Anand Puri and Milind Nulkar co-founded Centre for Design Excellence, a professional consultancy providing architectural and design services in 1997. Since then the company’s project portfolio has spread across multiple locations pan India.

They embarked on this journey in architecture and design fueled by their passion for creativity. Their way of looking at things more objectively and creative ‘out of the box’ thinking prompted them to pursue a career in architecture.

For Puri, luxury living is no longer just about grandeur and aesthetics, it embodies a mystique unique to the cultural tapestry of India, intertwining architectural marvels of the past with the comforts of modern living. From the regal styles of Rajput architecture to the serene elegance of South Indian designs, luxury living speaks of the grandeur of the rich cultural heritage blended with today's living standards. The clients are desirous of better quality living spaces, blending design-driven luxury spaces with cutting-edge technology. The integration of intelligent spaces with biophilic principles not only enhances comfort and aesthetics but also champions environmental responsibility.

Centre for Design Excellence has initiated several projects where they have successfully integrated Smart building technology and Biophilic design principles. At ‘Purple Palms Resort & Spa’ in Kushalnagar, there is a harmonious symphony between indoors and outdoors where all habitable spaces are built around a manicured landscaped courtyard, creating a seamless connection with nature. Another exemplary project is the ‘Parag Milk Foods Guesthouse’ in Manesar where landscaping courtyards are built near the private and public areas.

For Nulkar, every new project begins with visualizing the property and envisioning the possibilities that kickstart the creative process, leading to innovative design solutions. Challenges in the form of intermittent changes required by the client or balancing traditional design principles like ‘Vaastu’ with modern sustainability requirements can be intricate in the design process.

Looking ahead Puri & Nulkar envision architectural luxury characterized by better volume and height in spaces, offering a sense of openness and grandeur. They believe that incorporating MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineering services directly into the designs can streamline processes and enhance functionality.