A New Frontier: The BNK Group forays into the GCC Market

The BNK Group, an architectural and design firm, has embarked on a significant journey into the GCC market with the introduction of its latest venture, Design BNK. Under the leadership of Behzad Kharas, Chairman and Managing Director, the group brings with it a wealth of expertise cultivated since its inception in 2005, establishing itself as a powerhouse across India, the Middle East, and Africa.

With the establishment of Design BNK for the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, helmed by architect Dr. Santi Maggio Savasta, the group extends its reach and proficiency into new horizons, symbolizing its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of global design.

Speaking to Behzad Kharas, we explore the group’s entry into GCC and all things design

How does The BNK Group plan to navigate GCC's dynamic landscape for its design initiatives starting from Dubai?

Navigating Dubai's dynamic landscape for our design initiatives is akin to embarking on a thrilling journey, filled with endless possibilities. Dubai's vibrant cultural scene and progressive outlook serve as a canvas for our creative endeavours. We intend to collaborate with local talent and draw inspiration from its cosmopolitan vibe. This reflects in our partnerships in India as well, whether it is with actor turned designer Neelam Kothari Soni to establish LINK BNK for luxury residential projects and our recently launched entity K-BNK with Kshitij Limaye that expands into workspace & commercial design.

By harnessing Dubai's dynamism, we aim to craft spaces that not only reflect the city's essence but also redefine design innovation on a global scale.

How does the group envision contributing to the design ecosystem in the GCC? What are some of the key challenges that you anticipate?

Our vision for contributing to the design ecosystem in the GCC is rooted in our commitment to excellence and innovation. As we embark on this new chapter, we anticipate various challenges, including navigating cultural nuances, addressing climate considerations, and adapting to regulatory frameworks. However, we see them more as opportunities for growth and learning. 

We have many projects in the pipeline for the GCC region across luxury residences, commercial developments, and hotel designs. We have already designed and delivered work for a lot of Indian-origin clients based out of GCC for their properties in India and wish to harness these relationships to expand our network through the GCC region. By staying true to our values and leveraging our expertise, we are sure to contribute positively to the architectural landscape of the GCC, leaving a lasting impact.

What is the distinguishing factor that sets The BNK Group apart? How does your proficiency in India influence its expansion?

The distinguishing factor that sets The BNK Group apart lies in our relentless pursuit of excellence and our commitment to client satisfaction. Our strong background in India serves as a solid foundation for our expansion into new territories. India's rich cultural diversity has equipped us with the adaptability and resilience needed to thrive in dynamic markets like the GCC. By leveraging our experience and skills, we aim to create transformative design solutions that resonate with people's lives across borders.

In India, we have worked on multiple luxury projects and clients such as the Trump Towers, Godrej Properties, The Taj Vivanta, The Times of India, Tata Motors and many UHNI HNI in India and Dubai. We see tremendous potential in the GCC's and Africa’s evolving architectural and interior landscape and our strong Indian background definitely helps us amplify and grow into GCC as a distinguished entity

How would you describe your approach to leadership and entrepreneurship in guiding The BNK Group's expansion into new markets like the GCC?

My approach to leadership and entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in our core values of honesty, humility, and humanity. As the guiding force behind The BNK Group's expansion into new markets like the GCC, I believe in leading by example and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. By staying true to our principles and embracing change, we can navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with resilience and determination, driving sustainable growth and creating meaningful impact along the way.

Scaling a design business financially can be challenging. Could you shed light on The BNK Group's strategy for achieving financial scalability while maintaining design excellence and client satisfaction?

Scaling a design business financially is indeed a multifaceted challenge. However, at The BNK Group, we believe in a holistic approach that balances creativity with pragmatism. By investing in our people, processes, and technology, we aim to optimize operational efficiencies and maximize value for our clients. Additionally, strategic partnerships and diversified revenue streams play a crucial role in our financial scalability journey. This enables us to sustainably grow while upholding our commitment to design excellence and client satisfaction.

Lastly, future plans

Looking ahead, our future plans are centered around our core values of creativity, integrity, and honesty. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead when it comes to design and build solutions across residential, commercial, hospitality and healthcare sectors and remain committed to pushing the boundaries of design excellence. Whether it's unveiling new projects, forging strategic partnerships, or investing in talent development, our focus remains on creating meaningful impact and leaving a lasting legacy in the architectural landscape of the GCC and beyond.

With all our group companies and new initiatives, we aim to cross a target revenue of 200 crore in the coming financial year.

To know more about Design BNK, click here 

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