AD100 2025: Meet the winners

A Design Co.
Abha Narain Lambah Associates
Abhimanyu Dalal Architects
Abin Design Studio
Abraham John Architects
ALVA Architects | Bona Fide Design
Amoeba Design
Anagram Architects
Andagere Architects
Annkur Khosla Design Studio
Architecture BRIO
Architecture Discipline
Ashiesh Shah Architect
Begumpoivre
Byram Wadia
Cadence Architects
Case Design
Chestnut Storeys
Cochin Creative Collective
CollectiveProject
Cormac Lynch
DDIR
DeMuro Das
Design by Darshini Shah
Design ni Dukaan
Dipen Gada and Associates
Elicyon
Elsie Nanji
FADD Studio
Faisal Manzur Design Studio
Field Architects
Grounded
Hiren Patel Architects
Humming Tree
Hundredhands
Iqrup Design
Iram Sultan Design Studio
Isla Maria ‘Loulou’ Van Damme
JOSMO
K2India
Khosla + Anand
Kunal Maniar & Associates
Kunal Shah
LAB
Lijo.Reny.architects
MAIA Design Studio
Malik Architecture
Mancini Enterprises
Mangesh Lungare
Marie-Anne Oudejans
Mathew and Ghosh Architects
Morphogenesis
MuseLAB
Nakul Munim Design
Neterwala Aibara | Interior Architects
ns*a Architecture and Interiors
_OPOLIS
Palinda Kannangara Architects
Pavitra Rajaram Design
Rajiv Saini + Associates
Ravi Vazirani Design Studio
reD Architects
Richa Bahl Design Studio
Ritu Nanda Design
Romi Khosla Design Studios
Rooshad Shroff
Samira Rathod Design Atelier
Sanjay Puri Architects
SDeG
SEALAB
Serie Architects
Simone Dubash Pandole
SJK Architects
SNK | Somaya & Kalappa Consultants
Sona Reddy Studio
Souk
sP+a
SPASM Design Architects
Stapati
Studio Archohm
Studio Hinge
Studio ii
Studio In D-Tale
Studio Lotus
Studio Momo
Studio Organon
Studio Sangath
Talati and Partners LLP
Taliesyn Design and Architecture
Tejal Mathur Design
The Orange Lane
Tushant Bansal
Untitled Design Consultants
Vaishali Kamdar Associates
Studio VDGA
Vinita Chaitanya
vir.mueller architects
Vishal K Dar
Wallmakers
ZZ ARCHITECTS

Gowri Adappa

Project in focus: A generational home in Chennai, Gallery House was the primary home of a prominent business family, and has been reconstructed to fit the evolved needs of the next of kin. A three-storey building spread across 5,700 square feet, it has a central courtyard, entertainment space, offices, and bedrooms for all members. The interiors highlight the owner’s collection of art, textiles and artefacts.

Upcoming projects: Residences in Chennai, Hyderabad and Goa; a boutique hotel in a heritage property in Puducherry.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Local stone and terrazzo

Philosophy: “We call our design aesthetic ‘India Modern’ where we revel in the conflict of juxtaposing the traditional and the modern, old and the new, masculine and the feminine.”

Abha Narain Lambah

Project in focus: Punjab’s first luxury palace hotel, Ranbaas is located in Qila Mubarak in Patiala. Lambah and team have done the interior design of this hospitality project that is now a luxury boutique hotel operated by The Park Hotel. What was earlier the official guesthouse of the 18th-century fort is now a 28-room luxury stay. For its lighting design, the firm collaborated with Lucent Worldwide. Qila Mubarak was built by the first maharaja of Patiala, and is in the heart of the city.

Upcoming projects: A Good Earth store in Dubai; a fine-dining Indian restaurant in France; redesigning interiors of Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru.

Material you’re obsessed with: Brass

Philosophy: “Design in context.”

Abhimanyu Dalal

Project in focus: A farmhouse consisting of 30,000 square feet of built-up area on a two-acre plot at Pushpanjali Farms in Delhi. The house is located on one half of the plot, while the other half is for gardens, sit-out pavilions, walkways, and the client’s extensive collections of sculptures. Designed as a series of functional volumes, all are connected with trellises and open terraces. Sustainability forms an integral part of the design.

Upcoming projects: Several private residences; the primary block at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, Delhi; a fountain in sandstone at Karauli.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Brick and terracotta

Philosophy: “My work is informed by a respect for architectural tradition and an openness to contemporary material and ideas.”

Abin Chaudhuri

Project in focus: A duplex apartment in Kolkata, “Connected Harmony” embodies the togetherness of a joint family. Inspired by their ancestral home in Rajasthan, the design transforms two stacked apartment units into a cohesive duplex with a central double-height cut-out. A feature staircase becomes a key architectural element between the floors.

Upcoming projects: Luxury condominiums and private villas; Pahal institutional project for the Takshila Foundation; clubhouses for Godrej and Birla Estates; a Lodha World School project.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Brick, concrete, brass, wood, steel, wicker, fabric, ceramic

Philosophy: “We see architecture as a comprehensive and artistic form of expression that goes beyond its mere practical and technical aspects, transforming into a symbolic representation of the human experience and the world we inhabit.”

Abraham John, Alan Abraham, Anca Florescu Abraham

Project in focus: One of the most exciting projects for the firm is a rooftop restaurant in Manhattan, New York, that matches their creative vision with the city’s vibrant energy. From conceptualizing and designing the entire space, to customizing elements sourced from India and Italy, the restaurant sits at a confluence of great ideas, making it unique in its own way.

Upcoming projects: Chalets in Switzerland; a sports development centre in the Northeast; commercial and mixed-use development projects; luxury resorts and holiday homes.

Material you’re obsessed with: Jute

Philosophy: “Rooted in sustainability, innovation, and site-specific design—we create spaces that harmonize with their surroundings while prioritizing eco-friendly practices and aligning with our clients’ vision and needs.”

Ashwin Alva, Shobhna Batra

Project in focus: A house in Noida developed as an austere concrete cuboid. The interiors are sparse with the concrete volumes standing out without overpowering the entire space. It uses Indian stone, and also features furniture, lighting, rugs and art from Indian designers, studios and artists. The harsh Delhi sunlight is controlled by adding internal stepped courts and terraces.

Upcoming projects: Private homes in India and overseas; boutique properties in Dooars, Ladakh, Andaman, and more.

Material you’re obsessed with: Timber

Philosophy: “To be true to the integrity of the space and the materials being used to define it. Our designs are painstakingly put together with the sole intention of making them appear effortlessly put together.”

Satyajeet Patwardhan, Pashmin Shah

Project in focus: A home inspired by the design language of Indo-Portuguese architecture, La Mandrina, a tropical villa in Siolim, Goa, celebrates slow living through the inherent beauty of timeless elements. It blends with the neighbourhood from outside and gives a fresh tropical vibe inside. The celebration of colours is a quintessential element of Goan homes which is reflected in this project.

Upcoming projects: A mud house in Pawna; a 40-acre small village project in Goa.

Material you’re obsessed with: Mud

Philosophy: “Our quest has always been finding the truth of the land and the people we design for. Like amoeba, we have always tried to stay open to changes.”

Madhav Raman, Vaibhav Dimri, Shruti Dimri

Project in focus: “Between 3 Curves”—a house juxtaposed in materials, forms, and volumes to bring out a combination of spaces that play with light and nature. It is an instance of experimental architecture combined with contemporary interiors. Located in Delhi, it is built around the theme of three distinct curves. Deliberate arcs effectively partition each floor into three sections while enveloping the central space.

Upcoming projects: Hospitality projects; institutional projects; residential and vacation homes; a housing manual for workers in the industrial sector.

Material you’re obsessed with: Patagonia granite

Philosophy: “We seek to explore an architecture that promotes an experiential reconnection with ecology and society to nurture responsible and aware lifestyles.”

Ajith Andagere

Project in focus: In Kannada, Malenadu refers to a hilly region in Karnataka where a unique culture persists even today. This contemporary Malenadu house stands as a remarkable bridge between the past and the present. Inspired by the verses of renowned Kannada poet Kuvempu, it is a living homage to the rich, cultural tapestry of Karnataka. It infuses familiarity with the use of materials like local wood, mud bricks and lime plaster.

Upcoming projects: A wellness project in the Himalayas, working closely with local craftsmen; a luxury wattle and daub studio cottage in Goa.

Material you’re obsessed with: Natural fibres

Philosophy: “Our practice has shaped immensely from this beautiful quote by Octavio Paz: ‘To be truly modern, we must first reconcile ourselves with our traditions.’”

Annkur Khosla

Project in focus: A double-height home in the heart of Mumbai, inspired by gothic architecture, interpreted in a neo-gothic stylistic identity. The archways on both sides of the double-height space allow light to pour in and also juxtapose the window systems externally. Artworks and vibrant furnishings infuse colours into its sombre interiors.

Upcoming projects: A massive villa in Alibag; Earth Cafe in an art deco building in Mumbai.

Material you’re obsessed with: Textured cementitious walls in a matte finish

Philosophy: “To create soulful and meaningful spaces with immense thought to design and detail, and challenge to push the envelope with every project.”

