The Quiet Genius of Hospitality Design Khozema Chitalwala

With over three decades of expertise, Architect Khozema Chitalwala has been a driving force behind some of the industry's most iconic and immersive projects, consistently pushing the boundaries of design excellence

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“By serendipity rather than design,” says Architect Khozema Chitalwala when asked about how architecture became his calling. His words reflect the humility and simplicity that define his approach to design and life. His simplicity is perhaps the most noticeable aspect of his demeanor. He wears his achievements lightly. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on, as he co-founded Designers Group with Sujata Chitalwala, his partner in both life and profession, while he was still a student of architecture. Long before ‘hustle’ became a buzzword, Chitalwala was living it, balancing multiple pursuits — his own practice, working with esteemed architects, and finishing his studies.

Chitalwala's repertoire speaks of his nuanced understanding of hospitality design. Over the past three decades his firm has collaborated with esteemed brands like Taj Hotels, Marriott, Novotel and Four Seasons and Chitalwala has quietly emerged as a subtle yet significant catalyst in the design industry. His design approach, reflective of his personality, eschews grand gestures in favour of thoughtful and context-sensitive interventions.

From the boutique elegance of Devi Ratn to the avant-garde flair of Wow Hotel, his projects embody a thoughtful synthesis of place, culture, and functionality. Each project narrates a different story, true to its brand, and context, showcasing his client-centric design approach in all his projects.