Behzad Kharas’ design journey has continually raised the bar for luxury and innovation in architecture, making a lasting impact across multiple regions. Read on to know more…
Behzad Kharas has been a remarkable role model, an embodiment of resilience, vision, and tireless dedication. From his early days, brimming with creative energy and an uncompromising eye for design, to leading The BNK Group as Chairman and Managing Director, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His rise has been fueled by sheer perseverance and an unshakeable commitment towards his work, even in the face of challenges that would have deterred many.
Since founding The BNK Group in 2005, Behzad has transformed it from a small, passionate team into a thriving design and build powerhouse with over 100 dedicated professionals. Under his inspiring leadership, the firm has successfully completed more than 500 projects across India, the Middle East, and Africa, each one a testament to his ability to combine luxury, functionality, and emotional resonance.
His “3H value system”—Honest, Humble, and Humane—is not just a guiding philosophy, but a way of life. It shapes every decision he makes and sets the tone for the culture within the organization. Whether it’s designing high-end residences, luxury villas, hospitality destinations, or healthcare spaces, Behzad approaches each project with empathy, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail.
What truly distinguishes him is his ability to listen deeply, adapt with purpose, and continually innovate, turning his clients’ aspirations into meaningful, enduring spaces. Under his leadership, The BNK Group continues to redefine modern luxury through what they proudly call ‘The BNK Factor’—a perfect synergy of creativity, craftsmanship, and personalized design thinking.
In an exclusive conversation with Society Interiors and Design, Behzad Kharas, Chairman and Managing Director of The BNK Group, opens up about his inspiring journey through the world of architecture and Interior design.
The BNK Group has grown from a modest team into a dynamic force of over 100 professionals. What have been some of the most defining milestones in this remarkable journey?
The journey over the past 20 years has truly been a ride, full of defining highs and humbling lows. Becoming an entrepreneur was one of the biggest turning points in my life, but facing failure after initial success was equally impactful.
My professional journey began under very difficult circumstances. In 2004, my father was paralyzed, and that event changed everything for me. I often say that my father paid the highest price for my success. At the time, I was jobless, and looking after him gave me both the reason and the urgency to start something of my own. That’s how I founded The BNK Group in 2005, starting out from Nashik.
By 2007, I moved to Mumbai with just ₹20,000 in hand and a vision to grow. The firm expanded steadily over the next decade, gaining recognition and reaching new heights. But 2019 was a tough year. Our losses doubled, and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. It was a period of intense failure and self-reflection. Instead of giving up, I chose to be self-critical. I asked myself the hard questions, acknowledged where I went wrong, and took deliberate steps to course-correct.
That honest introspection became the turning point. With resilience and renewed focus, I was able to steer The BNK Group back to stability— and beyond. Where we stand today is the result of not just vision, but the strength to face failure head-on and grow from it.
Your portfolio spans diverse segments — from high-end residences and hospitality to workspaces and healthcare. How do you evolve your design language to cater to such varied typologies?
While we have dedicated design and project execution teams for each vertical, I’ve observed a significant amount of cross-pollination between them. For instance, in a commercial company headquarters, the public areas and executive floors might be designed by our residential or hospitality teams, while the workspace team handles the staff work floors. Similarly, in healthcare projects, once the healthcare team finalizes the layouts, the hospitality team steps in to add an aesthetic flair.
There’s a growing demand for hospitals and offices to feel like extensions of homes or hotels—spaces that offer comfort and warmth alongside functionality.
What truly sets us apart is the depth of experience each specialized team brings to their vertical. When these experienced professionals collaborate and share ideas across disciplines, the results are evident in the innovative and refined projects we’re delivering today.
Luxury today is a constantly shifting concept. How does The BNK Group interpret and redefine luxury for the modern, discerning client?
For me, luxury has always been about `an elevated state of well-being.’ Today, however, luxury is also closely tied to responsibility. The concept of “Responsible Luxury” is something I hold deeply important. True value— measured not just in monetary terms but in meaningful worth—is something both our clients and we as designers carefully consider.
For example, you don’t need to invest in an expensive marble floor if 70% of the space is going to be covered by furniture in a Mumbai apartment. Similarly, while automation might be seen as a luxury in apartments, it becomes a necessity in villas or multi-level homes. These are the kinds of questions we constantly ask ourselves and our clients to ensure that every choice reflects real value and purpose.
This thoughtful approach makes us responsible custodians of the luxury experience, ensuring that what we design truly enhances the lives of those who use it.
With an expanding footprint across the Middle East and Africa, how does your team navigate regional design sensibilities and cultural nuances while maintaining the BNK identity?
