Founder Magazine
Kush Shah, the founder and Director of Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL), is one such visionary. From humble beginnings sketching in his bedroom to leading one of India’s most respected multidisciplinary design firms, his journey is a story of resilience, reinvention, and remarkable creativity.
The Beginning of a Dream: From Canvas to Concrete
Kush Shah’s career wasn’t born out of a long-held desire to become an architect. In fact, engineering seemed like his destined path—until a serendipitous visit to CEPT University changed everything. The creative energy, artistic expression, and intellectually stimulating environment captured his imagination. As someone who had always loved sketching and painting—winning accolades for his talent from an early age—architecture felt like a natural extension of his passions.
In 1989, at a time when architectural practice was largely informal and access to resources limited, Kush laid the foundation of Scarlett Designs. With just technical knowledge, raw passion, and a bedroom as his office, he began taking on clients even before completing his thesis. What started as an individual pursuit soon evolved into something much greater.
By 2002, the firm was rechristened Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd., and over the years, it has grown into a powerful name in the world of architecture and design, executing award-winning projects across hospitality, residential, commercial, and public infrastructure.
Vision Beyond Aesthetics
SDPL’s foundation rests on three pillars: strong design fundamentals, unwavering work ethics, and a human-centric philosophy. Every project is a response to a unique set of challenges, and at its core is a desire to solve problems through elegant, sustainable, and context-sensitive solutions.
Kush believes architecture is not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about influencing lives, shaping urban landscapes, and fostering communities. Whether it’s the rejuvenation of lakefronts at Thol and Nalsarovar, or the creation of luxury resorts like Ananta Spa & Resort in Ajabgarh, his firm strives to positively impact society while pushing design boundaries.
Designing with Distinction
What sets Scarlett Designs apart is its refusal to use a one-size-fits-all approach. Each project is treated as a blank canvas—an opportunity to explore, adapt, and create something timeless. From 70-meter high-rise towers to sprawling sanctuaries, the firm’s versatility is backed by deep contextual understanding and attention to detail.
Their projects not only reflect luxury and innovation but also blend in seamlessly with their environments. For instance, at the Kalhaar Blues and Greens Golf Country Club, the central spine of arches acts as both a visual anchor and a tribute to timeless forms, while luxurious bathhouse locker rooms redefine what wellness can look like within a recreational space.
Even as SDPL expands its reach with upcoming projects like Meraki Hills Resort and Amaaya by Ama, Taj, it continues to be rooted in the values of craft, collaboration, and conscious design.
Building for the Planet
Before “sustainability” became a buzzword, SDPL was already practicing climate-sensitive architecture. Since the 1980s, the firm has consistently implemented both active and passive energy-saving techniques, ensuring minimal environmental impact and maximum comfort.
Scarlett Designs uses modern materials like argon-filled double-glazed panels and low-emissivity glass to reduce heat inflow in commercial buildings, resulting in lesser dependence on air-conditioning. Moreover, every project integrates water conservation systems—be it through recharge pits or on-site sewage treatment plants. Borrowing from vernacular architecture and using locally-sourced materials further reduces carbon footprint while adding regional character to the designs.
Kush’s love for travel also plays a part here. He is constantly inspired by sustainable practices he sees around the world, and he makes it a point to integrate those ideas into Indian contexts wherever possible.
A People-Centric Approach
As much as Scarlett Designs is about structures, it is equally about people—clients, consultants, and communities. Kush Shah places a premium on communication. “Your design may be brilliant, but if you can’t understand or convey what your client needs, it’s not going to succeed,” he says.
This belief in trust, transparency, and long-term relationships defines his professional ethos. He sees every interaction as an opportunity to grow—both as a designer and as a human being.
Each design solution is preceded by detailed research into the client’s requirements, habits, and aspirations. From the first meeting to project handover, Kush ensures that expectations are aligned, concerns are addressed, and the final product is something the client will cherish for decades.
Facing the Unknown: Early Struggles & Learnings
Starting a design practice in the late 1980s was not for the faint of heart. There were no online platforms, no playbooks, and very little guidance for young architects. Kush learned everything the hard way—by doing. He credits the early masons, carpenters, and site workers he collaborated with for teaching him invaluable lessons that no classroom could offer.
He also faced the daunting task of transitioning from designer to entrepreneur, which meant managing clients, finances, timelines, and teams. Over time, through trial, error, and sheer persistence, he built a solid foundation for SDPL, one brick at a time.
Inspired by Greatness
Two figures have played a particularly important role in Kush’s architectural journey. The first is B.V. Doshi, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect and a mentor during his formative years. Doshi’s thoughtful, humanistic approach left an indelible mark on Kush and continues to influence his work.
The second is Frank Lloyd Wright, known for pioneering organic architecture. Wright’s bold, individualistic style and sensitivity to nature resonated with Kush and helped shape his own design philosophy—a marriage of bold vision and quiet functionality.
Legacy in the Making
Scarlett Designs today is a name synonymous with trust, craftsmanship, and innovation. With projects in both the private and government sector, their portfolio spans lakefronts, safari parks, educational institutes, luxury resorts, and commercial towers. The firm’s consistent quality has led to longstanding collaborations with industry leaders like Taj, Ananta, and Kalhaar.
Looking ahead, SDPL is on a trajectory of expansion—both in scale and geography. The goal is not just to take on more projects, but to redefine architectural excellence in new regions and sectors. Their tagline, “Designing for the challenge, the craft, and the communities we shape,” is more than a catchphrase—it’s a mission statement.
Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation
To young architects and designers, Kush offers a dose of reality along with encouragement. “When you leave college, the real world will feel overwhelming. You’ll face rejections, delays, and disillusionment. But that’s where your journey begins. Keep going, keep questioning, and never stop learning.”
He urges budding professionals to focus not just on design, but also on the human and business aspects of architecture. “Push boundaries, challenge conventions, and stay grounded in your values. That’s how you build something that lasts.”
In an age of rapid urbanization and shifting societal values, architects have an even greater responsibility—not just to design aesthetically pleasing spaces, but to ensure that those spaces are inclusive, sustainable, and enduring.
Kush Shah and Scarlett Designs embody this balance of form, function, and foresight. Through their work, they continue to craft spaces that are not only timeless, but also transformative—serving as living testaments to the power of design done right.
