In the bustling design corridors of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, one name has become synonymous with refined architecture, timeless interiors, and thoughtful spatial storytelling — Kush Shah, the founder and visionary behind Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL). His journey is not just one of architectural excellence, but also a compelling tale of perseverance, creativity, and transformation.
The Genesis of a Vision
Kush Shah never envisioned himself as an architect. His younger self had dreams rooted in engineering. However, fate had other plans. A visit to CEPT University, where his cousin was studying architecture, changed the trajectory of his life. Drawn in by the creativity buzzing on the campus, and recognizing how the discipline aligned with his lifelong passion for painting and sketching, Kush made the decision to dive into architecture — a decision that would later influence the visual fabric of multiple Indian cities.
It was in 1989, straight out of college and fueled by ambition, that he founded Scarlett Designs. What started in the modest confines of his bedroom eventually evolved into a leading architectural firm — rechristened as Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL) in 2002. From its humble beginnings to its present-day avatar nestled in the iconic North Tower of ONE42 in Ahmedabad, SDPL has been a story of evolution and excellence.
Design Philosophy: Craft, Challenge & Community
What sets Kush Shah apart is not just his technical prowess but his philosophical approach to architecture. “I design for the challenge, the craft, and the communities we shape,” he says — a tagline that has become the firm’s north star.
SDPL’s strength lies in problem-solving through design. From luxury resorts to public infrastructure, from residential towers to heritage preservation, each project is an opportunity to create something uniquely beautiful and functionally robust. Whether it’s integrating passive design elements to reduce energy consumption or choosing locally sourced materials for sustainability, the firm blends art and science in its design ethos.
For Kush, architecture is more than structure. It is about creating experiences — spaces that are elegant yet environment-friendly, rooted in local context yet globally aware.
A Diverse Portfolio, A Singular Vision
Today, Scarlett Designs stands as a multidisciplinary design powerhouse. It operates at the intersection of architecture, interior design, landscape design, and urban planning. The firm’s portfolio boasts prestigious projects such as:
- Thol and Nalsarovar Lakefront Development – initiatives that bring nature and tourism together in an ecologically sensitive framework.
- 70-metre high residential and commercial towers – redefining the Ahmedabad skyline.
- Taj Resorts in Udaipur, Meraki Hills, and Amaaya by Ama, Taj – embodying luxury that blends into its natural surroundings.
- Kalhaar Blues and Greens Golf Country Club (KBG) – a masterclass in luxury, innovation, and environmental responsiveness.
Each of these projects reflects SDPL’s signature approach: context-driven, sustainable, and emotionally resonant design.
Signature Projects Close to Heart
Among a host of prestigious projects, some remain close to Kush’s heart. The Ananta Resort and Spa in Ajabgarh, Rajasthan, for instance, is an exemplary feat. Spanning over 30 acres and nestled in the Aravalli hills, the resort offers guests a sensory journey through four elemental villa types — Earth, Lagoon, Bamboo, and Fire. Each structure is a poetic interplay of space, element, and emotion.
Equally remarkable is the KBG Golf Club, a 500,000 sq ft marvel featuring diverse architectural styles harmonized through a celebratory central spine of arches. The bathhouse-inspired locker rooms in the club exemplify SDPL’s signature attention to detail and user comfort.
Redefining Luxury with Responsibility
In a time when sustainability is a buzzword, SDPL treats it as a foundational principle, not a trend. “We were green before green was cool,” Kush quips with a smile. Since the 1980s, the firm has implemented climate-responsive design and sustainable practices. Be it water recharge systems, on-site sewage treatment plants, or the use of low-emissivity glass in commercial structures — SDPL’s work reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Their approach also includes a nod to the past. By integrating vernacular techniques, drawing from traditional architecture, and using local materials, Kush ensures that every project is a dialogue between the old and the new, the regional and the universal.
Understanding Clients, Shaping Communities
Architectural brilliance means little without empathy and communication — two skills Kush believes are as important as drafting or modeling. “You’re designing someone’s future,” he often reminds young architects.
SDPL’s projects begin with deep conversations with clients — understanding their vision, expectations, lifestyle, and purpose. This ensures that the design solutions are not only beautiful but also deeply personal. Whether it’s a family home, a community resort, or a public park, every design responds to its users and the broader community it inhabits.
Entrepreneurial Challenges and Learnings
The path to success was far from linear. When Kush began his practice, architects didn’t have ready-made roadmaps to entrepreneurship. The infrastructure was lacking, and every new client brought new challenges. From hiring his first mason to managing large-scale developments, every step taught him something.
He credits his growth to learning from the ground up — from carpenters, masons, site engineers — and building systems through trial, error, and refinement. Networking, persistence, and reputation became key. With time, SDPL built a reliable network of clients, vendors, and collaborators that helped scale operations and deliver excellence.
Inspiration and Influence
Two figures have left a lasting impression on Kush’s design journey.
One is the legendary B.V. Doshi, under whom he trained during his initial years. His teachings, ideas, and critiques shaped Kush’s early understanding of space and design. The second is the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright, whose fearless creativity and organic architecture inspired Kush to approach each project as a living, evolving entity.
The Road Ahead: Expansion & Diversification
Looking ahead, SDPL is gearing up for a new phase of growth. The firm is actively expanding into new geographies and verticals, aiming to establish a strong presence in previously untapped markets across India and abroad.
There’s also a growing interest in urban regeneration, public infrastructure, and tech-integrated spaces — domains where Kush wants to bring SDPL’s experience and innovation to the forefront.
Advice to Young Architects & Designers
To those just starting out, Kush offers sage advice. “The real world is different from school. Rejections will be many. But passion, patience, and persistence will carry you through.”
He encourages young professionals to keep challenging norms, stay curious, embrace sustainable practices, and above all, enjoy the process of creation. “Architecture is a lifelong journey. Keep learning, keep questioning.”
What Makes Kush Shah Unique
In a world of fast-paced trends, Kush Shah is a rare breed — a designer who slows down to observe, reflect, and create. His ability to communicate clearly, think creatively, and lead with integrity makes him not just a successful entrepreneur, but also a trusted partner and mentor to clients and collaborators alike.
He is proof that design, when done right, can transform lives, uplift communities, and leave a legacy that speaks across generations.
From a chance encounter with architecture to shaping some of India’s most ambitious projects, Kush Shah’s journey is one of vision, resilience, and reinvention. Through Scarlett Designs Pvt. Ltd., he continues to push the boundaries of design — blending art with science, tradition with innovation, and dreams with detail.
His story is not just a chronicle of personal success, but a blueprint for building with purpose. And as SDPL scales new heights, one thing is certain — the future it designs will be as compelling as its past.