The UAE office in Dubai is led by professionals who bring over two decades of regional experience. Their extensive familiarity with local cultural nuances, climatic conditions, and client requirements ensures a high degree of sensitivity and responsiveness in their approach. While the team remains attuned to the specific contextual needs of the region, the design language we employ has evolved to embrace a more universal framework.
In contemporary practice, the distinctions between regional design styles have become increasingly blurred, facilitating a smoother integration of global design principles. This broader exposure enables the team to adapt effectively to international design standards while maintaining relevance to the local context—an endeavor that was considerably more challenging in earlier times.
Sustainability and technology are shaping the future of design. In what ways is The BNK Group embracing innovation and staying ahead of the curve in these areas?
Technology is a major driver for Team BNK. As we speak, we are curating our own Business enterprise platform and application that can be used by all stakeholders be it clients, internal teams, external vendors and contractors. From business development to snagging, human resources to material management, all will be governed and communicated through our own application. Having understood our points of failure over 20 years of design and execution, we have tried to plug as many fail points through this system and also ensuring the system isn’t over complicated for our native team members, like supervisors and peons, to use.
AI integration is also what we are exploring and while in the design process, we haven’t been able to crack the code yet for our customized projects, we believe in using AI to cut down effort and time hence thereby increasing the return on effort.
Sustainability is a responsible code at BNK and because now most products are being made locally and also with most products having themselves certified to the latest manufacturing norms that make it a more sustainable product, by default, our projects are getting more and more sustainable and responsible towards our planet.
Could you share a few landmark projects that were pivotal in shaping your career and the growth trajectory of The BNK Group? What made them special or trendsetting?
I believe the Vivanta Hotel in Navi Mumbai, my first five-star upper mid-scale hotel project, was a defining milestone in my career. Equally significant was our first villa project in Pune, where we continue to share a strong emotional connection with the client. Many such projects have profoundly influenced the philosophy and approach we embrace at BNK.
Today, being shortlisted for prestigious projects such as airport developments marks a proud moment for us. Currently, we are engaged in several exciting endeavors, including the 1.5 lakh square foot office headquarters for the Times Group in Mumbai, the Marriott Fairfield Bangalore Airport, and the design and build of a 100-key prototype hotel in Kerala—our first project of its kind in the hotel industry.
What are some of the most exciting or challenging international projects currently on your drawing board? How do they push your creative or operational boundaries?
While we have just begun doing projects in the GCC, our hotel project in Oman is something quite interesting, where a blend of the micro culture versus an American hotel brand is being mixed and creating a modern interpretation for the brand is pushing us beyond the typical role of a designer. We also have people from the operations side that work with BNK. From hospitality industry stalwarts to doctors and bio-medical planners, this unique team composition helps us bypass operational challenges with great ease, which is a major challenge in the GCC with very strict norms.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in the future of design. What is your philosophy when it comes to guiding and nurturing the next generation of architects and designers within your team?
Being Humble, Humane and Honest are the three Core Philosophies, we drive at The BNK Group. We believe if you’re not greatly skilled at your job, is fine, as long as your human core philosophy is good, the rest will follow. We in our quest to grow are now finding that the team needs to be motivated through small gestures, be it giving holidays on birthdays, followed by celebrations at office, creating a work life balance as much as possible, ensuring human physical and mental comfort at work, are some strategies we are working on.
Mentoring the team when they fail or get sluggish is very important to boost morale rather than reprimanding them. I think a balance of being strict &disciplined versus being flexible and empathetic is very important as a leader/ mentor.
Society Interiors and Design Showcases BNK Group wide-ranging design expertise and creative adaptability through this curated selection, highlighting their versatility and forward-thinking solutions.
Breach Candy:
Nestled in the upscale locale of Breach Candy, Mumbai, a transformative project is underway to elevate executive health check-up services to a new pinnacle of luxury and sophistication. Spanning 5,830 square feet, this refurbishment is meticulously designed to cater to highprofile clients who demand an environment that seamlessly blends exclusivity, comfort, and cutting-edge functionality.
The vision behind the Breach Candy project is to create a space that transcends the conventional healthcare experience. The design focuses on delivering a contemporary and upscale ambiance, carefully crafted to offer privacy and ease of flow through dedicated zones. This ensures that every visitor enjoys a discreet and personalized journey, tailored specifically to the needs of elite executives.
Every detail of the space has been thoughtfully considered, from the choice of premium materials to the integration of state-of-the-art technology. Safety and hygiene form the foundation of material selection, with high-quality steel, reinforced concrete, and fire-resistant paints employed to meet stringent health and safety standards. The interiors feature a sophisticated palette of SPC flooring, Italian marble, terrazzo tiles, and veneer finishes— all chosen not only for their durability and elegance but also for their antimicrobial properties and ease of maintenance. Nonporous wall coverings and easy-to-clean surfaces further enhance infection control, ensuring a sterile environment vital for healthcare settings.
