For Sunil Gambani, architecture has never been just about structures—it’s about shaping experiences, uplifting environments, and leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful design. After spending over 25 years as a senior associate with the legendary Architect Hafeez Contractor, Sunil had already honed an exceptional eye for scale, detail, and innovation. However, in 2006, driven by a deep conviction to design spaces that truly resonate with people and their surroundings, he took the leap to establish Drishti Architects.
What began as a small practice with big dreams soon evolved into a multidisciplinary design studio known for its integrity, empathy, and contextual sensitivity. Sunil’s leadership style—rooted in mentorship and collaboration—has shaped a close-knit team of designers who share his belief that good design is as much about listening as it is about creating. His ability to bridge pragmatic functionality with refined aesthetics has not only earned Drishti long-standing client relationships but also a reputation for delivering projects that stand the test of time.
With every project, from luxury residences to large-scale corporate environments, Sunil Gambani continues to influence the architectural landscape—not through grand gestures alone, but through the quiet consistency of dedication, discipline, and a genuine desire to make spaces better.
In an exclusive interview with Sunil Gambani, Founder, Drishti Architects, Society Interiors and Design uncover how his vision, discipline, and human-centered approach have shaped a practice known for timeless and context-driven design.
Can you tell us about your early journey into design? Were there any defining moments or mentors in your career that helped shape your approach to design?
I began architecture without strong drawing skills or technical exposure — especially in comparison to peers who came from architectural backgrounds. But instead of seeing that as a setback, I saw it as a reason to work harder and learn more. My earliest internships, especially with Patki and Dadarkar, gave me structure and discipline, while my time with Hafeez Contractor was transformational. It was during this period that I found myself drawn to interior design — a more tangible and immediate way to see impact. That shift deepened my understanding of space, function, and human need. These experiences taught me the rigour, empathy, and commercial awareness essential to meaningful design. By the time I graduated, I had grown into the role, and architecture felt like a natural extension of who I was.
How would you define your design philosophy in a few words?
Design, for me, is a means — not the goal. It’s about creating happiness through spaces that serve real human needs. Every brief is a gift, every idea a responsibility. Good design must be versatile, empathetic, collaborative, and rooted in purpose — because no two definitions of happiness are ever the same. It’s about listening deeply, responding contextually, and crafting solutions that feel as personal as they are functional.
What are the core principles that you believe should be a part of your design, regardless of scale or type of project should uphold?
For us, design is never just about form — it begins with a reflection — a constant re-evaluation of the brief to reveal its deeper potential. We design with empathy, rooted in a deep understanding of context, behaviour, and intent. Context shapes character, so our approach is rooted in sensitivity to place and time. Our attitude defines our adaptability, while humility keeps collaboration honest. We value temporality, thinking beyond the now; and honour the details, knowing they craft experience. Above all, we avoid assumptions — because good design listens before it draws.
You’re known for pushing creative boundaries. How do you define innovation in your work?
Innovation, to me, is about staying deeply responsive — to people, to context, and to change. As lifestyles shift and technologies evolve, design must move forward with them. Whether it’s rethinking workspaces post-pandemic or adapting to new patterns of living, every change invites creative problemsolving. Above all, nature is the greatest teacher — it innovates with purpose, not ego, and reminds us that design should serve, not impress. Importantly, innovation is never a solo pursuit. It’s a collective endeavour shaped by shared ideas, diverse perspectives, and constant learning. When you remain open — to people, to ideologies, to your environment — you allow fresh thinking to enter the process. Stagnation, in design or in life, isn’t an option. To keep questioning and evolving is the only way to stay relevant.
What are some materials or techniques you’re excited about that support sustainable design?
Sustainability isn’t just a checklist — it begins with mindset and everyday action. It’s easy to speak about green practices, but true responsibility starts with conscious personal choices: using less water, limiting waste, and being aware of our consumption habits. In practice, we focus on smart, passive strategies — maximizing natural light and ventilation, opting for double-glazed glass to reduce heat gain, and using air-conditioning systems with higher energy efficiency. More than just materials, it’s about embedding principles of reuse, resource sensitivity, and energy efficiency into the very core of design. For us, sustainability isn’t a trend — it’s a quiet discipline that starts at home and reflects in the spaces we create.
Can you share with our readers some of your landmark projects you have designed over the years?
For us, every project is a landmark — if not in the eyes of the world, then certainly for the client it’s built for. That belief drives our commitment to treating each brief with the same passion and precision. Our work spans across India and internationally — from Dubai to Congo to London — and it’s the collective effort of a versatile team that keeps each project fresh, relevant, and meaningful. Ultimately, if a space brings value to the one it’s built for, it’s already a landmark in our eyes.
