Bhumika Chauhan
In the competitive world of architecture and interior design, talent alone doesn’t guarantee longevity. It takes a combination of vision, discipline, adaptability, and a certain fearlessness to stand out. Contours — The Design Co. (CTDC), led by Anand Mehta and Prashant Halankar, has all of that—and more.
The Mumbai-based design studio, founded in the early 2010s, is now an award-winning, full-service firm with projects across India and overseas. From educational institutions to commercial spaces, multi-residential towers to bespoke villas, their portfolio speaks the language of ambition—but it’s rooted in humility, context, and an unshakable belief in the transformative power of good design.
Two Minds, One Vision
Anand and Prashant’s professional story is one of synergy. Both are graduates of Rachana Sansad’s School of Interior Design, yet their personalities could not be more different. Prashant is the strategist—methodical, detail-oriented, and unafraid to ask the tough questions. Anand is the artist—spontaneous, visually driven, and endlessly experimental.
When they first began helping each other on small assignments, the creative chemistry was immediate. What followed was a decision that would define their careers: to build a practice together, combining their strengths to deliver designs that are bold yet grounded, expressive yet practical.
Not Just Spaces — Experiences
For CTDC, every project is more than a set of drawings and material choices. It’s an experience, carefully curated for those who inhabit it. The firm’s context-first approach means that no two projects are the same. Designs are informed by the site, the client’s aspirations, and the cultural fabric surrounding the space.
They specialise in institutional, commercial, educational, and residential architecture and interiors, with a knack for weaving functionality into beauty. Their signature lies in blending luxury with local flavour, producing spaces that look global but feel intimately connected to their setting.
The First Hurdles
Like most new ventures, CTDC’s beginnings were marked by skepticism from potential clients. Entrusting a young, relatively unknown firm with significant budgets was a leap of faith few were willing to take at first.
The way forward? Deliver exceptional results, consistently. Over time, their commitment to detail, quality, and relationship-building paid off. Clients became repeat collaborators, word-of-mouth replaced cold pitches, and CTDC evolved into a trusted name in the design community.
Lesson learned: In a fast-moving industry, adaptability and collaboration aren’t just helpful—they’re survival skills.
A Project that Defines Them
Ask Anand and Prashant which project is closest to their hearts, and they’ll talk about a 15,000 sq. ft. villa in Goa. The client gave them complete creative freedom—a rarity in the profession.
The result? A home that blends indoor luxury with the breezy openness of its surroundings. It’s a project that not only showcased their design abilities but also underscored the magic that happens when trust meets talent.
Sustainability by Choice, Not Trend
While the world talks about sustainability as the “future of design,” CTDC treats it as a present-day responsibility. Their projects often feature energy-efficient layouts, local materials, and timeless design choices that reduce waste and environmental impact.
They’re also exploring the integration of technology into design—smart systems, efficient energy management, and adaptable spaces that respond to the evolving needs of their users.
Advice for the Next Generation
To young architects and designers, Anand and Prashant’s message is clear:
“Stay true to your design ethos, but remain flexible. Listen, observe, question, and never stop learning.”
In their eyes, design is not a static discipline—it’s a lifelong journey of growth, reinvention, and deeper understanding of the human experience.
The Road Ahead
CTDC is now eyeing global expansion, pushing its design philosophy onto bigger, more diverse stages. Their focus remains on creating spaces that are functional, beautiful, and deeply responsive to their context—whether that context is a villa in Goa, a corporate tower in Mumbai, or a public space halfway across the world.
From two ambitious designers in Mumbai to a respected name in international architecture, Contours — The Design Co. is proof that when passion meets precision, the results aren’t just impressive—they’re unforgettable.
