(“Text as submitted by architect”)
Deepa Suriyaprakash
Deepa completed her architectural education at the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, and professional training at Brand New Day (Auroville) and MOAD (Chennai); she pursued her education in Theory of Architecture and Design (M. Arch) from The Ohio State University, USA. Upon completing the master’s program which included expansive traveling opportunities, she worked with Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill LLP in Chicago, USA, where she gained experience working on macro-scale projects. Since 2008 she has been leading BETWEENLINES with her partner Mr. Guru Prasanna.
Her interests include travel, teaching, narratives, critical theory, graphic design, pattern and material studies, etc. Apart from her practice she also teaches architecture and interior design at RV College of Architecture. Her two-year stint as Head of Research at CnT Architects grounded her perspective and realigned her philosophy with the locale. When not working as an architect, she is busy composting and helping people keep their waste out of landfills.
Guru Prasanna. C
Guru Prasanna, after completing his architectural education at the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, and professional training from reputed firms like DAAT (Delhi), Venkatraman Associates (Bangalore), and Brand New Day (Auroville), started his practice under the name of Gargoyle Architecture and Interiors and worked on many residential, commercial and planning projects. After five years of field experience; in 2006 he adjourned to travel and pursue his education in Urban Design and Urban Development (MUDD) at the University of New South Wales, Sydney.
Since his return in 2007, he has continued to work as the principal of his current firm BETWEENLINES. His interests include travel, photography, product design, urban theory and economics, architectural conservation, sustainability automobile engineering, etc. Guru also teaches urban design to the master’s program students at RV College of Architecture.
When not at work, he is at work. Ideas come in dozens to him and has the energy of a 5-year-old. Treasure talents, people person, a technology addict, and an inexplicable business venture enthusiast.
Practice Ideology
BETWEENLINES is an award-winning Urban, Architectural, and Interior Design firm founded in 2003 by Guru Prasanna C. and Deepa Suriyaprakash. Over the years, the firm has been shaped by a broad spectrum of experiences gained through travel, academia, research, and thoughtful development.
A Continuous Learning Process: With each built and unbuilt project, BETWEENLINES gathers experience and strengthens its philosophy. The firm remains open to new technology and changes, continually engaging in academia to further its learning process. Each project is approached as a fresh opportunity to learn, unlearn, and start anew. As a result, the firm’s aesthetics are not guided by any predictable style but are instead informed by the unique characteristics of each site, the craftsmanship of the masons, and the client’s vision for a specific atmosphere.
Materials At The Core: BETWEENLINES places great importance on materials, believing that each one requires careful attention to detail and significantly influences the character of a built space. The firm’s portfolio includes projects where design thinking begins with the base material’s module, leading to a deep exploration of how to work with it. The outcomes vary, sometimes resulting in a formal solution, and other times in a more tactile, experiential space. This process of understanding, sourcing, and working with the strengths and limitations of materials enriches the firm’s work, making the investment of time highly rewarding.
Diversity Of Projects: The firm embraces a wide variety of projects, regardless of scale, because the underlying design process is consistent across different types and sizes. BETWEENLINES takes on projects that resonate with its values, and the Principal Architects bring their expertise in Urban and Architectural design, along with a strong inclination toward research. Research is a fundamental part of the firm’s process and a discipline it actively pursues. Collaborating with creative professionals from other fields is also an integral aspect of their approach, enabling them to work with equal enthusiasm on both autonomous Interior Design projects and large-scale Urban projects.
Building Just Enough: BETWEENLINES’ approach to sustainability focuses on building sensibly, respecting local conditions, and creating just enough. The firm views the act of building as a contradiction to the overused term “Sustainable Architecture” and approaches sustainability through considerations of energy, local economy, culture, flora, and fauna. BETWEENLINES does not simply adhere to established certification standards but instead seeks wisdom in traditional building practices. This sensitivity to the site is considered an inseparable part of their design process.
