Meet Prasad Nanajkar, an accomplished architect who, alongside his partner Abhay Nanajkar, co-founded the esteemed architectural powerhouse, Abhay & Associates, in 1984. With a commitment to multidisciplinary excellence, Prasad is a Joint Principal Architect, steering the firm’s innovative journey in architecture, interior design, and urban planning.

 

Under Prasad’s visionary leadership, Abhay & Associates has evolved into a design hub that transcends conventional boundaries. The firm’s portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, spanning private clients, corporate entities, and NGOs. This versatility empowers the team to experiment, embarking on ventures in master planning, architecture, interiors, hospitality, and institutional designs.

 

Central to Abhay & Associates’ design philosophy is a profound connection with nature and the art of optimizing space, materials, lighting, and landscapes. This ethos redefines living environments and urban landscapes, revitalizing spaces with a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality. For Prasad, every project, regardless of scale, holds the potential to shape lifestyles and influence society. The firm’s hallmark lies in meticulous attention to detail and the art of customization.

 

A commitment to honesty in design, client satisfaction, and sustainability propels Prasad’s architectural endeavours. Embracing the power of exploration and evolution, the team at Abhay & Associates continually seeks fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Their dedicated design strategies adapt to each project’s unique requirements, expertly balancing factors like functionality, aesthetics, context, climate, materials, cost, and time.

 

Prasad Nanajkar is a registered architect with the Council of Architecture, an associate of the Indian Institute of Architects, and a member of IIID. His journey in architecture exemplifies a devotion to embracing individuality, fostering balance, and breathing life into spaces that resonate with authenticity and purpose. With Prasad at the helm, Abhay & Associates continues to be an influential force in the architectural landscape, where creativity thrives, innovation flourishes, and environments are shaped with an unwavering commitment to
excellence.

Upon entering the showroom, visitors are welcomed into an expanse of wide-open space. Every element within this space, from the wood to the plywood and veneer, is sourced from the client’s own factory, ensuring an authentic representation of their craft.

To the left, a gracefully designed staircase guides the guests to the first floor. The wooden planks adorning each step are fastened to the MS base, all sourced directly from the client’s factory, further exemplifying their commitment to quality and creativity.

To the right of the entrance door, two tall doors are displayed. These impressive 10-foot and 12-foot doors have been kept encouraging visitors to engage interactively. One door is done with a textured veneer while the other is done in Duco finish. This display not only showcases the craftsmanship of doors but also highlights the client’s capability in producing a diverse range of other products including doors, plywood, and veneers.

A monumental glass facade beside the staircase not only provides natural light but also functions as a portal allowing the outsiders to have a preview of the treasures within.

In a cosy corner, a demo kitchen featuring wallpaper becomes a focal point. The goal here is to showcase a kitchen design tailored for small apartments, where space is precious. Soft profile lights trace the edges of the kitchen panel, adding a gentle glow. The flooring, made of wood, takes the spotlight and is accompanied by a subtle backlight, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Ascending the stairs reveals the kitchen display section on the showroom’s first floor. The ceiling, painted in sleek black, boasts a seamless line of lights that serve as visual guides, effortlessly drawing visitors towards the opposite end of the display area.

To break away from the subdued greyscale tones, bursts of vibrant colour have been strategically introduced throughout the space. These include a welcoming green entrance door, a commanding blue display door at the entrance, and a row of inviting blue chairs situated behind the reception area. An eye-catching orange sofa within the display zone, while rustic green pots thoughtfully placed near the staircase contribute to the overall colour scheme. These well-placed touches of colour go beyond mere decoration, infusing the entire ambience with a lively and dynamic palette.

The area right to the reception boasts a big discussion table with a wooden log on top is displayed. Positioned right behind it, a comfy sofa blends shades of brown and yellow. This arrangement offers a comfortable spot for clients to explore different veneers. A cool partition stands out crafted from particle board segments horizontally sliced into four-inch modules, meticulously layered to form a visually engaging pattern.

The striking green entrance door features a wooden panel adorned with an elegant Duco finish, while the handles, expertly crafted from wooden stems, add a touch of artisanal charm.

 

The ceiling above the stairs catches one’s attention with a unique design. Carefully moulded chairs, pressed onto different veneer surfaces, intricately intertwine to form an engaging composition. This pattern is adorned on plywood and veneer, with a seamless white Duco finish. Lights elegantly suspended in an inverted manner cast a soft glow upon this artistic ceiling canvas illuminating the design in the night.

A subdued grey flooring backdrop has been chosen purposefully, allowing the vibrant colours and designs of the kitchen displays to stand out vividly. The expansive layout not only showcases an array of kitchen designs and materials but also encourages visitors to freely explore and immerse themselves in the various settings.