#OnTheCover From integrating local craftsmanship to prioritising sustainability, learn how Habitat Architects creates spaces that elevate the human experience

Luxury isn’t just about opulence—it’s about creating spaces that resonate with the soul. This is the driving philosophy behind Habitat Architects, a firm that has been turning heads and challenging conventions in the world of design. Founded in 1994 by the visionary duo of Zafar Chaudhary and Ranjodh Singh, and later joined by Monika Choudhary—along with their son, Senior Architect and Director – Operations, Sahir Choudhary, Habitat Architects doesn’t just build structures; they craft experiences, weaving together functionality, aesthetics, and a deep understanding of human needs. Habitat Architects’ philosophy is rooted in a deep understanding of their clients’ needs, coupled with a profound respect for local culture and sustainability. Their approach to luxury is not about opulence for its own sake, but rather about crafting bespoke environments that enhance the well-being of their occupants. This unique perspective has positioned them at the forefront of both residential and hospitality design.

But what truly sets Habitat Architects apart? How do they balance functionality with luxury? And in an era of global influences, how do they incorporate local craftsmanship into their designs? In this exclusive interview with Zafar Chaudhary and Monika Choudhary, we delve deep into the minds behind some of the most talked-about architectural projects in recent years. Prepare to be inspired as we uncover the secrets behind Habitat Architects’ success and their unique vision for the future of design.

How would you define luxury in your own terms?
Zafar Chaudhary: Luxury, in its essence, is about evoking positive emotions, whether in relation to oneself, a space, or an object. In architecture and design, we achieve this through various means. Itcould be the interplay of volumes, the harmonious balance between exterior and interior, or the artful juxtaposition of materials. We employ colours, textures, and artistic elements, seamlessly integrating them to create an ambiance that resonates with luxury.

Monika Choudhary: For me personally, luxury is the seamless integration of functionality, personal style, and elegance, all working in concert to enhance an individual’s sense of well-being.

Given your extensive experience in both residential and hospitality sectors, how have you observed the evolution of your clients’ perception of luxury over the years?
Zafar Chaudhary: The concept of luxury has indeed undergone a substantial transformation since we began our practice. It’s fascinating to observe how it has come full circle. Initially, the focus was purely on functionality – the basic requirements of a living space. Then, we saw a shift towards materiality, where the emphasis was on the tactile experience of surfaces and textures. Subsequently, there was a phase where luxury became synonymous with branded products. However, we’ve now returned to a point where luxury is quintessentially bespoke – tailored meticulously to an individual’s aspirations, desires, and preferences.

Monika Choudhary: For the longest time, luxury was perceived as an external construct – something people identified with outside of themselves. However, as our clientele has evolved, we’ve witnessed a shift towards introspection. Personal well-being has become an integral part of what people seek in luxury. The confluence of refined tastes, global awareness, and individual preferences has given rise to a highly personalized interpretation of luxury, which we strive to manifest in our designs.

It’s often said that Indians have been true proponents of luxury, particularly bespoke luxury. Do you believe we’re seeing a resurgence of this era?
Monika Choudhary: Indeed, we are. There’s a palpable shift back to the ethos of those bygone eras, particularly reminiscent of the princely states where luxury held a distinctly different connotation than it does today. We’re not only witnessing this resurgence but are also optimistic about its further evolution, potentially surpassing its historical precedents.

You mentioned functionality as an element of luxury. How do you strike a balance between functionality and opulence?
Zafar Chaudhary: I would argue that opulence isn’t necessarily the counterpoint to functionality in the context of luxury. What is design? The essence of design lies in making things work, that’s the functional aspect. Luxury emerges when this functionality is achieved in an aesthetically pleasing manner. It’s about harmonizing these two
elements without compromising either.

Monika Choudhary: In fact, I believe opulence is no longer the most apt parallel to luxury. If it once was, we’re glad to see that association dissipating.

In the context of sustainability, do you perceive a paradox between luxury and sustainable practices, or do you believe they can coexist harmoniously?
Zafar Chaudhary: It’s a way of life. Sustainability is taxing this planet to a minimum. This can be seamlessly integrated into luxury design through the thoughtful modulation of space, which is paramount. The materiality and objects within the space are secondary considerations. Interestingly, our Indian heritage has always embraced this synthesis of luxury and sustainability. Historically, we’ve utilised local materials, indigenous crafts, and sustainable
practices in creating spaces that were undeniably luxurious. This approach not only minimises environmental impact but also celebrates local culture and craftsmanship.

Speaking of local craftsmanship and materials, could you share an example of a project where you’ve incorporated Indian artisanry?
Zafar Chaudhary: Certainly. We recently completed a restaurant project in Amritsar where we made a concerted effort to source everything in alignment with the local culture and flavour. From the bricks and stones to the timber, everything was locally procured. We used shisham wood, a local variety, extensively throughout the project. The bricks were Lahori bricks, again sourced locally. Even the fabrics and decorative elements were deeply rooted in local tradition. We used phulkari, a traditional embroidery technique from the region, to embellish the ceilings. The entire ceiling was adorned with phulkari fabrics, creating a stunning visual impact.

Monika Choudhary: We find great joy in utilising local materials and believe it adds a luxurious touch to incorporate these regional details in a bespoke manner. It not only helps people relate to the space but also weaves in a cultural narrative. We firmly believe that this approach enhances the well-being of the occupants.

Also Read: Does it come easy to collaborate with someone from the same industry? Abhimanyu Dalal and Untitled Design on completing three projects together

Shifting gears to your work environment, how does your personality reflect in your workspace?

Zafar Chaudhary: Our workspace is characterized by a friendly, casual atmosphere, which is a reflection of who we are. However, this is balanced with a necessary degree of discipline, crucial for ensuring that we deliver our projects as promised.

Monika Choudhary: There’s a prevalence of humor in our workplace, and we share a great camaraderie within our well-integrated team.

As a family of architects, including your children, how do you balance professional discussions at home, particularly during family time like dinner?

Zafar Chaudhary: That’s indeed a challenging aspect. All being engaged in the same profession certainly makes for interesting dinner table conversations. However, it can sometimes become all-consuming, at which point we’re reminded – usually by my wife – to disconnect from work for the sake of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Monika Choudhary: My life has been quite unique in this regard. I’m the daughter of an architect, wife to one, and mother of two architects. I often jest that I have about a dozen siblings on both sides who are architects and designers. So, while I do encourage everyone to switch off from work occasionally, we generally enjoy these shared conversations. It brings us closer and helps us find common ground. This shared passion particularly enhances our
travel experiences. We love exploring architecture worldwide, from modern marvels to historical and heritage sites. Our birthdays and anniversaries often revolve around such architectural pilgrimages. For instance, this year, my family gifted me a trip to the United States, where we made a point to visit Fallingwater House – a lifelong dream of mine. While it might seem unusual to some, we thoroughly enjoy our shared professional interests. It’s an integral part of our family dynamic.

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