One piece of advice you’d give to young, aspiring professionals?
Be patient — real growth is slow but steady. Stay committed through the quiet phases, when progress feels invisible. Let perseverance be your strength and effort your constant. Talent may open the door, but it’s consistent hard work that builds lasting impact. Nothing meaningful comes overnight; keep showing up, and the results will follow.
How would you encapsulate your journey?
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients for their unwavering trust, to our families for their steadfast support through long hours of hard work, to our remarkable team for their tireless dedication, and to our vendors and contractors who remain the backbone of every project we bring to life.
From Drishti Architects’ vast and impressive portfolio, we present a selection of projects that showcase the firm’s outstanding design expertise.
Residential Architecture
Baner Bungalow
Design Team: Sunil Gambani, Principal Architect Piyush Makhijani,
Associate Architect Interiors Team: Misha Sharma, Associate Architect
Ria Sheth, Interior Designer
Swarina Soundankar, Interior Designer
Nestled in the tranquil residential enclave of Baner, Pune, this exquisitely crafted villa reinterprets classical architecture. Designed for a family of seven, the residence spans a basement and two upper levels, all thoughtfully arranged around a lush central courtyard that balances privacy with togetherness.
The L shaped footprint gently hugs the plot’s edge, opening to a sequence of spaces that unfold with quiet drama. Clad in warm beige limestone, the façades radiate timeless elegance, their crisp lines softened by daylight and verdant gardens. A striking metal canopy with delicate floral motifs heralds the entrance, guiding visitors to a circular driveway anchored by a fountain. A carved stone mural and vertical green wall frame the approach, setting a dignified yet inviting tone.
Inside, a formal lobby and office, crowned by a vaulted ceiling and central dome, introduce the home’s classical sensibility. The heart of the residence is the soaring courtyard — a double-height volume defined by ornamented arches, floral pilasters, and intricate openings. A glass vaulted skylight and grand crystal chandelier bathe the space in soft light, while a stone fountain provides a tranquil acoustic backdrop. Inlaid marble flooring, curated seating, and lush indoor trees transform the courtyard into both a gathering space and a contemplative retreat.
Beyond, the living room opens seamlessly to the garden, where a pavilion draped in flowering creepers offers shaded leisure. The standout spiritual element is the temple pavilion — a sculptural glass-clad sanctuary crowned with a gilded shikhara, its reflection mirrored in a serene water body.
Upstairs, a terrace pavilion with Doric column frames breezy views over the courtyard, while a distinctive pyramidal roof lends gravitas to the skyline. Below, the basement surprises with a Moroccaninspired leisure zone, featuring an indoor pool surrounded by mosaic clad walls, ornate columns, and cascading water features. Staff quarters and parking are discreetly integrated to preserve the villa’s calm.
Through its blend of classical detailing, material richness, and sensitive planning, Baner Bungalow is more than a family home — it is an enduring expression of grace, celebration, and the art of living well.
Arihant Krupa
Arihant Krupa Design team: Sunil Gambani, Principal Architect
Piyush Makhijani, Associate
Architect Nestled beneath the emerald canopies of Koregaon Park, Pune, Arihant Krupa is not just a home — it is a sanctuary shaped by consciousness, gratitude, and the timeless wisdom of the Indian Vedas. Designed for a multi-generational family, the residence reflects the client’s guiding belief, “Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.”
Spread across a verdant one-acre plot, the architectural composition respects the site’s natural heritage. Rooted in Vastu Shastra, the villa occupies the southwest quadrant, leaving ancient trees and lush gardens undisturbed. The approach sequence is meditative — a grand arrival plaza flanked by tranquil water bodies, and a walkway lined with Buddhist prayer wheels, setting a tone of purification and inner calm.
The exterior exudes rustic countryside charm, with natural limestone cladding, sloping roofs, and warm Accoya timber inserts blending seamlessly with the greenery. Undulating lawns, floating pavilions, and a quiet lake in the northeast corner evoke the stillness of a Zen retreat.
At its core, the home revolves around a sky-lit courtyard — the lifeline of the residence — flooding interiors with natural light and fresh air. This central void is more than a spatial connector; it fosters a sense of community, spiritual grounding, and a fluid relationship between indoors and outdoors. The spatial planning flows in calibrated layers: serene bedrooms, expansive living and dining areas, and quiet alcoves designed for reflection, gathering, and connection. Inside, understated luxury meets cultural depth. Subtle beige walls and natural stone finishes form a neutral backdrop for art and artefacts to shine. Highlights include the Ashwatta (Peepul) tree chandelier suspended beneath the skylight — a poetic symbol of permanence and change — a silver Veena paying homage to Saraswati, and a Parijat mural inviting pause and introspection.
