When did you first decide to establish your studio?
Our love for architecture and the urban landscape lies at the heart of our journey toward founding the Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture (WMA). After working for several years with leading architectural firms, we recognized the need for a practice that blends contemporary elegance with a strong sense of place and context. Our goal was to create spaces that are not only aesthetically compelling but also deeply connected to their environment.
Balancing modernistic luxury with nature seems to be a recurring theme in your projects. Tell us more.
Our work consistently integrates modern design with nature. Through the use of courtyards, expansive windows, and biophilic design principles, we aim to bring the outdoors in. We incorporate native plants, indoor greenery, vertical gardens, and water features to reinforce this connection - resulting in spaces that feel authentic, grounded, and uniquely tailored.
Kindly tell us about five materials you love to work with and why?
Wood, especially in louvers and panels, brings warmth, texture, and an organic calm to modern spaces—its natural grain tells stories of time and place. Metal in façades is another favorite; it offers strength and sophistication, allowing for bold silhouettes and sleek finishes that age gracefully. Glass is our go-to for dissolving boundaries - it invites light, connects interiors with exteriors, and adds a layer of elegance and transparency. We also value concrete for its sculptural versatility and raw honesty - it serves both structural and artistic purposes. Lastly, natural stone, whether used in flooring, walls, or countertops, provides timeless durability and rich visual depth, grounding spaces in the earth’s palette.
" Our goal in setting up WMA was to create spaces that are not only aesthetically compelling but also deeply connected to their environment."
How do you navigate the challenges of securing projects, especially as a newer firm in the industry?
Securing projects requires a strategic blend of persistence, positioning, and partnerships. We focus on showcasing our distinct design approach through a strong portfolio - even if that means starting with smaller-scale projects. Building trust through transparent communication, timely delivery, and authentic storytelling helps us stand out. Networking with contractors, developers, and consultants opens doors, while leveraging digital platforms enhances our visibility.
How do you select materials, and what factors influence your choices?
Material selection in our projects is based on the design concept, stylistic intent, context, and climate responsiveness. For instance, we use glass in luxurious homes and combine it with materials like wood and marble to evoke grandeur. In climate-responsive design, wood is used in the form of louvers or slats to promote ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
" Don’t chase trends; instead, craft timeless experiences that respond to context, community, and conscience."
What have been some key challenges you’ve overcome in your projects, and how did you manage them?
In one project, we designed a high-end residence in a historic neighborhood, aiming to blend contemporary luxury with the region’s traditional aesthetic. The challenge was to strike a balance between honoring the architectural legacy and integrating modern technologies such as smart home systems and minimalist interiors. We addressed this by carefully selecting materials and finishes that bridged the old with the new - for example, using salvaged wood for accent walls to pay homage to the area’s heritage while creating warmth and character.
" Networking with contractors, developers, and consultants opens doors to opportunities, while leveraging digital platforms enhances visibility."
Your message for architects/designers looking to start their own practice.
To those embarking on this journey, begin with courage. Stay rooted in authenticity and let design be your voice. Don’t chase trends - craft timeless experiences that respond to context, community, and conscience. Your practice should reflect your values and the legacy you hope to leave. Build relationships before portfolios, and remember that every detail, no matter how small, carries meaning.
Reflection Of Finesse In A Sophisticated City Villa
New Delhi | 700 Sq. Yards | Designed By Workshop For Metropolitan Architecture (WMA)
Located in the upscale GK residential area of Delhi, this sophisticated city villa, spread across 700 square yards, is a seamless blend of luxury, craftsmanship, and contextual design. Designed by Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture (WMA), the residence includes a spacious living and dining area, three expansive bedrooms, a lounge, a modern kitchen, and a landscaped terrace. Compliant with city bylaws, the design incorporates a stilt-level parking zone with a private lobby and lift that connects directly to the main residence.
" A restrained beige and brown palette, along with 3mm solid porcelain tiles in matte and gloss finishes, ensures both durability and understated elegance."
