Swapnil Kanse, a distinguished Senior Architect at DSP Design Associates, has carved a remarkable niche in the world of architecture with his innovative approach to design and unwavering commitment to excellence. With a career marked by an intricate blend of creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of client aspirations, Swapnil has consistently delivered transformative projects that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
In this editorial, we delve deeper into his professional journey—exploring the milestones that have defined his career, the philosophies that drive his design ethos, and the impactful contributions he has made to redefining contemporary architecture. From navigating complex challenges to crafting visionary spaces, Swapnil’s story is a testament to his dedication to shaping environments that leave a lasting legacy.
In this engaging conversation, Swapnil Kanse takes us through his professional odyssey as a senior architect, reflecting on over a decade of diverse experience and continuous growth in the field of architecture and interior design.
Swapnil’s journey began with a spark of creativity in his childhood, a dream of making something different, bigger, and more challenging. He shares, “As kids, we don’t know what architecture is, but we recognize that creative instinct within us.” This passion led him to pursue architecture, heavily influenced by architectural videos and inspiring figures he encountered during his formative years.
Graduating in 2013 from Mumbai University, Swapnil started his career as an intern architect in Mumbai, where he began to understand that architecture is not just about creativity but also about mastering the science and technical expertise behind transforming ideas into reality. His educational foundation was enriched by participating in creative competitions, which helped sharpen his skills and expand his horizons.
Swapnil’s professional journey spans a broad spectrum of projects and experiences. Starting with residential and commercial developments, including villas and high-rise buildings, he gradually expanded his expertise into educational institutions, healthcare facilities, retail spaces, and more. Notable projects in his portfolio include work for Sun Pharma Hospital, Shopper’s Stop, D-Mart, London schools, and various clubhouses. He describes his career as a “platter” of diverse architectural applications, emphasizing that the core skill of an architect lies in adaptability—transforming creative concepts into reality across different sectors.
Currently serving as a Senior Architect at DSP Design Associates, Swapnil continues to evolve in a fast-paced industry. He highlights the ever-changing nature of interior design, where materials, market trends, and client preferences constantly push boundaries. “The interior design industry is so dynamic—it’s vital to stay updated with the latest advancements and client demands,” he explains.
Reflecting on his 10+ years of experience, Swapnil is optimistic about the future. “There’s still so much to learn and explore,” he says, excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in his career.
Swapnil concluded, according to him, consistency is not just a principle but the very foundation of effective architectural problem-solving. He believes that staying steadfast in one’s approach, especially when faced with challenges, is key to finding solutions.
“Consistency matters a lot in architecture. If you break the rhythm and attempt to do something entirely different while tackling existing challenges, you might stray further from solving the actual problem. It’s essential to focus on one task at a time and see it through, he emphasized”
Swapnil further elaborates on the architect’s journey, which revolves around concepts and thoughts that align with solving specific purposes. Whether designing a pen, a bicycle, a car, or a towering building, the real challenge lies in consistently applying those concepts across varied applications.
Swapnil Kanse shares insights into the challenges architects face in balancing efficiency with the commercial expectations of developers and builders. In today’s scenario, most clients approach projects with a highly commercial mindset, prioritizing aspects like FSI utilization, cost optimization, and adherence to regulations like RERA.
Swapnil explains, efficiency plays a critical role in bridging the gap between an architect’s vision and a builder’s commercial priorities. From a developer’s perspective, maximizing usable space and achieving financial viability are top concerns. However, for an architect, the challenge lies in harmonizing these commercial demands with aesthetics, design philosophy, and conceptual integrity.
Architects often struggle with maintaining this balance, as they must ensure their creative vision aligns with the developer’s goals without compromising on core design principles. This includes optimizing the built-up area, maintaining cost-effectiveness, and achieving the desired RERA carpet ratio while preserving the essence of their design philosophy.
Swapnil emphasizes that architects must address these challenges without losing sight of their artistic and functional goals. They should strive to resolve conflicts between design ideology and commercial requirements, creating solutions that satisfy both parties. Ultimately, this delicate balancing act defines the efficiency and effectiveness of an architect in today’s competitive environment.
According to Swapnil, the foundation of a successful project lies in understanding the client’s brief. “It’s all about the brief we take from the client,” he emphasizes. Currently working on a high-rise residential project, Swapnil elaborated on the meticulous process involved. The initial stage revolves around gathering a detailed brief from the client, which includes the configuration of units and amenities like clubhouses and other facilities. Once the brief is finalized, the team develops schematic and conceptual designs, presenting these ideas to the client for feedback.
“This journey involves consistent feedback from the client,” Swapnil noted, adding that revisions are often required to address aspects like circulation, area efficiency, and the functionality of spaces. Tools such as bubble diagrams and space planning techniques play a vital role in ensuring the design aligns with both the client’s requirements and the project’s objectives.
A significant challenge Swapnil highlighted is merging the client’s brief with the design team’s creative vision. This process requires a balance between functionality and innovation, ensuring that the final design meets efficiency standards while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Another critical aspect of Swapnil’s approach involves adherence to local bylaws and regulations. He explained, “we review the bylaws, study the regulations, and incorporate them into our designs to ensure we meet all approval requirements from local authorities,” he explained.
Swapnil Kanse highlighted the varied perspectives he encounters, emphasizing how these shape his approach to each project. He explained “To be honest, I come across a wide range of clients with significantly different perspectives. Some clients prioritize aesthetics and luxury, focusing on high-end materials like Italian marble, imported tiles, or designer furniture. On the other hand, developers and builders often prioritize maximizing space utilization, with aesthetics and luxury taking a secondary role.”
Kanse elaborated on how he caters to both ends of the spectrum, balancing aspirations with budgets. High-end clients often seek unique materials and exclusive designs, while budget-friendly developers and residential clients require practical, cost-effective solutions. For these clients, the goal is to create homes that are both affordable and functional. We ensure that every design, regardless of budget, meets the client’s needs and adds value.
Reflecting on his extensive experience, Kanse shared examples of working on diverse projects, from designing luxurious spaces with premium finishes to affordable housing projects with practical designs. He said, “I have worked on projects where the entrance lobby features Kota stone flooring, while the rest of the space is finished in Italian marble. The key is to respect the client’s budget while delivering the best possible outcome.”
He also emphasized the social responsibility of architects. “As architects, we are responsible for designing spaces that not only meet client expectations but also serve the public effectively. Public spaces require careful attention to circulation and user experience. Whether working with a luxury developer or a budget-conscious client, our role is to create designs that are inclusive, functional, and impactful.”