Taking Design to the Edge, and Giving it a Push
For Ajay Chopra, architecture isn’t just about function—it’s about expression. He was raised in London's punk era, shaped by New Delhi, and refined in New York over these past 30 years, to become the creative force he is today. Ajay has always been drawn to the tension between tradition and rebellion, structure and spontaneity. That same creative instinct fuels Echo Design + Architecture, where design is approached like an art form—crafted, not just built.
After working with a variety of architects and consultants across industries globally,, he saw firsthand the delicate balance between creativity and practicality, between pushing boundaries and keeping projects on time and budget. He wanted to create something different: a firm that thrives on innovation while staying grounded in real-world execution. So in 2011, he launched Echo Design + Architecture—starting, as many great ventures do, from his apartment. His vision? To build a firm that doesn’t just design for design’s sake but creates spaces that genuinely work—for the people using them, the teams building them, and the clients investing in them.
At Echo, spaces aren’t designed to follow trends; they’re designed to tell stories. Every material, every angle, and every finish is chosen with intention, much like the lines in Ajay’s sketchbooks. His work—whether in architecture, art, or photography—is about finding energy in form, making something feel alive. Ajay never saw art and architecture as separate disciplines. He grew up drawing, creating, and observing the world through a lens that wasn’t confined to plans and building codes. From childhood sketches on his bedroom walls (much to his mother’s dismay) to hand-inked illustrations that now span pop culture, memory, and raw imagination, his artistic perspective is the backbone of everything he creates. Design isn’t about following formulas—it’s about challenging them. He sees architecture as a constant conversation, a push-and-pull between vision and execution. The work should be bold. The details should matter. And if an idea feels too safe? It’s probably not the right one. At his core, Ajay believes great design doesn’t play by the rules—it creates them.
With over two decades of experience, Ajay is focused on what’s next. He’s pushing his work further, expanding into more luxury office spaces, residential projects, and retail environments, all while staying true to the principles that have always defined his approach. That drive isn’t limited to architecture. Whether it’s photography, ping pong, or a session at the gym, Ajay brings the same sharp focus to everything he does. Lately, he's been polishing up his piano skills on a Moonlight Sonata with all the precision of a finely drafted construction set. Next stop: Carnegie Hall (or at least his living room concert series)! Will it happen? Who’s to say. But if it does, expect bold choices, a few unexpected twists, and absolutely no regard for tradition.
Stay tuned. Tiny big things are ahead.