work from decades ago, you’ll see that sustainability was already ingrained in those projects. It’s not an afterthought but a core principle, a belief system that has always been with us.
He also addresses the ever-changing world of design trends. “Clients often ask, ‘What’s the latest trend?’ But trends are fleeting. Our goal is to create spaces—whether in architecture or interiors—that possess a sense of timelessness. We design with the intention that these spaces remain relevant and inspiring for years, even decades, to come. This is a subconscious guiding force in every project we undertake.”
Mr. Kalpak shared his perspective on fostering a collaborative and transparent work environment. He explained, in our office, there is no hierarchy—no distinction between junior and seniors. We all share the same studio space, sitting together at the same table, promoting an open culture where everyone feels empowered.
He said, each team member is deeply involved in their projects from the initial stages to completion. I encourage them to view every project as their own because true ownership leads to better outcomes. If you don’t take full responsibility for your work, the results will never reflect the same level of dedication and quality.
The moment people feel empowered and responsible, they start owning their tasks and projects, which naturally elevates the quality, timeliness, and overall deliverables. It’s essential to foster confidence within the team and maintain high standards, Mr. Bhandari asserted.
Given that we all work in the same space, we have the opportunity to meet, discuss, and collaborate freely—no need for appointments or time constraints. This accessibility ensures that our processes are smooth and efficient, removing any barriers to communication or workflow.
Mr. Kalpak emphasizes the importance of fostering a thought process that empowers individuals to take ownership of their work. He believes that while everyone’s approach may differ, the goal is to guide team members to a point where they feel confident in managing projects independently, with a solid understanding of their responsibilities.
He advocates for educating both clients and colleagues, ensuring they are well-informed and free from hesitation when making decisions. While he encourages collaboration and the option to seek further guidance when needed, Mr. Kalpak stated that true success comes from fully committing to a project, giving it your all, and taking responsibility for its outcome.
In his extensive career, Mr. Kalpak has faced numerous challenges, each one a unique test of his skills and adaptability. He likens the process to a wheel with many spokes—each representing different aspects of a project, from design to execution, architecture to interior design. “If one or two spokes don’t perform, the tire won’t run; it will bend and give up,” he explains.
Collaboration is key, he emphasizes. Every team member must bring their best to the table, and as the architect or principal designer, it’s his role to unify these efforts. Understanding each person’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial, as is providing the necessary support to ensure the project doesn’t falter. “One change often triggers a cascade of others,” he notes, highlighting the importance of foresight and careful planning.
With years of experience, Mr. Kalpak has developed a keen sense of anticipation, recognizing potential pitfalls early on and addressing them before they become critical. This proactive approach has been embedded into the very fabric of his work, from the initial stages of planning to the final execution. His team’s process includes comprehensive drawings that incorporate all necessary details, with all consultant and service plans meticulously superimposed and aligned for the project’s final phase.
By setting clear guidelines and maintaining thorough documentation from the outset, Mr. Kalpak ensures that no aspect of a project is left to chance. His approach leaves no room for excuses, ensuring that every project is completed with precision and excellence.
Mr. Bhandari says clients often focus on functionality over practicality, aiming to achieve their intended goals. But is that the best approach? Are there alternative perspectives worth considering?
Kalpak Bhandari emphasizes the importance of open dialogue, where exploring various options becomes key. He adds, at times, we need to educate our clients. While they may have a vision, it might not align with current trends or the most effective solutions. It’s a process that begins with discussions, ensuring that every project is not just about meeting expectations but exceeding them.