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Heritage Haveli and Palace Restoration

byAishwarya Tipnis ArchitectsTakes projects across India; Visit studio in Greater Kailash, New DelhiStarts from₹500 per sq. ft.View full gallery

We help you breathe new life into ancestral homes, balancing their historic character with the comforts of contemporary living through mindful conservation and adaptive reuse.

The main hall of a 19th-century haveli after restoration, featuring a classic checkerboard marble floor, restored doors, and a magnificent heritage chandelier, ready for its new life.

The same hall before our work began, with peeling paint and years of neglect hiding its incredible architectural potential.

The hall during the restoration process, with the floor partially laid and walls stripped back, revealing the original brickwork.

My team documenting and planning the floor restoration on-site, a critical step in ensuring the geometric accuracy of the marble inlay.

A close-up of the intricate marble border being painstakingly restored. This level of detail is what brings the character of the haveli back to life.

A detail of the black and white marble inlay work, a classic feature of haveli architecture that we were careful to restore using traditional methods.

The restored courtyard of the Kathika haveli in Old Delhi, now a vibrant cultural center. The living tree is the heart of the space, around which the entire restoration was planned.

The courtyard at Kathika filled with visitors, demonstrating its success as a public cultural space that brings the community together.

A view of the courtyard before it was bustling with life, showing the restored architectural details and the central tree that defines the space.

Looking down into the courtyard from a restored wooden balcony, a perspective that highlights the traditional inward-looking architecture of the haveli.

About Grand Residences: Restoring Havelis & Palaces

Restoring an ancestral home is rarely about just making it look new. It is about understanding the building's material pathology—why the walls are damp or how the timber has settled—before we touch a single stone. We prioritize non-invasive assessments and traditional techniques like lime mortar curing to ensure the structure remains healthy for decades, rather than applying quick fixes that might cause damage in the long run.

Awarded UNESCO Asia-Pacific recognition for heritage conservation. — Approved by the tribe
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Aishwarya Tipnis Architects

Takes projects across India; Visit studio in Greater Kailash, New DelhiStarts from ₹500 per sq. ft.

We see old buildings as more than just relics; they are spaces with stories waiting for a fresh chapter. Our studio focuses on bringing ancestral homes back to life, respecting their original bones while making them functional for today.

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The restored front porch, nestled amongst lush greenery. We brought back the original charm of the decorative railings and pillars, creating an inviting entrance that honors the building's century-old heritage.13
The restored cobblestone driveway leading up to the heritage structure. The landscaping and exterior restoration work together to create a cohesive and stately approach to the property.
A view of the extended pavilion and courtyard area. This new addition was designed to complement the original structure, providing a modern functional space while respecting the architectural language of the past.
A black and white photograph capturing the timeless quality of the restored architecture. The clean lines of the pavilion and the aged cobblestone driveway create a resilient design that transcends generations.

Heritage Restoration and Adaptive Reuse

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Sejpal and Parekh AssociatesStudio in Mumbai; takes projects across India
Work begins on the restoration of this historic Art Deco building, originally designed by Claude Batley. Our goal is to repurpose this former princely seat into a modern family home while honoring its significant architectural legacy.28
A view of the Art Deco building before restoration, showing its strong horizontal lines and cantilevered balconies. Our work will involve carefully repairing and restoring these key features.
A detail of the building's crest and balcony. The project requires a sensitive approach to preserving original details while upgrading the structure for contemporary use.
The elegant, curving staircase in the Art Deco building's main hall. This magnificent feature will be the centerpiece of the restored interior, a testament to the original craftsmanship.

Reimagining Heritage Architecture

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ThirdspaceStudios in Pune & Belagavi; Projects across India
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An evening view of Kuttiyil House, highlighting the interplay of light and structure. The design uses multiple sloped roofs characteristic of Kerala architecture and low-level landscape lighting to accentuate the natural textures of the laterite stone walls and surrounding greenery.
This central living space in Kuttiyil House is designed to be the family's gathering point. The double-height ceiling with a skylight, inspired by traditional courtyards, ensures the area is always bright and airy, while the mix of modern furniture and a traditional swing offers comfort and style.
The dining area in Kuttiyil House is defined by this custom-designed wooden partition. The leaf motif adds an artistic, natural element while creating a sense of separation from the living area without closing off the space, maintaining an open and connected feel.

Ancestral Homes Reimagined: Restoring Kerala Heritage

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VM ArchitectsStudios in HSR Layout & Kozhikode; Projects across India & Dubai
The central courtyard of Haveli Dharampura, viewed at dusk. The inward-looking design, a hallmark of Mughal havelis, ensures that every level is visually connected, creating a sense of community and shared experience. This project received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for its cultural heritage conservation.29
A flock of pigeons takes flight over the restored Haveli Dharampura, a sight common in Old Delhi. The design of the terrace provides guests with an authentic connection to the life and traditions of Chandni Chowk.

Heritage Hospitality: Restoring Mughal Grandeur

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Kapil Krishan AggarwalTakes projects across India; Visit studio in South Extension II, New Delhi
This is the exterior of my studio, an 80-year-old building we rescued. The peach-colored facade, traditional wooden windows, and patterned 'jaali' screen were all lovingly restored. The bicycle with flowers is a nod to the simple, timeless beauty we wanted to cultivate here.21
My personal cabin within the restored studio. We left the original brick and stone walls exposed, pairing them with a bold zebra-print rug and a simple wooden desk. It’s a space where the building's raw history meets my own creative energy.
The pantry in our studio. We kept the exposed stone walls and paired them with a custom concrete countertop and beautiful handmade floor tiles. The space is rustic, functional, and full of the building's original character.

Heritage Home Restoration and Soulful Design

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Richa BahlTakes projects across India; Visit Design Studio in Bandra West, Mumbai
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An intricately carved traditional Indian door, flanked by colorful statues. We draw immense inspiration from such historical craftsmanship, often incorporating vintage or custom-made pieces to add soul to modern interiors.
A weathered wooden balcony with detailed carvings, seen in Udaipur. The raw texture of the stone and the aged wood tell a story of time, influencing our use of honest and natural materials.
Another example of a traditional Rajasthani jharokha, or enclosed balcony, with intricate latticework. These architectural elements inspire our designs for creating private, shaded outdoor spaces.

Heritage-Inspired Design & Restoration Services

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Native SutraTakes projects across Delhi NCR; Visit design studio in Sector 60, Gurugram

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