Leaders in Architecture & Design Powered by: VOLUME—1
PROLOGU E The exercise in putting together the most innovative design thinkers of the country opened many avenues for us to intimately interact with some of the foremost minds of the design and architecture sector. The first edition of the ‘FAB 40 Leaders in Architecture and Design’ puts together under one platform the best upcoming designers in India at the moment. Together, they hold the vision and potential to design the blueprint of the country in the next few decades, and we are here for it. The FAB 40 is a behind-the-scenes portrayal of those designers who are currently shaping iconic projects that will go on to make history. Their words give us a glimpse of what the design industry is thinking right now, and how those thoughts will go ahead and shape the future of luxury design. So turn the pages, if you’re curious to know who made the cut. According to us, only the crème de la crème have made it here. Payel Majumdar Upreti — Editor — Director - Publishing — Indu Joshi • Editor — Payel Majumdar Upreti • Consulting Editor — Maria Louis • Creative Director — Muhammad Jaan Faruqui Advertising Sales: Regional Managers — MUMBAI (022- 68468500) — Katty Gia (09870532295) • Lamont Dias (09167414988) DELHI (011- 45625810) — Sr. General Manager (North) — Asha Augustine (09818280431) Kerala — Sanjai Krishnan (09414069321) • Manager Marketing Services — Salim B. • Client Servicing Manager — Reshma Malvankar This magazine is printed by and produced by Mediascope Representation India LLP. Opinions herein are the writers’ and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mediascope. Editorial enquiries concerning the reproduction of articles, advertising and circulation should be addressed to: LuxeBook, Mediascope Representation India LLP., 51, Doli Chamber, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, Mumbai-400005. India. Email: riddhi.doshi@mediascope.co.in. Material in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of the publisher. LuxeBook is printed at Silverpoint Press Pvt. Ltd., A-403, TTC Industrial Area, Mahape, Navi Mumbai-400709. Letters to the editor: Write in with your comments, suggestions and ideas to luxebook@mediascope.co.in SOCIAL MEDIA www.facebook.com/luxebook.in https://www.instagram.com/luxebookindia https://twitter.com/luxebookindia | 2 Immerse yourself in the world of luxury ENERGIA APPLIANCES PVT. LTD. Mumbai HO : 201, 2nd Floor, Metro Avenue, Near Andheri Highway Metro Station, Andheri (East), Mumbai , Maharashtra - 400099. Mumbai Brand Store: Ground Floor, Paragon Center, Pandurang Budhakar Marg, Opp. Birla Century, Worli, Mumbai- 400013. 8433940273 Bengaluru Brand Store: Ground Floor, Hara Chambers, No. -22, K H Road, Srinivas Colony, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560027. 8433940433 Delhi Brand Store: WHS, 72/1, 2nd Floor, Kirti Nagar Main Furniture Market, Nr. SBI Bank, New Delhi – 110015. 9910045472 Dealer locations : Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Gujarat, Indore, Jaipur, Delhi-NCR, Mohali Toll free: 18001036128 Email: info@smeg.in Website: www.smeg.com Dolce & Gabbana - Blue Mediterraneo Collection ENERGIA APPLIANCES PVT. LTD. Mumbai HO : 201, 2nd Floor, Metro Avenue, Near Andheri Highway Metro Station, Andheri (East), Mumbai , Maharashtra - 400099. Mumbai Brand Store: Ground Floor, Paragon Center, Pandurang Budhakar Marg, Opp. Birla Century, Worli, Mumbai- 400013. 8433940273 Bengaluru Brand Store: Ground Floor, Hara Chambers, No. -22, K H Road, Srinivas Colony, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560027. 8433940433 Delhi Brand Store: WHS, 72/1, 2nd Floor, Kirti Nagar Main Furniture Market, Nr. SBI Bank, New Delhi – 110015. 9910045472 Dealer locations : Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Gujarat, Indore, Jaipur, Delhi-NCR, Mohali Toll free: 18001036128 Email: info@smeg.in Website: www.smeg.com Dolce & Gabbana - Blue Mediterraneo Collection ENERGIA APPLIANCES PVT. LTD. Mumbai HO : 201, 2nd Floor, Metro Avenue, Near Andheri Highway Metro Station, Andheri (East), Mumbai , Maharashtra - 400099. Mumbai Brand Store: Ground Floor, Paragon Center, Pandurang Budhakar Marg, Opp. Birla Century, Worli, Mumbai- 400013. 8433940273 Bengaluru Brand Store: Ground Floor, Hara Chambers, No. -22, K H Road, Srinivas Colony, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560027. 8433940433 Delhi Brand Store: WHS, 72/1, 2nd Floor, Kirti Nagar Main Furniture Market, Nr. SBI Bank, New Delhi – 110015. 9910045472 Dealer locations : Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Gujarat, Indore, Jaipur, Delhi-NCR, Mohali Toll free: 18001036128 Email: info@smeg.in Website: www.smeg.com Dolce & Gabbana - Blue Mediterraneo Collection
Comfort, exclusivity and sophistication together spell luxury for this space planner and interior designer who believes in employing quality materials, attention to detail and personalisation to deliver luxury spaces to clients. Her goal is to keep transforming living spaces into havens that inspire and delight. Armed with a Diploma in Interior Designing from Exterior & Interior Ltd. (EXIN) Institute, Aanchhal founded AB Design in Kolkata in 2013 after working with a design studio for a few years. Since inception, her firm has completed over 80 residential projects – each tailored with bespoke solutions. Success did not come easily, though. “There are a lot of aspects that are challenging, especially the execution,” observes Aanchhal. “Occasionally, it involves getting permissions, locating correct information, determining the right budget, and dealing with a lot of back-and-forth revisions. It comes down to choosing your battles well.” Aanchhal advises young designers to be persistent. “Architecture is a demanding field that requires dedication and perseverance. