We love it when our architects visit just on general principles: it’s reassuring to know that the plans and the reality are in sync and that the drawings are being carefully reviewed and referred to at every juncture. Indeed, I often feel that Ashish and the Parag crew know what each room is for better than we do. They carry the plans everywhere they go and seem to have committed them to memory.

When Arti came a few months ago, she clarified a few points, finalized some decisions and made everyone feel confident that we were on the right track.

Madhu came a month later. You wouldn’t know it to look at him, but Madhu is apparently known for his fierce temper when visiting construction sites. Few building crews are able to meet his exacting standards. But when he came to Dehradun, he walked quietly around the site, looking very pleased. After the first hour of the tour, he pulled me aside and said: “I hope you realize how lucky you are. The work this team is doing is outstanding. We almost never see such high standards being maintained.”

But when he came last week, he was almost effusive. It was the brickwork that did it.

I mean, look at it. That strong, upright wall. That sweet, undulating curve. Those neat, square corners, every brick – tuck! – where it should be. Such perfection.

Madhu was not only enchanted, he was proud. You’d think he’d done it himself.

But in fact, it’s this guy. We are all vicariously sharing in this man’s incredible mastery of his art. Meet Mohammed Tarikh Ansari: artisan, craftsman and highly skilled professional. The whole team shares his diligence and high standards. Did we just get lucky or is there something different about this building and the thought and care that’s going into it?

We are genuinely curious. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be interviewing the men and women who are actually transforming this dream into a waking reality. We’ll let you know what they have to say. In the meantime, drop in and visit if you can. You can ask them yourself!