Open Avenues
Space Whisperer
How Archie Tyagi is revolutionizing design through sensory storytelling
Open
Open
09 Aug, 2024
Archie Tyagi, Architect, spatial designer
We often find ourselves surrounded by spaces that prioritize function over feeling. From sterile office environments to cookie-cutter hotel rooms, many of our built environments lack the soul and story that truly connect with the human experience. The challenge facing the design world is clear: How can we create spaces that not only serve their purpose but also engage our senses, evoke emotions, and tell compelling stories?
Meet Archie Tyagi, an ingenious spatial designer who is remodeling the way we think about and interact with our surroundings.
“Every space has a story. My job is to make that story come alive,” asserts Archie. With a foundation in architecture and interior design, Tyagi has established herself as a virtuoso in the realm of spatial design. Her methodology integrates volumetric interplay with chromatic, textural, and luminous elements to craft immersive environments that engage all sensory faculties, effectively reconciling functionality with emotional resonance.
Her professional trajectory began in India, where she obtained her Bachelor’s in Architecture in 2018. A pivotal moment during her academic years was the organization of a TEDx stage production, which ignited her passion for creating transformative spaces. This formative experience illuminated the potential of design to convey narratives and evoke emotional responses, laying the groundwork for her future innovations.
Seeking to transcend the constraints of traditional architectural practice in India, Archie pursued advanced studies in Interior Architecture in the United States. This strategic move exposed her to a diverse global perspective and challenged her to expand beyond conventional design paradigms.
During this period, her innovative approach garnered recognition. Her research project, “Resonate: Immersive Music Therapy Center for Prisoners Suffering from Psychological Trauma,” was acclaimed as the premier research in the Southeast region of America and secured two bronze IDA Awards. This project epitomized Archie’s philosophy that each space embodies a unique narrative and significance, demonstrating her capacity to address complex societal issues through thoughtful spatial design.
Her versatility is evident in her diverse portfolio. From contributing to the 4D Immersive Museum SCAD story in Savannah to serving as the set designer for the award-winning Coca-Cola Regal film “Let-Loose,” her work spans various scales and design disciplines. Her vision perceives potential in all spatial contexts, from expansive transportation hubs to compact modular units, consistently aiming to imbue each with a distinct narrative and emotional impact.
Her professional journey in the United States has been marked by significant achievements. Initially, as a Retail Designer with L’Oreal TRAM, she honed her expertise at the intersection of marketing, branding, merchandising, and luxury design.
Currently, she is making substantial contributions at Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), a preeminent hospitality design firm, where she has left an indelible mark on luxury resorts in Punta Cana and Turks and Caicos, a high-end hotel renovation in Guyana, and a premium healthcare facility in Arizona. In each project, Tyagi applies her unique perspective, transforming conventional spaces into extraordinary experiential environments.
Beyond her core professional work, Archie’s creative acumen drives her to collaborate with event curators and artists in the capacity of art director and production designer. Recent projects include spatial 3D visualization for Howard University’s Hip Hop 50 conference and block party, and event spatial design for Poshnic Gardens. These collaborations enable her to further push the boundaries of spatial design, creating ephemeral environments with lasting impact.
A distinguishing aspect of her professional ethos is her commitment to mentorship. Recognized for her expertise and passion, she has been invited to mentor emerging designers as an alumni speaker, thesis reviewer, portfolio judge, and presenter at various design events and institutions. This passion for nurturing the next generation of designers ensures that her innovative approach to spatial design will continue to influence the field for years to come.
As Tyagi continues to challenge the conventions of spatial design, her philosophy remains grounded in the belief that professional growth is an ongoing process and that innovation in design is a perpetual pursuit. Her approach to excelling in this competitive field is rooted in a genuine passion for her craft, constantly seeking new methodologies to make spaces resonate with the human experience. Ultimately, it reminds us that every space has the potential to tell a powerful story and profoundly impact our lives.
(A marketing initiative by Open Avenues)
More Columns
Time for BCCI to Take Stock of Women In Blue Team and Effect Changes Short Post
Christmas Is Cancelled Sudeep Paul
The Heart Has No Shape the Hands Can’t Take Sharanya Manivannan