Breaking away from conventional modern or classical façades, the elevation employs subtle angles, tapered surfaces, and layered detailing. A restrained beige and brown palette, along with 3mm solid porcelain tiles in matte and gloss finishes, ensures both durability and understated elegance. Strategically designed coves enhance the façade’s aesthetic while aiding in maintenance and evening illumination. The interiors unfold with a welcoming foyer dressed in beige veneer paneling and a thoughtfully laid flooring pattern that unifies wall surfaces and door faces throughout the home. Gold and turquoise accents are subtly woven into lift panels, entrance rugs, and art pieces, while bold abstract artwork energizes the transitional corridors. A circular fireplace anchors the living room, accompanied by a bar area with an onyx backdrop that transitions from refined by day to vibrant by night. Rich shades of rust, wine, and orange in the furnishings amplify the home’s warm, contemporary atmosphere.
Crowning the home is a serene rooftop terrace garden. This expansive retreat blends open and semi-open spaces, native trees, and lush landscaping to create a calming microclimate. The thoughtful interplay of materiality, lighting, art, and nature-inspired design culminates in a refined, immersive living experience that redefines urban luxury.
HOME OF WARMTH – BEYOND BOUNDARIES
Faridabad | 4500 sq ft | Completed in 2023 | Photo: Vaibhav Bhatiya
Set within 500 square yards in Faridabad, Beyond Boundaries is a two-storeyVastu-compliant villa designed for a nuclear family. The homeowner’s brief for a “home of warmth” translated into a minimal yet luxurious space centered on courtyard planning, abundant natural light, and earthy textures. Defined by a striking facade of wood and stone, the home blurs boundaries between indoor and outdoor living through seamless design integration.
The layout includes a living and dining area, lounge, bedrooms, pooja room, kitchen, and a terrace, all designed to foster openness and interaction. At the heart of the home is a long central skylight - a sunlit atrium that connects surrounding rooms and infuses the space with daylight. A dramatic staircase in black contrasts with white marble f looring, serving as both a functional and sculptural element. The living area features a natural rock wall, crafted from Chinese stone, offering a raw and tactile focal point.
The interior palette is kept neutral with touches of beige, accented by elegant furnishings and subtle metallic hints in gold and silver. Custom artwork throughout the home enhances each space, echoing its mood and palette while adding visual texture. The top floor functions as a family retreat, featuring a lounge area, curated art, and a breezy deck with cozy seating amidst greenery. Thoughtful lighting design plays a key role, with warm architectural lighting and mood-specific fixtures imported from Europe, enhancing the material finishes. Eco-conscious features include a low-maintenance facade clad in sustainably sourced wood, porcelain, slim tiles, and natural stone in black and grey tones.
" Defined by a striking facade of wood and stone, the home blurs boundaries between indoor and outdoor living through seamless design integration."
This compact yet expansive villa successfully merges minimalism with grandeur, functionality with emotion - crafting a contemporary urban home that radiates warmth, character, and a deep connection to nature.
Ar. Bhuvan Kapila And Ar. Gagandeep Kapila Founders And Principal Architects Workshop For Metropolitan Architecture
Founded in 2012 by Ar. Bhuvan Kapila and Ar. Gagandeep Kapila, Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture (WMA) is a multidisciplinary firm known for high-end, innovative design solutions. Ar. Bhuvan Kapila, a graduate of the TVB School of Habitat Studies, combines creativity with a business mindset to craft spaces that prioritize human interaction, sustainability, and contextual relevance. His entrepreneurial journey began with groundbreaking projects that quickly established WMA’s reputation for design excellence.
Ar. Gagandeep Kapila, also a TVB alumna, brings technical expertise and artistic vision to the firm. Her focus on minimalistic modern luxury emphasizes natural light, seamless materiality, and a harmonious balance between interior and exterior spaces. Her work redefines elegance and sophistication, creating timeless designs that resonate with WMA’s high-end clientele. Together, they deliver spaces that blend innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled craftsmanship. In an exclusive tête-à-tête with SURFACES REPORTER® (SR), they share their journey, work, and more.