Sustainability is not an afterthought but a core design value. Rainwater harvesting, solar water heating, VRF air-conditioning for energy efficiency, low-VOC paints, and responsibly sourced wood all ensure a reduced environmental footprint. Weathertex boards and other long-lasting materials speak of durability and ecological responsibility.
Well-being is addressed holistically. The choreography of courtyards, water features, olive trees, and a kitchen garden nurtures emotional balance and self-sufficiency. Flexible workspaces, a gym, spa, and private theatre make the residence self-reliant, ensuring comfort and enrichment even in uncertain times.
Commercial Segment
Anant Karma Tatva
Design Team: Sunil Gambani, Principal Architect
Vinod Vishwakarma, Associate Interior Designer
Govind Jangid, Interior Designer
Rising above the vibrant skyline of Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, Anant Karma Tatva (AKT) is far more than a co-working space; it is a meditative reflection on a city in perpetual motion. Designed as an immersive ode to Mumbai’s layered identity, AKT is where nostalgia and modernity intertwine, shaping a workplace that is both emotionally resonant and functionally agile.
The architecture unfolds like a living narrative. Curved corridors echo the sinuous sweep of Marine Drive, while stretch ceilings evoke the boundless Mumbai skies — ever-changing, always alive. Switchable glass walls shift between openness and privacy, mirroring the city’s own rhythm of bustling public life and quiet retreat. In the conference room, a marble table etched with fine lines pays subtle homage to Mumbai’s transformation from seven fragmented islands into one resilient, unified coastline.
Technology is seamlessly integrated, never overpowering. The multipurpose hall features a large LED screen for dynamic, immersive presentations, while capsule booths, modular pods, and adaptable open zones accommodate diverse working styles — from deep focus to spontaneous collaboration. Here, contemplation and progress do not compete; they coexist and enrich one another.
Every material has been chosen for both aesthetic and cultural resonance. Antique-gold wave installations ripple overhead, framed by sweeping city views. A Kalpavruksha — the Tree of Life — roots the space in spiritual symbolism, while mandala motifs behind the reception speak of cyclical renewal. At the corridor ends, sun and moon artworks offer quiet reminders of time’s passage, lending the interiors a steady sense of rhythm and balance.
Sustainability underpins the design. Repurposed furniture and ecoconscious finishes affirm the belief that mindful design can yield lasting impact. Above the workstations, a grid ceiling scattered with lights creates a constellation effect — a poetic counterpoint to the workspace’s flexibility.
At the heart of AKT lies its café, crowned with a sculptural metal ceiling that shimmers like the waves along Mumbai’s shores. Designed for spontaneity and exchange, it transforms everyday encounters into moments of delight.
Anant Karma Tatva is a place of poetic dualities — a living collage where Bombay’s timeless spirit meets the speed of modern Mumbai, and where past and future walk together in an everunfolding story of transformation.
ARES Management
Design Team: Sunil Gambani, Principal Architect
Vinod Vishwakarma, Associate Interior Designer
Govind Jangid, Interior Designer
The ARES Management office redefines the modern workplace as a dynamic environment where productivity, collaboration, and rejuvenation seamlessly converge. Conceived by Drishti Architects & Interior Designers, the space places flexibility and well-being at the heart of corporate culture, crafting an atmosphere that fuels innovation while adapting to the varied rhythms of daily work life.
The layout embraces openness and adaptability. A striking metal grid ceiling serves as both a unifying architectural element and a sculptural feature, subtly defining zones without creating barriers. Beneath it, thoughtfully designed leisure spaces — from a foosball table and chess corner to a relaxed lounge — invite employees to pause, recharge, and exchange ideas away from their desks.
Material choices strike a balance between sophistication and warmth. Wooden accents, textured upholstery, and biophilic elements soften the precision of the open-plan setting, while vibrant pops of colour, layered lighting, and curated greenery infuse the workspace with energy and optimism.
A mix of private meeting rooms and collaborative pods, equipped with acoustic treatments and integrated technology, supports both focused individual work and lively group discussions. The design caters to the needs of a young, energetic team — most under 30 — where work styles shift fluidly between deep concentration and collaborative momentum.
At ARES, leisure is embedded in the workday. Whether through spontaneous camaraderie over a game or moments of quiet reflection in a comfortable nook, the environment nurtures creativity and personal well-being in equal measure.