Robert Verrijt, Shefali Balwani, Rohit Mankar

Project in focus: Blurring the lines between architecture and nature, a villa in Alibag was conceived as a tranquil sanctuary for a Mumbai-based family. With a focus on natural materials and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, it merges modern elegance with the earthy charm of its surroundings.

Upcoming projects: A high-end boutique hotel in Sikkim; a luxury retreat in Kaziranga; an Ekya School in Goa.

Material you’re obsessed with: Cross-laminated timber (CLT)

Philosophy: “We look at creating not just buildings but experiences—offering spaces where the human presence feels as natural as the landscape itself. We see architecture as a journey, where the forces of nature and time play a significant role in shaping the final outcome.”

Akshat Bhatt

Project in focus: A sea-facing residence in Goa, this 8,650-square-foot home champions sustainable construction with its use of mass timber. Its open-plan interiors prioritize light, air and volume. Elevated on stilts to preserve the site’s natural slope, the linear structure features 11 glulam portal frames, offering strength with a reduced carbon footprint.

Upcoming projects: A 40-acre rewilding and regeneration project in Uttarakhand; an office building in Abu Dhabi; a residence in Delhi with a private racetrack.

Material you’re obsessed with: Glulam or glued laminated timber

Philosophy: “Create environments that foster happiness and a sense of optimism for the future, bringing value to people’s lives and work. We believe in progressive design for a changing world.”

Ashiesh Shah

Project in focus: A thoughtful blend of modern functionality and personal heritage, the Indiabulls home embodies the vibrant social lives of its clients. Designed for effortless hosting, it balances dynamic entertainment areas and cosy family spaces. With a palette of warm woods, soft pastels, and textured materials, the ambience is both vibrant and serene. Handcrafted and contemporary touches celebrate Indian craftsmanship, creating a space that feels both meticulously curated and intimately personal.

Upcoming projects: Bar concept for Masque in Mumbai; large scale villa in Goa.

Material you’re obsessed with: “Currently, I’m drawn to the Aranmula Kannadi from Kerala—a mirror crafted from an ancient tin-copper alloy with a secret Vishwakarma formula.”

Philosophy: The atelier’s vision is to empower the karigar, working alongside master craftsmen from across India to create designs that honour artisanship while layering in a contemporary flair.

Vibha Hooda

Project in focus: A three-storey home in Gurugram with 13-foot-high ceilings, four bedrooms, living areas, hallways and terraces. Ensuring natural light and views of surrounding trees were among the primary concerns while drawing the plan for the home. The primary vision for the home was to create an airy haven ensconced in curated greenery in the limited space of an NCR plot.

Upcoming projects: A second home in Chandigarh; an apartment in Goa; a country estate and hill home; a lifestyle store.

Material you’re obsessed with: All flooring—Indian stone, marble, cement tiles, wood, terrazzo

Philosophy: “Spend time on the land before you put pen to paper. Let the space and climate speak to you. Observe, then create.”

Byram Wadia

Project in focus: A residence in Mumbai, designed to foster a connected environment that promotes togetherness while maintaining a serene, minimalist aesthetic in a previously complex space. By strategically carving out open areas, the layout achieves a harmonious balance between transparency and privacy. The family embraced creative and unconventional solutions throughout the design process, fully adopting a new way of living.

Narendra Pirgal, Vikram Rajasekaran, Smaran Mallesh

Project in focus: Located in a busy residential neighbourhood in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, the ‘K Home’ is a villa with a facade marked by dynamic openings — reminiscent of a cube with strategically scooped-out segments. The living room on the ground floor of the home has a double height volume that spatially connects the various levels of the home.

Samuel Barclay, Erica Barclay, Saleem Bhatri

Project in focus: Otra, a restaurant in Mumbai, for award-winning restaurateurs chef Alex Sanchez and Mallyeka Watsa. The design vision was to create a space that embodied the essence of Otra’s culinary philosophy of Latin American cuisine. It features influences of Central American architecture, deep, earthy hues, and a captivating semi-circular granite bar, finished in weathered wood.

Upcoming projects: Guest houses in Uttarakhand and Zanzibar; family homes in Alibag; a master planning and development project in Pawna; a farmhouse in Hyderabad; a school in Italy; houses in Texas and Bali; projects in Goa and Kamshet.

Material you’re obsessed with: Compressed earth blocks reinforced with a binder, developed by GreenJams.

Farah Agarwal

Project in focus: Ambavas, an eloquent 5,000-square-foot home in Chennai unfolds as an ode to subtle sophistication, where natural light and neutral hues marry to create an atmosphere of effortless elegance. The colour palette, a delicate play on neutral desert tones—sand, sun-kissed earth, and the faint blush of a setting sun—forms the foundational canvas. Every space radiates organic warmth, layering textures and tones to prevent the serene ambiance from feeling static.

Lijo John Mathew, Madhushitha CA

Project in focus: An outhouse in a lush site on the outskirts of Kozhikode—the panoramic view is emphasized by a curvilinear roof floating on top of concrete columns. The living, dining and bedroom spaces are placed facing the open side, with a view of the paddy fields. On the eastern side, clerestory windows frame the swaying branches of a mango tree.

Upcoming projects: Theyyam Heritage Conservation Centre in Kerala; a resort for Chitrangi Hospitality at Coorg, Karnataka.

Philosophy: “To produce projects that are direct and reduced to their essence, by means of a framework based on geometric order, which acts as a container to nurture forms, and references, from which the complexities of life unfold.”

Eliza Higgins, Cyrus Patell

Project in focus: A home in Alibag designed in collaboration with Rahul Mehrotra of RMA. Spanning across 30,000 square feet, this expansive holiday home features amenities such as a spa, gymnasium, and swimming pool among others. The living and dining spaces open out to the lush lawn, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Upcoming projects: Private residences in Hyderabad and Bengaluru; a boutique office building for an actor; an apartment’s interiors in South Mumbai.

Material you’re obsessed with: Ceramic panels

Philosophy: “Quiet, material-driven and detailed.”

Cormac Lynch

Project in focus: A contemporary high-rise Mumbai apartment, designed in collaboration with Karishma Bajaj of Black Projects. The style of the home is modern yet warm. It has flat ceilings and pared-down wall elevations with subtle detailing that accentuate the owner’s art collection. The colour scheme is also muted with accents of moss-green and blue to create a soothing ambience.

Upcoming projects: A traditional house and garden in Jaipur with lots of details and accents.

Material you’re obsessed with: Moire or watered silk

Philosophy: “I feel that an interior should have a character and should always feel individualistic. I love to work with every style—Georgian, minimalism, art deco, contemporary—that’s what keeps things interesting for me.”

Dominic Dube

Project in focus: A weekend home in Alibag spread across 25,000 square feet that is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. The architecture seamlessly blends large, circular, exposed-concrete columns that embrace the structure, creating an intimate yet monumental scale. Views of the surrounding hills are carefully framed from multiple vantage points, offering a sense of tranquillity and connection with nature. Each space is crafted to evoke a different emotional resonance, with the natural landscape playing a central role in transforming the ambience.

Upcoming projects: A 10,000-square-foot penthouse in Bengaluru; a dermatology clinic with a curved floor plan.

Material you’re obsessed with: Concrete

Philosophy: “It is important to become the place you live in, and to live in many places is always a plus to one’s philosophy.”

Puru Das, Brian DeMuro

Project in focus: An 18,000-square-foot, four-storey villa in Kanpur. The client’s brief of creating various entertaining zones resulted in one on each floor. The third floor features a rooftop swimming pool along with a home gym and a spa with multiple massage rooms. A sweeping spiral staircase connects all floors, making a dramatic statement.

Upcoming projects: The DeMuro Das London showroom in Chelsea; two homes in Delhi; designs for an art fair that explore the intersection between technology and ancient craft techniques.

Material you’re obsessed with: Cast glass

Philosophy: “Blending global influences with Indian craftsmanship—a fusion that results in unique pieces that cater to a contemporary, international audience while retaining a connection to Indian heritage.”

Darshini Shah

Project in focus: A 7,000-square-foot duplex family home in the heart of Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. The space’s design is a blend of classical charm with a minimal, modern vibe to please both generations. Yet, we could not use anything which was recycled, vintage or antique. All the colours used in this project are Vastu-approved, a design challenge that was exciting to work on.

Upcoming projects: Multiple residences in Mumbai and Hyderabad; interior architecture of an old heritage structure for the government of Maharashtra.

Material you’re obsessed with: Wood

Philosophy: “Design should be authentic to the user and reflect the journey of the designer. I believe in preserving the old and adapting it to suit modern-day needs.”

Veeram Shah

Project in focus: A 12,000-square-foot family residence in Navsari, designed to reflect the harmony of architecture and engineering. The home is a blend of micro-level vastu compliance and contextual modernity, holding true to Le Corbusier’s notion that ‘a house is a myth to be lived in’. Sustainable design interventions further protect it from the harsh weather conditions. The home is also infused with art and crafts from various parts of the country.

Upcoming projects: Homes in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Surat; an architectural project in Navsari; a musical instrument.

Material you’re obsessed with: Teakwood

Philosophy: “We believe design can never exist or be created in isolation. Rather, it is a collective expression of a person’s experiences, from the profound to the mundane.”

