DesignAsia
In a country where history breathes through architecture and design, and tradition dances with modernity, it takes more than talent to leave a mark—it takes vision, resilience, and an insatiable curiosity for what lies beyond the obvious. For Kush Shah, the founder and director of Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL), architecture is more than just creating structures. It is about solving problems, shaping communities, and telling timeless stories through space.
The Genesis of a Dream
The journey of Kush Shah began with a serendipitous visit to the CEPT University campus, a place that would unexpectedly chart the course of his future. Born with a flair for sketching and painting, Kush had always envisioned himself in the field of engineering. But witnessing the passion and creativity on the CEPT campus ignited a dormant spark. The immersive culture, the artistic freedom, and the sheer beauty of the work convinced him to switch lanes—to architecture, a field that resonated with both his heart and his intellect.
What began as a leap of faith turned into a full-fledged calling. In 1989, driven by a deep-rooted passion and an undying love for design challenges, Kush laid the foundation of Scarlett Designs. Over the years, it evolved, adapted, and grew—culminating in Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) in 2002, a multidisciplinary firm headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, that stands tall today with a reputation for innovation, elegance, and excellence.
A Vision Set in Stone
At its core, SDPL is a firm that designs for the challenge, the craft, and the communities it shapes. The company has redefined architectural paradigms across a wide canvas—luxury resorts, commercial high-rises, lakefronts, golf clubs, and even public infrastructure such as sanctuaries and safari parks. With a client-centric approach, each project is treated as a unique story, influenced by the environment, shaped by local culture, and inspired by global best practices.
Under Kush’s stewardship, SDPL’s projects have expanded from Gujarat to the farthest corners of India—and even internationally. Today, the firm is involved in landmark projects like the lakefront developments of Thol and Nalsarovar, luxury resorts like Ananta Spa & Resort, Ajabgarh, and iconic venues like Kalhaar Blues and Greens Golf Country Club. Their current pipeline features upcoming resorts for Taj and Atmos, along with commercial towers that push the boundaries of vertical urbanism.
Crafting Sustainable Luxury
What makes SDPL stand apart is its refusal to adopt a cookie-cutter approach. The design process is grounded in bespoke creativity, where site conditions, climate, client aspirations, and cultural context all inform the final product. But Kush goes beyond the visible aesthetics—he’s deeply committed to sustainable architecture.
“We hear the term ‘sustainability’ often, but many don’t understand its depth,” says Kush. “For us, it’s not just a buzzword; it’s an ethos.”
From using low-emissivity glass and argon-filled double-glazed panels in commercial towers to incorporating on-site sewage treatment plants and water recharge systems, SDPL has consistently implemented green strategies that conserve resources and elevate user comfort. Traditional materials, passive design techniques, and insights from vernacular architecture are also consciously integrated into their modern designs.
As a frequent traveler, Kush keeps a keen eye on sustainable techniques around the world, always looking to adapt them to Indian contexts—be it a unique roof form, a courtyard strategy, or a passive cooling method used in rural African villages.
Designing with Purpose
While SDPL is well-known for its large-scale luxury projects, the real magic lies in how the firm elevates purpose through design. The company’s work in safari parks, sanctuaries, and public lakefronts is driven by a desire to make tourism more inclusive and sustainable. These projects are not just architectural landmarks but also catalysts for economic growth, community engagement, and ecological awareness.
A fine example is the Kalhaar Blues and Greens Golf Country Club, a 500,000 sq. ft. space where luxury, sport, and design intersect. The central “spine” of the club, a dramatic procession of arches, creates a spatial experience akin to walking through a sculptural narrative. Meanwhile, its locker rooms are inspired by the concept of a Roman bathhouse, offering patrons a haven of rest and rejuvenation.
And then there’s the Ananta Spa & Resort, Ajabgarh, nestled in the Aravalli ranges. Here, each villa—Earth, Lagoon, Bamboo, Fire—offers a sensory experience rooted in elemental design philosophy. It’s luxury with a soul, and innovation with a conscience.
The Man Behind the Mission
While SDPL’s work speaks for itself, its heart and soul lie in Kush Shah—an architect, artist, mentor, and entrepreneur. His story is one of grit and graceful evolution. From starting his practice in a bedroom with just technical know-how and raw passion, he has grown into a leader admired across India’s architecture and design circles.
But the path wasn’t easy.
“In the early days, there was no roadmap for young architects,” Kush recalls. “There were no systems, no mentors. I learned from everyone—from engineers to masons to carpenters.”
Through trial and error, he built not just buildings but systems, philosophies, and a company culture that thrives on collaboration and integrity. His internship experience and exposure to furniture design early on gave him the edge he needed. A deep understanding of construction methods, attention to craft, and vendor relationships helped him deliver projects that were not just visionary but also practical.
His inspirations are telling of his design journey—B.V. Doshi, the legendary Indian architect, and Frank Lloyd Wright, a pioneer of modern organic architecture. From Doshi, Kush inherited the wisdom of contextual design and humility. From Wright, he embraced boldness and originality.
Beyond the Blueprint
What distinguishes Kush as an entrepreneur is his emotional intelligence and communication. “Architecture may be technical, but it’s deeply personal,” he says. “You must understand your client’s psychology, their needs, their dreams—only then can you design a space that truly fits.”
His relationships with clients are built on transparency, trust, and long-term commitment. Each project is approached as a partnership, not a transaction. This, in many ways, is SDPL’s secret sauce—a foundation of enduring relationships that has led to repeat clients, word-of-mouth growth, and a stellar reputation.
Looking Ahead
As Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. looks toward the future, the focus is clear—scaling up. New geographies, new verticals, and an even stronger team are on the horizon. With high-rise towers, government partnerships, and international collaborations in the pipeline, SDPL is not just growing in size but in ambition.
Their long-term vision includes setting benchmarks in hospitality design, venturing deeper into public infrastructure, and building projects that inspire future generations of architects.
A Word to the Next Generation
When asked what advice he would offer young architects, Kush doesn’t sugarcoat reality.
“Stepping out of college is tough,” he admits. “You’ll face rejection, self-doubt, and struggle. But remember—resilience, creativity, and hard work will carry you through.”
He encourages budding designers to challenge convention, stay curious, and never stop learning. Most importantly, he urges them to design for people, not for awards or social media likes.
Kush Shah’s story isn’t just about buildings—it’s about belief. It’s about having the courage to step into the unknown, the wisdom to learn from every stakeholder, and the humility to remain grounded even while rising to great heights. Through Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd., he has created more than a company—he has crafted a design legacy that balances artistry with utility, ambition with empathy, and innovation with tradition.
In a world rapidly chasing trends, Kush remains a firm believer in authenticity, depth, and timeless design. And perhaps that’s what makes both him and SDPL not just successful—but truly significant.
Website: https://scarlettdesigns.in/
