“I believe…that God is in the details. To me, architecture is far more than the art of creating structures; it’s about weaving stories… stories that come alive in the subtle details - the alignment of lines, the interplay of light and shadow, the tactile richness of materials, and the seamless integration of form and function. It is in these details, often overlooked, that design transcends the ordinary and becomes extraordinary.”

A portmanteau of the words house and museum, ‘houseum’ in Ahmedabad is a collection of locks, clocks and puzzles lovingly curated by Dr. Hiren Shah, and creatively displayed by his wife Dr. Namita Shah. Houseum as it stands today, has on display a splendid collection of 10,000 plus rare antiques as well as contemporary artworks by artists like Amit Ambalal, M. F. Hussain, and S. H. Raza.

In the Indian textile industry, every colour, motif, and craft has a story of learned practices and techniques passed down the generations. Hand embroidery is a craft form where an artisan’s hand moves in rhythm with the cloth; generating exquisite patterns and designs. Here, we celebrate the work of Mr. Asif Shaikh, one of India’s most accomplished and acclaimed embroidery and textile experts and founder of CDS Art Foundation, a movement that aims to take Indian handcrafted textiles to the world stage alongside the best global brands. In addition to recognition for his work in embroidery, he is also the creative visionary behind Walking Hand - in – Hand, Working Hand-in-Hand, as well as the curator for his experiential exhibits around the world. Asif regularly speaks at textile forums in around the world and continues to mentor artisans and crafts people all over the country.

A prime specimen of 18th-century Rajasthani architecture, the Kaladwas Lal Haveli was built by and has been lovingly maintained by the Chawra family of Varsoda. The haveli was restored by a team of heritage experts and skilled artisans who ensured that every detail, from structural reinforcements to intricate carvings, stayed true to the haveli’s original character. Parakram Singh Chawra, the present-day custodian of the haveli, has steered it to offer visitors an immersive experience of authentic Mewari culture and hospitality.

Prof. Charanjit Singh Shah is a prominent figure in modern Indian architecture, renowned for his sustainable designs that span over five decades. The founding principal of Creative Group, his work reflects a deep respect for the environment, cultural landscapes, and responsible design principles. Blending modern innovations with local heritage, his projects range from airports to public infrastructure and educational campuses. Ar. Gurpreet Singh Shah after finishing his M. Arch in Urban Design from Columbia University decided to join Creative Group, later adding his own insights; while never losing sight of the practice’s core ideology of sustainable design and infrastructure. His visionary approach has led the firm to win several national and international design competitions. Together, they lead the Creative Group team to shape cities and communities for the future, balancing modern technology with cultural preservation.