‘Proper planning essential to deliver perfect quality’

The LaLit Golf & Spa Resort, Goa. JW Marriott Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi. Club Mahindra Pristine Peak Resort, Naldehra. The Monarch, Ooty. These are some hospitality projects that CP Kukreja Architects has completed successfully. The firm, which has been operating for over half-a-century, has delivered high-profile projects across all categories, including Aerocity, New Delhi and India Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020. It has worked with IHCL, Marriott International and The LaLiT to deliver excellence in hospitality. The Group has insights into the industry that come from years of experience and observation. “The hospitality industry in India is taking new strides,” observes Sameer Divekar, Executive Vice President, CP Kukreja Architects. 

Adapting to change

While being in the industry for a long time has many advantages, it also means adapting to changes quickly so as to continue being relevant. And with time, CP Kukreja Architects has adapted as well. “Addressing climate change has become a huge priority when it comes to the hospitality industry’s requirements today. As a result, ensuring energy efficiency has taken centrestage in modern hospitality projects,” shares Divekar, adding the approach towards design of hospitality projects earlier was standardised but has now changed to following a particular theme, be it Nature, wellness or business. 

“In addition, cultural revival in some places has led to resurfacing of heritage aspects in hospitality projects. We have always stayed closer to the changing contexts in our projects. Understanding the site and environment inform us about its uniqueness which helps us build on the strengths. A key way in which we have ensured this has been by incorporating elements of cultural significance such as local arts, crafts, colours and patterns to keep the project contextually relevant. Through it all, we lay careful emphasis on deploying our understanding of design principles to elevate the user’s sensory experiences that stand the test of time,” he shares. 

Something unique every time

“We are mindful that what we create must be respectful of its local context and connect to the people and the place. Buildings that derive from local culture, building materials, climatic factors and architectural styles are a celebration of the years of collective wisdom, knowledge and labour that shape a thriving community,” explains Divekar. For each of their projects, the Group meditates on physical, cultural and social adjacencies of the site and employs learnings to challenge the brief, birthing uniquely designed solutions. 

Process of delivering quality

“Proper planning during the design and construction stage is essential to deliver quality,” he says. First, the Group has worked out its internal processes with sufficient checkpoints to ensure it is always on track. Second, identifying responsibilities and setting clear expectations, both within the firm and with consultants, is essential. “In addition, we have devised our own tools to ensure software homogeneity and prevent discrepancies. For example, we work with specialised, central controlling software which ensures uniformity and timely delivery across all teams. We use BIM-integrated software to save time and resources, allowing real-time collaborations across different departments. We also design process management systems to ensure we deliver quality consistently,” Divekar shares.

New trends in hospitality design

Just like other sectors, sustainability is trending in hospitality as well. “Many hospitality chains are now opting for sustainable measures, adopting them in the hotels’ design as well as their products and services. Additionally, today’s average consumer expects the services to be at a quicker pace. Therefore, spatial planning and the design of the back of the house, which comprises the services, is now centred around fast and smooth operation,” says Divekar.

A look at the future

“At present, we are engaged in many hospitality projects including Bodh Gaya Convention Centre in Bihar which will include a world-class convention hall to hold 2,000 people and smaller halls for lesser capacities along with seminar halls, meeting and conference rooms,” he says. The Group is on the verge of finishing another ambitious project, India International Convention Centre in Dwarka, Delhi. Designed in collaboration with IDOM, Spain, the convention centre hosted the G20 Summit and will host other mega international events including international conferences, exhibitions and trade shows. CP Kukreja Architects is working on the Vertical City in Kolkata which will be a highrise, mixed-use neighbourhood  including hotel spaces.