Dipen Gada

Project in focus: A residence in Vanana, Porbandar, designed for a client with a marine background. The 65,000-square-foot site features a C-shaped house with three bedrooms and large, open spaces, maximizing green connectivity. The design emphasizes seamless indoor-outdoor living, with a pool positioned between the living room and primary bedroom. The interiors feature a minimalist palette of whites, blues, wood and glass, complemented by a landscape of indigenous plants.

Charu Gandhi Pominkiewicz

Project in focus: A 5,457-square-foot penthouse apartment, located atop The Broadway, one of London’s newest developments. Spread across two storeys, the residence was designed to serve as a “sanctuary in the sky” for a young family of five—a retreat from city life—all while offering stunning views of iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Westminster Cathedral.

Upcoming projects: A 15,500-square-foot family home in Dubai; an expansive villa complex in Saudi Arabia; the redesign and refurbishment of a large 9,000-square-foot family home in New Hampstead, New York; a waterfront Italianate mansion in Miami.

Material you’re obsessed with: Onyx

Philosophy: “Our approach is defined by a commitment to bespoke design, meticulous attention to detail, and a collaborative approach that honours each client’s unique vision.”

Elsie Nanji

Project in focus: A corporate dining room in a commercial building in Mumbai—designed for industrialist Harsh Goenka, this room got a makeover after a decade, retaining parts that are still relevant. The walls and pillars are painted a deep forest green, while glass walls showcase the patio outside. The space features precious artworks from the client’s collection, making it look like a maximalist jewel box.

Upcoming projects: A home in Alibag and an apartment in Mumbai with architect Sameep Padora; a maritime museum in Khandala with architect Harsh Manrao.

Material you’re obsessed with: Resin

Philosophy: “I believe in bringing design happiness into everyday life. The homes I create spark joy, the offices feel like home, and the public spaces are cheerful and welcoming.”

Farah Ahmed, Dhaval Shellugar

Project in focus: Ventura, a showroom in Hyderabad curating furniture from fine European brands. Divided into several zones to create an eclectic yet homely atmosphere in the store, it features furniture for the bedroom, living room, study, outdoor space, and more. The central courtyard, the curved walls, and huge Barrisol ceiling are the focal point of the retail space.

Upcoming projects: The firm’s own office, a duplex, a standalone home spanning 25,000 square feet—all in Bengaluru.

Material you’re obsessed with: Cement

Philosophy: “There is the age-old saying: Think out of the box. At FADD, we believe there is no box. No boundary to break. No rule to defy. No statement to define. We have a stubborn sensibility to be original in every project we take on.”

Faisal Manzur

Project in focus: Lime plaster walls, leather-finished marble floors, oakwood furniture and muted furnishings define the Urban Retreat, a three-bedroom apartment designed for a young couple in Chennai. The apartment was reconfigured into two bedrooms, a study, a powder room and a home theatre to create more wall space to display the couple’s art collection as well as to enable an open flow of spaces for entertaining guests.

Upcoming projects: Three beach houses; four luxury interior apartments; two restaurants; two commercial stores all based out of Chennai.

Faiza Khan, Suril Patel

Project in focus: A residential project in Ladakh designed with a contemporary aesthetic, utilizing locally sourced materials. This earthen house’s design revolves around the core factors of passive solar heating (PSH) and contemporary Ladakhi planning. It is designed to stay warm in winter (without additional heating) and cool in summer (through cross ventilation) and provide running water throughout the year, which is rare in Ladakh.

Upcoming projects: A studio apartment with a private office designed as an iconic pavilion in timber in Leh; a private residence with earthen and solar heated techniques in Nubra.

Material you’re obsessed with: Locally sourced wood

Philosophy: “A travelling architecture practice shaped around hands-on collaborations. We deconstruct indigenous built forms, traditional artisanship and formal geometry.”

Anjali Mangalgiri

Project in focus: A contemporary restoration of a 150-year-old Portuguese house in Goa. Larger, updated openings invite light and breeze, creating a seamless connection between the indoors and the outdoors. Earthy finishes and thoughtful details further complete the sense of barefoot luxury in the house. A river flows nearby, and a beautiful walk connects the house to the river. The restoration is a marriage of historic and contemporary design elements.

Upcoming projects: A house in rammed earth in Goa; a home in Washington, DC; an apartment renovation in Manhattan; interiors for a penthouse in Singapore.

Material you’re obsessed with: Natural boulders

Philosophy: “Build what is necessary, build in harmony with nature and the land, build spaces that evoke strong emotional reactions.”

Hiren Patel

Project in focus: A real estate office in Ahmedabad is designed to be anything but ordinary, reflecting the client’s unique personality and approach to business through its unexpected design. The curvy roof, reminiscent of a giant wave, draws visitors into a space defined by openness and connection. Inside, there are no walls or cubicles, just glass, wood, and natural light creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with a living wall that adds a touch of greenery.

Philosophy: “To create spaces that resonate with the rhythms of nature, while also inspiring and recharging the mind.”

Arun Shekar, Mohammed Afnan

Project in focus: In the vibrant Kochi home named ‘Chitra’, colour takes center stage. Three distinct hues define the space: bright orange and pink in functional areas like the kitchen and bathrooms, with calming blues for the street-facing rooms, echoing the nearby waves. The home balances colour, texture, and functionality with finesse that results in a joyful and visually captivating home.

Upcoming projects: Restoring a nearly 300-year-old home in Manali; designing a mansion in Pune.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Red Agra stone, black slate, Kasavu handloom of Kerala

Philosophy: “To create designs that are not only functional but also beautiful and evocative—bringing warmth and personality to every space they inhabit.”

Bijoy Ramachandran, Sunitha Kondur

Project in focus: A family home in Trichy built around a linear courtyard. It is a reference to the family’s ancestral home. Its design evokes the same sense of community and gathering as traditional courtyard houses. Recycled timber, filler slabs and jack arches have been used in this project while an open lower floor allows the courtyard to induce air circulation within the house.

Upcoming projects: Houses in Nandi Hills and Devanahalli (Karnataka) and Goa; an Ayurvedic resort in Kerala; a forest conservation project in Coorg; schools in Bengaluru.

Material you’re obsessed with: Cross-laminated timber (CLT)

Philosophy: “To produce work that is frugal, pragmatic, collaborative and crafted, refined, graceful. The studio’s approach is grounded in the search for contextually appropriate solutions.”

Ritika Dhamija, Iqrup Dhamija

Project in focus: A private residence in London spanning two buildings just off the prestigious Onslow Square. This three-bedroom apartment is a lateral flat with east- and west-facing views, featuring floor-to-ceiling French windows on both sides. The apartment was completely gutted and renovated to maximize space and light, with the addition of new flooring, fireplaces, bathrooms, and a modern kitchen. The owner’s eclectic collection of antiques are juxtaposed with Indian textiles and heritage prints.

Upcoming projects: A holiday home in Greece; an apartment in London; homes in Jaipur, Kanpur and Assam.

Material you’re obsessed with: Antique French tapestries

Philosophy: “Enjoying every moment of the creative process, embracing spontaneity and experimentation, and allowing ideas to evolve naturally.”

Iram Sultan

Project in focus: A home in Delhi designed for young clients who are avid art collectors. It opens with a perforated jali; the interiors are peppered with their quirky and eye-catching collectibles. Adventurous in their choices, their vision is reflected through the colour scheme, placement of art, and the overall aesthetics. “For this home, we also did a fun lighting experiment, designed with Vis à vis.”

Upcoming projects: Several projects in different Indian cities; a few new projects with repeat clients.

Material you’re obsessed with: Parchment

Philosophy: “Happy spaces! A sense of comfort, warmth, oodles of joy and a sense of belonging. That is the end goal of most of the spaces we design.”

Isla Maria “Loulou” Van Damme

Project in focus: Nestled in the coastal town of Nerul, Goa, Ahilya by the Sea is the manifestation of artistic vision and architectural ingenuity. It consists of a cluster of villas where the whispers of the Arabian Sea blend seamlessly with the rustle of palm leaves. Each suite is dominated by a single colour, and furnished with crafts from across India. Another notable aspect of the project is Arjun’s Treehouse, named for the tree, and also known as the Writer’s Nest, which allows for an escape into nature. The project is executed in collaboration with Rohan Bhargade of MUDRA Design Studio.

Anjali Mody

Project in focus: A 3,300-square-foot three-bedroom apartment, designed to be a warm, tactile sanctuary, set on the 32nd floor of a building on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The apartment features numerous windows, light-filled corridors and a large terrace garden that looks out to uninterrupted views of the city, and uses a rich range of materials ranging from wood to brick to accents in cane. Each space within the home draws from various influences—the lines of art deco, murals inspired by the flora and fauna of the Western Ghats, and brick wall cladding as seen in Brooklyn brownstones.

Upcoming projects: New collections of furniture and carpets; a line of accessories and design objects.

Material you’re obsessed with: Faux fur and metallic pigments

Philosophy: “As an artist in my personal life, I spent many years questioning my role as a designer and the role of design in the world. Intuitively, I knew good design had the ability to influence how we live, love and learn collectively. But after a decade of running Josmo, I have the proof to back up these initial instincts. After years of fine-tuning, I discovered that the best design comes from listening deeply to the people we make with, the people we make for, and the culture we all coexist within.”

