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Amit Gupta at FOAID 2025: Insights on Branded Residences in India

Author : Studio Symbiosis India | Published On : 16 Mar 2026

At the 12th edition of Festival of Architecture and Interior Designing (FOAID) 2025, held in New Delhi on 21–22 November, the design community gathered to explore the future of architecture, interiors, and the evolving narrative of the built environment. The event served as a vibrant platform where leading architects, designers, developers, and innovators came together to discuss how design is shaping tomorrow’s cities and lifestyles.

Among the influential voices contributing to this dialogue was Amit Gupta, co-founder of Studio Symbiosis. He joined an esteemed panel alongside Ajay Gupta, President – Architecture at M3M India, and Douglas Grieco of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Their session, titled “Branding the Skyline: The New Language of Luxury Living,” explored the rapidly growing phenomenon of branded residences and how they are reshaping the global luxury real-estate landscape.

The conversation offered diverse perspectives on how architecture, hospitality, branding, and lifestyle experiences intersect to redefine what luxury living means today.

What is FOAID?

Over the years, FOAID has evolved into one of India’s most influential platforms for architecture and design discourse. With more than 70 design shows across the country, 1,000+ design talks, and a community of over 50,000 participants, it has become a vital forum for industry leaders and creative thinkers.

The 2025 edition placed special emphasis on the intersection of design, craft, climate, and technology, hosting forums such as Design Arena, CMC Design Manthan, VOX Architecture Ideas, Light First, and Expressions.

For architects like Amit Gupta, such platforms are not merely about showcasing work—they are about shaping the intellectual and cultural direction of the design industry.

Amit Gupta: Designing Luxury as Experience and Identity

Representing Studio Symbiosis, Amit Gupta presented insights into one of the most exciting developments in India’s real-estate sector—the Jacob & Co branded residences in Noida, developed in collaboration with M3M India.

This landmark project marks the first Jacob & Co branded residential development in India, signaling a new era where globally recognized luxury brands merge with architecture to create immersive lifestyle environments.

For Studio Symbiosis, this project is part of a broader vision: redefining residential architecture through brand identity, design innovation, and experiential living.

Inside the FOAID Discussion: Branded Residences and the Architecture of Identity

The panel discussion explored the global rise of branded residences—from Miami and Dubai to emerging luxury hubs like Delhi and Mumbai.

Participants examined how architecture can translate the identity of a global brand into spatial experience through:

  • Material expression

  • Landscape integration

  • Architectural form

  • Lifestyle programming

  • Sustainability strategies

A particularly compelling theme was the distinction between hospitality-driven branded residences and designer-led branded residences.

Douglas Grieco emphasized how hospitality brands like Hyatt bring service standards and curated living experiences into residential environments.

In contrast, Amit Gupta highlighted how design-driven brands can influence architecture itself, transforming buildings into icons that embody a brand’s philosophy and visual language.

Key Insights from the Session

Brand as Architectural Identity

Branded residences are not simply projects that carry a logo. Instead, they translate the philosophy and design DNA of a brand into architecture.

As Amit Gupta suggested, the skyline itself becomes a canvas for branding, where buildings become recognizable symbols of luxury and identity.

A project associated with a brand like Jacob & Co can set new benchmarks in luxury living—while an architecture defined by green façades or sustainability can also establish its own powerful identity.

Hospitality vs Designer-Led Brands

Hospitality brands bring service, operational expertise, and curated living standards into residential spaces.

Designer-led brands, on the other hand, influence aesthetic language, craftsmanship, and spatial storytelling.

Both approaches redefine luxury—but from different vantage points.

Quality of Living as the New Luxury

Perhaps the most important insight from the session was the evolving definition of luxury itself.

Today’s luxury buyers are increasingly drawn not only to brand prestige but also to:

  • Wellness-focused design

  • Generous landscape integration

  • Access to light and ventilation

  • Sustainable materials

  • Spatial comfort and wellbeing

Luxury is no longer measured by scale alone—it is measured by experience and quality of life.

Why Branded Residences Matter for India’s Luxury Market

India’s luxury housing market is undergoing a dramatic transformation driven by three key forces:

1. Rising Client Sophistication
Modern homebuyers seek curated lifestyles, identity, and experience—not merely square footage.

2. Global Brands Entering India
International brands are bringing global benchmarks of design, service, and exclusivity to the Indian market.

3. Developers Seeking Differentiation
In increasingly competitive markets, branding helps projects stand out and establish long-term value.

In this evolving landscape, architects like Amit Gupta play a crucial role—not only as designers but as thought leaders shaping the future of urban luxury.

Key Takeaways from Amit Gupta’s Session

Branded Architecture Must Reflect the Brand’s Soul
True branded architecture goes beyond logos—it is expressed through design thinking, materials, spatial experiences, and narrative.

Sustainability is an Essential Dimension of Luxury
Landscape, natural light, greenery, ventilation, and energy-conscious design enhance both wellbeing and long-term value.

Indian Luxury is Entering a Maturity Phase
The coming decade will see rapid growth in branded residences, niche collaborations, and experience-driven living environments.

In Summary

At FOAID 2025, Amit Gupta’s session did more than present ideas—it challenged the industry to rethink the meaning of luxury in architecture.

His message was clear:

Luxury architecture must evolve beyond spectacle into substance.
It must express identity, craft meaningful experiences, and embrace environmental responsibility.

For architects, developers, and design professionals, the insights shared at FOAID offer a powerful roadmap for the future—where architecture becomes narrative, space becomes identity, and luxury becomes deeply personal.

Through projects like branded residences, Studio Symbiosis continues to push the boundaries of design—transforming buildings into experiences and skylines into stories.