Yellow Studios Designing the Future, Grounded in Today
From the very beginning, it was different for Yellow Studios, a grounded start with greater aspirations, reflecting the founders personality. Unlike most architectural firms, the story begins with a color. Yellow—bright, friendly, welcoming and full of optimism, wasn’t just a hue; it was a statement of intent. When architect Azaz Calcuttawala founded the practice in Surat in 2011, after studying at MSU Vadodara, and working in Mumbai, he envisioned a place where design would feel as approachable and positive as its name.
Adding the word “Studios” made the intent clearer: this was never to be a one-man practice, but a space of shared imagination and collaboration. Over the years, this choice has become symbolic of the firm’s larger ethos—to design with prioritising functionality, openness, adaptability, and a people-first approach. As a result, every landmark project they designed speaks for them.
The Philosophy of Growth
The philosophy has always been clear: whatever is built must embody precision and perfection. The results of that belief stand tall across the city today.
Today, however, the practice has returned to its architectural roots, working on projects that span from bungalows to large-scale office buildings. There was an initial time, they saw a mix of interior designing and architectural projects, occasionally either one taking the precedence. The combination ultimately paved the road for today.
Azaz admits that starting without first working deeply in Surat had its challenges, but the free-flowing approach gave him the flexibility to learn on the job. Over time, this translated into a philosophy “architecture should always reflect its time and celebrate life. A building should not just provide utility but also embody freshness, light, and connection to nature.”
Projects that Defined the Journey
The evolution of Yellow Studios has been shaped by certain milestone projects. Early commissions often came through family and friends, slowly building credibility. Then came the restaurant Sheesha, a large-scale project that gave the Studios both visibility and confidence. Another milestone was Level 5, designed for the Liberty Group, which paved the way for multiple residential and commercial assignments from the same client.
Perhaps the most defining moment came when Yellow Studios won the competition to design the Surat Municipal Corporation’s ‘Dream City Office Building’ The project was not only significant in scale but also established the Studios as a serious player in the architectural landscape of the city. The win led to a series of commercial commissions, resulting in exponential growth over the last two years.
Today, Yellow Studios operates with a team of nine architects. Yet, the firm’s ethos remains firmly collective: clients are always reminded that they are working with “us” as Yellow Studios—not “me” as an individual. That was again the intent behind ‘no name centric firm’.
Global Work, Local Impact
Yellow Studios’ work extends beyond India, with a strong presence in Tanzania. The projects there range across diverse client groups; Indian residents, European bureaucrats, corporates and mixed communities—each requiring sensitivity to cultural expectations and lifestyle needs. Designing in Tanzania also demands higher precision due to material constraints, as most resources are imported. These experiences have sharpened the Studios’ processes and pushed them to think more resourcefully.
Our Principal Architect is also an enthusiastic traveller, he believes that travel and world exposure also played a crucial role in shaping the practice. Azaz’s exposure to different cultures helped him curating a personal set of values and invaluable lessons. “I learned the discipline and focus in work from China, the celebratory spirit from Europe which also reflects in their architecture, and the technical possibilities from UAE and the US that build a promising future.” These global perspectives continue to shape Yellow Studios’ approach, help them have a fresh POV for every project and make them challenge conventional methods and adopt innovative construction techniques.
An Architect’s Perspective On Cities and Transformation
While global experiences inspire their practice, Surat remains Yellow Studios’ home and one of its greatest sources of opportunity. Azaz believes the city’s infrastructure story is nothing short of remarkable. “The development here is amazing—balanced and visible in every zone. The government is investing equally across sectors, from roads and hospitals to government offices, sports facilities, and most recently, the transformation of the railway station and airport,” he observes.
For Yellow Studios, this 360-degree growth signals a shift in Surat’s global position. Better infrastructure not only improves everyday life but also strengthens the city’s connections with the world, opening business gateways at an international scale. “As an architecture firm of this developing city, we feel it’s a good time. The growth happening around us sets the stage for us to contribute meaningfully to Surat’s evolving identity,” says Azaz.
While reflecting on the cities where Yellow Studios practices, Azaz notes that Tanzania holds a special place. The Studios has been working there for over a decade, and the country’s unique context makes it both challenging and rewarding. Unlike many other parts of Africa, Tanzania attracts people from across the globe because of its favourable geographical location. This cultural and lifestyle diversity demands greater versatility in design, a challenge that Yellow Studios has embraced and mastered over the years.
The Two-Way Street Of Mentoring
Since its inception, Yellow Studios has shared a unique relationship with academia. Azaz shared that he was always interested in teaching. Something about mentoring always fascinated him.
In 2011, alongside practice, Mr. Calcuttawala began teaching as a visiting faculty at SCET, Surat. What began as a passion for teaching soon became a part of life that also shapes his architectural practice.
Students’ fresh perspective, through their assignments and case studies, unintentionally but surely became inspiration for him. “They might not realize it, but my students have taught me as much as I have taught them,” says Azaz. Every new batch of learners, read and analyse the field in a different way, and that inspires Azaz.
This two-way exchange ensures that Yellow Studios remains connected to emerging ideas and youthful perspectives, keeping its work relevant and dynamic.
The Strength of Adaptability
Yellow Studios has never limited itself to one niche. Each year, the team consciously identifies project types they want to pursue, setting a direction that aligns with their evolving aspirations. Currently, their expertise lies in residential townships and office complexes, though they continue to design bungalows and residential projects.
A key strength of the Studios is its embrace of technology and change. Artificial intelligence, digital tools, and new construction techniques are actively integrated into the firm’s work—both in design and in client communication. For Yellow Studios, staying relevant means constantly learning and pushing boundaries.
Inspiration and Drive
For Azaz and his team, the greatest excitement still comes from the construction site—watching a vision turn into reality, from the first ground markings to the final completed structure. “The fact that so many people are building different parts of it, but only I have envisioned the whole, is a feeling that cannot be described,” he says.
Looking forward, the firm’s ambitions are high. Among their goals is to design an airport in India, a dream rooted in Azaz’s university thesis that won him two gold medals years ago. While the road ahead is long, Yellow Studios’ trajectory so far reflects a practice committed to growth, innovation, and relevance.
Building Beyond the Present
At its heart, Yellow Studios is not just about creating buildings; it is about building legacy, adaptability, and human connection. Azaz wants to create something that lasts for generations. From a small scale office building to landmark dream city projects, from experimenting with interiors to shaping large-scale architecture, the firm’s story is one of perseverance and evolution.
As it continues to grow, one thing is clear: Yellow Studios is less about where it started and more about where it is heading—a future where architecture celebrates life, reflects its time, and inspires generations to come.
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