Holistic Design Studio, a forefront of innovative architectural and interior design in Mumbai, is led by the dynamic architect and founder Jitesh Kamdar. The studio has carved a niche in the commercial, retail, and luxury sectors, merging creativity with artistry to transform spaces.  

Jitesh Kamdar, the founder and Principal Architect, brings over two decades of international experience, and the LLA award-winning “Suuraj Popley by Popley Eternal” project exemplifies Kamdar’s dedication to superior design, thoughtful spatial planning, and sustainability.  

By integrating repurposed materials and bespoke craftsmanship, Holistic Design Studio reimagined a 25-year-old jewelry store into a luxurious, contemporary space, harmonizing functionality, and aesthetic appeal while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible design practices. 

Join us as Mr. Kamdar allows us into the world of Holistic Design Studio, and the award-winning “Suuraj Popley by Popley Eternal”. 

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Congratulations on winning your Luxury Lifestyle Awards for “Suuraj Popley by Popley Eternal”! What, in your opinion, makes this project so special? 

Jitesh Kamdar: Thank you LLA for the award, we really appreciate the honor! When I was first introduced to the owner, Mr. Suraj Popley, he shared with me his long-term vision for the brand and the creation of an exquisite new jewelry line. The new space was envisioned to have an international aesthetic and a futuristic appeal, catering to their ever-growing and well-traveled customer base. 

This brief from the client is a testament to the changing face of the Indian economy and the anticipated growth in the country’s luxury retail industry. 

LLA: Transforming a 25-year-old jewelry store into a contemporary luxury space must have been a challenging task. What were the key challenges you faced during the renovation of “Suuraj Popley by Popley Eternal,” and how did you overcome them? 

JK: This store is a legacy brand located on one of the most prominent high streets in Mumbai city. Being housed in a heritage building with iconic architecture and a beautiful façade was a significant advantage. Ironically, this also posed our biggest challenge. While we aimed to create a futuristic space with an international aesthetic, it was crucial to remain sensitive to the legacy of the existing structure.  We embraced this responsibility by striking a balance between the heritage architecture and the new design. We addressed this challenge by adopting simplicity and fluidity in our space planning while infusing elegance into the design elements. Continuity was subtly incorporated through gestures like integrating arches from the original structure into the new interiors.  

LLA: Your design for “Suuraj Popley by Popley Eternal” is noted for its elegance and sophistication. Can you walk us through your design philosophy and how it influenced the creation of this retail environment? 

JK: Luxury need not be loud; we believe it is the evolution and sophistication of the design language. Our approach for the design of this luxury jewelry store was to place the “Jewelry” at the center of attention. We created the interiors as a “canvas” – elegant, refined, and exuding a luxurious vibe, with meticulous attention to lighting and the client journey within the space.  

LLA: Sustainability plays a significant role in your design approach. How did you integrate sustainable practices into the renovation of “Suuraj Popley by Popley Eternal,” and what impact do you think these practices had on the final design? 

JK: Sustainability is at the core of all our design and execution processes. All the original architectural elements and the glass façade were conserved and kept intact, helping to preserve the identity and legacy of both the structure and the brand. We introduced wider glass entrances and windows to allow more natural daylight into the space. With the help of technology and automation, internal lighting levels are controlled and optimized as needed. Pre-existing materials, such as marble flooring and glass windows, were conserved and repurposed in most areas. 

LLA: The project involved a comprehensive design process, from concept development to final execution. Can you share some insights into the collaborative process with your team and other partners involved in this project? 

JK: We involve all our teams, including engineering and MEP partners, from the very beginning of the concept stage. The design intent and concept are shared, allowing integration between the design and engineering teams to find a confluence before the final execution documents are prepared. Additionally, lighting is a critical element in our design process—we prepare multiple mock-ups to perfect the final ambiance we want to create at various points in the space. 

LLA: Bespoke craftsmanship is a hallmark of your work. How did you ensure that the custom furniture designs “Suuraj Popley by Popley Eternal” not only met but exceeded the client’s expectations? 

JK: The idea was to create a sense of flow and circulation in the space, where the display furniture would intersperse seamlessly without disrupting client movement and experience. It was important that the furniture be visually minimal and light. A great deal of effort went into detailing the display furniture, in collaboration with our international furniture manufacturers, from creating the curved glass to integrating lighting within thin metal frames and ensuring optimal ergonomics. 

LLA: With over two decades of global experience, how have your international projects influenced your approach to designing luxury retail spaces in India? Are there any particular design trends or innovations from abroad that you’ve incorporated into your work? 

JK: The use of technology and automation has been a key aspect of our experience with international projects, and we have worked to integrate this into our designs for luxury retail spaces—applying it to lighting, air conditioning, and various other elements of the interior. Additionally, hidden access control systems for jewelry displays enhance the overall luxury quotient of the space. 

LLA: Looking ahead, what are some emerging trends or developments in luxury retail interior design that you find exciting, and how do you plan to incorporate these trends into future projects at Holistic Design Studio? 

JK: We believe that luxury retail is evolving rapidly, with significant changes in how people prefer to shop or experience a retail store. One of the trends we have observed is a paradigm shift away from the “transactional” setups of the past toward a more “experiential” and “approachable” space—allowing customers the freedom to explore. 

Thank you, Mr. Kamdar, for sharing your experiences and expertise with us, and offering us a glimpse into the artistry and planning that defines your work. We look forward to seeing more groundbreaking designs from Holistic Design Studio in the future. 

Visit Mr. Kamdar’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jitesh-kamdar- for more.