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but staying committed to your vision and continuously working towards your goals is crucial.” AB Design believes in creating not just interiors, but experiences. Take, for instance, The House of Ballygunge – where the wall art featuring a classical architectural scene complements the modern aesthetic of the dining space fitted with stylish yet functional furniture that exudes comfort. Think capacious wooden dining chairs sporting gently curved backs and brass accents. Aahana Miller Aanchhal Bhuwalka Principal Architect, ABM Aahana Miller prioritises comfort over opulence. She believes functionality is far more luxurious than a lavish space that neglects user experience. This conviction stems from being nurtured as the daughter of an architect-artist couple (Alfaz and Brinda Miller) as well as from her training – a Master of Architecture at The University of Pennsylvania (PennDesign) with a Minor in Historic Preservation; after a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design, with a focus on adaptive re-use. Displaying her entrepreneurial skills early in her career, Aahana was the Director for Penn Student Design at PennDesign as well as the Graphics and PR Chair of PennDesign’s Women in Architecture group – an organisation that aims to increase the incidence and visibility of women in the architectural profession. More recently, she curated the Urban Design and Architecture Vertical of Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in 2023 and 2024. Aahana works with her father Alfaz Miller on a wide range of commercial, residential, retail and institutional projects. Her design style is a unique synthesis of her Indian roots and contemporary education. She brings freshness to the style that ABM is known for. This is particularly evident in Bungalow at Jajpur, where the use of colour and a combination of eclectic materials with wood results in a beautiful blend of traditional Indian aesthetics with modern sensibilities. Founder & Principal Interior Designer, AB Design “LuxeBook is a source of design inspiration and trends” “For me, luxury is synonymous with comfort” | 5 | 4
Aarushi Bafna Founder, Studio Aarushi Bafna & Co-Founder, Studio Aadri Jaipur, a city known for its rich cultural heritage, was the starting point for interior designer and business coach Aarushi Bafna’s foray into the world of design. After completing her studies at Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls’ School, she went on to earn a professional degree in Architecture from Balwant Sheth School of Architecture in Mumbai – and has been living her dream as a designer since 2016. Four years later, during the Covid-19 pandemic, she discovered a passion for teaching. She aims to inspire and guide young designers to build their own studio – and a flourishing business – through her course, ‘Business of Design’. The experiences she underwent at the age of 23, such as surmounting the challenges of losing clients and struggling with studio finances, laid the foundation of her course. Bafna has come a long way since then, and is running her studio as well as mentoring design students. “These experiences taught me invaluable lessons and led to significant growth,” says the designer. Studio Aarushi Bafna specialises in creating designs that merge aesthetic appeal with practicality. The founder’s design philosophy is based on the idea that architecture is an applied art, driven by the theory of materials. “This belief is the cornerstone of my work, where I blend the past with innovative designs to shape the future,” she explains. “LuxeBook conveys the essence of what it means to live elegantly” Ali Baldiwala Partner, Baldiwala Edge Ali Baldiwala insists that luxury is comfort. The self-proclaimed fashion fiend likens it to being comfortable in a piece of clothing that you feel good about, and adds that quality is key. Not surprisingly, that tops his list of things that make a space luxurious – good quality furniture, right choice of materials, and adaptive ability of the space to suit different moods or occasions. The lead design thinker at Baldiwala Edge today, Ali is an alumnus of the Rachna Sansad School of Interior Design. Striking out on his own after his graduation in 2008 helped him develop a design ethic that’s independent of the towering influence of his father Bakir Baldiwala, who has been in the business for over four decades now. Ali approaches design “...with respect for the unique dreams and personality of each client, and a deep dive into the goals and relevance of every project.” He strives to achieve signature elements that are rooted in bold concepts, original ideas, uncommon experiments with material and textures, timeless imagery, and striking drama. As a matter of principle, he shuns formulaic trends. His unconventional approach is evident in Ali’s persona. Facing the movie camera (Neerja), travelling the world, moderating or joining discussion panels at industry forums, knocking down marathon goals – in essence, he simply enjoys being different. “LuxeBook is a great platform for everything to do with luxury” | 9 | 8
Stefano Ricci AD ‘Design is boundless’ is the mantra that drives ZERO9, which the Chauhans launched after completing their B.Arch from Mumbai University. Their focus is on sensible and sustainable design, and their multifaceted design firm has been creating awardwinning experiences for over a decade, with expertise that spans architecture, advertising and interior design. Spearheading the Interiors and Architecture divisions of ZERO9, Anu leads by example and finds pleasure in experimenting and pushing the boundaries of design. Her people skills coupled with her zeal makes her an ideal mentor for their young team, who she steers through challenging projects. An explorer by nature, Prashant has a passion for travel, photography and technology. His curiosity about spirituality is largely responsible for his minimal and clutter-free approach to design. A strong believer in karma, he enjoys sharing his thoughts with aspiring architects at the Rizvi College of Architecture. ‘Celebrate Life’ is Prashant’s avowed motto as well as his IG handle – and he could be found cycling or sky gazing, watching sunsets or sunrises when not working; while Anu prefers reading. But ask them about their favourite place, and they respond in unison – Paris! The duo complement each other and are on the same page when it matters. “LuxeBook is where we can browse about watches, cars, interiors… all things luxury” Architect & Stylist, Creative Director, ZERO9 Anu & Prashant Chauhan CAMBODIA - EXPLORE THE WORLD TO EXPLORE OURSELVES Photo © Steve McCurry for Stefano Ricci MUMBAI The Trident Galleria, Nariman Point • T. +91 9619955511 NEW DELHI The Oberoi Hotel, Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg • T. +91 9619955111 | 10
