Ahmedabad’s architectural landscape is a vibrant tapestry of legacy and modernity, where centuries-old step-wells coexist with cutting-edge commercial towers. As the city continues to grow as a design hub, architecture consultants are increasingly challenged by gaps in design education, a shortage of skilled artisans, and a surge in visually driven but impractical digital outputs. While Ahmedabad is home to numerous talented firms, the growing reliance on AI-generated concepts and overly polished 3D renders has created a disconnect between vision and reality.

Amid these shifts, the true test for consultants lies in blending creativity with constructability. This is where Scarlett Designs carves its niche, prioritizing clarity, craftsmanship, and context-driven solutions to ensure every design is genuinely achievable.

Scarlett Designs was founded by Kush Shah in 1989 and incorporated in 2002. It has, since then, grown into a renowned multidisciplinary architecture and design firm with a presence across India and East Africa. What began as a one-man operation from a modest bedroom office has evolved into a full-fledged practice known for its innovative, client-focused approach.

Over the years, the firm has built an impressive portfolio that spans high-end hospitality, commercial, and residential developments, as well as public infrastructure such as safari parks and lakefront projects. Its comprehensive service offerings include everything from conceptual design and detailed construction drawings to cost estimation, tender documentation, and on-site coordination with consultants. The firm also undertakes turnkey project execution.

Crafting Meaningful Spaces
Scarlett Designs has established a reputation for delivering world-class architecture and ensures high standards of quality and elegance while staying within budget through strategic design choices and material curation. Rather than relying solely on expensive finishes, it emphasizes detailing, spatial harmony, and timeless aesthetics.

“Each project we design is deeply rooted in its context, wherein, we never repeat a formula. Whether it’s the arched elegance of Kalhaar Blues and Greens or the elemental storytelling at Ananta Spa and Resort, every space is a bespoke response to its environment and purpose”, asserts Kush Shah, Founder & Principal Architect, Scarlet Designs.

In balancing residential and commercial projects, the firm adopts a tailored approach to each segment. Residential designs reflect individual lifestyles, focusing on comfort, innovation, and sustainability to create homes as practical as beautiful. “I believe strong technical skills must be matched with clear, honest communication because we are designing spaces that will shape our clients’ lives for decades. Building trust from the very first conversation is key to creating meaningful, long-term collaborations”, informs Kush.

Meanwhile, commercial developments are crafted for flexibility and longevity, designed to adapt to evolving business needs while maintaining visual appeal and structural resilience. Scarlett Designs ensures both segments are addressed with equal rigor and creativity, using smart resource allocation to maintain a dynamic and diverse project portfolio. Beyond constructing buildings, Scarlett Designs creates environments where people can thrive.

This vision is evident in public infrastructure projects such as safari parks and lakefront developments, where the firm prioritizes accessibility, functionality, and seamless user experiences. These spaces are designed to encourage community interaction, enhance tourism, and integrate nature with the built environment. Across all projects, Scarlett Designs incorporates sustainable practices such as water recycling, energy-efficient systems, and eco-sensitive planning.

We prioritize clear, honest communication because we are designing spaces that will shape our clients’ lives for decades

Designing for Tomorrow
Scarlett Designs prioritizes sustainable and environmentally responsible practices that go beyond surface-level solutions. The firm integrates advanced technologies to reduce energy and water consumption, actively seeking innovative ways to enhance comfort while minimizing environmental impact. In commercial developments, for instance, it employs low-emissivity glass and argon-filled double-glazed panels to control heat gain, thereby lowering the demand for artificial cooling.

Water sustainability is addressed through systems like on-site sewage treatment plants and rainwater recharge setups, enabling efficient reuse for non-potable needs such as landscaping and flushing. These strategies are not only practical but also align smart living and innovative design with genuine ecological awareness.

The Robust Way Ahead
Looking ahead, Scarlett Designs is poised to embark on a dynamic new chapter, with several landmark projects. Among the most anticipated is Sanghavi Centroid, a striking 70-metre commercial tower that seamlessly integrates retail, office, and recreational spaces. A standout feature of this project is a dramatic 40-foot indoor water-fall, paired with a bold architectural language of matte-finish aluminum fins, concrete, and glass.

In the realm of luxury hospitality, the firm is leading the design of Amaaya by Ama, Taj, a premium villa resort in Udaipur’s Kodiyat region, featuring 20 themed villas spread across 174,000 sq ft. Each villa boasts private pools, jacuzzis, and expansive terraces, set within a largely open, forested landscape that champions privacy and sustainability.

Also under development is Meraki Hills Resort and Spa, an eco-sensitive resort nestled in Udaipur’s natural terrain. Designed with minimal earth disturbance, it incorporates stilted villas, vernacular-inspired architecture, and systems for rainwater harvesting, solar and wind energy, and native afforestation.

“As we look to the future, we are excited to explore new locations and design opportunities to expand our reach and impact. Our goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation while creating spaces that truly connect with people”, concludes Kush.