THE DREAM WEAVER

Architect Karan Desai talks about this South Mumbai home that was perhaps written in his destiny and realised at a time he least expected to

- ADITI SHARMA MAHESHWARI

I have often discussed the concept of a ‘dream client’ with designers who usually brush it off with a scoff or mirth. A dream client is as fickle as a dream project with almost no intentions of blossoming into reality; or so they had me believe. Till I met Karan Desai, an architect, who had a different story to tell; one he started reciting back in August 2021—the perfect tale full of wonders and whimsy. His recently completed 2,500 sq ft, three bedroom, duplex project in South Mumbai is not an ordinary one. And you’ll soon know why.

In our first conversation, Karan expressed, “I’ve known entrepreneur Jignesh Shah for years, as he and I have the same spiritual guru. Back in 2011, when I visited his home I was completely in awe—the large space, the idyllic neighbourhood, and the tasteful interiors induced inspiration. I prayed to Bapaji to receive a project of this stature at least once in my life. And then, eight years later, a surprising call from Jignesh inviting me to renovate the same home left me speechless!” shares Karan.