A Life In Design AR. REZA KABUL

The poster boy for tall buildings. His 153-metre-high Mumbai skyscraper scored a LBR record, way back in 2003 for being the then-tallest building in India.

- Maria Louis

His pioneering work in designing structures that scrape the sky made Ar. Reza Kabul a household name in India and abroad — like the 153-metrehigh Shreepati Arcade that was recognised as the tallest building in India in 2003 or the Altitude, 96-storied iconic tower in Colombo. A 1985 graduate from the MS University of Baroda, now Vadodara, Reza Kabul started his own practice in 1988 after a brief stint with architect Hafeez Contractor in Mumbai. Today, his India and USA-based firm ARK is a full-service architectural, interiors, landscape design and planning company with proven expertise in project design – ranging from masterplans and townships, to industrial, hospitality, commercial, institutional, educational and residential segments. “I don’t believe in confining spaces between four walls; I believe in open spaces, both for the interiors and exteriors,” says Kabul of his design philosophy. “Every space needs to have a good optimum, be it a small-sized apartment or large commercial office. Functionality and aesthetics play a key role.”

How did you stumble upon this profession? If not an architect, what would you be?