Architecture with 5 Elements is a collaborative endeavor founded by Ar. Shalini in 2017. Earth, water, fire, wind and space, each of which have from the beginning been collaborators central to human existence. Just like how these 5 are essential and defy any hierarchy, the practice as well despises any hierarchical structure within the design process and believes in the power of collaboration with architects, interior designers, space conceptualizers and craftsmen. The name of the firm also reaffirms the principles and ideals of building the shelter in compliance and as extension to these 5 elements. The firm regards the built appropriately as the third skin after one’s own skin and the clothes one wears. Thereby, all the properties of the skin, being breathable and natural is attributed in the built as well.
The practice has completed architecture, interior and landscape projects in Hyderabad and is currently spreading itself with projects in Madurai. Local artists have been made part of the design process to bring the region-specific art forms to pave its way into each project. Each of the collaborators thereby bring their own expertise and perspectives which help make each project a handcrafted reality. These delicately tailor-made designs, personalized for each client has been the driving force behind the practice’s determinative force.
Ar. Shalini got her bachelors in architecture from SVCA, Hyderabad in 2008 & has worked at prominent firms in Hyderabad. Free-lancing for the last 5 years through Architecture with 5 elements, she envisions a collaboration of like-minded practitioners sensitive to the environment, crafting spaces. Shalini has also been part of academia and has held teaching positions in architectural colleges in Hyderabad and Mysore. She is currently a visiting faculty member at Madurai.
Ar. Aman completed his bachelors in architecture from Institute of Environmental Design, Anand, Gujarat in 2015. He is currently working with Ar. Sudhir Reddy at Kruthica Architects & One Good Chair, and has been part of numerous projects across various scales ranging from institutional buildings, high-rise apartments to commercial and residential spaces to furniture design. Recently he has begun to freelance, in collaboration with other architects from the fraternity. When not submerged into drawings, you could find Aman exploring calligraphy or inviting you for a game of chess. He has also a keen interest in Graphic Design and space curation.
Reshma Esther Thomas has been the person behind our words, the one articulating the text content for the website & social media. She completed her M.Arch in Architectural History and Theory from CEPT University and is currently practicing as a researcher in Hyderabad. She is also actively involved in academics and has been part of the teaching fraternity for the past 4 years.