2024 Winner
Category - Interior Design - Retail
Chander M. Kaushik & Bharti Sikri
LAD Studio
LAD Studio (Lab for Architecture and Design) is a creative multidisciplinary boutique practice founded by architects Chander M. Kaushik and Bharti Sikri. With expertise spanning architecture, interior design, landscaping, urban design, and heritage conservation, LAD Studio is known for crafting designs that are not only visually compelling but deeply connected to context and culture.
Since its inception in 2019, the studio has worked on a diverse range of projects including boutique residences, commercial interiors, hospitality, and adaptive reuse of heritage spaces. With a belief that architecture must resonate with users and their environment, LAD Studio emphasizes the use of natural materials, contextual sensitivity, and the reinvention of everyday spaces. Their approach blends thoughtful research with creative exploration, resulting in designs that are immersive, sustainable, and timeless.
Area: 1500 sq ft
Tucked into the vibrant Galleria Market in Gurugram, Rang Haveli is not your typical fashion store. Designed for renowned fashion designer Surraj Kathuria, the boutique immerses visitors into a world where old-world charm meets modern luxury. Conceived by LAD Studio, a Delhi-based architecture and design firm known for its culturally rooted work, the interiors pay homage to India’s craft heritage while embracing a bold, expressive palette.
The boutique is envisioned as a contemporary haveli—stepping through its dehleez is akin to walking into a curated celebration of Indian artistry. The entrance sequence is theatrical yet intimate: fragrant flowering plants flank the walkway, while tulsi planters mark sacred beginnings. The space unfolds gradually, moving from the othla (seating area) to a layered arrangement of interconnected galleries defined by multi-foliated arches, niche motifs, and brass-laden decor.
Each room feels like a chapter in a storybook—walls hold Mughal miniatures and Pichwai artworks, while the central chowk anchors the space with a burst of verdant green and a ceiling adorned with dozens of hanging brass bells. Brass detailing is everywhere, often sourced from the designer’s own collection, amplifying the space’s sense of nostalgia and narrative.
Materiality plays a starring role. Rough kadappa stone flooring provides a textural base, while ornate mirrors, fabric-draped ceilings, and vibrant wallpapers envelop the senses. Despite the maximalist treatment, the design doesn’t feel overwhelming. Instead, it radiates warmth, craftsmanship, and a deep sense of place—an intentional signature of LAD Studio, co-founded by Bharti Sikri and Chander Kaushik. The firm blends conservation expertise with contemporary aesthetics, making it a sought-after name in the realm of culturally rich, bespoke design.
With Rang Haveli, the studio has masterfully balanced grandeur and intimacy—offering a boutique experience where every corner is steeped in memory, material, and meaning.
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