Sustainability also plays a vital role in this project. Eco-friendly materials have been incorporated wherever possible, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising on performance or aesthetics.
Beyond patient areas, the design pays equal attention to ergonomically optimized staff zones, recognizing that comfort and efficiency are essential to delivering exceptional care. Privacy and security are paramount, with personalized elements woven throughout the space to meet the discerning standards of executive clientele.
Ultimately, the Breach Candy facility is more than just a health check-up center—it is a bold redefinition of premium healthcare. By marrying luxury, innovation, and responsible design, the project promises an unparalleled experience that sets a new benchmark in the industry.
Godrej Avalon:
Located in the heart of Mumbai’s upscale Mahalaxmi neighborhood, a striking transformation unfolds—what was once a traditional 4BHK apartment has been reimagined into a spacious and fluid 3BHK residence, where thoughtful design and contemporary aesthetics converge. This home is not just a living space, but a curated expression of modern sophistication and seamless functionality.
The most notable design highlight is the versatile media/study room in the main living and dining areas. This fluid layout invites movement and interaction, creating a sense of openness that encourages both comfort and exploration. The result is a spatial narrative that feels expansive, yet intimately connected—an airy ambiance that elevates everyday living.
The design language speaks in soft, modern tones. A calming palette of muted beiges, warm browns, and gold sand creates a neutral backdrop, allowing the materials to take center stage. Marble surfaces lend sculptural elegance throughout the apartment, with the kitchen standing as its centerpiece. Here, black and white marble countertops are paired with sleek black faucets and a commanding island, all bathed in the ambient glow of ceiling-mounted lighting. This is a space where style meets utility—equal parts showpiece and workspace.
Natural veneer and metal accents are thoughtfully interwoven throughout the apartment, enhancing its tactile warmth and reinforcing the balance between minimalism and richness. These materials, selected for both their aesthetic and enduring quality, reinforce the apartment’s timeless yet contemporary character.
Every room exudes understated luxury, offering a refined yet livable atmosphere. The open-plan layout allows light and air to circulate freely, reinforcing the sense of spaciousness while maintaining a grounded elegance.
This reimagined apartment in Mahalaxmi is more than just a residential space—it’s a testament to the evolving language of urban design, where modernity and comfort coexist effortlessly. Here, innovation doesn’t shout; it whispers through textures, flows through space, and reflects in every curated detail—a glimpse into the future of sophisticated city living.
Urban Oasis:
Set within a compact urban plot, Urban Oasis stands as a striking example of how intelligent design and meticulous craftsmanship can transform spatial limitations into architectural triumph. This 9,000-square-foot residence, designed for a real estate developer, is a carefully curated blend of creativity, material harmony, and functional planning, crafted to meet the complex demands of urban living without compromising on elegance or comfort.
The architectural language of the home is defined by a refined interplay between natural materials and modern detailing. Warm wooden cladding adds an organic richness to the structure, softening its linear form and connecting it visually with the surrounding landscape. Intricate glass detailing allows natural light to flood the interiors, while simultaneously enhancing the visual transparency and openness of the design. The seamless integration of wood and glass throughout the villa not only elevates its aesthetic appeal but also speaks to a deeper understanding of the balance between light and solid, warmth and modernity.
One of the project’s most impressive achievements lies in its ability to deliver substantial functionality within the constraints of a linear plot. Strategic setbacks and architectural projections serve a dual purpose: they lend visual dynamism to the façade and also provide much-needed privacy to upper-level living spaces from nearby roadways. The spatial organization is equally thoughtful— the lower level houses the owner’s office and semi-public zones, offering accessibility and separation from private areas. The topmost floor is envisioned as a serene family retreat, opening to panoramic garden views and offering a sanctuary of peace above the city’s bustle.
Existing trees on the site were consciously preserved and integrated into the overall landscape, adding a natural layer of continuity and enhancing the villa’s urban oasis identity. This thoughtful attention to the natural environment reinforces the holistic ethos of the design.
Material selection was a critical aspect of the project’s success. Exteriors are equipped with insulated glass and weather-resistant coatings, ensuring durability and energy efficiency. Inside, luxurious finishes—including Italian marble, custom-crafted woodwork, Metallic PU coatings, and modern fixtures—blend sophistication with resilience. Each material was chosen for its ability to withstand local climatic conditions while also meeting high standards of long-term performance and low maintenance.
Urban Oasis is more than just a residence; it is a narrative of intelligent planning, material sensitivity, and refined aesthetics. It reflects a deep respect for its context, while boldly redefining what it means to live well in an urban setting.
