Nature-Inspired Architecture in Vadodara: Ar. Harsh Boghani of The Crossboundaries on Designing With—Not Against—Nature

• November 8, 2025
• By: Sanyukta Baijal
• INFLUENCERS

Vadodara’s Ar. Harsh Boghani of The Crossboundaries speaks to Building Material Reporter about nature-inspired architecture India, material honesty, and why every meaningful design begins with listening — to the client and to the site.

Vadodara’s architectural landscape has long been shaped by a confluence of heritage, art, and progressive thinking. Among the emerging architects contributing to this evolving narrative is Harsh Boghani, Founder & Chief Architect of The Crossboundaries Vadodara. A second-generation architect India, Boghani represents a thoughtful voice in nature-inspired architecture India, blending contextual understanding with a collaborative design mindset. His work reflects sensitivity to climate, landscape, and user experience, positioning his studio within the growing movement of context-sensitive architecture India.

In this Vadodara architect interview, Building Material Reporter met Boghani at his studio to discuss his journey, inspirations, and how The Crossboundaries, Vadodara approaches architecture that responds to both people and place.

About The Crossboundaries: Studio at a Glance

Founded in Vadodara, The Crossboundaries is a multidisciplinary architectural practice led by Ar. Harsh Boghani. The studio operates with a 14-member team and works across residential, hospitality, clubhouses, farmhouses, and select commercial projects. The firm is known for its context-sensitive architecture India approach and emphasis on collaborative design.

Studio Snapshot

• Founded: Vadodara 
• Team Size: 14 Members 
• Typologies: Residential, Hospitality, Clubhouses, Farmhouses 
• Approach: Collaborative & Nature-Responsive 
• Ongoing Highlight: 108-room resort in Manali 

What inspired you to choose architecture as a profession?

Architecture was not a predetermined career path for me. However, around the age of 14, I found myself deeply engaged in creating multiple designs of paper planes—nearly a hundred, each distinct in form. That curiosity and inclination towards design caught my parents’ attention, and although I had not yet identified the discipline, it became clear that I was drawn to creative thinking. Over time, that curiosity naturally evolved into a passion for architecture. Looking back, I realise that the joy of experimenting with form and function at such a young age laid the foundation for my design sensibilities. It also instilled in me the belief that creativity often begins with simple explorations that gradually shape one’s professional direction.

As a second-generation architect, what fascinated you more—residential or commercial design?

From an early age, I was fascinated by the transformation of a simple sketch into a full-scale built structure. Watching drawings evolve into tangible spaces left a lasting impression. It wasn’t necessarily about choosing between residential or commercial typologies; rather, it was the process of conceptualisation turning into reality that inspired me and continues to influence my approach. Seeing ideas materialise on site taught me the value of patience and attention to detail. Even today, that sense of wonder remains intact whenever a concept begins to take physical form.

Vadodara has a rich artistic and architectural legacy. Is there an architecture/structure that is especially close to your heart?

The Maharaja Sayajirao University campus holds a special place for me. Its dome, which is among the largest stone domes in Asia, is a remarkable architectural feature that many people are unaware of. Beyond this, Vadodara’s diverse architectural fabric—with offices and buildings showcasing unique design languages—continues to inspire me. The city’s ability to blend heritage with contemporary expression creates a stimulating environment for architects. It constantly encourages me to observe, learn, and reinterpret ideas within my own work.

What defines The Crossboundaries and its approach to design?

At The Crossboundaries, we do not adhere to a rigid design philosophy. Instead, we prioritise listening to clients, understanding their requirements, and collaboratively deriving a project-specific direction. Our process involves the client, architects, designers, and artists working together to create a tailored outcome. This approach ensures that each project is distinct rather than following a repetitive style. We believe that design should evolve organically from dialogue and shared understanding. This collaborative spirit allows us to push creative limits while remaining rooted in practicality.

This collaborative design process in architecture approach also reflects Boghani’s commitment to context-sensitive architecture India, where each project responds uniquely to its surroundings.

Project at a Glance

• Location: Manali 
• Typology: Five-Star Resort 
• Rooms: 108 
• Status: Ongoing 
• Key Challenge: Designing around natural rock formations 

Which three projects are your personal favourites and why?

