In a Room is a conversation series where we ask our friends to share their favourite domestic spaces. For this edition we’re joined by photographer Veeral Patel.
Veeral is a Melbourne-based Architectural Photographer and Filmmaker hailing from New Zealand. His roots can be traced back further across the Pacific Ocean to Fiji. With a background in wireless communications engineering, he moved to Melbourne after the dot com burst. The transition to photography came through a mid-life career crisis that saw him longing to do more than just software development.
His work captures the essence of architecture beyond its physicality, exploring the emotional and experiential aspects of space. His photography has been exhibited at the Centre for Contemporary Photography (CCP) and has contributed to numerous design publications, showcasing his ability to translate architectural vision into compelling visual narratives. Whether behind the lens or curating his own architectural space, Veeral’s work is defined by a quiet, thoughtful approach that amplifies the intent behind great design.
In this edition, Veeral invites us into his home, Wildwood, a modernist gem designed by Robin Boyd, where he continues to explore the intersection of design, history, and lived experience.
Veeral Patel
Which room are you in today?
Today, I’m sitting in my formal living room, a space filled with incredible artwork, books, and stunning views of the garden. The beauty of the garden reflects back into the room through the dividing window and the glossy surface of the dining table, creating a seamless connection between indoors and out. On weekends, I often retreat here to read or spend time in quiet introspection. It’s also the room where I entertain guests, as it exudes warmth and character. My dogs love lounging here too, keeping a watchful eye on the birds—especially Chaka the Magpie, a regular visitor.
Which room is the most active in your house?
The most active room in the house would be the kitchen. We often enter or leave the house via the kitchen as do the dogs. Most days I would have breakfast in the kitchen and often end up working in the kitchen till mid-morning or lunch time. Just like the Noble family who originally lived here, they often spent most of the time in the kitchen as well.
Also the kitchen is one part of the house you have direct visual line into the southern pavilion via the central courtyard as well as into the garden. To a small degree it feels like the Farnsworth House.
Which room gets the least amount of use?
The least used room in the house is the subterranean living room, originally designated as the kids' playroom in Robin Boyd’s drawings. We’ve intentionally placed our TV here to keep it away as a distraction, which naturally limits its use. However, this space has become our dogs’ playroom, and you can often hear them causing a ruckus throughout the house.
Which is your work-from-home room of choice?
My WFH room is the secondary sitting room in the eastern part of southern pavillion so it gets beautiful morning light then in the afternoon, the light pours through the door via the central coutyard.
I love this room as a place to work because I have two floor to ceiling windows that gives me alot light but when my dogs come to hang out, it gives them a chance to gaze through. As well as the views allows me to day dream like Walter Mitty from time to time.
Scenes from Wildwood, the home of Veeral Patel
What defines a great room?
Two of my attributes that defines a good room are light and accoustic shielding. Especially in winter, being able to feel the warm sunlight filtering into the room is greatly appreciated.
What is your favourite type of room?
My absolute favorite type of room is the bedroom—because who doesn’t love a good night’s sleep, especially in winter? It’s the coziest retreat, where I can unwind, recharge, and escape the outside world. Plus, it’s the easiest space to transform just by switching up the bedding, instantly changing the mood and atmosphere..
What is your all time favourite room?
One of my favourite room would be the bar designed by Piero Lissoni for Hotel AKA Alexandria which I had photographed in late 2023. The bar itself has this gorgeous Frank Gehry designed cloud light pendant spaning several meters. Then you have pockets of darker pockets of the bar that feels more intimate. You also get to experience a variety of Piero Lissoni designed furniture pieces from Living Divani, and B&B Italia. As you walk around the bar, it feels a bit like an art gallery due to the different commical pieces of art that is displayed on the perimeter of the bar. The chosen art work gives you a hint at Piero’s sense of humour.
Numeroventi Master Suite, Florence