In every detail, the office reflects a forward-thinking philosophy: happiness at work isn’t left to chance — it is deliberately designed, nurtured, and celebrated.
Hiranandani Westgate Sales Pavilion, Thane
Design Team: Sunil Gambani, Principal Architect
Misha Sharma, Associate Architect
Josleena Foster, Interior Designer
The Hiranandani Westgate Sales Pavilion, designed by Drishti Architects, redefines the idea of a conventional sales gallery by placing nature, sustainability, and human experience at the forefront. Rising amidst Thane’s dense urban fabric, the pavilion stands as a living, breathing experience center, offering a refreshing alternative to the typical glassclad, sterile spaces commonly associated with real estate sales environments.
At its core, the project champions biophilic design principles, integrating abundant natural light, ventilation, and greenery to enhance user well-being. Expansive windows flood the interiors with daylight, reducing dependence on artificial lighting and significantly lowering energy consumption. The muted material palette, clean lines, and open spatial planning embody contemporary minimalism, while subtle references to heritage aesthetics create a sense of timeless elegance.
Sustainability is deeply embedded into every stage of the project, from site preparation to execution. The pavilion makes extensive use of eco-friendly and recyclable materials, particularly in lighting fixtures. Existing furniture pieces were refurbished and repurposed, reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of resources—reflecting a strong commitment to resource-conscious design.
The interior spaces are curated as a series of contrasting experiences—minimal yet layered, serene yet bold. Bespoke art, vintage elements, and rich textures add depth, while the restrained color palette and thoughtful detailing provide an atmosphere of quiet luxury. Each area of the pavilion is designed to cater to diverse lifestyle aspirations, transitioning seamlessly from Scandinavianinspired minimalism to opulent, palatial interiors, allowing potential buyers to envision varied ways of living.
Far beyond being just a sales space, the Hiranandani Westgate Sales Pavilion is a statement of intent—a call to action for the industry to adopt sustainable, inclusive, and human-centric design practices. By combining environmental responsibility, timeless aesthetics, and experiential richness, the pavilion sets a new benchmark for how built environments can foster connection, consciousness, and care—for people and the planet.
Hospitality
Nivasana Design Team: Sunil Gambani, Principal Architect
Misha Sharma, Associate Architect
Pratik Agarwal, Associate Architect
Set against the spectacular backdrop of Manali, Nivasana is envisioned as a hospitality destination that draws its soul from the beauty and character of its site. Here, the mountains are not just scenery — they are the central element of the experience, ensuring that the majestic Himalayan vistas remain ever-present and visually dominant.
The design’s orientation and organic, fluid geometry are shaped to harmonize effortlessly with the landscape. Sloping rooflines, inspired by the surrounding peaks, serve a dual purpose: preventing snow accumulation while allowing the architecture to settle naturally into its alpine setting. An exterior palette of locally sourced stone and warm timber anchors the structure to vernacular traditions, offering both timelessness and a welcoming warmth.
Expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing frames panoramic views, infusing interiors with golden daylight and an unbroken connection to nature. The site’s contours are used to advantage — with lower levels accommodating services and attic spaces dedicated to storage — ensuring spatial efficiency without altering the terrain.
Inside, the spaces strike a balance between vernacular charm and refined minimalism. Double-height volumes, seamless view corridors, and elegant entrances enrich the guest experience, while an overarching sense of calm prevails. Guided by biophilic principles, the design fosters a deep bond between occupants and the natural world, using natural materials, muted palettes, and framed views of snowclad peaks to create harmony between man and mountain.
What makes Nivasana truly unique is its ability to feel both luxurious and deeply homely. It is an intimate refuge — a warm, inviting haven when the world outside lies under a blanket of snow. In every detail, from materiality to spatial character, Nivasana offers more than accommodation; it offers connection — to the mountains, to nature, and to oneself.
Suyojana Bungalow
Design Team: Sunil Gambani, Principal Architect)
Pratik Agarwal, Associate Architect
Piyush Makhijani, Associate Architect
Set within an urban context yet offering a distinct sense of privacy, this residence by Drishti Architects & Interior Designers is a refined expression of contemporary luxury and timeless class. Every element is meticulously detailed and integrated, resulting in a home that is both sophisticated and deeply personal.
The design is anchored by a central courtyard crowned with a skylight, where a striking stone mural becomes the focal point, visually connecting the surrounding spaces. Natural light cascades through the atrium, highlighting the rich interplay of materials – warm timber, honed stone, and subtle metallic accents that exude elegance without excess. Family seating lounges are thoughtfully placed on multiple floors, breaking the building mass and creating intimate pockets for interaction and relaxation. At the uppermost level, a luxurious terrace houses spa facilities, a massage room, a jacuzzi, and open seating areas, making it ideal for gatherings and celebrations against a stunning urban backdrop.
