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In this ETRealty interaction, Prashant Parmar, Founder & Principal Architect, Shayona Consultant, talks about changing design preferences, the rise of minimalism, AI’s impact on architecture and the challenges facing young architects. Parmar says social media and global exposure have given clients access to design trends from across the world. This has helped architects explore new materials, creative ideas and global references. However, he adds that design must still be rooted in local context, client requirements, climate, lifestyle and budget. The conversation also explores how homeowners often try to imitate global lifestyles inside Indian homes, even when those ideas may not be practical for Indian conditions. Parmar says architects must consider local climate, dust, vastu, site context and Indian lifestyle before adapting any international design reference. He also points to a growing shift towards simplicity and minimalism. According to him, clients are gradually moving away from loud designs, excessive colours and too many materials, and are beginning to appreciate cleaner, simplified and timeless interiors. On AI, Parmar says it can be a boon for the architecture and design industry if used correctly. However, he cautions that AI-generated visuals can create unrealistic expectations when used by people without architectural training or practical knowledge. He says many AI-led designs may look impressive in presentation but may not be feasible to execute on site. Parmar also discusses the challenge posed by non-qualified practitioners in the industry, who compete with trained architects at much lower fees. He says this affects fee structures and creates confusion among clients who may not always verify whether they are hiring a qualified architect. Watch the full interview to understand how architecture must balance global trends, Indian context, AI, creativity and professional responsibility. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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In this ETRealty interaction, Vikas Jain, Managing Director, Millenium Marbles, talks about changing buyer preferences, the growing demand for premium marble in luxury housing and the company’s expansion plans. Jain says homebuyers are now more willing to experiment with colours, finishes and patterns, driven by social media exposure and international travel. According to him, customers are no longer afraid to try new materials and are increasingly looking for unique design elements in their homes. The conversation also explores how developers are differentiating luxury projects through marble selection. Jain says premium housing projects are seeing strong demand for white marble as it gives a more luxurious and premium look. He adds that developers also want exclusive materials so that their projects do not look similar to others. He further says that exotic marble and darker shades, which were earlier used mainly in hotel lobbies and hospitality spaces, are now being adopted in homes as buyers become more open to experimenting with hotel-style finishes. Jain also discusses sustainability and durability in marble processing. He says the company has invested in new machines that reduce wastage and water usage. It is also using reinforcement systems, resin coatings and other treatments to improve marble durability and maintain polish quality. Watch the full interview to understand how marble choices are changing in luxury real estate, why white and exotic marbles are gaining demand and how Millenium Marbles is expanding across India. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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In this ETRealty interaction, Hiren Patel, Founder, Hiren Patel Architects & Design (HPAD), talks about sustainability, local identity in architecture, glass buildings, AI’s impact on design and the responsibility architects carry while shaping the built environment. Patel says sustainability is often treated as a new buzzword, but sustainable living has long been part of Indian culture. He says practices such as conserving energy and living consciously were already embedded in Indian households, and the current sustainability movement has helped bring that awareness back into mainstream design and development. The conversation also explores how many Indian cities are losing their distinct architectural identity. Patel says India’s rapid growth and the aspiration to replicate global design styles have led to similar-looking buildings across cities. He believes local heritage and cultural context need to be understood more deeply, instead of blindly adopting international formats. On glass facades, Patel says glass itself is not the problem. According to him, glass can help connect indoor spaces with nature, but the way it is used matters. He says architects must use shading, verandahs, overhangs, balconies and climate-responsive design to make glass suitable for Indian conditions. Patel also discusses AI’s role in architecture, saying it is a useful tool but not a complete solution. He says AI can help architects work faster, reduce repetitive tasks and support analysis, but it cannot replace human creativity, sensitivity and responsibility. He further advises young architects to remain lifelong students, treat architecture as a sincere profession and understand that buildings affect people’s lives for decades. He says architects must work with accountability and create spaces that go beyond design to bring positivity, happiness and a deeper connection with life. Watch the full interview to understand how Indian architecture can balance sustainability, technology, tradition, creativity and responsibility. