This episode was with Mr. Mak and Mr. Binu from HBA two names that have redefined global hospitality and luxury design.They spoke about how HBA was built, how it grew across continents, and what it takes to manage multiple design studios under one vision. What stood out to me was their clarity on how culture, detail, and human emotion play such a crucial role in shaping great design.We discussed the difference between Indian and international clients, the story of how MAK entered real estate, and even an interesting chapter about the Jewish Museum. Their definition of luxury wasn’t about money or material it was about emotion, experience, and identity.The conversation went deeper into topics like why details matter while constructing homes, how to build true luxury in Mumbai, and the importance of designing amenities for every age group.Beyond the design side, they shared their thoughts on the challenges of working in India, the rise of global designers shaping Indian projects, and what the future of Mumbai’s infrastructure could look like.This episode isn’t just about architecture or design it’s about understanding people, culture, and how global design philosophies can beautifully blend with India’s soul.Timestamps:00:00 Trailer01:35 Introduction03:02 What is HBA?04:59 How HBA manages different verticals07:17 Building studios to acquiring studios reason08:13 Branches of HBA around the globe10:13 Difference between Indian & foreign clients explained by Binu13:31 The story of MAK into real estate16:40 Jewish museum story18:47 Definition of luxury by man24:22 Activity done with customers before starting the work33:13 Why details matter while constructing homes35:53 Timelines for the projects38:15 Learnings from project40:40 Experience working in India41:48 Challenges in India46:21 Best stone work in India?48:28 How to build luxury in Mumbai56:25 Importance of amenities for each age group59:24 The future of Padel courts globally59:55 How global designers can shape India in the coming future1:03:05 Future of Mumbai infrastructure01:04:47 Conclusion

This episode was with Yann Leory, an architect who has worked across continents, and the conversation opened up a whole new perspective on design and culture.He spoke about his early journey in architecture, why he chose this field, and how moving to Asia shaped his career. What caught my attention was his story about Salvador Dali and how moments like these leave a lasting mark on an architect’s way of thinking.We also discussed the differences between local and international architects, how Mumbai’s architecture is evolving, and why India needs concepts like the street wall design which we see in New York, Paris, and London.The conversation went deeper into topics like whether India’s climate is suitable for mega structures, Difference between Vastu & Feng Shui (Indian vs Chinese) can influence planning, and what it really takes to design 20,000 hotel rooms.But beyond the technical side, Yann shared what keeps him motivated, the elements of design that never change, and even left a message for his younger self.This episode isn’t just about architecture it’s about how design connects cultures, adapts to challenges, and inspires the cities we live in.Timestamps:-00:00 Trailer01:23 – Introduction02:06 – Education journey02:53 – Work journey06:23 – Why architecture?07:09 – Reasons for shifting work towards Asian regions08:15 – Differences between India and other countries09:02 – Story about Salvador Dalí10:34 – Local vs international architects15:39 – Views on Mumbai’s architecture17:51 – How the street wall concept works in New York, Paris & London – and why India needs it20:52 – Is India’s climate suitable for mega structures?24:14 – Design elements borrowed from different countries for future projects26:26 – Balancing global luxury style with Indian culture27:22 – Indian Vastu vs. Chinese Vastu29:01 – Can Vastu impact design planning?31:39 – Difference between mega projects and smaller projects35:19 – One thing that has remained constant in architecture over decades39:19 – What it takes to design 20,000 hotel rooms45:21 – Favorite place to travel46:28 – Message to the 20-year-old Yann48:32 – Short podcast summary49:35 – Yann’s question: Biggest surprise or learning after returning from London50:50 – H. Rishabraj story52:40 – Empire State Building story53:07 – Reasons behind delays in the Indian real estate market56:35 – Jakarta story59:22 – ConclusionGues Profilest:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/yann.leroy/?hl=enLInkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/yann-leroy-3b2b891a/

This episode was a great learning experience with Mr. Chandresh Mehta, Director at Rustomjee Group a name that carries a strong legacy in real estate.He takes us through the early days, How they got their first land and how they build their first building without any prior real estate knowleadge.We talked about importance of partnerships ( the good and the bad ) the reasons behind venturing into plotted developments, and why expanding into new markets like Nagpur was a bold move.Beyond business, he reflects on what keeps him motivated, the role of departments in scaling a company, and how AI is shaping the industry. He ends with powerful advice for younger generations and a heartfelt message to his younger self.A must-watch episode if you want to understand the realities of building and sustaining a legacy in real estate.Timestamps:-00:00 Trailer

01:31 Introduction

02:07 Education journey and why real estate

03:57 The story of the first land

06:49 Constructing the first building

09:07 How partnerships are managed at Rustomjee

11:49 Difference between right and wrong in partnerships

13:31 Advantages of having partnerships

15:38 Rustomjee’s portfolio division

19:06 Reason to venture into plotted developments

21:15 Future vision of Rustomjee

24:00 Nagpur market

25:13 How to manage a team with the same vision

28:11 What keeps Chandresh Sir motivated

31:13 Project selection process

34:32 MOEF clearance issues

39:18 Importance of departments in an organization

42:02 Daily roles/work of managers

45:42 Roadmap to get into real estate

49:00 Implementation of AI

55:20 Advice to younger generations wanting to enter real estate

59:55 Message to younger Chandresh Mehta about life

1:01:21 Conclusion

Guest:

Mr. Chandresh Mehta

Director, Rustomjee Group

Company Id : instagram.com/rustomjee_spaces/?igshid=mm5y44ae45rr

Website: https://www.rustomjee.com/