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 helped me realise that I didn’t want to limit myself to just one project at a time,” he said. Instead, he envisioned a model where a single firm could drive multiple projects while bringing order to an otherwise fragmented execution landscape. Back then, project management in civil construction was nascent. “There were hardly any Indian PMCs, mostly MNCs with limited local knowledge,” he recalled. Seeing this as a gap, Singhal launched Solutions Inc. with just two engineers and a restaurant project in South Extension. Today, the firm boasts over 150 engineers and manages some engineers and manages some of the most high-profile hospitality projects in the country.
Managing the Magnitude
One of the most challenging projects for Solutions Inc. was The Khyber in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir. Located at a snow-clad hilltop next to the gondola station, the five-star hotel was constructed under extreme conditions. “We could only work for six months a year due to snow. Materials came from Delhi, as nothing was available locally. Labour was scarce and safety was a major concern,” Singhal explained. Despite these hurdles, Khyber became one of the most iconic hospitality properties in northern India, boasting heated glasshouse pools and bathtubs with panoramic views of the snow-covered valley. “Even today, you need to book six months in advance. It’s that special,” he said.
The Solutions Inc. Difference
Singhal believes most PMCs treat hospitality projects like any other commercial build. “Hotels aren’t just brick and mortar. They’re about emotion, warmth, and experience,” he said. “The moment you enter a luxury hotel, there’s a feeling, from the drop-off to the lobby to your room. We understand how to build that feeling.” Solutions Inc. manages everything from selecting the right architects, interior designers, and consultants, to budgeting, procurement, and on-site execution. “We don’t just push files. We take ownership. Our clients often feel like I’m building my own hotel,” he added. This sense of personal involvement is what he feels most PMCs lack. “In many firms, there’s no continuity. A project head may change three times during the build cycle. We ensure long-term commitment and accountability.”
Adapting to the New Normal
The post-pandemic world has brought about drastic changes in hospitality development. “Material and labour costs have shot up, and imports, especially from China, have dropped. We’re relying more on Indian vendors, which has created monopolies and raised prices,” Singhal explained. Design trends, too, have shifted. “There’s a move away from city hotels toward resort-style properties. Room sizes are larger, and average room rates (ARRs) in resorts are often three times higher than city hotels in the same region.” With increased demand for leisure travel, project volumes have surged, but so have complexities. “There’s more work, but also more pressure on consultants, vendors, and contractors. This makes project management even more critical.”
Turnkey Ambitions
Having spent over 20 years as a pure PMC, Solutions Inc. is now preparing to step into turnkey delivery. “We’re putting systems in place to take up end-to-end hotel construction, from design to handover,” Singhal revealed. Two 100-room hotels are already in planning, though details remain confidential. Singhal is also pursuing personal real estate projects, building villas in destinations like Goa, Rishikesh, and Delhi.
Advice to Emerging PMCs
As one of the pioneers of the PMC model in India, Singhal has strong advice for newcomers. “Don’t just chase money. Focus on process, transparency, and quality. Build your own systems. Own the project as if it were yours.” He also notes a growing trend, PMC involvement in even residential flats. “People building homes in luxury communities are now hiring PMCs. It’s becoming a norm, not an exception.”
The Road to 2030
Looking ahead, Singhal sees the PMC industry growing exponentially. “Even the government mandates PMCs for all major projects now. But it’s a tough game. If you’re not prepared for the complexity, you’ll burn out.” For those ready to take on the responsibility, however, the future looks bright. “Project management in hospitality