The metal staircase, with its sleek lines, embodies minimalism while maintaining a high-end character, further accentuated by stone murals and mirror details along its edges. Living spaces flow seamlessly into one another, yet each zone reflects its own personality, with curated finishes, bespoke furniture, and art pieces enhancing the home’s individuality.
Private areas like bedrooms are cocooned in softer tones and tactile materials, while openplan lounges and dining areas frame views of the outdoors. Throughout, the design champions restraint over ornamentation, with discreet storage, intuitive circulation, and proportions that bring a sense of balance and ease.
Culminating in its terrace-level amenities and central courtyard, the residence is as much a sanctuary as it is a statement – a home where connectedness and individuality coexist, and where modern luxury finds harmony with warmth and intimacy.
Architecture
Hinduja Leyland Finance, Chennai
Design Team: Sunil Gambani, Principal Architect
Pratik Agarwal, Associate Architect
The proposed corporate headquarters for Hinduja Leyland Finance in Chennai is conceived as a futureready, sustainable workplace that reflects the company’s core values of progress, responsibility, and innovation. The design takes a holistic approach, blending functionality, cultural sensitivity, and environmental stewardship into a unified vision.
Carefully planned building form and orientation harness abundant natural daylight, creating energyefficient interiors while enhancing occupant health and well-being. Vastu Shastra principles guide the spatial organization, ensuring positive energy flow and harmony across the workplace.
A central core minimizes circulation distances, optimizes floor efficiency, and strengthens connectivity. The structural grid offers maximum flexibility, allowing workspace layouts to adapt as the organization evolves. Multiple landscaped terraces blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, providing interactive breakout spaces, while separate entry points for senior management, guests, and employees ensure smooth, dignified access.
Sustainability drives the project, with climate-responsive design strategies tailored to Chennai, the use of resource-conscious materials, and energy-efficient systems aimed at achieving green building certification.
Envisioned as more than a corporate office, the new headquarters will stand as a symbol of growth, innovation, and environmental responsibility, embodying Hinduja Leyland Finance’s vision for a progressive and sustainable future.
Stella Tower, Kinshasa
Design Team: Sunil Gambani, Principal Architect
Pratik Agarwal, Associate Architect
Soaring gracefully above the riverfront, Stella Tower is a striking new landmark that blends contemporary geometry with refined materiality, redefining the skyline of Kinshasa’s vibrant Gombe district. Designed to stand out without overpowering the cityscape, its silhouette is distinguished by strong horizontal bands, deep inset balconies, and vertical fins that create a dynamic facade rhythm.
The contemporary residential masses are placed above a podium parking structure, which doubles as an artistic base defined by vertical fins. These fins give the podium a sense of dynamism and rhythm, transforming it into a sculptural element that visually anchors the development.
The interplay of crisp white volumes and textured bronze screening lends the building a sculptural presence by day and transforms it into an illuminated tapestry by night. Glass balustrades open up sweeping panoramic vistas, while curated green pockets soften the linearity, weaving nature into every residence.
Inside, Stella’s residences are a refined showcase of sophistication and comfort, envisioned to evoke a sense of calm while celebrating modern luxury. Carefully chosen materials, layered textures, and elegant detailing create interiors that feel timeless and personal.
Beyond the private residences, luxury extends into shared spaces designed for both leisure and connection. The rooftop terrace is a lifestyle destination in itself, featuring an infinity-edge pool that visually merges with the Congo River, alongside water features and lush landscaping that bring serenity to the sky-high setting. A recreation area and open-air café encourage social interaction, from morning coffee to evening cocktails, all against the backdrop of skyline views.
For wellness enthusiasts, a state-of-the-art gymnasium overlooking the city offers a daily dose of inspiration, while an elegant banquet space blends indoor sophistication with outdoor allure, creating the perfect venue for memorable celebrations.
Every element of Stella Tower reflects meticulous detailing, spatial clarity, and refined material choices. From the grand lobby to the landscaped terraces, the design embodies understated glamour—a celebration of contemporary urban living that is timeless, aspirational, and deeply personal.
Anchored on the majestic banks of the Congo River, Stella Tower emerges as a landmark of refined urban life, thoughtfully crafted to redefine what it means to call the city home.
As we conclude this article, we foresee Sunil Gambani continuing to push boundaries, embrace sustainable innovation, and mentor the next generation — ensuring that Drishti Architects remains a name synonymous with integrity, creativity, and timeless design.
