Copyright © 2025 Motivate Media Group. All rights reserved.
Apical Reform’s principal and founder explains his concept for their new Dubai gallery
Founded in 2011, Apical Reform is an India-based collaborative design studio with a showroom in d3 that specialises in designing items ranging from collectible furniture to bespoke design-art pieces. Patel discussed his philosophy and his future with id.
What is your design philosophy?
We strive to design moments – they can be a single coffee table or large-scale installations. We seek to create the extraordinary by elevating the user’s experience – both functionally and emotionally.
Why did you pursue sound and design?
It’s exciting to see something you have only heard, be it someone’s name being formed into a soundwave graphic, or the sound of the city – the onlooker instantly connects with the graphic representation of a sound.
Can you describe the process of designing your new d3 showroom?
We wanted to create a blank canvas really, [one] that was adaptive to each piece and collection. We like to stay minimal and sleek, and let the work do the talking. We wanted it to be a space that anyone could relate to and feel welcome [in].
What one item represents your collection?
Our chair, Betula. It’s a sinuous structure made entirely out of birch ply and it’s an example of fluid deconstructivism. Our next collection will be inspired by nature. Thanks to modern tech, we don’t need to limit ourselves to exploring Earth. We are looking at the topography of the wider galaxy!
Why is collaboration necessary for success?
We live in an ever-shrinking world. We all – as a race – need to collaborate. If we don’t, we will all stagnate. In the face of Brexit and Trump, we need to come together.
Who are your top three favourite architects?
Zaha Hadid, Santiago Calatrava and Tadao Ando.
What is your advice for design students?
Go slow and observe. See as much as you can, make as much as you can and make as many mistakes as you can afford to. And be open to seeking out like-minded individuals and mentors.
What was the best part about exhibiting at this year’s Design Days?
It really had a sense of community – everyone was rooting for the others. To have His Highness Sheikh Mohamed visit us was THE highlight. We didn’t even expect he would know about us and the installation but there he was, engrossed in the process behind it.
The response at Design Days Dubai has been phenomenal. I made really cool contacts and met inspiring people I can call friends. We look forward to collaborations and touring with ‘Sonuslexica’. Also on the cards are key collaborations with local designers.
The Ritz-Carlton’s intimate treetop retreat offers a rare invitation to connect deeply with nature and culture
In Summerlin, Nevada, Faulkner Architects and Concept Lighting Lab have revealed a desert home that withstands extremities
We interview selected architects and interior designers to talk about balancing permanence and progress across their projects
A conversation with Maryam Raeisi, Managing Director of HMA Living by Al Shamsi
This year’s fair is set to take place between 29 September and 2 October
Daria Zolotova, founder of ARTDOM, discusses the brand’s upcoming first major art forum congress, being held at Riyadh on 11-12 November 2025
A bespoke villa in Dubai Hills Grove designed by XBD Collective blends contemporary elegance with high-end craftsmanship
Arch Home Interiors has crafted a boutique Pilates studio in Dubai Design District, creating an environment where movement meets self-care
Henrique Dias, Principal and Middle East Hospitality Design Director for DLR Group, shares the firm’s growth journey in the region
Read identity magazine's September 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands
Five prominent designers have been selected to judge this year's milestone 11th annual identity Design Awards
In honour of Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate the visionary Emirati women in the industry that are pushing boundaries