For Asif Hayat Siddiqui, Design Director at Consarc Projects Pvt. Ltd., architecture is more than creating buildings, it’s about crafting spaces that breathe, respond, and connect with people. “A building should not just look impressive from the outside,” he says, “it should feel alive inside, make people feel at home, and respect the environment it sits in.” His approach blends modern materials like glass and steel with Indian traditions, greenery, and sustainable practices.
Glass and steel are central to his design language, but not as mere aesthetics. “Steel allows us to create open, flowing layouts, while glass brings in natural light and connects interiors to the outdoors,” Asif explains. Large windows and facades help people experience the changing light of the day, making spaces feel dynamic rather than static. Steel frames give the flexibility to experiment with volumes and forms without compromising stability. When combined thoughtfully, they give a modern elegance while maintaining warmth.
Indoor plants are another key element of his work. From vertical gardens in lobbies to potted greenery in offices, Asif believes plants transform spaces. “Plants are more than decoration—they bring life, calm, and a human touch. Even a small courtyard tree or a cluster of greens can change how people experience a space,” he says. Drawing inspiration from traditional Indian designs, he often incorporates courtyards, terraces, and semi-open spaces that allow air and light to flow naturally, making interiors feel breathable and connected to nature.
Sustainability is at the core of every project. Asif emphasizes the use of local and recycled materials, from reclaimed timber to stone sourced nearby. “Every choice matters—from walls to finishes. Materials should age gracefully, reduce environmental impact, and still feel tactile and warm,” he says. Orientation of roofs and walls, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling are seamlessly integrated, creating buildings that function efficiently without appearing mechanical or forced.
Local culture also plays a significant role in his designs. In a recent project in Jaipur, Asif incorporated jaali patterns into steel screens and glass partitions, allowing sunlight to cast intricate shadows throughout the day. In Bengaluru, he blended handmade tiles and bamboo panels into contemporary office interiors. “When we respect local crafts and motifs, modern buildings still feel rooted. People can see their own stories reflected in the space,” he explains.
Asif is also attentive to how people move within a building. Redesigning a chaotic market, for example, involved organizing stalls along natural pedestrian paths, adding shaded seating, and introducing small green pockets. The result was a space that retained its vibrant energy but felt welcoming and manageable. “Indian traditions have always taught us to design spaces for community, interaction, and celebration. Following these principles makes modern spaces more lively and human-centric,” he notes.
Technology is part of the toolkit, but never the focal point. Smart lighting, automated ventilation, and modular elements help buildings adapt to changing needs, yet Asif emphasizes that human experience always comes first. “Technology should support the space, not overshadow it. The magic happens when a building feels alive and responsive to those who use it,” he says.
Asif’s work aims to balance modernity with tradition, function with beauty, and sustainability with liveliness. A steel-and-glass facade may announce contemporary design, but courtyards, indoor greenery, jaali patterns, and thoughtful circulation make the spaces memorable. “Every material, every plant, every space tells a story. When modern techniques meet local traditions, we can create buildings that are not just functional but joyful, welcoming, and alive,” he says.
Walking through one of his completed projects, the philosophy is tangible. Sunlight filters through glass panels and steel frames, casting dynamic patterns across polished floors. Indoor plants soften edges, infusing energy and calm simultaneously. Courtyards invite conversation or quiet reflection. Every space flows naturally, making the building feel less like a shelter and more like a living, breathing part of the city.
For Asif Hayat Siddiqui, architecture is storytelling. “A building should resonate with its people, its environment, and its culture,” he concludes. “When we combine modern materials, sustainable practices, and Indian traditions, we create spaces that don’t just exist, they live.”