Anca Florescu Abraham Abraham grew up in Romania, then France. Never did she imagine that she would live in India, change professions and speak Hindi! But she now specialises in interior and landscape design at the multidisciplinary architecture, interior design, landscaping and urban planning studio founded in 1967, where she has been working for the last 20 years. “It has been an interesting journey, personally and professionally. Design has always been my passion, and I have learnt on the job from great mentors (her father-in-law Abraham John and husband Alan Abraham are both architects),” she declares. Even before she started working with them, over 18 years ago, Anca would be asked for her opinion on certain interior design projects and gradually became more involved. “I enjoy getting the design brief right, through repeated interactions with clients, seeing how we can improve their everyday experience, weave their passions and personality into the fabric of their home,” says the youngest partner of the firm. Abraham John Architects boasts a diverse portfolio of projects, ranging from private luxury villas and highend residences to unique offices and institutional buildings. Their approach to design emphasises a connection with nature, optimising use of space and utilising natural materials, lighting and landscape to enhance the built environment. The firm’s latest projects are a restaurant in Manhattan, a boutique hotel in Goa and a chalet in Switzerland. Partner, Abraham John Architects “LuxeBook is the ultimate guide for all things luxury, a well-curated platform for exquisite design” Ankita Sweety & Pratyoosh Chandan When the duo started their practice, they had a home office where they did most of the initial drawings on the kitchen table. But they wouldn’t have it any other way. “If you’ve already figured out that you want to begin, then there is no better time than the earliest,” believes this duo who launched their two-person practice out of a garage soon after completing their studies in Architecture – Ankita from the National Institute of Technology, Patna and Pratyoosh from the University of Brighton. Thought was followed by action, and An-V-Thot (AVT) was born in 2011. They explain that the name is a hybrid of two words: anvit (Sanskrit) and thought (English). ‘Anvit’ means followed by, so it’s a studio followed by a thought. No wonder both Ankita and Pratyoosh are always eager to define their endeavours in a thought-evolving manner. Studio AVT is a design consultancy firm with a passion for nurturing new paradigms of architectural and interior designs. From a two-person practice working out of a garage, the Studio currently has a presence in 13 cities with over 6 lakh sqft of running projects across the country. Over the decade, it has evolved as a contemporary design practice with projects of diverse nature, scale and size in its portfolio. And through it all, the award-winning duo strives not to lose the ‘artist’ within. Founders & Directors, Studio AVT Architects Pvt Ltd & Cornerwoods Pvt Ltd “LuxeBook is a great platform for all things luxury” | 13 | 12
Arjun Rathi Fate sometimes works in wondrous ways. In the case of Arjun Rathi, who did his B.Arch from the Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture, it led him on an adventure. Through one project opportunity after another, he made an exciting transition; and his multidisciplinary studio now interprets space through the lens of lighting, designing fixtures and aweinspiring installations – like the one at Mumbai’s World Towers. With the idea that lighting and form could stimulate emotion, he explored a dialogue between the Indian factory and Indian craftsmen. “I wanted to create magical stories through a play of colour, shadows and darkness,” recounts Arjun. “As a self-taught lighting designer, I applied the methodical approach of architecture with ideals and archetypes influenced by modernist masters like Aalto, Corbusier and Mies, to develop my design process.” An accidental introduction to Firozabad, the glass capital of India, introduced Arjun to the magic of blown glass. His initial experiments were limited to industrially-produced glass and lathe-blown bubbles. Exploring collaborations with factories abroad fuelled his passion for hand-blown glass, and he dreamed of having his own glass studio one day. Post-Covid, his eagerness to produce an Indianinspired, pop-colour whimsical lighting collection took Arjun on a nostalgia trip with Indian candies and desserts. The hand-blown, black-and-white Bullseye glass was initially imported from the Czech Republic – and when that supply channel became unsustainable, Rural Modern Glass Studio was born! Principal, Arjun Rathi Design; Founder, Rural Modern Glass Studio; Co-Founder, Design Democracy “Luxury is a great state of comfort and elegance” | 14
Anushka Contractor She is no stranger to the world of interior design, having grown up watching her parents “weave magic” into their projects. This inspired Anushka to follow their footsteps, yet carve her own niche. After graduating from Rachana Sansad’s School of Interior Design at 19, she spent an enriching three-and-a-half years with sP+a (Sameep Padora & Associates) in Mumbai before joining her father Abbas Contractor’s firm – MAN Associates. Taking up assignments on a freelance basis, including working with a fashion designer from Jakarta as a textile graphic designer, helped her to explore new facets in design that brought fresh perspectives to her work. Anushka C Studio is the amalgamation of her journey in interior and furniture design. The decade-old firm has completed more than 50 projects at premium residential and commercial spaces across Mumbai, Pune, Alibaug, Lonavala and, most recently, in Gujarat. “Our work reflects the different experiences and learnings we have collected during our career,” says Anushka. “It is a reflection of things we have seen, admired, absorbed and emulated with our own understanding and expertise – to create unique designs that complement each room.” Luxury, for her, is about experiencing unparalleled quality, comfort and exclusivity. “If our designs could speak, they would talk about contemporary style with a classic touch,” muses the designer for whom high quality materials, thoughtful design and attention to detail translate into luxurious spaces. Principal Interior Designer, Anushka C Studio “LuxeBook represents a curated exploration of the finest aspects of luxury living and trends” Ashiesh Shah Architect, interior designer, product