Behind the Buildings of Surat: A Conversation with Vaishali & Vijay Chauhan | Urban Next by Jaquar

In this episode of the Urban Next Series, Ruby Jagrut, Co-Founder of Abir Pothi, sits down for an insightful interview with architects Vaishali and Vijay Chauhan, founders of Crest Architects. With 25 years of experience, they share their journey and discuss the evolution of Surat architecture and the broader landscape of architecture in Gujarat.

Urban Next, a #Jaquar initiative, is all about celebrating the amazing work architects and designers are doing in India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It’s a platform where we dive into how these professionals balance preserving heritage with modern growth, all while keeping art and aesthetics at the heart of their work. Vaishali and Vijay dive into how they’ve seen Surat’s architecture change, the projects that have defined their careers, and their approach to design in a city that’s balancing the old and the new.

In each episode, Urban Next brings you behind the scenes of the design world, giving architects the space to share their stories and insights about shaping the future of Indian cities. Whether it’s sustainability, public spaces, or collaborating with clients, this series gives you a real sense of what it’s like to work in Tier 2 cities and how these designers are making a difference.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Vaishali and Vijay as they share their experiences and thoughts on the future of architecture in India. You don’t want to miss this one!



Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
1:28 - Vaishali & Vijay’s Early Journey
5:42 - First Project Together
7:48 - Vaishali’s Educational Career
8:44 - Thoughts on Surat’s Development Changes
12:12 - Career Defining Project
16:27 - Design Philosophy to Architecture
18:46 - Project Execution Process
26:01 - Designing Community vs. Residential Spaces
28:15 - Views on Public Space Design in Surat
33:56 - Thoughts on Sustainability
39:13 - Incorporating Art in Architecture
41:51 - Managing New-Era Clients
43:39 - Advice to Young Designers