One of my earliest residential designs—a New York loft-style penthouse conceived during my master’s studies in Spain—remains close to my heart. It explored minimalism by eliminating conventional finishes such as flooring tiles, false ceilings, and paint. The project allowed me to challenge conventional norms and experiment with raw material expression.

The second is an ongoing five-star resort in Manali with 108 rooms. The project presents unique challenges, as each level interacts with the natural rock formation, making the design a continuous discovery. It has been a learning experience in working closely with nature rather than imposing design onto the site.

The third is a recently completed clubhouse built around a century-old banyan tree. The design respected the existing landscape, dividing activities into separate volumes without removing a single tree. This project reinforced our belief that architecture should coexist with nature and enhance the surroundings rather than alter them drastically.

Three Principles Guiding Material Selection

• Limit palette to maintain harmony 
• Use warm tones for residential comfort 
• Allow natural material expression 

How do you select the material palette, and how important is materiality in design?

Material selection begins with understanding the function of the building. For residential projects, we often lean towards warm palettes to ensure spaces feel homely rather than hotel-like. Client preferences also play an important role. Typically, we restrict our palette to four or five materials to maintain visual clarity and coherence. This limitation helps create harmony and avoids visual clutter. Thoughtful material selection also enhances durability and ensures that the design remains timeless.

Clients today often bring multiple ideas. How do you manage this evolving dynamic?

This structured method reflects a strong collaborative design process in architecture, ensuring clarity and efficiency. We allow clients to share their inspirations freely during the first two meetings—whether from magazines, references, or online platforms. After that, we present our consolidated design direction. Establishing this structure early helps maintain balance and clarity in the process. It also ensures that creativity is channelled effectively rather than becoming overwhelming. By aligning expectations early, we are able to create a smoother and more collaborative workflow.

How important is teamwork within an architectural practice?

Teamwork is fundamental to success. Our design team comprises around 14 members, each contributing unique skills. The collaborative exchange of ideas and growing together as a team is central to our creative process. Every member brings a different perspective, which enriches the design outcome. This collective effort also fosters a positive work culture where learning and innovation go hand in hand.

Does Vadodara’s strong architectural culture create pressure to establish your identity?

There is certainly some pressure, but every architect has their own language and pace. It is important to select projects carefully and focus on delivering quality rather than volume. Taking time and occasionally declining projects allows us to maintain design integrity. The key is to stay authentic and consistent in approach. Over time, this helps build a distinct identity that reflects one’s values.

What’s Next for The Crossboundaries?

Looking ahead, The Crossboundaries, Vadodara continues to expand its portfolio with hospitality, residential, and nature-responsive projects. The ongoing Manali resort and a growing residential pipeline reflect the studio’s commitment to nature-inspired architecture India and contextual design solutions.

What inspires you the most as an architect?

Nature remains our greatest source of inspiration. Rather than following specific architects, we draw from the site itself—the textures, light, sounds, and surroundings. Often, especially in projects like farmhouses, the design begins to reveal itself while walking through the site, allowing nature to guide the process. These observations help us create spaces that feel organic and connected to their environment. Ultimately, nature teaches us balance, simplicity, and harmony—principles that strongly influence our work.

FAQ

1. What is The Crossboundaries and where is it based?
Vadodara-based, The Crossboundaries is an architectural studio led by Ar. Harsh Boghani, a second-generation architect India. The practice focuses on context-sensitive architecture in India across residential, hospitality, and clubhouse projects.

2. What is Ar. Harsh Boghani’s design philosophy?
His approach centres on nature-inspired architecture India, emphasising coexistence with landscape. Projects often follow biophilic design India principles and reflect architecture that is inspired by nature.

3. What projects has The Crossboundaries completed in India?
The studio’s portfolio includes a New York loft penthouse exploring various principles including raw material used in architecture design, a Manali resort representing resort architecture design in India, and a clubhouse built around a banyan tree — demonstrating hospitality architecture in India.

4. How do architects integrate nature into building design in India?
Through biophilic design in India, architects integrate landscape, daylight, and natural materials. This context-sensitive architecture approach supports nature-inspired architecture outcomes in India.

5. What makes Vadodara a good city for architecture?
This Vadodara architect interview highlights how the city’s heritage and Maharaja Sayajirao University architecture influence emerging architects of the state of Gujarat.

6. How should architects manage clients who bring too many design references?
A structured collaborative design process in architecture helps. Aligning references early and refining material selection in architecture of India ensures clarity.

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