designer, art collector, artist, writer… he wears many hats flamboyantly. The blue-eyed boy of A-listers, Ashiesh Shah refuses to sit on his laurels and is continuously reinventing himself. These instincts were evident when he switched from studying to be a dentist (in keeping with the family tradition of cultivating doctors) to enrolling at the Rachana Sansad Academy of Architecture on discovering his predilection for a career that combined art, technology and creativity. Taking a year off after graduation, he studied Interior Architecture at Parsons School of Design and gained valuable experience in New York before returning to Mumbai. A short stint with Nozer Wadia & Associates, and he was ready to strike out on his own in 2008. Not only has his studio been handling high-end design projects in India and beyond, but he launched his own atelier in 2017. Shah’s aesthetics are rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi, but he is committed to the revival of Indian crafts. Empowering the ‘karigar’, Atelier Ashiesh Shah aims to work alongside master craftsmen from all over the country. Whether Longpi from Manipur, Channapatna from Karnataka or Dhokra from Chattisgarh, the processes of creation have been perfected over years of refinement – resulting in objects that blur the boundaries between art and design. Founder & Creative Director, Ashiesh Shah Architecture + Design & Atelier Ashiesh Shah “LuxeBook is a guide to what’s trending in everything to do with sophistication and quality” | 17 | 16
Coming from a family dealing in textiles, Avni Sejpal had an early exposure to design. As a child, she spent her summer vacations visiting her father’s factory as well as artisanal villages in Rajasthan and Kutch – “Rabari villages which kindled a sense of curiosity,” she recalls, adding that it gave her a better understanding of colours, textures and proportion. Her travels to international design shows like Maison d’Objet and Heimtextil, helped develop her interest in furniture and handicrafts. Avni also worked in Fashion for four years, designing garments for her father’s company for the Pret segment in Europe. While her father hoped she would choose textile designing, her interest lay in architecture. After her B.Arch at Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture, Mumbai, Avni did her Master’s in Design at Chelsea College of Design, London. “This gave me freedom to explore public art, furniture and textiles. Working with international designers like Paul Loebach, Xavier Lust and (in India) Rajiv Saini and Divya Thakur got me a much-needed structure and sense of direction,” she observes. When Avni realised that there were not enough studios working in all mediums, she found her niche – and established Studio Avni in 2011. She runs her product design studio with Vipul Mehra, her partner in life; and is currently working on lighting installations, textile murals and a sustainable furniture collection. Avni Sejpal Principal Designer, Studio Avni “LuxeBook is a treasure trove of curated luxury resources from all over the world” | 18
Behzad Kharas Chairman & Managing Director, The BNK Group “Luxury, for me, is an elevated state of well-being that enhances going to the next level” As a child, she accompanied her parents Nina and Sanjay Puri to construction sites and played with architectural models in their office. Even family trips were planned around visiting new buildings that they were keen to explore. With Ayesha’s formative years so heavily influenced by architecture, it was natural that it became part of her being. “I was learning AutoCAD while my peers were grappling with Microsoft Word, and understanding floor plans at a young age made it an obvious choice for me to pursue architecture,” she recalls. Though she worked at various firms in Mumbai and London, gaining exposure to different design approaches, she realised that freedom to push herself creatively could only be found by taking on more responsibility in the family firm. Ayesha completed her Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.Sc.Hons) from The University of Bath in England in 2016. During her four years of study, she worked with RIBA Stirling prize-winning firm AHMM (Allford Hall Monaghan Morris) in London on several projects including the Google headquarters and the BBC office. After returning to Mumbai, she joined architect Seema Puri and Zarir Mullan’s firm, working on projects ranging from residential schemes and educational institutes to gyms and private bungalows. Since 2018, she has been with Sanjay Puri Architects, where she is currently working on residential and commercial projects as well as product design opportunities. Ayesha Puri Kanoria Associate Architect, Sanjay Puri Architects “LuxeBook is my go-to for all things design – from architecture to art, fashion and jewellery” Stay humble, work hard and just be yourself, is Behzad Kharas’ motto in life, and also the advice he would like to give aspiring architects and designers. Kharas preaches what he has practised, for his belief has steered him onto his journey towards success. After graduating from the Rizvi College of Architecture in Mumbai, he gained experience working with a couple of renowned design and architecture firms before starting his multidisciplinary studio in 2005. Behzad is lauded not only for his design and execution capabilities, but also his inspiring entrepreneurial journey. The day he started his practice against great odds, someone told him: The world belongs to the brave. “I remember this every day,” declares the architect who has bravely overcome challenges, leading The BNK Group to craft high-value spaces and deliver designs for over 500 projects in the past two decades. Driven by an unwavering commitment to impactful design, BNK’s mission is to enhance lives through innovative spaces and help clients translate their dreams to reality. They believe that good art, great furniture and appropriate lighting help make a space luxurious. The loyalty of repeat clients who trust Behzad and his team to deliver is reaping rich rewards, probably thanks to the 3H value system he espouses – being honest, humble and humane. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds solace in his passion for cars and watches. | 21 | 20