Sunita Kohli, Kohelika Kohli

Project in focus: A private residence in Delhi that has two duplex apartments. The architectural design was primarily created to get as much natural light to flow into every storey of the house, and to be surrounded by greenery on each level. The terrace, which converts itself as an outdoor entertainment space with a bar, is surrounded by judiciously planned mixed foliage. The balconies on both ends have built-in planters, while an old banyan tree branches out on them, as if protecting the house from intruding eyes.

Upcoming projects: Residential projects in Delhi and other cities.

Material you’re obsessed with: Resin and brass

Philosophy: “Stay sensitive to our environment and the cultural milieu we work in.”

Sandeep Khosla, Amaresh Anand

Project in focus: A villa in Bengaluru that harmonizes with nature, optimizes the city’s climate, and allows for ample natural light and ventilation. The client’s love for contemporary Indian art and music also played a central role in shaping the design. All common areas maintain a visual connection with the garden, ensuring a seamless interaction between the built environment and nature.

Upcoming projects: A resort in Coorg; a beach hotel in Visakhapatnam; a villa development in Coonoor; restaurants in Bengaluru and Raipur; homes in various cities.

Material you’re obsessed with: Lime plaster, ceramic and marble

Philosophy: “To constantly evolve as we experiment and innovate with new materials and techniques of construction, without compromising on our ethos of quality architecture and design.”

Kunal Maniar

Project in focus: A sprawling Alibag estate designed with sensitivity towards local biodiversity and water-management needs. Two densely planted courtyards operate synergistically to create a cool microclimate around the living space. Minimal hardscaping maximizes permeable surfaces, aiding water conservation efforts. Traditional charpais under a massive mango tree become a snug alcove for afternoon siestas. The project equates luxury to symbiosis and slow, conscious living.

Upcoming projects: A public park in Khajuraho that will pay homage to the heritage of the iconic temple complex while sustaining a biodiverse wetland habitat.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Pyrite and panchdhatu (an alloy of gold, silver, copper, zinc, and iron)

Philosophy: “I like to describe my style as ‘studied negligence’, wherein nature is handed back her agency to assert her design statement freely.”

Kunal Shah

Project in focus: Remodelling of a 15-year-old cottage in Alibag with the addition of a pool and garden. All the debris generated was used to create levels on site and avoid any landfills. The garden was designed by landscape architect Hemali Samant as a wild tropical jungle. The lap pool has been lined in kadappa stone to look like a natural waterbody. Additionally, the floor tiles have been baked in a bread kiln in Goa.

Upcoming projects: A house in Alibag; restoration of a colonial cottage in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu; restoration of a brownstone flat in Mumbai.

Material you’re obsessed with: Wastage or offcuts of marble and marble slurry.

Philosophy: “Authenticity, timelessness, simplicity and effortlessness, not to be confused with minimalism.”

Shonan Purie Trehan

Project in focus: “House of 7 Courtyards” is a true garden house where each space connects directly to a unique courtyard that has a distinct character. The sprawling multigenerational home in Vadodara is made using exposed concrete, rammed earth and mud plaster. Designed as a luxurious “ashram”, the home is a single-level structure deeply rooted to the ground.

Upcoming projects: An iconic women’s skilling centre in the desert; hospitals in Uttar Pradesh and Kathmandu; medical college in Delhi; houses in Alibag, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Goa.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Poured earth and 3D printing with earth

Philosophy: “Our name reflects our design philosophy. We named the practice ‘Language. Architecture. Body.’ as we believe in working between the narrative, the built intervention and habitation.”

Reny Lijo, Lijo Jos

Project in focus: A single-storey residence in Kerala, thoughtfully adapted to a sloped site. The home’s defining feature is its undulating roofline, which not only creates a striking visual profile but also adds spatial variation inside. The use of natural materials like teak, combined with large sliding windows and Japanese-inspired louvred screens, helps integrate the house with its lush surroundings.

Upcoming projects: A sprawling residence in Thrissur, a property in Kannur, and a house in Kottakal—all situated in a semi-urban, organic setting.

Philosophy: “Approach every project with an open mind, allowing the distinctive characteristics of the space and the client’s vision to guide our creative process.”

Shruti Jaipura

Project in focus: Amaiti, which translates to ‘calm and quiet’ in Tamil, is a 4,500-square-foot farmhouse located in Coimbatore that has a direct view of the Nilgiris. The home consists of traditional kota flooring, art and objects that are juxtaposed against modern furniture and lighting. The home has quiet interiors with subtle surfaces and neutral colours, which make it the ideal for getting away from the bustle of the city.

Upcoming projects: Luxury homes; restaurant at the Leela Palace; bar at the Ritz Carlton; a chef’s table restaurant.

Material you’re obsessed with: Wood and cane

Philosophy: “Our philosophy is to create sensitive, timeless spaces rooted in a sense of place and belonging.”

Kamal Malik, Arjun Malik

Project in focus: A building in Khar, Mumbai, that re-establishes a substantive relationship with the street by eliminating the presence of a massive building at street eye-level. Designed for a joint family, it features individual residences planned around central north-facing courtyards with the public and private spaces located in the east and west zones. The courtyards bind the internal spaces and allow for natural light and breeze to flow throughout the house.

Upcoming projects: Hotel projects in interesting locations like Kalimpong, West Bengal, and Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka; master planning project in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

Material you’re obsessed with: Brick, stone and wood

Philosophy: “To develop a relevant contemporary syntax of architecture for the Indian subcontinent articulated through architecture as a synthesis of ecology and spirit.”

Niels Schoenfelder, Bharath Ram K, JT Arima, Avinav Venkatachalam

Upcoming Projects: A cabin in the mountains of North Carolina; a mountain estate; beach house in Australia; a large heritage estate in Madras.

Material you’re obsessed with: Zinc

Philosophy: “Trying to produce atmospheric and tactile qualities for our spaces that can be worthwhile backdrops to the lives of their inhabitants. We try to learn from the long histories of building and arts – searching for principles of space-making relevant to our tasks and times.”

Mangesh Lungare

Project in focus: Seamlessly merging two apartments into a single contemporary home, this residential project in Mumbai features warm tones, chosen to complement the lush greenery seen outside. The pocket balconies in the bedrooms have been transformed into a study, maximizing the available space with a sense of being outdoors. A mix of wood and fabric throughout the home makes it cosy, while the juxtaposition of various elements gives it a modern edge.

Upcoming projects: A 12,000-square-foot duplex home and an apartment in a high-rise in Mumbai; a residential apartment in Gurugram.

Philosophy: “Merging rooted traditions and modern trends, making the design more functional and artistically refined.”

Marie-Anne Oudejans

Project in focus: Once a Maharaja’s private holiday home, the Jaipur House in Mount Abu is now resurrected as a shining new boutique hotel. After having been operational as a hotel for 22 years, a redesign was in order according to Sawai Padmanabh Singh, the head of Jaipur’s royal family (best known to friends and family as “Pacho”, who also graced AD’s March-April 2024 cover story). Oudejans was the favoured choice for this project. Her trademark style—bold stripes, striking colours, chic chevrons, and a maximalist sensibility—is evident throughout the hotel, with the tiniest detail accounted for and shown love to.

Upcoming Projects: 18 Kama Ayurveda stores that will open in India, a restaurant bar in Castle Kanota, Jaipur, and a new home line.

Material you’re obsessed with: Raffia

Philosophy: Colourful stories where old meets new, traditions and heritage are timeless, and the future carries an exotic twist.

Soumitro Ghosh, Nisha Mathew Ghosh

Project in focus: RBANM’s High School campus in Bengaluru where four classrooms were given a fresh breath of life without taking away the heritage structure’s essence. This pro bono conservation is about care—of preservation of regional and institutional history, construction methods and processes, and revival of historic areas. The RBANM Educational Charities Trust, founded in 1873, has been consistently invested in the provision of education and overall development of children.

Upcoming projects: A family-owned business house’s headquarters in Bengaluru; a large brew pub in Hyderabad; a multi-generational contemporary home in Bengaluru.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Stone and lime plaster

Philosophy: “An intent to merge functionality with a refined aesthetic, often using locally sourced materials and emphasizing environmental sustainability.”

Sonali Rastogi, Manit Rastogi

Project in focus: Situated on a 17-acre lush site, Vidyashilp Academy in Yelahanka near Bengaluru is a co-educational school designed with a unique identity. The design extends the learning experience beyond the classroom with outdoor classrooms and flexible spaces meeting diverse requirements. The classroom blocks are clustered around landscaped courtyards. The architectural language emphasizes functionality, aiming to create an inside-out campus where students connect with their immediate environments.

Upcoming projects: Schools in Gurugram and Delhi and an architect’s residence in Delhi.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Sustainable materials that also serve as benchmarks for innovative design

Philosophy: “We believe that climatic specifications and sociocultural contexts are imperative before designing any building.”

Jasem Pirani, Huzefa Rangwala

Project in focus: A hacienda-style home adapted to Coimbatore’s climate. Spread over an area of 14,000 square feet in the heart of the city, the home’s layout also pays homage to Chettinad homes, with a central courtyard connecting the pool, lounge, dining and family areas. The windows and openings were recessed to protect the interiors from the harsh summer sun. The courtyard features a restrained pixelated tile pattern, while the pool vault showcases a floral design. In contrast, larger marble pieces define the living and library areas.

