Firdos Katpitia’s approach focuses on finding perfection in imperfections and crafting functional spaces that go beyond aesthetics.
At the heart of every great design is a story, and no one knows this better than the one who wrote it. One such, constructive, story teller, is Firdos Katpitia, the visionary designer behind Aakaar Designing Studio. With the vision of ‘shaping people’s destination’ Founded in 2012, Aakaar has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most recognized names in interior design and architecture. But it wasn’t always a straight path to success.
Firdos, who holds a B.Sc in Interior Design, took an unconventional route to entrepreneurship. Fresh out of college in 2007, instead of following the traditional route of working under an experienced architect or designer, he dived straight into freelancing. Handling smaller projects through family and friends’ references, Firdos learned the ropes through hands-on experience, observing skilled labourers and carpenters, and solving problems as they came up. "Not working and learning under anyone has both pros and cons," Firdos reflects. "But I learned so much just by watching and doing."
In 2012, after five years of freelancing, Firdos decided it was time to rebrand and establish his firm formally. The name "Aakaar" was born—a nod to the essence of design, symbolizing shape and form, capturing the spirit of creativity and craftsmanship.
Evolution of Aakaar
Aakaar’s journey, much like its founder’s, has been a series of stepping stones. Initially focusing on interior design for small-scale projects like homes, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, the firm’s big break came between 2015 and 2016. It was during this period that Firdos took on several bungalow projects, one of which was in Guwahati, far from his base in Surat. These projects were more than just interior design; they demanded an understanding of architecture and structural planning.
"Those were game-changing moments for me," Firdos says. "I learned a lot during those projects. They gave me the confidence to venture beyond interiors and start handling architectural projects as well." This newfound confidence marked a turning point, and by 2016, Aakaar officially expanded its portfolio to include full-fledged architectural, structural, and landscape design services, alongside interiors.
People who choose us
When you work with Aakaar, it’s more than just picking a colour palette or choosing furniture. Firdos and his team take a deeply personal approach to each project. "We listen carefully to our clients. It’s not just about our design ideas—it’s about understanding their needs, their lifestyle, and the space they want to create," Firdos shares. Aakaar doesn’t overwhelm clients with designs right away. Instead, they ask for detailed input through a customized questionnaire.
“We ask about everything—their style preferences, budget, functionality needs—and more,” Firdos continues. "Everyone has different ideas of what they want. But it's our job to guide them and show them the best options based on their vision and budget."
This level of personalization means that Aakaar’s designs are always aligned with the client’s needs. "We don’t just give them what they want. We advise them on what will work best in the long term, helping them choose what will last," he says. We were curious to know Firdos’ personal style? "Modern luxury" he said with a warm smile, a blend of sleek lines, high-end aesthetics, and timeless design.
Signature Projects
Every project this creative head works on has a special place in his heart. But some stand out more than others. One such project is the Suvali project, which holds a unique place in his journey. Another memorable project for Firdos was a home he designed for a Parsi client in Mumbai, which resonated deeply with him due to their shared cultural background. "It was a wonderful experience, designing a home that reflected the Irani vibe, and it truly felt like a personal project," Firdos recalls fondly.
Aakaar has also designed multiple B’ Creamy stores across India, a project that helped the firm expand its presence. Each project, whether big or small, reflects Firdos' commitment to creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful. This brings us to the most important yet least emphasized part of design: functionality versus aesthetics.
Functionality and Aesthetics
For Aakaar, the foundation of good design lies in functionality. "You have to know the requirements of the people using the space—their age, lifestyle, and needs—before you even begin designing," Firdos explains. "Once we know that, we can create a layout and design that works for them, without compromising on functionality."
Because it is not about designing your best, it is always about designing that works best for the client. Aakaar believes that spaces should feel right—reflecting the mood of the activity being done in them, whether it’s a vibrant office or a peaceful relaxation space. "As trends shift, we’ve learned to prioritize needs over wants," Firdos says, emphasizing the importance of designing spaces that not only look good but serve a practical purpose.
Designing health
Health and wellness should be at the core of every design. Firdos explains that natural light, ventilation, and acoustics are essential for creating healthy living spaces. "When designing, we make sure that we take the directions of the sun, airflow, and cross-ventilation into account," he says. "Natural light is crucial for a positive atmosphere. When it’s not possible to rely on sunlight, we incorporate ambient lighting that replicates the effect."
Materials also play a significant role in wellness. Mr. Designer prefers to use marble for flooring due to its natural properties that help keep spaces cool, and he recommends eco-friendly paints and fabrics. "Natural materials bring a sense of calm and contribute to a healthier environment," he says.
Finding Perfection in Imperfection
Perfect design is not about flawless execution but about creating spaces that serve the needs of the people who live in them. "Finding perfection in imperfections is what design is about," he muses. "A perfectly designed space meets the needs of the client, functions well, and looks beautiful in the process. If a client is happy with the result, then the design is perfect."
When asked about inspiration, Firdos claims it comes from exploring the world. "Travelling helps me stay creative and motivated. Every culture, every small detail I learn, helps me observe and enhance my imagination," he shares. His travels give him the option of new materials to work with, fresh design ideas, and the opportunity to experiment with different concepts in his work. "Meeting people from different parts of the country, understanding their lifestyles, it all adds up to my wisdom as a designer," Firdos says. "It enriches me personally and professionally."
Words of wisdom
Firdos' advice for aspiring designers is simple but powerful: "Don’t try to give the best that exists. Make the best for them. Every design should be tailored to the needs of the client. Make their vision come to life."
Aakaar with Firdos and his team is wishing to shape your destination with sincerity, precision and personal touch. From humble beginnings to nationwide recognition, Firdos Katpitia has built a legacy of designing spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful—spaces that truly feel like home.
Penned By Yeshasvi Pareek
The Suvali Wood House
It all started with a simple request—a shed for travellers to rest. But when I presented my design, the client denied it immediately. “I want a wood house,” he insisted, “something vintage like it was built long ago.” At that moment, with the plinth already in place, I saw both a challenge and an opportunity.
Determined to make it work, I decided we would build this house without a set design. Instead, we’ll give impromptu solutions, we'd rely on natural materials and craft each detail as we went along. We sourced refurbished wood from old homes around Surat and surrounding towns, carefully choosing logs for columns and stone for the walls. Every carving was done on-site, and only essential cement was used for structural integrity.
This project was more than just a build; it was a journey of learning. I dove into the intricacies of vintage architecture, from olden construction patterns to unique carvings. It was a special challenge, one that tested my skills and pushed me to design with true craftsmanship and timeless beauty.
Firdos shared about a project so close to his heart
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