Farah Ahmed Mathias & Dhaval Shellugar The 2012-born FADD Studio is already known for going against the norm. The name is an acronym for Farah and Dhaval Design, and also a play on the word ‘fad’… a reminder to not stagnate into a style that becomes the firm’s identity. “We believe that having a singular style defies the purpose of design,” declare the partners who prefer to create fads. Farah Ahmed and Dhaval Shellugar met while working at Khosla Associates under Sandeep Khosla and Amaresh Anand in Bengaluru, and reconnected after Farah returned from Milan where she acquired a Master’s degree in Interior Design from Istituto Marangoni. Dhaval’s creative passion was sparked by posters depicting innovative vehicle design. After he graduated from Mumbai’s Rachana Sansad School of Interior Design, he was recruited by Mika Design – before joining Khosla Associates, where (as senior design lead for almost four years) he honed his skills in the principles of design. Meanwhile, Farah was on the verge of deciding what to focus her creative energies on. After studying photography and political science as an undergraduate at Northwestern University, she worked in advertising in New York and then dabbled in fine art photography. Her desire to add practical aspects to her creativity led her to try interior design at Khosla Associates, and she finally found the balance she sought. The duo met, and the rest is history. Partners, FADD Studio “LuxeBook is a wonderful curation of content across so many different fields” Beverley’s interest was sparked thanks to her interior designer neighbour. “The blueprints would be left at our place when they were not home,” she recalls. “I was fascinated and tried to imagine what the space would look like.” She chose St. Xavier’s for her junior college as the campus appealed to her aesthetics. Her time at L.S. Raheja College of Architecture was peppered with study trips that opened her eyes to India’s rich heritage – from the Taj Mahal in Agra to Hazrat Salim Chishti’s tomb in Fatehpur Sikhri to Hampi, Khajuraho and Gwalior. Beverley worked for a real estate developer initially, but soon switched career paths to interiors. DCA was an award-winning firm which concentrated on bungalows in Lonavala, and she was thrilled to see them completed in six to eight months. Her stint at Sp+A (Sameep Padora and Associates) saw her working on interesting projects – such as the lifestyle store Palate – following which Nayak helped set up their Projects Division. “It was before its time in terms of product design,” she declares. “From local designers like Klove, Mukul Goyal, Alex Davis, Abraham & Thakore and Devi Designs to European brands – all were to be found under one roof.” In 2009, Beverley started CarteBlanche, and her first project was a 3BHK Mumbai apartment. When approached to design a condominium in Singapore, she realised that each item cost three times as much. She recalls getting everything made in Mumbai and then shipping it to the country. Currently, her projects are mostly in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Beverley Nayak Principal Architect, CarteBlanche “LuxeBook is about all things luxury… lifestyle, travel, culture and design” | 23 | 22
Disha Bhavsar & Shivani Ajmera This boutique firm has its roots in the confluence of design ideologies of its founders. Disha and Shivani profess an aesthetic that fosters functionality while being classic in appearance. Luxury, for them, means comfort, design and quality. They believe that high ceilings, large windows and one-of-a-kind accessories help in creating a luxurious space. An art and design enthusiast, Disha grew up in Muscat, Oman, and moved to Mumbai for an undergraduate degree in Interior Design at Nirmala Niketan. After working with Milind Pai Architects and Beyondesign, she pursued an MA in Design Management at the Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton. Her design sensibilities that were polished there, are reflected in her work today. Advertising was Shivani’s first love, but design called more insistently. Channeling her creative energy, cultivated through a love for art, music and theatre, she went on to study Interior Design at the Florence Design Academy, Italy. Her former experience working with leading firms such as Talati & Panthaky, reD Architects and Restoration Hardware, USA paved a path to creating design solutions that add an edge. Quirk Studio, which they set up in 2013 after working together at a design magazine, offers premium spatial and interior design solutions in the residential, commercial, hospitality and retail sectors. The studio’s footprints can be found pan India in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Co-founders & Principal Designers, Quirk Studio “LuxeBook is a fantastic platform for all things design, lifestyle and luxury” Though she grew up enjoying creative activities like arranging flowers and styling outfits and spaces, Farah Agarwal failed to recognise her passion until after she completed her undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. That’s when she decided to enroll for a diploma in Design at a college in Bengaluru. In 2014, after the birth of her second child, she was able to dedicate herself to conceiving and nurturing her own studio in Chennai – Chestnut Storeys. The studio’s first independent project came with its own set of challenges – “… balancing the demands of a newborn while nursing and managing site visits meant constantly juggling between work and home, rushing back when needed.” But the passionate designer soldiered on... Farah’s designs are deeply personal, and her mission is to try and infuse spaces with the personalities of their inhabitants - creating a balance between her style and her clients’ needs. She believes that art and details give meaning to a space. According to Farah, three key elements make a space truly luxurious: “… the lighting, both primary and decorative, sets the ambience and adds depth; a thoughtfully curated collection of artworks can transform and elevate a room’s character. Lastly, incorporating layers through cushions and carpets brings warmth, texture and an inviting touch.” Chestnut Storeys is currently working on around 15 exciting projects - from city homes and beach houses to farmhouses, holiday retreats, hilltop residences, hospitality ventures and hospitals. Farah Agarwal Founder and Principal Designer, Chestnut Storeys “LuxeBook represents sophisticated storytelling in the world of luxury lifestyle, and elevates the nuances of craftsmanship” | 25 | 24