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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In this ETRealty interaction, Prashant Das, Faculty Member – Finance & Accounting Area, IIM Ahmedabad, discusses why finance, governance and structured decision-making are becoming critical for Indian real estate developers. Das says Indian developers, including mid-sized and smaller players, are increasingly showing appetite for more sophisticated business processes and financial decision-making. Drawing from IIM Ahmedabad’s engagement with developers, he says the industry is becoming more open to intellectual conversations, counterfactual thinking and critical evaluation of business models. The conversation also explores why finance is one of the most important building blocks for real estate development. Das says real estate is often seen as a sales and marketing business, but successful projects depend first on location, positioning, structuring and financial planning. He also discusses why many real estate projects failed in the past. According to him, some failures came from reckless financial mismanagement, while others resulted from overconfidence, poor planning and reliance on gut feeling instead of structured analysis. He adds that even profitable projects can run into trouble if cash flows are not planned properly. Das further explains why family-run real estate businesses need to shift from execution-led control to governance-led management as they scale. He says developers must bring in stronger systems, professional expertise and quality controls to manage larger and more complex businesses. The discussion also covers the shortage of specialised real estate education and talent in India, the need for indigenous real estate knowledge, and the risks of developers following herd behaviour in luxury housing. Das advises developers to think counter-cyclically and avoid launching projects only because the market is booming. Watch the full interview to understand why finance, governance, professionalisation and long-term planning will shape the next phase of Indian real estate. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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In this ETRealty interaction, Nirav Kothary, Director, Godwitt Construction, talks about the growth of industrial and warehousing real estate in Gujarat, changing occupier requirements and the future of plug-and-play industrial infrastructure. Kothary says Gujarat has traditionally been a manufacturing-centric state, with continuous investment in industrial real estate. He adds that while engineering, pharma and automotive were earlier key occupier segments, the focus is now shifting towards high-tech and high-value manufacturing. The conversation also explores Gujarat’s industrial depth across multiple cities. Kothary says industrialisation in the state is not concentrated around one city, but spread across corridors and clusters such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Vapi, Ankleshwar and Dahej. This gives Gujarat the ability to support different sectors across different regions. He also discusses how industrial buildings need to evolve with changing occupier needs. According to him, modern industrial spaces must be built with higher clear heights, heavy floor loads, EOT crane capacity, larger apron areas and readiness for future logistics requirements. Kothary further explains the importance of plug-and-play infrastructure, where companies can move into ready industrial spaces within three months with utilities such as power, water, effluent treatment, sewage treatment, crane capacity and utility areas already in place. He also highlights talent availability and labour housing as key challenges for the sector. He says better housing facilities for workers can improve efficiency, reduce attrition and support manufacturing growth. Watch the full interview to understand Gujarat’s industrial real estate outlook, the rise of plug-and-play infrastructure and the next growth corridors for manufacturing and warehousing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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In this ETRealty interaction, Ruchir Oza, Founder & CMD, Solvo Elevators, talks about how Ahmedabad’s shift from a horizontal city to a vertical urban form is changing the elevator industry. Oza says as cities grow taller, their transportation challenges also become vertical. According to him, elevators should no longer be seen merely as equipment, but as the internal transportation system of a building. In high-rise developments, factors such as passenger movement, waiting time, number of stops and traffic management become critical to the overall building experience. The conversation also explores the rising demand for elevators and escalators in Ahmedabad and Gujarat, driven by high-rises, hospitality projects, urbanisation and the Smart Cities Mission. Oza says elevators need to be planned at the architectural stage itself rather than being treated as a post-construction addition. He also discusses the readiness of Indian elevator companies to compete with multinational players. Oza says Indian manufacturers are improving their technology and manufacturing capabilities, and local companies have the advantage of understanding Indian developers and building requirements better. On smart elevators, Oza says intelligence is not about adding touchscreens, but about connectivity, remote monitoring, diagnostics and predictive maintenance. He explains that smart elevators should be able to track trips, faults and door cycles, diagnose issues remotely and detect component deterioration before passengers experience breakdowns. Watch the full interview to understand how elevators are becoming central to high-rise planning, building efficiency and future-ready urban development in Ahmedabad and Gujarat. