DesignAsia Team
Rashid Khan’s fascination with architecture began in his early school days, captivated by the unique buildings lining Marine Drive. Each structure’s distinct design sparked questions about what made them different, and his curiosity was piqued by the realization that the style he admired was called Art Deco. This fascination grew as he studied architecture, ultimately defining his career path.
Rashid founded RKA – Rashid Khan Architects in 2009. Since then, his firm has been practicing architecture and interior design across India and Dubai, earning a reputation for excellence. The firm’s minimalist and modern design themes, inspired by Art Deco, reflect Rashid’s personal aesthetic of elegance, sophistication, and simplicity.
The impact of architectural design on society cannot be overstated. It can improve the quality of life by creating sustainable, habitable, and practical spaces that meet the needs of their occupants. Well-designed buildings offer comfort, resilience against natural disasters, and a reduced environmental footprint. Rashid’s work embodies these principles, striving to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
Specializing in minimalist and modern design, Rashid focuses on themes inspired by Art Deco. His work solves the problem of creating elegant, sophisticated spaces that are also simple and functional. The unique selling point of his design and work lies in this balance of elegance, sophistication, and simplicity.
Looking to the future, Rashid envisions his business inspiring a new generation and society towards better, sustainable, and habitable lifestyles. He believes in the importance of encouraging others to pursue diverse projects, grow professionally, and build personal brands in the architectural field.
Rashid’s professional inspiration comes from many architects and designers, particularly Zaha Hadid, whose creativity and work continue to influence him. As an entrepreneur, Rashid has faced numerous challenges, such as domestic production of materials, financing issues, and tight project timelines. Economic uncertainty and stagnant client fees have added to the difficulties, along with tight deadlines and the potential for human error despite technological advancements.
Starting his business required assembling a team of skilled professionals, establishing reliable contacts for quality materials, and maintaining a clear vision for the firm’s future. Identifying opportunities in the market involved understanding client needs and delivering projects uniquely and creatively.
Rashid’s unique qualities as an entrepreneur stem from his creativity and professionalism. His ability to connect with clients and deliver exceptional designs has been a significant factor in his success. Each project is close to his heart, particularly the recent architectural residential buildings in South and North Mumbai.
The trend towards sustainable and green architecture is one that Rashid wholeheartedly supports. He believes it is crucial for society to adopt these practices to combat global warming and promote environmental sustainability. Understanding client psychology and requirements is also essential in architecture, as it ensures that the final design resonates with the client’s vision and needs.
Rashid’s journey as an entrepreneur has taught him the importance of continuously improving his design concepts and staying creative. His message to budding architects and designers is to follow their intuition, work with what they have, and maintain confidence in their abilities. He encourages them to wear their metaphorical hat with pride, drawing inspiration from the famous designer who said, “If you’re going to wear a hat, wear a hat but don’t let the hat wear you.”
Throughout his career, Rashid has faced numerous challenges, but his passion for architecture and design has driven him to overcome them. His firm’s success is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Rashid’s work continues to inspire others and contribute positively to the architectural field, leaving a lasting impact on society.