The hundreds of planes Harsh Boghani made from waste paper as a kid took him places – literally so. His architect father Shailesh Boghani, who has been practising since 1982, recognised and encouraged his son’s inborn passion. After graduating with a gold medal from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Technology, Gujarat, Harsh worked at Boghani & Associates for six years before setting up its new arm in 2015 when he moved to Spain to pursue his Master’s at IAAC (Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia), Barcelona. While the parent organisation focuses on commercial projects, The Crossboundaries (TCB) works on smaller, bespoke architecture, product design and interiors. The experience he gained with architect Nuru Karim’s Nudes (Mumbai), MAD Architects (Beijing) and RSP (Dubai) helped Harsh lead his team to successfully deliver designs that blur boundaries between the practices of Architecture, Planning, Interiors and Product Design. Apart from projects in Dubai, he is presently working on the first five-star resort in Manali. “Having a renowned art university in town, we try to work closely with artists, visual designers and sculptors. We are a small firm that works out of Baroda, yet we do projects across the globe,” says the architect who believes that innovation is not just software-driven, but goes hand-in-hand with culture and history. Harsh Boghani Founder and Principal Architect, The Crossboundaries “Luxury is something that is bespoke and specially crafted for you” Hemant Purohit remembers always being drawn to architectural plans and layout maps. “Wayfinding, massing or sculpting were interesting topics for me,” he recalls. After completing his B.Arch from the Chandigarh College of Architecture and his Master’s in Urban Design from IAAC Barcelona, he worked in India and Spain with award-winning firms such as Serie Architects (Mumbai) and Guallart Architects (Barcelona). His portfolio spans master planning (residential and education), infrastructure/ transport, luxury residences, and high-end interiors. As co-founder of Note-D, he developed and grew the practice as principal designer and head of architecture and operations. His work has won recognition and awards. As head of education design with Cannon Design, Mumbai, he led projects ranging from large-scale universities to K-12, IB schools across the country. His proposals won national level competitions for the IITs and other institutions. As senior architect, KAPL, he headed master plan design for residential townships like Lodha Palava. Craftsmanship, freshness of design thought and natural materials are on Hemant’s must-have list for creating luxurious spaces. He argues that luxury is the right allocation of resources. “Resources, especially money, are inseparable from luxury – and yet the idea which speaks of the era it belongs to, is also very important,” he believes. “If it mimics the opulence of another time from the past, it cannot belong to the luxury of today.” Hemant Purohit Principal Architect, HPA “LuxeBook is a guide to what’s exclusive – to know, to experience, to have” | 27 | 26
Becoming a doctor, lawyer or engineer was considered de rigueur in his family – so when Jay Vidyut Shah wanted to pursue design and architecture, he had to overcome resistance to this ‘new’ profession. Now that he has won awards and design competitions, the tide has turned. After completing his B.Arch from the Rachana Sansad Academy of Architecture, Mumbai, he worked with Architect Hafeez Contractor for about a year before pursuing his Master’s in Advanced Architectural Design in the US. Jay then acquired around three years’ valuable experience with a boutique architectural firm Robert Scarano, working on high-end luxury condominium buildings and apartments in New York city and its boroughs. Once he returned to India, he was offered an associate partner position at Talati and Panthaky Associated and rose to senior associate partner. During his decade of working with the firm, Jay designed and executed various architectural and interior projects – hotels, airports, villas, highend luxury residential and commercial, pan India. Ravid & Co Designs, which Jay started in 2018 is a one-stop solution for Design & Build and interior design – apart from architecture, master planning and landscape architecture. The firm has successfully executed award-winning projects including the Kalhaar Blues & Greens near Sanand, Ahmedabad, comprising 801 villas overlooking an 18-hole golf course spread over 500 acres, besides luxury villas in Amravati, Nagpur and Chennai. Jay Vidyut Shah Founder & Principal Architect, Ravid & Co Designs “Luxury interiors is all about the finesse of design, the materials chosen and the finish” Kunal Shah Kunal grew up with a keen interest in drawing, painting and craft. Fascinated by the “cool, bohemian” students of the architecture college he could see from his school classroom window, he wanted to be like them. So, he did a Bachelor of Interior Design from the Institute of Environmental Design, Sardar Patel University at Anand (Gujarat) in 2004, followed by a post-graduate Diploma in Indian Aesthetics from Mumbai University. A year after he began interning with Rajiv Saini & Associates, someone he met at a party asked him to design his living room. Thus was born Kunal Shah Designs, based in Mumbai and Goa. Since its inception in 2004, the focus of his interior architecture consultancy has been spatial quality - harnessing natural light, drawing in breeze, sculpting volumes, and teasing out natural textures. The studio has designed residences, offices, restaurants, art galleries, sets and boutiques as well as furniture - among them the Satvik floor of art hotel ‘Le Sutra’ and the flagship store for leading fashion and costume designer Manish Malhotra in Mumbai. In 2020, Kunal had co-founded ‘claro’, a store in Assagao, Goa. Currently, he is restoring a 300+-year-old baradari in Jaipur, building two cottages in Alibaug, designing interiors for four residences in Mumbai, and restoring a colonial house in the Nilgiris. And he still found time to curate ‘Ahmedabad - Mecca of Design’ for Gallery 47-A in Khotachiwadi, Mumbai! Founder, Kunal Shah Designs “LuxeBook, to me, is a compilation of the finest things the country has to offer” | 29 | 28
