About Us
Studio Reconnect is a slightly unconventional firm, comprising of two freelancing
architects, Prasad Dietrich Wielenga & Praveen Samson Durai, based in two different
locations in India. Our work is primarily in the field of nature / environmentally conscious
new-builds and renovations, encompassing comprehensive sustainable water use
(including rain water harvesting, water budgeting and management, and waste water
treatment), ecological sanitation, climate responsive design and use of locally available
materials / re-use of reclaimed materials (wood, bricks, stones, stone slabs and even
tiles).
Prasad Dietrich-Wielenga
Prasad graduated in Architecture from the School of
Architecture, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai in 2005 and went on to do his
Masters in Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies from The Graduate School of the
Environment, Center of Alterntaive Technology, Wales in 2010.
His work is largely based on the understanding that a lot of environmental and social
problems we face today – climate change, global warming, floods, draughts, peak oil, wild
fires, mosquito menace, garbage dumped on streets and landfills, pollution of air, land and
water bodies, or social unrest, hatred, etc – are a result of a disconnect between us
humans and our natural environment and between us as human beings. We see ourselves
as separate & superior from our natural environment and from each other and we see the
environment and our fellow humans as something to be exploited. Even though we have
materially gained a great deal out of these exploitative relationships, we have undermined
the earth’s capability to support us and our own ability to co-exist. Its becoming more and
more clear that it is our own future that is at stake here.
Strongly influenced by the life, works, humour, philosophy and personal interactions with
Laurie Baker and by the writings of Meadows et al, E.F.Schumacher, among others, and his
own extensive travel and life experiences from around the world, Prasad strives to design
spaces that help us pause, reflect and enable a re-connection with nature and our fellow
beings and bring about a harmony between natural and human elements and forces. His
work is embodied by a “feel” of the place and great attention to detail.
Prasad is pretty much hands-on and has explored power-tool carpentry, photography and still loves to play with lego! Loves to go trekking, cycling and a good cuppa coffee!
Praveen Samson Durai
Praveen graduated in Architecture from the School of Architecture, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai in 2005 and went on to do his Masters in Landscape Design from the School of Architecture and Planning, Anna
University in 2008.
Praveen is more pragmatic in his approach to design and construction. Vastly experienced
in site work he has a natural ability to work alongside and in close co-ordination with
masons, carpenters, plumbers, encouraging them to explore uncconventional materials
and techniques. Having greatly benefitted from his brief learning stint at Laurie Baker’s
Office COSTFORD in Trivandrum and from attending other natural construction workshops,
he is meticulous in his work and compassionate in his work relationships.
Praveen enjoys site work, designing interiors and furnitures. Loves travelling and is a total
foodie!
How to engage with us? What works and what doesn’t?
At Studio Reconnect, we are open to working on anything from tiny homes to large campuses. We highly appreciate the following:
Regard for the environment
When a client understands and appreciates the importance of flora, fauna, geology and
life, on and around the site.
More than purely commercial projects
When a client understands that being only commercially motivated might hurt the project’s
design sensibilities.
Providing us with necessary site data
When a client willingly provides us with soil test reports, electronic site surveys, understanding that such data goes a long way in aiding site-responsive design.
Giving creativity the time it needs
When a client understands that creativity doesnt flow from a tap and the design process
cannot be rushed. Having said that, we understand that sometimes tight deadlines are
unavoidable. We try our best to complete our works within an efficient timeline, especially
when deadlines are discussed upfront.
Timely payments
When a client understands the importance of timely payments without hiding behind an accountant to handle delays in payments.
When do we say "No"
Design Hoppers
If another architect was involved and was not paid / acknowledged for his / her efforts.
Copy Paste Designs
If a potential client wants an exact copy of another design done by us or any other
architect.
Only Drafting
We need our creative freedom to work on any project. If you know exactly what you want, with there being very little scope for us to give our inputs, we’d be happy to suggest some draft-persons who can help you with the drawings..
Over reliance on Vastu / Fengshui
When a client is overly reliant on Vastu / Fengshui to the extent it interferes in getting the basics of a good design. Or if you intend to take our design to the vastu / fengshui consultant for feedback.
However we are open to incorporating basic requirements of vastu / fengshui without any compromise on the design, as long as the client is willing to rationalise on the subject and as long as such requirements are clearly stated upfront and such reqirements don’t keep changing / evolving as we go.
Limited scope for design
When the project doesn’t need any design consultation other than standard practices
which a good contractor can handle. We’ll recommend those contractors to you on a
goodwill basis.
When the requirements are lesser than the benefits we can transfer to the project as architects and designers. We can suggest specific consultants / agents who can handle it for you at much lesser costs.
When the requirements are lesser than the benefits we can transfer to the project as architects and designers. We can suggest specific consultants / agents who can handle it for you at much lesser costs.