When Rohit Sethi founded Abitare in 1997, it was more than just the beginning of a design firm; it was a declaration of intent. Launched on his wife’s birthday, the practice emerged at a time when the Indian interior design industry was still in its infancy, with aesthetics often overshadowing function.
A Form-First Philosophy Grounded in Function
In the late 1990s, design in India was often defined by bold colours and surface-level glamour. “There was little consideration for climate, sustainability, or long-term utility,” Sethi reflected. Abitare’s early work in interiors consciously rejected this fleeting aesthetic in favour of spaces that are “subtle, neat, and emotionally enduring.” For Sethi, good design is not about visual dazzle; it’s about longevity and relevance. “What I design for you today should still feel right ten years from now,” he said.
The clarity of purpose guided Abitare’s gradual but confident transition from interior projects to full-fledged architecture, eventually becoming one of the few studios equally proficient across both disciplines.
Designing for the Individual
At the heart of Abitare’s practice lies a commitment to human-centric design. Every project begins not with a sketch, but with a conversation. “We map the user’s emotions, needs, and aspirations, what they say, and more importantly, what they don’t,” Sethi explained. Through a mix of immersive 3D walkthroughs, iterative feedback, and thoughtful observation, the team ensures that each design reflects the unique character of its user, rather than the vision of the architect.
Signature Projects
Abitare’s portfolio spans over 1,000 projects across sectors, but two stand out as defining benchmarks: the Courtyard by Marriott in Gorakhpur and ITC Welcomhotel Tavleen in Chail. In Gorakhpur, Sethi and his team undertook the transformation of a neglected 1980s government guesthouse, described by him as a “bhoot mahal,” into a refined five-star property. Without demolishing the original structure, Abitare repurposed the building to meet luxury hospitality standards.
In Chail, the Welcomhotel Tavleen emerged as a sensitive response to its Himalayan surroundings. The property merges nature-inspired architectural references with subtle, modern interiors. “We wanted guests to feel relaxed, not overwhelmed,” he said. With warm wood finishes, panoramic views, and a rooftop meditation space in place of a bar, the design invites quiet reflection over spectacle.
One Narrative, Many Layers
What distinguishes Abitare is its ability to seamlessly integrate architecture, interiors, and landscape under one coherent narrative. “Architecture gives structure; interiors give life,” Sethi said. With Rohit leading architectural direction and his wife steering interior design, the studio’s collaborative dynamic ensures conceptual continuity from blueprint to final furnishing.
The Eye for Detail
Rohit Sethi credits much of his design intuition to his early mentorship under architect Ranjit Sabikhi. “He could spot mistakes on-site without even needing drawings,” Sethi recalled. That eye for proportion, precision, and detailing has become foundational to Abitare’s ethos today.
The Case of Shishganj Sahib
Abitare’s work on the Shishganj Sahib Gurdwara in Anandpur Sahib exemplifies its commitment to cultural preservation. Once overwhelmed by unregulated structures and encroachments, the sacred site had lost its architectural clarity. Abitare stepped in not to redesign the shrine but to rediscover it. By rationalising circulation, reorganising the approach, and restoring visual access to the Gurdwara, they returned the spiritual centre to its rightful prominence without disturbing its core sanctity.
Form, Function, and Fusion
At Abitare, architecture and interior design are not sequential services; they are symbiotic processes. “When we design a space, the thought doesn’t end with architecture or begin with interiors. Both inform each other right from the start,” Sethi explained. This integrated approach allows the firm to maintain a seamless design narrative, one where materials, geometry, and alignment transition fluidly from exterior to interior.
