Architect Khozema Chitalwala has established himself as a prominent figure in hospitality design, a niche segment that requires a unique blend of creativity, functionality, and attention to detail. With a keen understanding of what makes a space truly unforgettable, Khozema has honed his expertise in crafting bespoke experiences that cater to the diverse needs of travellers and locals alike. With over three decades of experience in crafting hospitality spaces, his designs continue to set benchmarks in the industry. In an interesting interaction with A+D, Khozema shares his insights on curating memorable spaces that cater to a diverse demographic. Here’s an excerpt:
You’ve been in the industry for over three decades, how did you veer towards hospitality design? How did that become your niche?
Khozema Chitalwala (KC): To be honest, my journey into hospitality design began unexpectedly. After working on numerous retail projects, including 200+ stores for Titan, I shared my passion for hospitality with Mr Sampath Kumar, who was then associated with Taj. He became my mentor and offered me my first hospitality project opportunity with Taj. It was a dream come true! After completing two projects, I knew hospitality design was the right fit for our firm. I’m grateful to Sujata and my team for supporting me in pursuing this dream.
How do you believe hospitality design can enhance the guest experience? And what elements do you consider essential in creating memorable spaces?
KC: Hospitality design has undergone a significant transformation over the years, driven by drastic changes in lifestyles. Today, hospitality experiences are becoming increasingly tailored to specific segments, locations,
and target audiences. With travel now an integral part of modern life, guests seek a “home away from home” experience, prioritising comfort, flexibility, and a sense of belonging. To achieve this, designers are incorporating elements that foster a homely feel, allowing guests to move freely and use spaces as they desire. This shift has led to increased flexibility in design, with non-revenue generating areas being repurposed as revenue-generating spaces that encourage social interaction and community building.
Compared to 20 years ago, hospitality design has evolved to prioritise experiential and personalized elements. Looking ahead, what trends or innovations do you foresee shaping the future of hospitality design? How do you see your work evolving in response to these changes?
KC: The design language varies depending on location and audience. While contemporary and minimalist designs are popular, trends are changing rapidly due to shifting lifestyles. Technology integration is crucial, especially for younger generations. However, luxury hospitality still values human touch and intervention.
Sustainability is also becoming increasingly important, but it’s often used as a buzzword rather than a genuine design consideration. I believe it’s essential to prioritise embodied carbon emission levels and educate clients on sustainable design practices. When designing projects, we strive to be as sustainable and green as possible. We aim to minimize our impact on the environment, using local materials and preserving natural surroundings. For example, in a recent resort project, we managed to save 25 acres of green cover by removing only six to seven trees. We’re also working
to educate clients on the importance of calculating and reducing embedded carbon footprint.
Design documentation is crucial for project delivery, allowing us to work efficiently from the office without
constant site visits. At Designers Group, we’ve adopted a digital approach, minimising printouts and embracing
sustainability. We use digital platforms for drawings, sketches, and collaboration, even for large 25-acre sites.
Can you share your thoughts on balancing cultural sensitivity with sustainability in hospitality design, considering the complexities of large-scale projects?
KC: Cultural sensitivity is crucial, especially in India where cultural nuances are deeply rooted. While international brands may struggle to understand local values, Indian brands tend to be more sensitive to these nuances. To create unique identities for properties, we incorporate local elements and narratives, even in cookie-cutter designs. This approach allows us to craft distinct stories for each property, making them memorable for guests. In hospitality design, contextual relevance is about embracing the local culture, history, and surroundings.
By incorporating design elements that reflect the location’s heritage and adapting them to modern needs,
we create a sense of belonging for guests. This can be achieved through strategic use of natural views, local art,
and thoughtful design that blends seamlessly with the environment. The result is a harmonious and immersive
experience that goes beyond aesthetics, connecting guests with the local context.
One project that stands out to me is Pilibhit House, which we completed during the lockdown. It was a challenging project that showcased the importance of design documentation. Despite the obstacles, we’re proud of what
we achieved, and it’s a project that’s close to my heart.
What is the most challenging aspect of designing hospitality spaces and how do you overcome these challenges?
KC: We’re currently working on some exciting and challenging projects involving heavily contoured sites, which is a new area of focus for us in resort design. With the rise of domestic travel, resorts in exotic locations with complex terrain are becoming increasingly popular.
One such project features a 10-acre site with a 100-meter slope, requiring careful design to preserve the natural environment without disturbing existing trees. It’s a challenging project, but that’s what drives us.
Just a little curious here. How many hospitality projects have you done so far?
KC: Honestly, I’ve stopped counting. It must definitely be more than 300 projects so far… Our portfolio includes a diverse range of hotel projects, from full-scale developments to renovations and brownfield/greenfield initiatives. Currently, we have around 50-60 ongoing hotel projects at various stages of completion.
Coming to my last question, what guidance would you offer to emerging designers looking to specifically break into the hospitality design segment?
KC: It took me 26 years to achieve this level of expertise. I believe perseverance and hard work are key. Young designers should focus on learning, taking on projects, and gaining experience, even in supporting roles. By mastering the fundamentals and delivering quality work, they’ll attract more projects and build their reputation. With India’s growing demand for design talent, there’s a need for skilled designers who can handle the increasing workload.
