Zafar Choudhary and Monika Choudhary co-founded Habitat Architects in 1994, a multi-disciplinary design practice dedicated to creating responsible luxury and sustainable sophistication in architecture, interior design, master planning, landscape design, and product design.

For Zafar Choudhary, architecture represents the ultimate synthesis of art and science. Growing up in a family that valued design and engineering, he was drawn to meticulous planning, precision, and creativity, which went into shaping spaces that are not only functional but also evoke emotional connection. Monika Choudhary views design as a medium to bridge the tangible and the intangible. Growing up immersed in the world of textiles, colour, and craftsmanship, she realized designing is crafting spaces that resonate with people, honoring the heritage while embracing the future and shaping the world with intent and meaning.

Choudhary’s creative process is spatial planning, where functionality coexists with aesthetics. The design process is a seamless dialogue between context, culture, and innovation. It is about a deep understanding of space, the people who inhabit it, their emotional connection, and its timeless and functional essence. Technology sharpens precision and acts as a bridge enhancing the usability and sustainability of space.

Out of many remarkable projects, ‘The Courtyard House’ is a true reflection of Zafar’s architectural philosophy where simplicity in form meets complexity in function. With an expansive central courtyard offering natural light and ventilation and using natural materials like exposed concrete, natural stone, and timber, the project embodies the timeless values of spatial efficiency, aesthetic restraint, and environmental sensitivity. For Monika, ‘Kutub Boulevard’ a haute couture designer hub embodies her design ethos as it seamlessly integrates cultural respect with modern sensibilities. The architectural language celebrates timeless elegance, blending natural light, earthy materials, and intricate craftsmanship representing a balance between conservation and innovation.

Choudharys recognise AI’s (artificial Intelligence) potential in transforming architecture, refining and elevating the design process, and offering new possibilities in precision, sustainability, and client personalisation. AI provides valuable tools to analyse complex data and site conditions, enhance sustainability measures, and personalised designs to meet individual needs. They view AI as an aid and not a substitute for human intuition, ensuring that the heart of design remains rooted in storytelling, empathy, and cultural significance. AI can amplify purpose-driven design, aligning functionality with deeper meaning.

Choudhary envisions the future of architecture defined by its ability to stay rooted in fundamental principles and harmonise sustainability, technology, and cultural storytelling. With challenges like climate change and global urbanization, architects and designers need to be innovative and responsible while creating spaces that are conscious, inclusive, and forward-thinking. They advise young designers to honour their roots while embracing innovation and strive to design with courage and clarity, creating spaces that uplift lives, inspire emotions and leave a meaningful legacy.