Analysis · Professional & Local Services

Chandrika Sahay on building Meraki Dezine

By Startup Enthusiast · 20 February 2026

What they do

Meraki Dezine designs hospitals, hotels, schools, and luxury homes

Founder Chandrika Sahay shares her journey in an interview

She advocates 'global desi' architecture blending Indian heritage with modern practice

This article is an interview with Chandrika Sahay, Founding Director & Principal Architect of Meraki Dezine.
She has over two decades of experience in architecture across different geographies and cultures.
Her first independent project was a restaurant at the Royal Opera House in the Middle East.
The Deputy Prime Minister visited the site before its formal opening.
She does not come from an architectural or business family; her mother took her to exhibitions and art showcases.
She believes architecture is a collaborative journey involving the client, end user, and architect.

Meraki Dezine is an architecture firm designing hospitals, hospitality spaces, learning environments, and luxury residences.
It focuses on the healthcare, hospitality, and learning spaces sectors.
The firm operates across India, the Gulf, Africa (including Kenya), and Houston, United States.
Growth is built on trust, not aggressive scaling, prioritising quality and value over numbers.