A Life in Design :AR. PARUL ZAVERI

A visionary who adapted natural and local materials, and handmade products to design luxurious spaces, way back in the 90s

- Maria Louis

She is unanimously acknowledged as a pioneer when it comes to adopting and adapting natural materials and handmade products to create and decorate built spaces sustainably. Now the proprietor of Abhikram, established in Ahmedabad along with co-founder and husband Nimish Patel (who passed away almost two years ago), Parul Zaveri has been championing the use of craft in architecture and interior design over the past four decades. Abhikram’s work in the realm of hospitality is legendary – but while the Udai Vilas Palace in Udaipur may be the most well-known example, there is no doubt that this path-breaking firm excels in using craft aesthetically as well as functionally in residences and offices too.

When did you start Abhikram? What were your aspirations for the practice then?