Sunita Kohli is a renowned interior designer from India who has made a name for herself with her expertise and eye for detail. She is known for her sophisticated style, which blends traditional Indian elements with modern design sensibilities. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Sunita Kohli’s background, her design philosophy, and some of her most notable projects.
Early Life and Education
Sunita Kohli was born in Lucknow, India, in 1948. She spent her childhood in a large joint family, where she was exposed to art, culture, and design from an early age. She studied at the Loreto Convent in Lucknow and went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Delhi.
After completing her studies, Sunita Kohli started her career in interior design by working with her mother, a renowned architect and designer. She then went on to study interior design at the Sir John Cass School of Art and Design in London.
Design Philosophy
Sunita Kohli’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in Indian culture and tradition. She believes that design should not only be beautiful but also functional, sustainable, and respectful of local customs and materials. She is known for her ability to seamlessly blend traditional Indian elements such as handcrafted textiles, woodcarvings, and murals with modern design concepts and technologies.
Kohli is also passionate about preserving India’s rich architectural heritage. She has worked extensively with government bodies and heritage organizations to restore and conserve historic buildings such as palaces, forts, and havelis.
Notable Projects
Over the course of her career, Sunita Kohli has worked on a wide range of projects, from private residences to hotels and public buildings. Here are some of her most notable projects:
- The Presidential Palace, Kabul, Afghanistan – Sunita Kohli was tasked with designing the interiors of the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, which was severely damaged during the civil war. Kohli worked with local artisans to restore the palace to its former glory, using traditional techniques and materials.
- The Rajasthan Palace Hotel, Jaipur, India – Kohli was involved in the restoration and renovation of this historic palace hotel, which was originally built in the 18th century. The hotel’s interiors feature traditional Rajasthani motifs and patterns, along with modern amenities.
- The Nehru Pavilion, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India – The Nehru Pavilion is a conference hall in New Delhi that was designed by Kohli. The hall features a unique ceiling made of handcrafted wood panels, which were inspired by the traditional jaali screens found in Indian architecture.
- The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar – Sunita Kohli was one of the designers who worked on the interiors of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. Kohli’s designs for the museum’s interiors were inspired by Islamic art and architecture, and she used materials such as marble, wood, and bronze to create a sense of grandeur and luxury.
- The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India – Kohli was involved in the design of the Oberoi Amarvilas, a luxury hotel located near the Taj Mahal in Agra. The hotel’s interiors feature a blend of Mughal and contemporary design elements, with traditional Indian motifs and fabrics.
Sunita Kohli’s work has had a profound impact on the world of interior design in India and beyond. Her designs are a testament to the beauty and richness of India’s culture and heritage, and she has played an important role in preserving and promoting these traditions through her work. Her sophisticated style and attention to detail have made her one of the most respected and sought-after interior