Vivanta Turbhe:
Strategically located in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai, the Vivanta Hotel by Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is a bold expression of contemporary luxury, thoughtfully crafted for the modern, dynamic traveler. Conceptualized in alignment with IHCL’s brand ethos, the hotel merges refined sophistication with a distinctive visual narrative, anchored in bold design choices, contextual detailing, and functionality tailored to urban hospitality.
This 5-star property stands as a testament to BNK Group’s ability to strike the perfect balance between opulence and restraint. The design is centered around a striking ultraviolet palette—an intentional, daring choice that sets the tone for the space. To align with brand ARR and budget considerations, materials were selected with precision and purpose. Satuario and Calacatta tiles, adorned with custom laser-cut inlays in hues of yellow ochre, bottle green, and mint, lend the interiors a vibrant yet elegant personality.
The bar area draws from a retro-modern aesthetic, infused with sleek industrial elements to match the lifestyle preferences of the target clientele. A complementary interplay of black, white, and grey provides visual contrast to the vivid color palette, creating a balanced and cohesive ambience. Inspired by the IHCL brand’s emblem of dots and dashes, this geometric motif is subtly yet cohesively embedded throughout the property—in carpets, wallpapers, wall panels, and soft furnishings—tying the design language together.
An important highlight of the project was the thoughtful integration of Swirl and Mynt, the hotel’s standard F&B offerings. Although housed in a shared space, each venue was given a distinct identity while maintaining brand consistency. This was achieved through clever spatial interventions, like glass screens and nuanced variations in wall paneling and furniture, to create subtle yet impactful differentiation.
The material palette at Vivanta Turbhe is a reflection of architectural integrity and refined luxury. From structure to finish, every element was chosen to exemplify durability, elegance, and timeless appeal. Interiors showcase polished Italian marble, rich hardwood flooring, natural stones, veneered surfaces, and lush textiles, together creating an atmosphere that is both serene and luxurious.
In keeping with the functional demands of high-end hospitality, the project also incorporates acoustic treatments, thermal insulation, and fire-rated materials, ensuring the highest standards of safety and comfort. Sustainability was another key focus. Wherever possible, eco-friendly and locally sourced materials were used, reflecting IHCL’s commitment to responsible development and environmentally conscious design.
Vivanta Turbhe is more than just a hotel—it is a design experience that exemplifies BNK Group’s ability to seamlessly align with brand expectations across categories. Through its careful orchestration of material, form, and function, the project sets a new benchmark for upper mid-scale luxury, redefining what it means to create contemporary hospitality spaces in India’s growing urban hubs.
One Lodha Place
Located in the bustling commercial district of Lower Parel, Mumbai, this 1,500-squarefoot office is a masterclass in contemporary elegance, where calmness, functionality, and aesthetic sensitivity converge. Designed around the concept of modern naturalism, the space offers a refreshing retreat from the city’s intensity, grounded in a soft, neutral colour palette and crafted with thoughtful materiality.
From the moment one enters, the tone is set by light-toned natural veneers and ready fluted panels that introduce warmth and subtle texture to the interiors. These elements are balanced by grey-toned floor tiles that provide a gentle contrast while maintaining the overall tranquil ambiance. The choice of soft, light blinds further enhances the experience, inviting abundant natural light into the workspace and creating an environment that feels open and uplifting.
To introduce just the right amount of energy without disrupting the serene atmosphere, the design incorporates durable office chairs in accent colours. These carefully chosen pops of colour inject vibrancy and character into the space, achieving a harmonious balance between formality and creativity.
Spatial planning was approached with equal attention to function and flow. The director’s cabin, for instance, has been strategically positioned according to Vastu principles— aligning the layout with both spatial logic and traditional sensibilities. The result is a workspace that not only looks elegant but also feels intuitively comfortable and grounded.
The material selection reinforces the project’s core ethos of understated sophistication. Natural veneers and fluted textures bring warmth and visual interest, while grey floor tiles and minimalistic furnishings lend a modern edge. The inclusion of soft textiles and sleek finishes creates an environment that is both welcoming and professional, tailored to support focus and well-being throughout the workday.
Designed in close alignment with the client’s vision, this office goes beyond being a place of work—it becomes an extension of brand identity and personal style. Calm, cohesive, and consciously designed, it offers a blueprint for future-ready workspaces where aesthetics and functionality are perfectly in sync.
From high-end residences and luxury villas to sophisticated hospitality and healthcare spaces, Behzad Kharas has delivered projects marked by elegance and innovation. Looking ahead, we can expect him to push creative boundaries further, shaping transformative and sustainable designs that redefine luxury living.
