de.Sign is an interdisciplinary practice in which the principals bring their respective individual experience and talents to a collaborative process that defines the firm’s design philosophy. We strive to produce structures that are at the forefront of contemporary issues, rooted in local culture and context and that address client needs as well as the functional requirements of the program. We have completed and are currently working on architectural, interior, industrial and urban design projects that bridge diverse scales and design typologies. Our comprehensive portfolio includes urban, residential, civic, commercial, institutional, hospitality, retail and housing design projects as well as historic restoration, space planning, graphic and furniture design. The principals have substantial experience with infrastructure planning and urban design projects that creatively push the envelope to bring architecture, planning and sustainability issues to the fore. The other spectrum of our work includes large-scale architecture and urban design projects that reflect our philosophy of integrated systems approach, allowing for seamless connection between the architecture of individual buildings and the master plan. We are rigorously engaged in all aspects of the design process from conception to completion and commissioning. Ours is a collaborative team of design professionals with extensive experience in LEED certification, project development, documentation, management and field experience. We are engaged with projects nationally and internationally and understand the importance of addressing local needs, practices and parameters. Our team will be actively involved in planning and design through construction phases, providing a high level of continuity and coordination of the work. The Principal, Viren Brahmbhatt leads the design team comprised of architects, urban designers and planners.

Viren Brahmbhatt is an architect and urban designer, and Founder, Principal of de.Sign Studio based in New York City. He is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor at CCNY and has previously taught design studios at GSAPP, Columbia University, Pratt Institute, and Sam Fox School, Washington University in St. Louis. His professional work strives to achieve small but implementable change and incremental regeneration of transitory zones in global cities like New York, Mumbai and Seoul among others. de.Sign enjoys an international practice with ongoing work in the US and India that includes mixed-use housing and high-density residential projects, integrated townships as well as redevelopment, replacement and regeneration housing strategies that preclude displacement. Viren has participated in many national and international conferences and presented papers on various themes ranging from social housing in New York to emerging cites of the Global South. He has published frequently and written extensively on architecture and urbanism, including his thesis on "Messy Urbanism" in a recent publication NOW URBANISM: The Future City is Here, (Ed.), Routledge, 2014.

Urban de.Sign is an interdisciplinary collaborative urban design studio/practice engaged with urbanism, design and conversations about Cities. We strive to produce implementable change through design and dialogue and remain at the forefront of current issues, rooted in local culture and context and that address challenges faced by Cities as well as the programmatic requirements. Our comprehensive portfolio includes urban design, Master planning, place-making, civic, commercial, institutional and housing projects. The principals have substantial experience with infrastructure planning and urban design projects that creatively push the envelope to bring architecture, planning and sustainability issues to the fore. Our work includes large-scale architecture and urban design projects that reflect our philosophy of integrated systems approach, allowing for seamless connection between the architecture of individual buildings and the master plan. We are rigorously engaged in all aspects of the design process from conception to completion and commissioning. Ours is a collaborative team of urban design professionals with extensive experience in programming, design, project development, documentation, management and field experience. We are engaged with projects nationally and internationally and understand the importance of addressing local needs, practices and parameters. Our team will be actively involved in planning and design through all phases, providing a high level of continuity and coordination of the work. The Principal, Viren Brahmbhatt leads the design team comprised of architects, urban designers and planners.

Visiting Professor at the Graduate School of Architecture & Urban DesignWashington University Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts

Teaching Design Studios, Seminars and conduct research in architecture, urban design, cities and sustainability. Ongoing work: Cities of the Global South, Architecture of Disjuncture, Performative/Productive Landscape and Cities....

Teaching Design Studios, Urban Design and Planning

Worked with the Design Department of NYC Housing Authority as an Architect/Urban Designer (Chief, Special Projects), and directed various urban design projects aimed at improving the quality of life for New York City neighborhoods. While at NYCHA, Viren also conceptualized the design and implementation of the Community Centers Program, Citywide GIS, Housing Regeneration and Master Plans for HOPE VI Projects in Brooklyn, and expanding affordable housing in the City. He also served on the Citywide GIS Steering Committee from 1997-2007.