Upcoming projects: A large family abode in Kandla; a rural school in Kathiwada; an experience centre in Hyderabad.

Material you’re obsessed with: Tadelakt plaster

Philosophy: “We meet inspiration on the ever-fleeting terrain of whimsy, wonder, and stories yearning to be told. Over the years, our design journey has been led by discovery, metamorphosis, and the interplay of senses. Between lines on paper and walls on earth, we find the dreamers in us relentlessly on a quest to make spaces sensorial and emotionally tactile.”

Nakul Munim

Project in focus: A family home in the heart of Mumbai with an aesthetic rooted in earthiness. Its colour palette primarily consists of neutral tones of brown, peach fuzz and creams with highlights of green. The material palette comprises Burma teakwood, granite, onyx, marble, forged brass and iron—all placed within lime-plastered walls and ceiling. The soft furnishings of natural fabrics such as cotton and linen along with jute and hand-knotted wool and silk rugs showcase the homeowners’ love for organic textures.

Upcoming projects: Two residential apartments in Mumbai—one in Breach Candy and the other in Juhu.

Material you’re obsessed with: Brass

Philosophy: “My design is non-formulaic. I try to infuse culture and pleasure into functionality.”

Phirosa Neterwala, Sunu Aibara

Project in focus: A show apartment in Mumbai where monotone hues merge with soft accents and vibrant touches, creating a balanced yet striking environment. Rich textures bring depth while organic curves enhance spatial fluidity, guiding movement through the design. The understated luxury reflects the wabi-sabi philosophy, where imperfections are celebrated, resulting in a design that feels both refined and natural. The home exudes timeless craftsmanship and architectural elegance.

Upcoming projects: Luxury apartments in Mumbai, Delhi and Dubai; standalone bungalows in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bhopal; holiday homes in Alibag and Pawna.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Reclaimed materials, resin, and organic materials like hemp, papier-mâché

Philosophy: “Versatility and adaptability with an open-minded and explorative approach.”

Shruti Jalan, Neesha Alwani

Project in focus: A heritage bungalow in Mumbai with a timeless façade and interiors. The enchanting wooden staircases, balconies, and even the repurposed horse stable that now serves as a garage offer a journey back in time. It’s a delicate balance between heritage and modernity, where the enduring values and craftsmanship of the past meet the evolving needs of the present.

Upcoming projects: Restoration and interiors of a British colonial bungalow in Ooty; a boutique hotel in Panchgani; interiors of a wellness centre in Alibag; a nursing college in Panvel.

Material you’re obsessed with: Exposed brick

Philosophy: “A wonderful blend of functionality, aesthetics, and a profound connection to the human experience, the environment, and the essence of belonging.”

Sonal Sancheti, Rahul Gore

Project in focus: Nestled on a quarter acre, this home in Aamby Valley is a beautifully crafted retreat for a family. The innovative roof design seamlessly hugs the ground, harmonizing with the natural landscape while adhering to local building regulations. The material palette—robust stone at the base, smooth plaster, and traditional Mangalore tiles on a teakwood roof—adds aesthetic appeal and durability.

Upcoming projects: Several houses in and around Mumbai and Pune; two museum projects in Gujarat; the Sancheti Hostel in Pune.

Material you’re obsessed with: Exposed steel

Philosophy: “Keep it simple by asking ‘why’ at every stage of design to filter ideas and strip them down to their essence, resulting in pure and functional architectural solutions.”

Palinda Kannangara

Project in focus: “Horizon”, a private house perched on the cliffs of the coastal area overlooking the picturesque Hiriketiya Bay in Sri Lanka. It breaks away from the traditional concept of a unified dwelling by completely separating the individual spaces from the common areas. The most striking feature is the concrete structure supported by columns and framed by glass, which seamlessly blends with the sea’s horizon.

Upcoming projects: A studio home for the founder of the Sambol Foundation in Sri Lanka; a “non-showroom” for the furniture brand Phantom Hands in Bengaluru.

Material you’re obsessed with: Whatever is readily available and suits the context.

Philosophy: “To respect the environment and available resources, build simply but impactfully.”

Pavitra Rajaram

Project in focus: A heritage restoration project in Mumbai—planned as an art and culture space for Sarmaya, a not-for-profit arts foundation. The 3,400-square-foot space is located in the iconic Lawrence and Mayo building in the Fort area. “Over the years, the building had deteriorated due to poor maintenance. We took up the task of giving this derelict site a new life.”

Upcoming projects: A state-of-the-art, new-age hospital in Hyderabad; a four-acre development of weekend homes in the Nilgiris.

Material you’re obsessed with: Salt! I have seen it used in so many interesting ways in architecture.

Philosophy: “I want to create beautiful spaces and objects that are thoughtfully and mindfully made, with attention to detail, consummate storytelling, and paying homage to craft and culture.”

Rajiv Saini

Project in focus: A duplex in Mumbai where the art brings the space to life. Spread across 8,000 square feet, the home comprises five bedrooms, besides the living, dining, study and large entertainment room. The clients, who lived in the same building on a lower floor, had their eyes on this penthouse for a few years, and finally got their dream home.

Upcoming projects: An apartment in London; holiday homes in Aamby Valley and Pawna, Maharashtra; flats in Mumbai high-rises; family homes in Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Parchment and paper

Philosophy: “To imbue spaces with a certain mood or emotion that stems from long conversations and discussions with clients. Always context driven.”

Ravi Vazirani

Top two projects from the past year: A 6,000-square-foot penthouse in Hyderabad and fashion designer Arpita Mehta’s showroom in Delhi.

Upcoming projects: Multiple apartments across the country; a large home in Mumbai; two residential projects in Hyderabad; a home in Goa; a retail project in Kolkata.

Material you’re obsessed with: Paper pulp

Philosophy: “Create with emotion and soul. Design is an experience beyond the tangible. The physical elements must connect to those emotions. Don’t create just to please—create for the joy of it. That’s my mantra.”

Rajiv Parekh, Ekta Parekh, Maithili Raut

Project in focus: A triplex penthouse in Mumbai that reimagines a 5-bedroom layout into a 3.5-bedroom home. The lower level features terrazzo floors, versatile living and dining spaces, and a reconfigured kitchen for seamless functionality. One of the project’s highlights is a perforated metal staircase that connects all levels, leading to private zones upstairs and a terrace with a lap pool, shaded seating, and dining areas.

Upcoming projects: A boutique resort property for Postcard Hotels in collaboration with Iram Sultan Design Studio, a residential bungalow in Lonavala with Ashiesh Shah, and another bungalow in Hyderabad with Neterwala Aibara | Interior Architects. The team is also working on a flagship fashion store for a couture brand in a heritage building, a celebrity home in Goa, and a celebrity office in Bandra.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Natural pigments that can be seamlessly applied across all surfaces—walls, floors, ceilings and furniture—while exploring various sealing methods to ensure they age gracefully.

Philosophy: “We have strived hard as a practice to not get slotted in a specific niche and believe ourselves to be pure designers—not limited by typology or scale. We pride ourselves in designing anything from the most minuscule hinge, which would play a pivotal role in the way some project feature functions, to setting out the master plan for a 100-acre educational campus. Hence, the practice is multidisciplinary, involving product design, interior design, architectural, and urban design. The process and approach towards each is equally rigorous and comprehensive.”

Richa Bahl

Project in focus: Peach Hill, a serene house nestled in the oak-studded hillside of Saratoga, New York, was designed for an Indian couple who met in the US. It was of the utmost importance to them to retain the essence of India while keeping the home contemporary. The design needed to complement the bones of the house, originally created by architect Kirk Hillman, without completely altering it. This harmony was achieved by thoughtfully integrating both Indian and American materials.

Upcoming Projects: Renovation of a house in New Jersey; Oberoi 360 in Worli, Mumbai; Smeg Showroom in Mumbai; Lovefools - an outdoor cafe in Mumbai.

Material you’re obsessed with: Antique Mirrors with an acid wash finish

Philosophy: “Here are few things I like to follow in my style of designing; 1. Inside a room I want to feel the drama; 2. Serious is not a word that should be used for decorating; 3. A room should feel collected, not decorated.”

Ritu Nanda

Project in focus: Surrounded by a lush forest, and overlooking a coconut grove in Siolim, Goa, “Villa Avos” is a home with four bedroom suites, a home office, a family room, a large living and dining room with a pool view on one side and opening into a beautifully landscaped garden on the other. The design takes into consideration the topography, weather conditions and the client’s requirements. Its interiors are clean, minimal and elegant.

Upcoming projects: The renovation of a large family home as well as other villas in Goa; interiors for private residences in Mumbai.

Material you’re obsessed with: Black marble

Philosophy: “How a space will be used concerns me more deeply than its design.”

Martand Khosla

Top two projects from the past year: A home in Mussoorie on a mountainside and another in New Delhi. The Mussoorie house is a stacked three-storey structure in stone and metal, sitting on a hillside with breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and mountains. The house in New Delhi is an inward-looking, four-storey stacked structure, abutting two buildings on either side. It features a series of double- and triple-height spaces, creating interesting sectional volumes in a small plot.

