Elemental is an Ahmedabad-based practice dedicated to enriching the human experience through thoughtful design and the act of making. Our work spans architecture, interiors, and product design, embracing materiality, craftsmanship, and evolving technologies to shape meaningful spaces and objects.
We believe that design has the power to shape our interactions with the world, creating spaces that are intuitive, functional, and deeply connected to human needs. Rooted in exploration, our process is a continuous dialogue between materials, context, and purpose-where each project is an opportunity to refine, distill, and innovate.
As a multidisciplinary collective, collaboration is at the heart of our practice. We strive to create work that is enduring-designs that are simple yet profound, beautiful yet purposeful, and above all, responsive to the people and places they inhabit.
Jay Patel
Co-Founder
Jay graduated from Indubhai Parekh School of Architecture (IPSA), Rajkot in 2019. During his academic years, he interned at Samira Rathod Design Atelier (SRDA), Mumbai. Alongside his studies, he worked on architectural documentation, participated in international competitions, and engaged in hands-on construction to explore innovative materials and systems. After graduation, he freelanced, leading a residential project while also working as a Graphic Designer. He then practiced in Ahmedabad with Dōrō, contributing to an exhibition design conceived by the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA). In 2021, he moved to Mumbai and joined Case Design to further explore collaboration in designing spaces and products. There, he worked closely with multigenerational Indian craftsmen and artisans on projects of various scales. In 2024, he co-founded Elemental with his friend and colleague, Harsh Dobariya.
Harsh Dobariya
Co-Founder
Harsh graduated from Indubhai Parekh School of Architecture (IPSA), Rajkot, in 2019-20. He interned at Abin Design Studio in Calcutta. During that time, he traveled to the eastern part of India, where he started his academic research on the paradigm of Santiniketan. His undergraduate dissertation work (Eclectic Architecture of Santiniketan) was recognized at Archiprix International-Addis Ababa, Dsgn Archive-Singapore & Kurula Varkey Design Forum at CEPT University, Ahmedabad. After undergraduate studies, he continued to work with Prof. Kishore Trivedi before moving to Mumbai in 2021. He joined case design and worked with Samuel Barclay on projects in Mumbai, Alibag, and Leti. There, he closely worked with craftsmen, artisans, and architects across borders ranging from designing spaces and products. Currently, Harsh is working with Sealab in Ahmedabad and co-founded Elemental.