ZZ Architects

Company Name

ZZ Architects

The roots
Architecture attracted both Krupa Zubin and Zubin Zainuddin for its ability to advocate a positive change in the way we experience life and society at large. “Our collective perception was to be a part of such a change,” they say. Zubin saw it as his calling when he was merely 13, while Krupa drifted through art and design before finally settling on architecture as her career. 

The nurturing
While Krupa headed to Pillai College of Architecture, Navi Mumbai, Zubin chose Bharti Vidyapeeth as his alma mater, where they learnt that there are no substitutes for perseverance and hard work. “The advantage of working in teams is something which cannot be measured. We were also very fortunate to have excellent faculty.” Post graduation, they consolidated learning with practical experience: she, with Sanjay Puri Architects and a variety of projects including residential schemes, multiplexes, corporate office interiors and residential interiors; he, with Sabu Francis, Hafeez Contractor and Alfaz Miller.

Inspiration for them, comes from various sources: art, food, fashion, graphics, cinema, product design, literature… and travel. “We believe that ‘inspiration is in the constant intervention and influence of technology, art and the evolving design in our everyday life at a global level. An open mindedness towards cultures from around the world and our inherent design instinct leads to innovation’. Reading biographies and being influenced by the journeys of many of these achievers, helps us learn from a perspective other than ours,” says Krupa.

The fruits
The duo founded ZZ Architects in 2002, based on the philosophy: ‘Every Detail in a Project Matters’. “The intention was to create a world-class boutique firm that would be recognised strongly for its clear and contemporary design intent.” There definitely is an unconscious style that they have drifted to over the years, admit the architects. “Our work is very personal and process-driven. We also feel the constant need to ensure that all our projects have individual identities.”

The turning points
Each project has contributed to the cumulative growth of the practice. “All the ‘firsts’,” states Krupa, “have helped us to pave a directionary path for the firm.”

The destination
For them, there’s no dream project… maybe, every project is a dream project is a better way of putting it. “The very fact that we are entrusted to work on incredible projects with like-minded clients is fantastic enough.” As for the future, they wish to change the perception of India to a creative and global hub for quality projects and design. “We see the next decade as strongly formative for design, for the city and, at large, the country and her people,” they say.