He entered the world of construction with Acrux in 2002 and today he has taken the organisation to greater heights making it a name to reckon with in the real estate industry. All of 55, Ramesh Swain speaks to Diksha Tiwari on his future projects and dreams on making dwelling places eco-friendly.
From planning designs for buildings to actually building them - how has been the journey from Creative Architects to Acrux ?
The journey has been a challenging one. In fact, creative work has increased and improved as I design the projects I develop. This lets my imagination and expertise to blossom fully. Today I am the client and the architect. It is a challenge of different sort, but very invigorating. To create a tight- rope balance between design and practicality. Tomorrow, not me but people from many spheres of life will use the spaces Acrux has to offer. We as a team have grown over the years in numbers, handling multiple projects in different locations. It has been really tough but it’s real fun.
How has your knowledge and vision as an architect helped you in the construction domain?
Spearheading Creative Architects and its motto of Built Environment Consultants, our firm has been extremely busy over years designing many public and private projects in Odisha including the landmark Fortune Towers, Akash Sobha Bhawan, BMC Bhawani Saheed Nagar Enclave, Housing Complex for SBI Staff Association in Bhubaneswar, Mayfair and Marina Beach Resort in Puri. After years of designing, right from the eighties, I have pushed myself into the world of construction with the firm belief that an architect can bring about a whole world of qualitative difference to this area of expertise.
And I think it has worked big time!
Acrux is a decade old already. What is the vision of your firm for Odisha in the coming years?
We are blessed with such great history, tradition, culture, art and architecture, that we can use that as a foundation to build this state into a global concept. Even the sky is not the limit!
How important is the concept of Green Building today and your efforts in that direction?
Oh, Yes! The Green Building concept is very important. Obviously, at Acrux, we are extremely careful when it comes to environment. We tirelessly implement all modern eco-friendly values and materials in our buildings. Look, the tag line of our architectural wing is- Built Environment Consultants. Doesn’t it say all ?
What do you have to say about the affordable housing mantra in the real estate sector ?
In present day scenario, affordable housing is the buzzword. Going by the economic status of the state, this mantra stands true. We too stand by that format. Hailing from a middle class family, facing financial difficulties to study architecture in Nagpur and returning home to pursue my creative dreams, I can never forget my roots, and that is what is written over most of our projects. Our pricing takes root from the designing and planning stage. The focus is always on the middle class. Affordability is the word you used in your question. I stand by the word! We have many schemes depending on the modes of payments. We have tied up with major banks like SBI, HDFC, IDBI, GIC Housing Finance etc to facilitate loans for our valued customers.
What are the ongoing/current projects your firm is working on ?
Acropolis is the ongoing mega project. It is a 1000 plus apartment township, which is surely going to be a feather in our cap, not only due it size of 15 acres but for its sheer concept. Acrux Chitra, Acrux Sankalp, Kalinga residency are a few other projects that are shaping up. We have by far completed Acrux Gokul Plaza, Radha Govind Enclave, Sakuntala Complex, Acron Retreat, Acrux Residency, Acrux Park Estate among others.
Any special projects that Acrux plans for the coming days?
Acrux is presently involved in a unique Festival for Schools. We are inviting children from different schools from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack who will take part in various interactive competitions and games. It will be a two day event to be held at KIIT auditorium. An expected 700 students will take part in this festival.