Gautam and Geetanjali Arc Excel Consultancy (GGAEC) has earned a formidable reputation in the realm of design, renowned for their unwavering commitment to intensive design research, impeccable project management, and a steadfast dedication to innovation. Led by the visionary duo, Gautam Naik and Geetanjali Naik, the firm has successfully undertaken a plethora of national and international projects, earning accolades and international recognition.

The distinguished GGAEC recently clinched the prestigious A Design Award in 2023 at Milan, Italy, adding to their impressive collection of accolades. Notably, their Indian Palace design caught the eye of Vogue, further attesting to the excellence that defines this design powerhouse. What sets GGAEC apart is their unique selling proposition - Versatility. Gautam and Geetanjali emphasize that their portfolio spans a diverse array of projects, transcending the confines of a singular genre. Whether it's installations, art, villas, palatial mansions, hospitals, apartments, hotels, resorts, townships, or corporate designs on challenging scales, each project exudes an element of eccentricity. For these acclaimed design professionals, key considerations include contextual parameters, infusing artistic value into every space, reflecting the client's personality in the project, embracing beautiful challenges, and capturing the unique energy of each endeavor. Gautam, an avid art enthusiast, has expressed in one of his poems that scale is inconsequential at GGAEC; from a humble handle to a grand master planning spanning 500 acres, each project is executed with unwavering focus and quality. The couple draws inspiration from the world of cinema, likening their approach to that of actors who refuse to be confined to a single role. Their passion for exploration defines them as true Design Experts.

Embracing projects of all sizes, from modest residences to expansive 2500-acre master plans, GGAEC fosters an environment where stepping out of one's comfort zone is not only encouraged but celebrated. Challenges are not obstacles but rather a source of adrenaline for this dynamic duo. In this collection of articles, the reader is presented with a diverse range of projects completed and undertaken by GGAEC from 2001 to 2023. Two noteworthy projects, Nest Resort on the fringes of Goa and Basalt Retreat in Khopoli, are highlighted to underscore the firm's dedicated commitment to sustainable design practices. The first project, Nest Resort, situated in Kudal on the fringes of Goa, serves as a birding haven. The project not only takes on the role of a retreat but also embodies a vernacular and earthen architectural approach, rooted in the traditional sustainable design principles of India. On the other hand, Basalt Retreat, is a villa resort characterized by a vernacular construction technique primarily using locally sourced basalt stone. The very name, 'BASALT,' reflects this deliberate choice of material.

Both projects distinctly showcase GGAEC's focus on addressing climatically critical issues and embracing the fundamental principles of the 3 R's—Recycle, Reduce, and Reuse. The selection of these two projects for inclusion in this article is driven by their diversity in approach, design language, construction techniques, and the regions to which they belong. The firm's core emphasis is on building around nature, seamlessly integrating interiors, architecture, and existing landscapes. In these projects, the fusion of existing elements with thoughtful design results in a harmonious and environmentally conscious blend. GGAEC consistently endeavors to create spaces that not only showcase aesthetic excellence but also reflect a profound commitment to sustainability. The philosophy at GGAEC revolves around addressing contextual parameters, with a firm belief that their creations can effectively bridge the gap between their clients' dreams and the realities of today. Through this curated showcase, readers are invited to witness how GGAEC's design ethos transcends diverse project narratives, weaving together a tapestry that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible

“Avian Tranquility: Exploring Nature's Harmony at Nest Resort, Kudal” Nest Resort, located on the outskirts of Goa in Kudal, stands as a sanctuary for bird enthusiasts. Functioning not only as a retreat but also as a testament to traditional sustainable design principles in India, the project embraces a vernacular and earthen architectural approach.