Ar. Khozema Chitalwala, a prominent name in the architectural fraternity and beyond, has been a major driving force for several independent and collaborative projects across the globe. Having graduated from Rachna Sansad, Ar. Khozema Chitalwala started his career three decades ago with his first architectural project in the suburbs of Mumbai. He established his firm, Designers Group in 1988 with a dream and endeavour to institute ‘Designers Group’ as an internationally acclaimed design firm.
The initial years of his career ensued to be challenging where a couple of projects did not materialise. Working persistently on various interior design projects, Ar. Chitalwala manifested a strong base for craftsmanship, which led to his extensive and diversified work experience. With this persistence and hard work, he eventually got to work on Taj Hotels and Resort, IHCL project which was a turning point for Designers Group, granting a directional focal point on hospitality and over a period of time Designers Group became a leading hospitality design firm in India.
Nature has always been a great source of inspiration for Chitalwala’s design philosophy, keeping sustainability a key focus while outlining astounding hospitality marvels. Professionally, a creative stimulus was postulated in him by international design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates, a global runner in the Hospitality Design sector, which encouraged him to create a focused Hospitality Practice, invoking an understanding of Indian Hospitality industry.
He believes that contextual and sensitive design adds in-measurable value to any project. According to his design pedigree, he firmly believes that “being simple is difficult” which is an evident feature in his designs. Overall, his designs cater to the clients’ needs holistically by designing for a wholesome experience.
Khozema has been an ardent patron of Architecture and Design in India, driving him to be a sought-after presenter at various design platforms. He has been a speaker at various design podia including ISHRAE, IHE Hospitality, ET, ACETECH, IDAC, IDE, IIID, WFM, IHE, FOAID, Design Wall, GBB, iGEN, etc. He has recently been featured as IFJ Personality. He also hosted a famous show revolving around the lives of multiple renowned faces of the Indian architecture industry, named Kupshup with Khozema. His work has been published by various design-led publications including Hotelier India, Society Interiors, IFJ, Good Homes, Architect and Interiors India, India Design ID, Economic Times, Design Detail, India Today Home, Business World Hotelier, Singapore Home and Decor, Objekt International, Moralmoda, etc.
Designers Group’s project Devi Ratn has recently been awarded by World Architecture Award in the 34th cycle, Estrade Award 2020 in Leisure Interior category and A’ Design Award 2021. A private residence designed by them has also won Estrade Award 2020 in Interior Design- Private Residence category. They have also been honoured by National Architecture & Interior Design Awards as “Best Interior Design & Architecture Firm of the Year 2021” Maharashtra under the “Premium Hospitality Projects“ Category.
Post divulging deep into interior design grounds he surfaced back to architectural waters with an impeccable creative streak. Placing its stalwart in the design fraternity, Designers Group today is associated with multitudinous national and international hotel brands including Taj, Marriott, Sheraton, Hilton, Pride, Holiday Inn, Mahagun, Ramada, Park Plaza, Novotel, Hometel, Radisson, Heritage, Grand Mercure, Avadh, Regenta, Orchid, Golden Tulip, Fariyas, The Fern, Choice, 7 Apple, FortuneFortune Hotels expands its presence in Ahmedabad with Fortune Select, Wow, Best Western, Imperial, Sarovar, Blossom, etc.