Mitali Aharam Fascinated by her grandparents’ ancestral home, Mitali became aware of design at a young age and often spent her summer vacations exploring, sketching and painting there. She eventually did her B.Arch from CSIIT (JNTU Hyderabad). “An architect has the power to transform a space from nothing to something sacred for someone, and that is a huge responsibility,” she believes. Mitali interned with Shilpa Sindoor Architects, Bengaluru, under the guidance of architects Shankar Kanade and Navnath Kanade for a year. She supervised the new phase of their work for Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication in Hyderabad with them where she discovered her love for mixing Indian aesthetics with a play of materials. Returning to Hyderabad, Mitali worked with Aparna Karve Design Consultants – a well-known firm established in 1992. She was primarily tasked with the design development and execution of several hospitality, residential, commercial and retail interior design projects. Along with spearheading all the architecture projects, she got the opportunity to work on the prestigious Sound and Light Show at Ross Island Andamans. After the tragic and untimely demise of her mentor and boss at that time, she completed some of Karve’s projects – which led to the birth of Crafted Spaces in October 2014. Her mentor’s quirky, eclectic design aesthetic now lives on in Mitali, who advocates high-quality materials, attention to detail and customised accessories to make a space luxurious. Managing Partner, Crafted Spaces “LuxeBook is your ultimate resource for everything luxurious” Nandini Somaya Sampat She is a law unto herself, for Nandini arrived at architecture via a circuitous route and brings to the table a unique blend of qualifications and experience. After completing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Smith College, USA, she qualified as a solicitor from the College of Law, London. While working in India as a corporate lawyer, she decided to pursue her passion for design and change professions. She completed her post-graduate diploma in Architectural Interior Design from the Inchbald School of Design, London and joined her mother’s dynamic firm SNK upon returning to Mumbai. Then she did her B.Arch from Rizvi College of Architecture and the GSD1x: The Architectural Imagination online course by ‘HarvardX’ (a Harvard University initiative). Quoting her grandfather’s words: “No education is wasted,” Nandini declares that Law laid the foundation of a research-based process for her. “Architecture is also a business,” she adds, “… my legal background has enabled me to navigate the contractual and management side with ease.” While switching tracks, she was inspired by the life of legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa who also transitioned into Architecture from Law. Nandini’s biggest inspiration remains her mother Brinda Somaya’s journey of building her own studio through the wider lens of viewing architecture and design as a nation-building activity that can contribute to society. Principal Architect, SNK | Somaya & Kalappa Consultants Pvt Ltd “LuxeBook is a platform where we learn about the latest in architecture, travel, fashion, food, technology and culture” | 31 | 30
Nishant Gupta Nishant’s incredible journey began with his fascination for art and design - be it illustrations in magazines, visuals on MTV, Hollywood movie trailers, or graphic design on hoardings. “I used to do very well in art and craft assignments, yet I loved mathematics,” he recalls. “One thing led to another, and I decided to pursue architecture - the mother of all arts.” He adds that his zeal to get out of his hometown Jaipur, helped him to move out to study in Delhi NCR (B.Arch - Apeejay SAP) and Cuttack (M.Arch - PMCA); and to work in Mumbai, the city of dreams. The youngest senior associate architect of one of the largest architectural studios in Asia, Nishant’s dreams certainly came true. He joined AHC as an intern in 2006, and today leads a team of more than 60 architects and designers! During these years, he has dealt with an array of projects varying in nature, complexity and size - from large master planning and luxury high-rises to public buildings, affordable housing, IT parks and educational institutions. Nishant is currently handling over 100 million sqft of development across India with the industry’s top national and international consultants using various construction technologies. He specialises in residential super high-rises and is designing the Twin Towers in Mumbai that are vying to be the tallest in the Indian subcontinent. Senior Associate Architect, Architect Hafeez Contractor “LuxeBook provides ideas for personal indulgence. It gives a glimpse of affluent lifestyles in images and in-depth information in text” Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright for his compositions, BIG Architects for their craziness, and Charles Correa for his simplicity, Nishita adds that human beings are her biggest inspiration. “The way one moves, sits, thinks, behaves is intriguing and ever changing, and much of our design is influenced by this study,” declares the winner of the prestigious Charles Correa Gold Medal for Design Dissertation (2013) for her thesis ‘The Eyes of The Skin’. After completing her B.Arch from KRVIA, Mumbai, she interned with MO-OF (Mumbai) and Rast Architekten (Switzerland), before working as a junior architect at Mumbai’s Architecture Brio and LAB Architects. The multidisciplinary design practice Nishita started in 2014, tries to use materials and design in their purest form, letting them do the talking. In fact, her very first project, The Open House – which also bagged IIID’s Best Young Designer of the Year (2016) – helped her to create a niche for herself as someone who respects space, materials and moments. Founder of the award-winning company P.O.D Pieces of Desire, which creates bespoke furniture pieces, Nishita believes that great lighting, cosy corners and cross-ventilation are the top three things required to make a space luxurious. Her advice to young architects is to not follow trends. “What you see on social media is merely someone else’s path,” she points out. “Chalk out your own path and carve your own niche.” Nishita Kamdar Principal Architect, Studio Nishita Kamdar “Being featured in LuxeBook is a great acknowledgement of the path we have chosen” | 33 | 32
