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At the 17th Realty+ Conclave & Excellence Awards 2025 – North Edition, the spotlight was firmly on design when the Architecture & Design Fest (AADF) panel, titled ‘Design Gurus to Enlighten Us on Transforming Spaces into Stories,’ brought together some of the country’s leading voices in architecture and interiors. Moderated by Dr Ananya Gandotra, Managing Director and CEO, AG STRATEGIC, the discussion featured Monika Choudhary, Co-Founder & Chief Design Officer, Habitat Architects, Lipika Sud, Director & Principal Designer, Lipika Sud Interiors Pvt. Ltd., and Rahul Kumar, Principal Architect, Rajinder Kumar Associates, each offering distinct perspectives on how design today is less about building structures and more about weaving narratives.
The session opened with Gandotra framing the core question: what makes a space more than bricks and mortar? The panellists argued that contemporary design increasingly demands narrative thinking. Homes, offices, and public places are now expected to embody cultural memory, identity, and even aspiration. As Choudhary put it, “a well-designed space is not silent, it speaks about its people and its context.”
Context as Character
One of the recurring themes was the importance of contextual sensitivity. Good design, the panelists agreed, cannot be detached from its environment. Whether it is the light of Delhi’s winter sun, the bustling density of Gurugram’s new townships, or the layered history of Lucknow’s heritage precincts, each setting offers cues that inform design decisions. Kumar argued that ignoring context leads to generic developments that “could be anywhere in the world, and therefore belong nowhere.” For developers and architects, embedding local culture and climate into the design process was described as not just an artistic choice but a market imperative.
The Emotional Quotient
Another focal point was user experience. Sud highlighted that people now evaluate spaces as much on how they feel as on how they function. From lighting and textures to the placement of windows and the play of acoustics, these elements contribute to the story a space tells. She cited examples of residences where the design incorporated clients’ personal histories—artifacts from travels, heirloom furniture, or local crafts—thus personalising the built environment. The rise of boutique co-living and hybrid workspaces was discussed as evidence that emotional design is no longer limited to luxury homes but is percolating into mainstream real estate.
Sustainability as Storytelling
All three panellists underscored sustainability as a non-negotiable. The narrative of responsible design, they said, resonates strongly with younger generations and environmentally conscious buyers. Kumar pointed to adaptive reuse projects where old warehouses are converted into cultural hubs. Such projects, he argued, not only conserve resources but also carry forward the layered stories of the city. Sud added that the use of local materials and artisanal crafts brings authenticity and lowers carbon footprints. Here, sustainability is not merely technical compliance; it becomes an integral part of the story a space narrates.
Technology as an Enabler
The conversation also touched on the role of technology. Smart lighting, automation systems, and modular furniture were discussed as tools that allow spaces to transform across times of day and user needs. Choudhary argued that in commercial developments, such flexibility is now essential. Technology, when thoughtfully deployed, can enrich storytelling—by making spaces adaptive, interactive, and future-proof. However, the panellists cautioned against technology becoming the story itself; the narrative, they stressed, must remain rooted in people and place.
The Constraint Advantage
No design process is free of constraints—whether budgetary, regulatory, or spatial. Interestingly, the panellists suggested that such constraints can actually enhance storytelling. Gandotra steered the debate towards examples of adaptive design where limitations sparked creativity: small apartments reimagined with multifunctional furniture, or heritage structures reworked under tight preservation rules. These, the panellists felt, forced designers to be inventive and added character to the final product.
What Lies Ahead
In their concluding remarks, the speakers reflected on where design in India is headed. They pointed to biophilic design, wellness-oriented workplaces, and the integration of virtual or augmented reality in design processes as emerging trends. For North India in particular, with its rapid urbanisation and young demographics, the challenge will be to balance growth with identity. As Sud observed, “If we don’t root our designs in our stories today, we risk losing both heritage and emotional connection tomorrow.”
The panel left the audience with a clear message: design is no longer about surface aesthetics. It is about creating environments that reflect stories—of culture, sustainability, community, and individuality. For real estate developers, this shift offers both opportunities and challenges. Buyers are increasingly discerning, seeking not just square footage but meaning. Those who can deliver storytelling through design will likely stand apart in a crowded market.