Upcoming projects: Two institutional projects and three homes across India, including a mountain home, a city home, and a seaside home.

Material you’re obsessed with: Stabilized mud as a building material—the firm is working on a building form that integrates steel and mud.

Philosophy: “Build simple, design elegantly, use local materials, and allow materials to express themselves in a building.”

Rooshad Shroff

Top two projects from the past year: The first is a new furniture collection titled Balance. The pieces are inspired by anomalies in nature and feature several new mediums that the studio has been exploring in recent years. The second is a design centre for Asian Paints in Mumbai, covering 90,000 square feet, scheduled for completion in January 2025.

Collaborations in the past year: A collaboration with artist T Venkanna on a capsule collection called INpLAY. Craftsmen in Agra translated Venkanna’s drawings into hand-cut marble pieces, which were then inlaid into select furniture the C-Collection, crafted from recycled Burma teak.

Upcoming projects: A 50,000-square-foot primary residence in Bengaluru; stores for Rahul Mishra and Manish Malhotra’s new label, Diffuse.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Marble remains a permanent obsession, though onyx has recently come into focus.

Philosophy: “My design philosophy is built on the foundation of handcrafted, bespoke, time-consuming luxury.”

Samira Rathod

Top two projects from the past year: A master plan for a mixed-use development in Indore, and a home in Delhi.

Upcoming projects: The re-adaptation of a large haveli in Navalgadh, Gujarat.

Philosophy: “Our designs take inspiration from local cultures—their techniques, their materials, their stories, and their history—ensuring harmony in coexistence with the environment. We craft spaces that stand as testaments to our values and commitment to the realm of architecture. SRDA’s architecture is a beautiful, lasting, indigenous, recycled, and small tribute to the world. We believe in a practice driven by values of beauty, love, integrity, rigour, and sustainability, forming the acronym BLIRS, which also hints at the idea of ambiguity, interpretation, and serendipity—ways in which we arrive at design through lateral thinking and iterations.”

Sanjay Puri, Nina Puri

Project in focus: Zen Spaces is a 27,000-square-foot home in Jaipur that consists of cuboid volumes punctuated with an open courtyard, built in four levels to provide space for three generations to live together. The circulation spine within the house skirts the courtyard, allowing a visual connection to the landscape outside.

Upcoming projects: The Prestige University in Indore; Hitkarni University in Jabalpur; resorts in Udaipur and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan and Mulshi, Maharashtra.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Adobe and bamboo

Philosophy: “Creating spaces that evolve in an explorative manner and transcend the way spaces have been perceived earlier. Creating architecture that is rooted in contextual terms and yet evolutionary in its experiences.”

Sujit Nair

Project in focus: Villa Shakthi is spread across a 2,500-square-metre site, and is defined by a pool-courtyard. Conceived as the anchoring centre, the rooms and circulation overlook and stretch out into this courtyard. The central pool-courtyard allows for spaces to be arranged along three wings. With a large garden in the foreground, the veranda is used as a space of engagement with neighbours and casual congregation, true to its traditional use.

Upcoming Projects: 4 independent villas; a 120 key hotel in Bengaluru; a government school project; 5 bars.

Material you’re obsessed with: Stone

Philosophy: “To have the ability to shift seamlessly between project types and scales. While ambition is constant, actual execution comes from experience. That is possible only by having a deep understanding of the context we build in.”

Anand Sonecha

Project in focus: Gram-Setu is a community centre in Valuna, a village in Gujarat’s Meghraj district. Centred on an old Mahua tree, it integrates a gram udhyog, gaushala, volunteer house, and community centre. Built with thick mud walls from on-site earth and Wardha vaulted roofs crafted from locally made clay tubes, the project channels rainwater into a 30,000-litre harvesting tank and converts organic waste into biogas for cooking and agriculture, blending sustainability with community needs.

Upcoming projects: A heritage mansion extension in Madhya Pradesh; a seed bank in Valuna village in Gujarat; a children’s library in Ahmedabad; exhibitions in France and the UK.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Simple materials and local techniques that respect the environment and elevate the essence of place.

Philosophy: “Our approach is slow, contemplative, and open-ended, enhancing what exists while embracing imperfection as a virtue.”

Christopher Lee, Kapil Gupta

Project in focus: The Raj Sabhagruh, the centrepiece building in the 100-hectare masterplan development for the Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, Dharampur, Gujarat, India. The complex houses a 5,000-seater auditorium, classrooms, discourse rooms, a 1,000-meter museum, a meditation hall, and more. The Raj Sabhagruh’s exterior concrete sheet walls are clad in 50mm thick, hand-chiseled, rough-cut Makrana white marble bricks. Reinterpreting the architecture of Jain temples, the complex is memorable and timeless.

Simone Dubash Pandole

Project in focus: Situated in the heart of South Mumbai, this apartment in a new high-rise offers spectacular views of the city from a wrap-around balcony that spans its entire length. The linear plan and flexible wall layout emphasize a spacious, open living room. Wood panelling, veneers, and coloured marble flooring infuse the home with warmth and a playful sense of character.

Upcoming projects: Two outstation homes; residential projects within Mumbai.

Material you’re obsessed with: Wood

Philosophy: “Keep the client's needs and wants in mind, and create a home which will enjoy living in. Understated and elegant is always better than over the top.”

Shimul Javeri Kadri, Vaishali Shankar, Sarika Shetty, Roshni Kshirsagar

Project in focus: A private residence in Nagpur where temperatures can soar above 40 degrees Celsius in summer. The climate-responsive vernacular architecture of the havelis of North India—with communal courtyards (chowks), projecting balconies (jharokhas), and intricate brick or stone lattice screens (jalis)—along with the timber-based wadas, residential architecture more predominant in Maharashtra, served as inspirations for the design of the house.

Upcoming projects: A hotel in Hampi, Karnataka; SR University in Warangal, Telangana; JSW Nursing College in Dolvi, near Alibaug.

Material you’re obsessed with: Natural stones

Philosophy: “We design spaces for a rapidly urbanizing India, meticulously crafted from a study of climate, culture, history and technology—each unique to the place and its people.”

Brinda Somaya, Nandini Sampat

Project in focus: The Academic building for the Humanities and Social Sciences Department, located within the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B). The proposed six-floor academic building includes an Artificial Intelligence department and the Human Sciences and Services (HSS) department, alongside collaborative spaces such as meeting rooms and a performance studio. A bridge seamlessly connects this new building to the existing HSS building, enhancing accessibility and encouraging interaction between departments.

Upcoming projects: “The people of Mumbai” exhibition at CSMVS Museum, Mumbai, Academic Blocks 1 and 2 at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, and the international headquarters of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BKC, Mumbai.

Philosophy: "We use design as a catalyst to create social change, shaping a better tomorrow for generations to come. Our work reflects a deep respect for cultural heritage and contextual sensitivity, while responding to the needs of all stakeholders and the environment. Our multidisciplinary approach blends research and technological innovation, modern design and local skills, sustainability and ethical practices into a cohesive story that pushes creative boundaries."

Sona Reddy

Project in focus: Clay, a 11,000-square-foot residence in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills, follows an extensive renovation effort from the ground up. The resulting structure features a bold, monolithic facade punctuated by geometric breeze blocks on the southern and western fronts. Inside are communal areas with double height walls, lofty glass fenestrations and furniture—both refurbished from the original structure and curated new additions.

Soumya Keshavan

Project in focus: A modernist, clean-lined two-level house seated on the hillside in the Nilgiris’ Shola forests. Flat terraces and large glass windows create several vantage points to view the surrounding landscape, whereas the interiors are layered with textiles, paintings, antiques, and other collected materials.

Upcoming projects: Private residences in Chennai, Coonoor as well as Allada valley in the Nilgiris.

Material you’re obsessed with: Wood, always

Philosophy: Souk’s design philosophy is rooted in layering a simple structural shell with thoughtfully curated objects and furniture. We take pleasure in juxtaposing contemporary settings with timeless accents, be it tribal art, mid-century furniture, and singular pieces. This approach ensures every space tells its own story, long after our intervention.

Sameep Padora, Aparna Dhareshwar, Vami Koticha

Project in focus: Zama Villas is a housing project comprising 14 homes on a 1.2-acre site in Anjuna, Goa. While single-family group housing typologies typically follow the suburban house format, with a series of homes laid out in a gridded street arrangement, Zama Villas (within Zama Village) rethinks this typology by creating a variety of house forms structured around a common open space, with a curving public street running through the middle. The shared living spaces in each home—such as the living and dining areas—open onto the street, fostering interaction between residents. The design incorporates the concept of the threshold, referencing the vernacular Goan balcao (entrance veranda), to enhance the communal experience.

Two projects from the past year: Hampi Art Labs, Karnataka, and Icon Initiative 99, a global competition which called upon students, designers, and architects to help address the global housing crisis by designing homes using 3D-printed construction technology.

Current and upcoming projects: A diverse range of master planning and architectural projects. These include the design of a high-performance center for a prestigious cricket league team, educational institutional campuses, and several township developments and gated communities. Additionally, the firm is designing a bespoke cliff side hospitality project in Goa, and a temple on the banks of the River Ganges.

Current material obsession: Reclaimed concrete and upcycled concrete blocks.

