Design To Define Chandigarh: Decoding What Luxury Truly Means In Tech-Savvy Homes
- December 10, 2025
- By: Sanyukta Baijal
- NEWS
The Chandigarh edition of Design to Define made a striking debut at Taj Hotel on November 29. The evening was graced by some of the most influential architects, designers, and industry leaders of the city who brought their ideas, experience and creative spirit to the forum.
Curated by architect Sangeet Sharma and powered by Havells, this special gathering turned out to be a vibrant platform for dialogue and discussions that explored the new meaning of luxury and technology in modern homes. With insightful panels, thought-provoking X talk, and the much-anticipated launch of Havells’ premium Apogee switch range, Design to Define was a power-packed program which stood out and highlighted how India’s design community continues to evolve with creativity and an appetite for innovation.
Ar. Sangeet Sharma- Curator's Speech
The curator Sangeet Sharma kick started the program by welcoming everyone with warm greetings and appreciating the dedication put behind the event. He praised Design to Define for uniting the architectural fraternity while acknowledging our platform Building Material Reporter for creating this event. He said, "I feel these forums are important to unite us. So everybody is busy, everybody is caught up. And Building Material reporter who has organised this is very gracious of them, very kind of them because running a magazine today is very difficult."
Talking about Design to Define he said, "we are here to define what we do in everyday life. Every line what we draw is something to define. Because when we understand our lines, our projects, only then we are capable of making our clients understand that. So I think this title, Design to Define, is very unique, is very good."
He emphasised on architect's importance in the world of construction and design. Ar. Sharma even lauded the designers and architects presence in the program which made the event’s theme both relevant and inspiring. He expressed his gratitude and affirmed that gatherings like these strengthen the design community and help define this profession’s collective journey.
Panel discussion 1- Redefining Exclusivity: Personalisation as the New Luxury
The first panel discussion began with a candid exploration of what luxury truly means in personal spaces, moving beyond materials and finishes to the emotional and human layers that shape a home. The moderator Ar. Sangeet Sharma set the tone with personal anecdotes how designing homes often turns architects into counsellors highlighting that empathy and not extravagance anchors meaningful design.
Each panellist supported this sentiment with real-life anecdotes. Right from spirituality-driven residences and personalised prayer halls to clients seeking technology-led comfort, bespoke interiors, every designer had a story to tell. As the debate further continued, the discussion around luxury emerged not as opulence but as a balance between materiality, technology and simplicity. Whether through lighting, home automation systems, or energy-driven atmospheres, luxury is indeed redefining modern houses but with a touch of human essence, warmth and soul.
Panel Discussion 2- Designing for the Next Decade: The Evolution of Future-Ready Homes
The second panel was led by the moderator Ar. Aman Sohal who explored how the idea of a “future-ready home” is shifting with changing lifestyles and smarter technologies. While the panellists walked us through the evolution of 'home'. Right from being a shelter for people in ancient times to today’s Pinterest-driven, AI-influenced spaces, the true meaning of it has transformed and how.
The conversation revolved around personal comfort, memories, and the tension between smart home automation systems vs meaningful at-home experiences. The panellists reflected on luxury is a personal choice which can sometimes mean high-tech equipment while it's sometimes rooted in simplicity. They stressed that luxury is not just about expensive elements but also about how a space feels. Ultimately, the panel agreed that future homes must balance aspiration with personalisation, innovation with empathy, and convenience with the timeless need for connection.
X Talk by Sahir Choudhary
Ar. Sahir Choudhary of Habitat Architects delivered an insightful X Talk that unveiled how his practice goes far beyond structures and he rather, is dedicated to design for human experiences. He presented the audience with a series of recent projects from an iconic aviation terminal which his firm designed for Adani. Ar. Choudhary also showcased retail stores, wedding palaces, R&D campuses, homes, and lounges done by him and emphasised each concept begins with understanding people, their rituals, and the emotions that shape their everyday lives.
Across his projects in Mumbai, Gurgaon, Raipur, Ludhiana, Manesar, and Navi Mumbai, he demonstrated how architecture becomes truly meaningful when it reflects the aspirations, memories, and lifestyles of those who inhabit it. His X talk highlighted that buildings may be made of concrete or steel, but great design is always built around human stories.
Product Launch of Havells by Prashant Gulati
This one was clearly the highlight of the event where Prashant Gulati, Senior Vice President at Havells, introduced Apogee as Havells' most premium switch range. He called it the true pinnacle of switch design in India while showcasing its standout features from metallic plates and handcrafted finishes to ultra-quiet switches that are 60–70% softer than Havells' competitors. The range spans across satin, metal, real wood, glass, and even artisan-crafted zinc plates.
Gulati also unveiled the Apogee Smart Series, for seamless home automation without rewiring. Apart from the new product, he featured Havells’ Made-in-India legacy with pride where he termed strong manufacturing and evolving engagement with the architecture community as their 'backbone'.
Closing Note by Kshitij Sarup
Kshitij Sarup closed the evening with a warm acknowledgment of the architects, designers, and industry leaders who give meaning and momentum to the Design to Define platform. He reiterated Havells’ belief that design is driven not just by form, but by purpose, emotion, and innovation values the company continues to invest in. He said, "I must share that in last year we invested almost to the tune of Rs. 1000 crores in R&D and this is only the beginning. Our ambition is to take this multi-folds ahead as we want to lead the innovation curve across all product categories. Our focus has been clear to build products that are globally benchmarked, deeply relevant to India and future ready by design."
Highlighting the rapid evolution of Indian homes, Sarup noted that luxury is no longer defined by size or scale. It is defined by detail, experience and intelligence. Indian homes now stand at par with global benchmarks with retaining their own distinctive character and cultural warmth. Design to Define has been created to reflect this very evolution. And today, this platform also marks an important milestone to us.
He further spoke about their new launch Apogee and thanked everyone for being a part of the evening. "At this edition of Design to Define, we are proud to launch what we believe is the best switch in the industry. A product engineered through cutting-edge technology, refined design thinking, and uncompromising focus on quality and performance. This launch reflects Havel's commitment to design-led innovation, where engineering excellence meets aesthetics seamlessly. Once again, welcome to Design to Define. Thank you for being part of this journey with Havells. Thank you."
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