Piyush Mehra’s training in architecture began under the tutelage of his father, who taught him the basics of construction when he was a child. A gold medalist from The Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi, where he completed his B.Arch, Mehra kickstarted his career in Paris with renowned French architect Dominique Perrault before joining PS Design in 2012. His thesis on the Navi Mumbai International Airport was selected for the World’s Best Thesis Showcase in Moscow in 2013. Today, he spearheads the Architecture studio at the firm, and the practicality of exemplary design is obvious in his work. A skilful communicator, Piyush is known for his dexterity in the initial design phases and for his strong client connection throughout the design development. With keen interest and an exploratory approach towards architectural interiors and building facades, he strives to create lasting and impactful designs that shape the places people live and communicate in together. To make a space look luxurious, Piyush would pay attention to the choice of furniture and soft furnishings, lighting as well as sensory elements like music and scent. He believes that luxury is freedom – “… freedom from worrying about getting your white furniture spoilt, freedom from confined spaces, freedom of choice,” explains the architect who would choose to travel to Paris at the drop of a hat – for the history it bears and the past he shares with the city. Piyush Mehra Principal Architect, PS Design “LuxeBook is a brilliant repository of everything luxury. I treat it as a ready-reckoner for everything luxury” Pravir Sethi Thanks to his early aptitude for sketching, mathematics and physics, Pravir knew when he was fairly young that he wanted to be an architect. He would prefer to think, however, that it was due to his predisposition to never build Lego sets as per instructions given. The design icons who shaped his sensibilities include Bjarke Ingels, Carlo Scarpa, David Chipperfield and Zaha Hadid – each for different lessons. Sethi trained at the Rachana Sansad Academy of Architecture in Mumbai, during which time he interned with Sameep Padora and PG Patki & Associates. After he graduated, he went on to do his Master’s in Architectural Design under Professor Peter Cook at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, London. He has also worked with big names in British architecture including Archer Architects, Marks Barfield Architects and David Chipperfield Architects. On his return, he spent almost four years with Sanjay Puri Architects. Studio Hinge, which Pravir founded in 2014, is an international award-winning architecture, interior and furniture design practice, offering design consultancy along with turnkey execution on interior projects. The studio’s work spans cultural, institutional, leisure, residential, commercial and retail projects and has been published globally in over a dozen countries. Pravir’s fondness for furniture, lighting and surface design informs the studio’s focus on bespoke detailing and flexible design solutions. Studio Hinge’s work has won recognition at some highly-coveted international design awards. Principal Architect, Studio Hinge “LuxeBook, for me, is the A-list – the who’s who and what’s what of luxury in India” | 35 | 34
Priyank Mehta Principal Architect, Studio PM “LuxeBook is the best way to find out what’s new in travel, design, food, art and fashion” Early in life, Priyank Mehta realised that we travel mainly to see and imbibe the culture of a place, and that a large part of understanding that culture comes from our experience of the native architecture. “I was lucky to have learned from great architects while I interned at the offices of Ratan Batliboi and Nitin Killawala,” acknowledges Mehta, who did his B.Arch at the Rachana Sansad Academy of Architecture. “Sameep Padora mentored me for my thesis, which also had me spend days at architect BV Doshi’s office – Sangath in Ahmedabad.” Bolstered by the confidence gained from this strong foundation, he ventured out on his own after completing his M.Arch at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, Glasgow School of Arts. Studio PM, founded in 2017 out of a desire to generate novel spatial design solutions through rigorous research and experiments with materials and form, began by doing a couple of redevelopment projects along with many hospitality interiors projects. “We completed more than 60 projects in the first five years of the practice,” recalls Priyank. Today, his team of young architects, interior and graphic designers has completed several projects in the hospitality, residential, commercial and retail sectors. Over the past 12 years, Priyank has helped shape the generation after him by teaching Architectural Design at Balwant Sheth School of Architecture to 4th year and final year thesis students. Rahul and Ojas were on an exploratory sabbatical after completing their graduation at Rizvi College of Architecture, when they decided to work together after gaining experience under renowned architectural firms in Mumbai. What started as a friendly collaborative experiment in 2011, turned out to be a runaway success with their first project getting widely published and gaining recognition. The philosophy of the firm is spelt out in its name: Studio TAB - The Architecture Break. The award-winning, multidisciplinary design practice is engaged in architecture, interior design, brand identity, art installations and product design. “Each project begins with breaking down every stereotype attached to it. Once we achieve this, we understand what it truly needs. Then begins the design exercise, at micro and macro level,” explain the founders. This approach has helped them design & build projects in over 20 cities across India and to foray into the international arena (Qatar, Spain and Estonia). Luxury is never about the price, maintains this duo who believe that luxury means class, finesse, “God in the details” and comfort. Their journey has taught them that learning can come from many sources – from the mason fixing the walls, to the craftsman making the joinery, to the fresher bubbling with unadulterated ideas – if the head is up in the sky to dream and grow, but the feet are firmly on the ground. “LuxeBook has always been our goto for keeping up with luxury” Rahul Das Menon & Ojas Chaudhari Principal Architects & Co-founding Partners, Studio TAB | 37 | 36
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