Philosophy: “Our practice questions the nostalgia involved with the static ‘museumification’ of craft and tradition as well as the nature of what today comprises the ‘regional’ in contexts amplified by their place in global and regional networks.”

Sangeeta Merchant, Sanjeev Panjabi

Project in focus: A vertical green residence titled Sarvasa, fully realized in terracotta panels in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs. The firm likens the curious, jagged, eye-like cut in the otherwise pristine vertical cuboid to how a sari-clad Indian lady looks out from her veil. Greenery is integrated throughout, attempting to make a connection between life and nature.

Top two projects from the past year: Sanskriti Vihara, a centre for religious learning for the KJ Somaiya Trust at Vidyavihar, Mumbai, is one of the firm’s standout projects. The other is Ikebana, the firm’s first real multistorey housing apartment project in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Collaborations in the past year: An exciting collaboration with Italian practice GEZA Architettura from Udine, Italy. The collaboration will focus on research projects, competitions, and collaborative ideation.

Upcoming projects: Khwaabgah, a large multigenerational home in Delhi, inspired by Fatehpur Sikri with red sandstone and white Indian marble; Kasaya, a sand-coloured concrete home in Ahmedabad; Kal Tottam, a stone garden home project in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu; a sand brick villa in Dubai Hills; a super-sustainable resort project on Pemba Island, North Zanzibar.

Material you’re obsessed with: Light and its interaction with materials.

Philosophy: “Relevant stories that capture the essence of the contemporary Indian diaspora.”

Tony Joseph, George Seemon

Project in focus: Amaraanth is a 12-suite seaside retreat in South Goa, built with a design philosophy centred on harmonizing natural surroundings with the built environment. With an existing structure already in place, the aim was to retain as much of it as possible, ensuring seamless integration with its surroundings while minimizing environmental impact. The vision was to enhance and highlight the value of the location, achieving a seamless blend of contemporary design with a traditional vernacular style.

Top two projects from the past year: Vantara Niwas, a hotel in Jamnagar, and Avadh Ayuska, a villa development in Surat.

Collaborations in the past year: The firm’s vertical Vanam Landscape collaborated with Salad Dressing, Singapore, on the projects Akshara Ananda in Hyderabad and Nura in Bengaluru.

Upcoming projects: Hilton Resort in Hyderabad; Alila Resort in Coorg.

Material you’re obsessed with: Laterite, a desirable choice for sustainable, context-sensitive architecture, especially in tropical climates.

Philosophy: “Be sincere—to the client, to the environment, to the end user, and to a larger context.”

Sourabh Gupta, Mridu Sahai Patnaik

Project in focus: A monsoon cabin in Kanhe, Maharashtra, 135 kilometres outside Mumbai. Made of steel with metal sheets cladding insulated cement walls, the cabin is built for high durability against the challenging weather conditions of rain and winds. A single-storey structure that is designed to be conscious of its ecological footprint, the cabin’s ground floor features an open kitchen and living room with windows that frame panoramic views of the terrain. On the floor above is a single-bedroom suite with a bed and bath that opens up to views of the river.

Upcoming projects: Civic projects in Meghalaya, a visitor centre in Ektanagar and the Regional Science Centre in Jamnagar.

Material you’re obsessed with: Wood/timber

Philosophy: Archohm is a multidisciplinary design studio with a responsive, responsible approach to architecture.

Pravir Sethi

Project in focus: A three-bedroom, 2,500-square-foot flat located in a late-1930s building, one of the first in the iconic art deco precinct of Marine Drive, Mumbai. Designed for a senior couple, the home retains the building’s expansive ceiling heights and spacious rooms. The design focuses on enhancing openness, maximizing daylight, and ensuring efficient space utilization, all while paying homage to the art deco context.

Top two projects from the past year: A private residential apartment interior located in one of the oldest buildings along Marine Drive, and a gallery/experience centre for a construction industry product in a retrofitted old house in Bengaluru, which was reworked with reference to the vernacular.

Collaborations in the past year: With Studio Trace for lighting design.

Upcoming projects: A 22,000-square-foot villa in Agarsure, Alibag; a gallery in Pune; a villa near Pawna Lake—all in Maharashtra.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Birch plywood and wax

Philosophy: “To do more with less. To provide flexible design solutions that can redefine how we think about luxury.”

Mitul Desai, Priyank Parmar

Top two projects from the past year: The first is House by the River, a large multigenerational family residence located on the river Par near Valsad. The design carries forward the language of the family’s earlier residence by the late architect Vanu Bhuta. The second is Jaipur House, the firm’s first major residence outside Gujarat. The challenge was ensuring the quality and attention to detail were maintained. Entirely clad in Jodhpur pink stone, the house is a monolithic stone sculpture.

Upcoming projects: A corporate office for a developer and an intimate courtyard house. Additionally, they are developing a cowshed facility for 50 Gir cows and their caretakers, spread across three acres.

Material you’re obsessed with: Wood—the firm values its agility and workability, along with the permanence it brings to their projects.

Philosophy: “The only valuable ideas for us are the ones that are built.”

Birju Shah, Pooja Shah, Dhaara Shah

Project in focus: Raag House in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is a 19,000-square-foot residence where concrete serves as a bold yet balanced backdrop for a striking curation of furniture and objects. Stone panelling enriches the texture, while vibrant hues—reds, blues, pinks and blacks—add a compelling contrast, creating a space that reimagines traditional design.

Collaborations in the past year: The firm collaborated with architectural practices like Modo Design, led by Arpan Shah, and Landscape India, guided by Aniket Bhagwat. On a micro level, they worked with textile designers like Anektanka and Morri, as well as emerging artists such as Viraj Khanna and Kotturu Lakshman Rao.

Upcoming projects: Currently, the studio is working on ice cream salons for the brand Hocco, set to be launched across India. They are also designing a school in Gandhidham, focused on creating an inspiring educational environment. Additionally, they are developing a boutique resort in Bandhavgarh, blending luxury with nature to offer a unique getaway experience.

Material you’re obsessed with: Indian stones such as Dhrangadhra, Dholpur, Mandana, and Kesariyaji green.

Philosophy: “Design is a dynamic and democratic process.”

Ambrish Arora, Sidhartha Talwar, Ankur Choksi, Asha Sairam, Harsh Vardhan

Project in focus: The Sunita Shekhawat Museum and Flagship Store transforms the luxury retail experience, honouring the history of Meenakari enamelling as well as the city it is located in. The store celebrates craftsmanship and draws inspiration from multiple historical influences to create a unique composite distinct from any particular style. The museum’s inclusion into the programme elevates the brand from a jewellery label to a custodian of the craft, setting a new precedent in luxury retail design.

Upcoming projects: The Piramal School of Leadership in Jaipur; a new campus for the Indian Institute of Art and Design in Gurugram; Taj Hotel Properties; Oberoi Vindhyavilas in Bandhavgarh.

Material you’re obsessed with: Lime-based construction techniques and exploring materials that have low embodied carbon.

Philosophy: “Our work philosophy is grounded in the principles of conscious design, an approach that celebrates local resources, cultural influences, an inclusive process and a keen attention to detail. Our current focus centres on ensuring we are deeply mindful of the amount of carbon our buildings embody at the construction stage. That is where a huge percentage of a building’s emissions over its lifetime lie, and that needs to be our focus.”

Meetu Akali

Project in focus: Tiny Homes is a project that focuses on the “simplification” of life. Built on the banks of a stream in North Goa, Tiny Home 1 is a ground-plus-one-floor cottage designed to maximize the view of the water. Both the cottages—Tiny Home 1 and 2—comprise a living room and a bedroom each and are connected to each other through a floating bridge. The idea is to “deconstruct” a typical home and create flexibility in functionality. Both cottages can be used independently or as extensions of each other as the need arises.

Upcoming projects: Twin private villas in North Goa; an eight-villa project in Assagao; a private villa in Covale.

Collaborations in the past year: A collaboration with Goa-based artist Richa Kashelkar to create customized murals and wall art.

Material you’re obsessed with: Paint, and paint as a medium.

Philosophy: “Studio Momo is environmentally sensitive in its approach and puts its passion into creating eco-friendly architecture. The team believes in designing and creating built forms that have a direct relationship to their contexts both physically and culturally.”

Saurabh Dakshini

Project in focus: Nine Views, a study in the single material of green marble. This project will be a modern sculpture that acts as a green outcrop in the dull and grey landscape of an urban environment.

Upcoming projects: A store for Ritu Kumar; a store for Afew; a store for Lovebirds & Asal; four homes ranging from a small holiday home in Goa to a 40,000-square-foot family home.

Material you’re obsessed with: Indian marble.

Philosophy: “Learn the context and then redefine it. Practise and play.”

Sönke Hoof, Khushnu Panthaki Hoof

Project in focus: A recently completed residential project that addresses the needs of a multigenerational family built on land where the homeowners have deep roots. Both homeowners come from families that have a rich history of using handcrafted methods, thus the design of the house also incorporates handcrafted materials. The house has a fascinating interplay between interior and exterior spaces that blurs the boundaries between inside and outside, while also providing intimate spaces for reflection, contemplation, and togetherness.

