Architecture, to me, is a hymn of light, space, and life — where every form breathes with nature’s rhythm.
I am Ar. Sikandar Nadaf, founder of HYMN & FORM. My journey in architecture began in Pune, where I graduated from Pune University in 1988. Soon after, I joined Pandit Joshi & Associates, working on residential and commercial projects that helped me build a strong foundation in design and detailing. In 1990, life brought me to Kolhapur, where I had the privilege of working with Ar. Shirish Beri for nearly thirteen years. Those years changed the way I perceived architecture — and, in many ways, life itself. I began to see architecture as more than a profession; it became a way of understanding human relationships, nature, art, and the rhythm of existence. Through large-scale projects such as hospitals, educational campuses, research institutes, public buildings, and industrial facilities, I explored the idea of how space interacts with light, air, and nature. This philosophy continued when I co-founded Synthesis Design Workplace in 2004, where design was always about creating meaningful connections — between people and place, form and feeling. With the birth of HYMN & FORM, I wanted to take that thought forward — to create architecture that feels like a symphony between humanity and nature. For me, every project is an opportunity to compose that hymn — where design finds form, and form finds soul. I believe architecture should serve both the human spirit and the natural environment. It should be sensitive, timeless, and rooted in values that respect life in all its forms. Beyond architecture, I draw inspiration from classical music, cinema, travel, art, and sketching. My journeys across India and abroad have deepened my respect for vernacular and contemporary design, both of which continue to influence my creative process. For me, architecture is not only about building spaces — it is about crafting experiences that breathe, evolve, and belong.
