Author: Vartik Sethi | New Delhi

In an era of fleeting social media trends, independent interior designer Soni Aggarwal argues for a return to “well-balanced opulence,” crafting multi-sensory restaurants that prioritise ambience, tactile luxury, and a cohesive soul.​ In the hyper-competitive world of hospitality, restaurant design is a high-stakes discipline. It operates at the complex intersection of brand identity, operational efficiency, and pure sensory engagement. A successful space must do more than just look good on Instagram; it must function flawlessly, evoke a specific mood, and create an atmosphere that resonates long after the meal is over. We sat down with Aggarwal to deconstruct her design…

In a Delhi NCR market dominated by builder floors, The New Brick has chosen a narrower, more personal lane. Director Nimit Rangar describes the firm as a turnkey design and construction practice focused on independent houses, villas and cottages. “We have exclusively segregated ourselves in creating independent villas where the ownership is with a single owner,” Rangar said. “You are able to do a lot of creative work when somebody is building their house for their own usage.” That choice shapes everything from process to product. The New Brick works end to end, from the first conversation about a client’s…

Nilanjan Bhowal’s essence of craft is elegantly simple yet profound: architecture is “nothing but placing a simple habitat in nature, which is totally in harmony with nature.” This philosophy has been the bedrock of a three-decade-long career, shaping a portfolio of work that champions sustainability, contextual design, and a deep, humanistic connection to the built environment. Beginning his practice in 1995 after post-graduate specialisations in energy-efficient architecture and human settlements in Europe, Nilanjan Bhowal, Principal Architect, Design Consortium set a clear direction. “I decided that the direction of my work would be in the sustainable domain,” he recounted. This was…

At the heart of India’s laminate industry, Merino has built itself into one of the most recognisable names in interior solutions. Today, it stands as one of the top three laminate brands in the country, but the journey has been defined by much more than market share. Manoj Lohia, Director, Merino Industries Ltd, says, the company’s story has always been anchored in values, innovation and responsibility. The Three Pillars When asked what sets Merino apart in a crowded market, Lohia didn’t hesitate. “If you look at our motto, it really sums us up: Economy, Excellence, Ethics. That’s the framework we…

STEP Design Firm grew from small residential assignments to a studio that balances homes, hospitality and commercial work. Founder and principal architect Gauresh Garg graduated in 2008, worked across four practices, then set up STEP in late 2013. The studio has since delivered more than 350 homes. Residential work accounts for roughly 60 percent of the portfolio, while hospitality and commercial projects form the remaining 40 percent and are growing. Technique, Aesthetics, Practicality STEP stands for Studio for Technique, Aesthetics and Practicality. The name reflects a goal Garg set early in his career. “The intent was to bring theory to…

In India’s design and architectural ecosystem, materials are often the silent enablers of creativity. One such material brand Karnav is founded on decades of experience in the plywood and veneer industry. It has evolved into a specialist in textured veneers, and supplies to high-value residences, luxury villas, and projects across India and abroad. Karan Kashyap, Partner, Karnav, oversees both system automation within the company and business development across suppliers, dealers, and high-net-worth clients. The company’s early years were rooted in plywood and flush door manufacturing. Over time, however, the company pivoted towards design innovation with textured veneers. These real wood…

When Parag Singhal founded Solutions Inc. in 2003, the term “Project Management Consultancy” (PMC) was nearly unheard of in India’s hospitality sector. Fast-forward two decades, and his firm has emerged as a powerhouse, handling luxury hotel developments for brands like Marriott, Oberoi, Hilton, and Accor across India and abroad. In this exclusive interview, the CEO reflects on his journey, the evolving hospitality landscape, and what sets his company apart in a growing yet challenging space.​ Singhal’s early career saw him coordinating mega-projects like the Grand Hyatt Delhi and Park Hyatt Goa, both benchmarks in Indian luxury hospitality. “Working on those…

Shivam Jindal, Director, Racconti, a burgeoning luxury interior and furniture brand based in India. In just four years, Racconti has carved a niche in the high-end design market by delivering bespoke furniture and interiors that blend Italian design flair with Indian craftsmanship. Jindal’s family business background, rooted in industries like steel and fashion accessories, provided the foundation for this venture, which he calls a passion project initiated by his father. Today, Racconti stands as a Make-in-India success story, collaborating with renowned international designers to create original designs in India and challenging the dominance of imported European brands. Origin Philosophy Jindal…