The quintessential Indian ideology of ‘atithi devo bhava’- which means ‘treat a guest like God’ is embodied in the soul of almost every Gujarati home. In this Gujarat-special issue, then, the top spot of Insite Story was automatically grabbed by some gorgeous Gujarati homes in Gujarat, designed by Gujarati-led design firms! Whilst we were spoilt for choice with the astounding array we scanned, we hand-picked these five for the cover story.

Architects In the ever-evolving world of architecture, where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront, Chitra Vishwanath’s firm Biome Environmental Solutions stands out as a visionary Indian architectural office. Based out of Bengaluru, Biome’s profound commitment to ecological principles and a passion for integrating architecture harmoniously with nature, has made it a driving force in the field. Since 1991, Chitra Vishwanath has been at the helm of her own architectural firm, collaborating with fellow architects on numerous transformative projects. As the Principal Architect and Managing Director of BIOME Environment Solutions, she has handled over 500 projects, ranging from diverse building designs all incorporating innovative water and sanitation designs, while keeping a keen focus on the ecological well-being of the respective sites. Central to the firm’s architectural philosophy is the thoughtful incorporation of earth as a fundamental building material.

Dubbed as the "King of Airports in India," Prof. Charanjit Singh Shah's legacy transcends conventional architecture. Over five decades, he has left an indelible mark on India's landscape, from iconic airports to cultural hubs. Shah's accolades, including the 'Jewel of Punjab' and 'Architect of the Year Award,' reflect his transformative influence. His global projects, endorsed by Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi, positions India as an architectural powerhouse. Prof. Shah is an unwavering force, shaping a culturally rich and architecturally splendid future.

Rajasthan International Centre designed by Jaipur-based Pramod Jain & Associates was intended as a platform for dialogue between intellectuals, artisans, professionals, public servants, entrepreneurs and people from Rajasthan, India and abroad. Creating a network for sharing their knowledge and experience, it serves as a cultural hub for fostering cross-cultural understanding and socio- economic development. The true magic of RIC lies in the spirit of inclusivity and collaboration that it embodies.