Material you’re obsessed with: Carbon-capturing concrete

Noshir D Talati, Ria Talati, Xerxes N Talati, Naushir Devitre, Ratish Patil

Project in focus: Wrapped with elegant art, à la mode decor, and an unparalleled classic French aesthetic, this 15,000-square-foot luxury home by Talati & Partners in Mumbai is a Parisian-style apartment with a modern evolution. The clients aspired for a classical setting and minimalistic approach, they also wanted to integrate their Indian roots into the apartment with art. Therefore, the entire apartment is a symphony of two different styles of design coming together to form an eclectic luxury apartment that is chic and traditional.

Philosophy: “We strive to provide design services that go beyond standard practices, to remain a firm acknowledged for client reports, and to continue to excel as a company of dedication, transparency, quality, and service.”

GS Mahaboob Basha, Shalini Chandrashekar

Project in focus: House by the Grove is a project located on the outskirts of Bengaluru that embodies a harmonious integration of indigenous elements and modern principles. The thoughtful positioning of architectural elements and establishing of welcoming vantage points imbue the home with a feeling of openness while preserving a sense of intimacy. The boundaries between the built and the unbuilt are blurred by elevating the central axis of the house to maximize the impact of the view of the surrounding hills.

Upcoming projects: Many residential projects; a self-sustaining home in Shamshabad; a stunning events venue for hosting weddings and gatherings in the same locale.

Material you’re obsessed with: Concrete

Philosophy: “Our design philosophy involves decoding an architecture deeply rooted in the landscape and responding to the vernacular paradigm of site and materiality. Exploration of materials based on their proximity to the site, properties, appearances and the effect it introduces into space is paramount.”

Tejal Mathur

Project in focus: A house in Lower Parel designed for a client who describes himself as, “a true-blue old Bombay guy”. The client wanted a reinterpretation of his childhood memories of a traditional mosaic-floored Matunga home. Thus began the work of recreating the feel of a Bombay home with understated organic elegance. The client wanted the space to be devoid of unnecessary decor, instead desiring the walls and floors to be the standout features of the home.

Upcoming Projects: A French culinary offering in a heritage bungalow; a private home in Pune.

Material you’re obsessed with: Concrete in various forms and hydro-finished stone

Philosophy: “We are known for the handcrafted quality in our projects where detailing is heavily layered with traditional plastered walls or stone which gives the feeling of a home in India.”

Shabnam Gupta

Project in Focus: Designed for a young couple and their little boy, The Slow Life Villa is a retreat from the hectic life they lead in the city. The layout is inspired by traditional Indian homes where there’s a central courtyard (with a fountain) open to the sky. The living, dining and private spaces all open into this courtyard, yet at the same time, ensure there’s privacy for those who want it.

Upcoming Projects: Two farmhouses in Alibag; a large house in Uksan, Kamshet; regional two-floor restaurant in Himachal Pradesh; Lifestyle retail in Goa; restaurants and villas across India and UAE.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Tribal fabric and vintage textiles

Philosophy: “Great design isn’t just about shaping spaces—it’s about shaping lives. The belief here is that truly exceptional design is cohesive, transformative, and always centred on people. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about a work ethic that places human needs above everything else, with function leading the way before form.”

Tushant Bansal

Project in focus: The SB Home is an 8,000-square-foot apartment in DLF Gurugram. The house has a straight line, minimal and artistic feel to it. Ayesha Singh, Martand Khosla, Nidhi Agarwal, Jogen Chaudhary, and Lalu Prasad are just a few of the many names of the artists whose work is displayed in the home. The furniture is entirely custom made with Tushant Bansal Design Studio. Lighting is from Klove, Paul Matter, Luxaddi and Flos. All carpets are from Jaipur Rugs.

Upcoming projects: Heritage renovation of a 100-year-old palace in Bareilly.

Material you’re obsessed with: Brass, in every form: furniture, lights, art and more.

Philosophy: “Keep doing better, there is nothing called best.”

Amrita Guha, Joya Nandurdikar

Project in focus: Anugraha is a residence that thoughtfully reimagines traditional architectural elements, harmonizing them with the earth in a serene setting. Nestled on a corner plot in Delhi's Swaminagar Colony, the house was designed for two brothers and their families, including children of the second generation, the house integrates modern functionality with old Indian aesthetics, catering to the growing needs of multiple generations under one roof.

Upcoming projects: A residence in Coimbatore; an expansive office space in Jamshedpur; a sustainable farmhouse in Udumalaipettai, Tamil Nadu; multiple large-scale homes in Delhi, Raipur, and Jamshedpur.

Material you’re obsessed with: Papier-mâché

Philosophy: “Quality and sustainability are cornerstones of our design philosophy. We celebrate local materials and traditional craftsmanship, seamlessly integrating them into their designs to champion eco-consciousness in a globalized design landscape. We embrace the challenge of guiding our clients towards more sustainable choices, moving beyond conventional materials to options that respect both the environment and local heritage.”

Vaishali Kamdar

Project in focus: A 3,000-square-foot home in Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi, in collaboration with Komal Vasa of Gesamt Design.

Upcoming projects: A 2,550-square-foot extension of the Jaipur Rugs gallery, Jaipur; refurbishment of the FCML store, Mumbai; a retail store in Hyderabad for FMCL; residences in New Delhi and Raipur with Abhimanyu Dalal Architects.

Material you’re obsessed with: Bronze

Philosophy: “Our philosophy has always been to create timeless and elegant spaces that seamlessly integrate the outdoors with the indoors. We are light seekers and believe that natural light, excellent workmanship and good quality are all as important as design and aesthetics. We are firm believers of: ‘God is in the details’.”

Deepak Gugarii

Project in focus: The House of Courtyards, a villa in Dubai, aims to combine the principles of Vastu with the vernacular architecture and context of the UAE. A series of courtyards and high turrets are among the architectural features introduced to modulate sunlight. The home uses a minimal material palette, defined by a mud-plastered exterior.

Upcoming projects: A Spanish villa; yoga and surfing resorts on the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia and Atlantic coast of Morocco; a private villa at Beau Champ, Mauritius.

Material you’re obsessed with: Adobe and natural Indian stones

Philosophy: “Architecture, we believe, is a journey of spaces, manifested through various mediums: sun, shadows, air and form being just a few premises on which it is built.”

Vinita Chaitanya

Project in focus: This project began with the shell of a mansion that had a grand scale. After understanding the clients’ lifestyle of being in the business of high-end realty and luxury residences, this 20,000-square-foot residence was transformed into a glamourous art deco home that still had contemporary elements. The house is dramatic with bold wallpaper and fabric choices, masterful inlays, and intricate marble details.

Upcoming Projects: HNI mansions; luxury penthouse apartments.

Materials you’re obsessed with: Wood and luxe finishes in wallpaper

Philosophy: “Try and create something unique and meaningful in every project.”

Pankaj Vir Gupta, Christine Mueller

Project in focus: A 3,200-square-foot town house in South Delhi that was renovated for news icon Shereen Bhan. The home is simple, minimalist and clean with an air of understated elegance. The home is awash in calming tones of grey and white with windows allowing for ample sunlight to enter the home. The rooftop terrace has been converted into an open green space, complementing the trees that surround the home.

Upcoming projects: A range of institutional and residential projects.

Philosophy: “According primacy to the process of design, our work evolves as a response to the particular character of each programme, site and budget. At every scale, we emphasize the integrity of material and craftsmanship, establishing a fundamental relationship between the physical environment and the art of making architecture.”

Vishal K Dar

Project in focus: MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) Pratibha Vidyalaya is a public school in Jasola, in southeast Delhi. This project’s uniqueness stems from the fact that its brief was developed not just by the NGO that manages it, but by the students of the community as well. The project had to be executed under numerous challenges like the building bylaws of the government, as well as construction during school hours itself, but the result is a paragon of sustainable architecture and design.

Upcoming Projects: Two residential projects in Delhi; Gaurav Gupta's private residence.

Material you’re obsessed with: Lime and steel

Philosophy: “The past always becomes the future.”

Vinu Daniel

Project in focus: Situated in North Kerala, this circular home, aptly named Toy Storey, is a project that serves as an homage to childhood memories and nostalgia. The 3,843-square-foot residence features an encircling “toy jali” wall that displays over 6,000 discarded toys within its niches. The project was designed to be a “house within a house”, where the community can always access the large veranda, while the residential area is secluded through the use of Japanese shoji screens.

Upcoming Projects: Educational, cultural, and hospitality projects across India.

Material you’re obsessed with: I am equally obsessed with every material I work with.

Philosophy: “Try to make thoughtful material and construction choices to minimize the projects' embodied energy and minimize our impact on the natural environment. Building a home, or any space for that matter, should not be at the cost of destroying nature.”

Zubin Zainuddin, Krupa Zubin

Project in focus: A multigenerational family home in Kerala that explores the charm of understated design, with vernacular aesthetics and sensibilities. The courtyard-based plan has been derived from researching traditional homes. It features a subtle structure, with an emphasis on enhancing the tropical living experience. The countryside house’s personality is based on rhythmic repetitions and the graphic trait of the coverings with local materials.

Upcoming projects: Projects in 14 cities across the country.

Material you’re obsessed with: Stone

Philosophy: “To follow a bespoke and intimate process to discover each client’s personal style.”