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
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTcxNzM1