Bhumika Patel

Name

Bhumika Patel

Designation

Director/Co-Founder

Company Name

Limited Edition Design Studio, Mumbai

Bhumika Patel attributes her architectural inclinations to her father, an architect himself. “I still remember him hand drafting designs on a huge drafting table. I guess I never thought about doing anything else, ever.” Which is why, fresh out of school, she enrolled for a diploma in interior design from LS Raheja School of Architecture, Mumbai. While Patel sets great store by formal education, it is the hands-on training garnered as a design practitioner that she feels is especially significant. “For me, practical knowledge and research have always been more important than theory,” states the admirer of Antoni Gaudi. “I always feel he was way ahead of this era,” she says, adding, “I also like Zaha Hadid’s transformative spaces, Santiago Calatrava for his engineered structures, and Philippe Starck and Kelly Wearstler for their eclectic style. Lately, I’ve added Crosby Studios to this list for their minimalistic approach.”

Having finished with her formal education quite early and obtained “good work experience” at a young age, the designer decided to go independent with her sibling, architect Chintan Patel. This decision culminated in the formation of Limited Edition Design Studio (LEDS) in 2014. “We, as a firm, have always believed in designing spaces which reflect our clients’ style and fulfill all those micro requirements given to us — from which we eventually create a custom space,” discloses 26-year-old Patel, who likes to stay away from clients who don’t trust their outlook on design. “People think expensive art and furniture create the best interiors and, conversely, low-budget designs are just not up to the mark. Unfortunately, people are less appreciative of functionality and are more into looks,” she rues.
One of LEDS’ most significant projects is Devtech office, completed a year ago. “We started with an empty block and list of requirements… It was a learning experience for us. We used different materials and technology. Now, we have completed five more projects with the same clients, so it’s definitely a lucky charm for us,” smiles Patel.

The fact that the young studio is already getting repeat clientele is a validation of Patel’s belief in designs that simplify complications and aid functionality — without being obvious about it.