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Nyishi Parekh talks about embracing smart technology, combining style and practicality, and designing eco-friendly spaces like Malaika Arora’s Scarlett House in an exclusive conversation with News18.com.
“The success of any project lies in balancing beauty and function,” says Nyishi Parekh on creating hospitality spaces that are both efficient and visually appealing.
Nyishi Parekh has made a name for herself in India’s hospitality architecture scene, thanks to her love of sustainable design and ability to combine style and utility. Her portfolio as Director of Architecture and Hospitality at Splendour Living includes some of Mumbai’s most recognisable buildings, such as Lyla and the recently opened Scarlett House, owned by Arhaan Khan and Malaika Arora. Parekh talks on the future of immersive guest experiences, the emergence of eco-friendly spaces, and incorporating smart technology into hospitality design in this exclusive interview with News18.com.
Excerpts from the interview:
Hospitality spaces ought to be both aesthetically pleasing and quite functional. When designing a restaurant or other luxury setting, how do you balance operational effectiveness with aesthetic appeal?
Oh, that is a tough one. If you ask me, they both need to go hand in hand. One cannot be prioritised over the other. It is important to first address the absolute non-negotiable operational requirements of a restaurant to ensure the staff can work efficiently and alongside the plan for the user experience. The success of any project lies in the balance of beauty and function.
Which international trends in hospitality do you think will have a significant influence in India in the coming times?
I think the integration of smart technology to enhance user experience and increase operational efficiency. The hospitality sector globally is integrating more advanced technology, including AI, automation, contactless check-ins, and smart rooms. The use of mobile apps for booking, managing stays, and providing personalised experiences is becoming more common.
With the rapid digital adoption in India, there is already a significant shift towards mobile-first and technology-enabled guest experiences.
Do you believe there is an increasing need for environmentally conscious spaces in Mumbai’s restaurant and hotel business, and how do you integrate sustainability into hospitality projects?
100 percent! However, incorporating sustainability into restaurant design is not just about using eco-friendly materials but about creating an environment that promotes sustainable practices at every level.
For starters, using recycled/reclaimed materials or using low VOC paints that reduce harmful chemicals in the air. You can also encourage zero waste initiatives by opting for compostable options like bamboo and avoiding single-use items. I already see hotel businesses today incorporating energy-efficient lighting and adopting systems for water conservation and waste management.
Scarlett House, backed by Malaika Arora and Arhaan Khan, is among your recent projects. What was it like working on a space that blends high fashion, celebrity culture, and fine dining?
It was truly exhilarating. Given that Scarlett house is set in a 90-year-old Bandra bungalow, for Malaika, the idea was to make the place feel like home. So the entire experience was planned around that notion, which is why it was important to infuse the space with distinct elements that speak to her nature.
5.
a. Which is your personal favourite theme?
I am a sucker for all things vintage and industrial. So it has to be Vintage revival.
b. What is your all-time favourite piece of furniture?
The Franco Albini and Franca Helg Library unit was designed in the 1950s.
c. Latest innovation that caught your eye.
Invisible light switches!
d. What is the most unconventional thing you designed and that turned out to be great?
Splendour Living HQ, our studio space set in a formerly dilapidated warehouse.
e. One shift you cannot wait to witness in architectural designs in India.
One shift I’m particularly excited to witness in architectural design in India is the growing adoption of sustainable and climate-responsive architecture. I’m excited to see how India moves towards a more environmentally conscious built environment, especially as Indian cities continue to grow and face the challenges of climate change.
Are green buildings green? How affordable is it for a middle-class man to adopt sustainable techniques today?
While green buildings can be truly environmentally friendly, their effectiveness and “greenness” depend on proper implementation of eco-friendly technologies and ensuring that the entire life cycle of the building is considered.
For a middle-class person, the initial costs of adopting sustainable techniques may seem high, but in the long term the financial and environmental benefits outweigh the investment. Having said that, sustainable living today is becoming more and more accessible with the increasing availability of affordable materials and government incentives. By adopting simple, low-cost sustainable techniques such as energy-efficient appliances and water-saving fixtures, middle-class homeowners can make significant progress toward greener homes without breaking the bank.
Finally, what do you see as the next big trend in restaurant and hotel design, and how do you plan to stay ahead of the curve?
As I mentioned before, I think integrating design with smart technology to create a hyper-immersive experience is perhaps going to be the next big thing, and the only way to stay ahead of the curve as a creative individual would be to embrace innovation and be open and flexible to emerging technologies.