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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In this ETRealty interaction, Reza Kabul, Architect, Interior Designer & Urban Planner, ARK, talks about the changing face of Indian architecture, the loss of local identity in buildings, the use of glass facades, AI’s impact on design and emerging trends in hospitality and luxury real estate. Kabul says many Indian cities have started losing their distinct architectural identity as developers and clients increasingly look to replicate global design styles. He says aspirations shaped by international travel, faster construction timelines, rising costs and the decline of local craftsmanship have contributed to the spread of similar-looking buildings across cities. The conversation also explores the debate around glass facades in Indian buildings. Kabul says glass buildings are not necessarily unsustainable if they are designed correctly. According to him, architects must consider factors such as sun path, wind direction, surroundings and the U-value of glass before designing such buildings. On AI, Kabul says technology can assist architects by offering options and thought starters, but it cannot replace architectural knowledge, creativity and buildability. He says AI is only as effective as the command given to it, and non-architects may not understand the technical, spatial and material requirements needed to design a real building. He also discusses how software and AI may add to architects’ costs rather than reduce fees, as digital tools have already become a significant expense for design practices. Kabul further says young architects must treat AI as a tool, like a pencil or drawing board, and not as a substitute for creativity. The discussion also touches on hospitality-led real estate, branded residences and changing client expectations. Kabul says improved infrastructure and connectivity have opened up new hospitality destinations, while well-travelled buyers are increasingly asking for global design references that architects must adapt to local context, scale and practicality. Watch the full interview to understand how Indian architecture can balance global aspirations, local identity, sustainability, AI and evolving lifestyle expectations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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In this ETRealty interaction, Sherry George, CEO, TIFC, discusses how wellness is reshaping luxury real estate, senior living and the way developers are designing residential projects. George says the definition of luxury has changed from ornamentation, design and amenities to experiential living. According to her, the luxury home of tomorrow will not just be a place to live, but a space designed to help residents live longer, healthier and better lives. The conversation also explores how wellness-oriented spaces must begin with fundamentals such as movement, mobility, open spaces, shaded walking paths, cycling tracks, active sports facilities, meditation centres and well-equipped gyms. She says wellness is not an amenity, but the outcome of thoughtful design. George also highlights the importance of bringing wellness experts into projects at the early design and planning stage. She says early integration can help developers plan spatial layouts, MEP requirements, climate controls, humidity, recovery spaces and wellness concepts more effectively, instead of fixing design problems later. She further discusses how younger, well-travelled homebuyers are influencing real estate design by demanding spaces that support fitness, recovery, longevity, sustainability and community living. She also explains how wellness can be integrated into senior living through mobility, balance, strength, recovery facilities, meditation spaces and social engagement. Watch the full interview to understand how wellness, technology, recovery and longevity are becoming key differentiators in luxury housing and senior living projects. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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In this ETRealty interaction, Milind Changani, Co-founder, Stallion Buildtech LLP, discusses how technology and AI are changing decision-making, operations and customer understanding in real estate. Changani says real estate developers often adopt technology first in sales and marketing because it offers immediate visibility and results. However, he believes the real transformation will come when technology is used more deeply across operations, construction and process management. The conversation also explores why technology should not be seen as an ancillary tool but as part of a developer’s core infrastructure. Changani says that as developers scale from one project to multiple projects, faster decision-making, process control and data-backed systems become critical for growth. He also discusses the industry’s traditional resistance to technology, saying the difference between developers who adopt technology and those who do not will become increasingly visible. According to him, technology will not replace real estate decisions, but it will help developers make better, faster and more accurate decisions. Changani further explains how AI and data can help developers understand customer demand, product-market fit, pricing, location strategy and inventory planning. He says the biggest cost in real estate today is wrong decision-making, and data-led insights can help developers avoid launching the wrong product in the wrong market. Watch the full interview to understand how AI, data and build technology can help real estate developers improve efficiency, reduce risk and compete more effectively. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------