Mumbai…June 27, 2025: CREDAI-MCHI, the apex body representing real estate developers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), proudly extended its support to Design POV 2025, an exclusive event celebrating India’s most influential architects and designers.
Held at the Jio World Convention Centre from June 27 to 29, Design POV provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on innovation, aesthetics, and the future of design in the built environment.
As a Supporting Partner, CREDAI-MCHI played a vital role in shaping the conversation around housing and urban development, reinforcing its commitment to progressive and inclusive real estate practices.
A key highlight of the event was the inaugural panel discussion hosted on June 27, titled “Breaking the Myths of Affordable Housing and Good Design.” The session brought together respected industry leaders to challenge the longstanding perception that affordability must come at the cost of quality design.
The discussion was moderated by Dr. Adv. Harshul Savla, Research Convener at CREDAI-MCHI, and featured an esteemed panel comprising Mr. Domnic Romell, President of CREDAI-MCHI and Director at Romell Group; Mr. Umang Kuwadia, Joint Managing Director at Happy Home Group of Companies; and Mr. Keval Valambhia, COO of CREDAI-MCHI.
The session explored how luxury in Indian real estate is being redefined—not by opulent fittings or imported materials, but by elements such as natural light, ventilation, comfort, spatial quality, and peace of mind.
The panelists highlighted that the perception of luxury is deeply contextual and personal—what is considered luxurious in South Mumbai may differ significantly from the expectations in Thane or the Western suburbs.
The conversation also addressed the dilemma around Floor Space Index (FSI), cautioning developers against the tendency to blindly maximize it.
Overbuilding, they noted, not only inflates costs but also compromises design integrity and the overall living experience. Citing the example of a project like W54, where FSI was deliberately reduced from 4 to 1.33, the panel demonstrated how thoughtful optimization could yield better appreciation and profitability.
Commenting on the session, Mr. Domnic Romell, President of CREDAI-MCHI, added, “Luxury today is no longer defined by gold fittings or Italian marble. True luxury lies in the quality of life — natural light, fresh air, well-designed surroundings, and the comfort of convenience.
The concept of ‘walk-to-work’ is gaining momentum as people increasingly value time, accessibility, and overall well-being.”
The panel noted that while location matters, true luxury comes from intelligent design, natural elements, and curated amenities that offset locational drawbacks.
They cautioned against short-sighted decisions—like low ceilings, unsustainable features, or mismatched apartment mixes—that hurt long-term value and emphasized designing with future maintenance and ease of operation in mind.
Wellness and sustainability emerged as key themes, with luxury redefined to include eco-friendly features like rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment, and natural ventilation.
Certifications such as LEED and IGBC were praised for promoting long-term wellness. Panelists stressed that luxury should extend to commercial spaces too, highlighting benefits of fresh air systems, optimized sunlight, and efficient MEP design for better productivity and well-being.
Looking ahead, panelists emphasized the importance of using tools like CRE Matrix, PropStack, and PropEquity to align projects with market demand and avoid mispriced or oversized units. They also debated the coexistence of varied housing typologies—some favoring separation of 1BHKs and 4BHKs, others supporting inclusive designs with shared infrastructure to promote community living.
Through its association with Design POV 2025, CREDAI-MCHI reinforced its belief that thoughtful design and inclusive housing go hand in hand.
The panel discussion served as a compelling reminder that affordability and design excellence are not mutually exclusive but can coexist through innovation, industry collaboration, and a shared vision for better urban living.
About Design POV
Design POV is a first-of-its-kind platform celebrating India’s top architects and designers. Each year, 20 selected talents are invited to showcase their original, copyright-protected work in 80 sqm spaces known as “THE CORE.”
The exhibition brings together design professionals, developers, hospitality leaders, and premium brands, fostering collaboration and creativity. With strong media partnerships, Design POV ensures high-impact visibility across the entire design ecosystem.
ABOUT CREDAI-MCHI
CREDAI-MCHI is an apex body comprising members from the Real Estate Industry in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
With an impressive membership of over 1800+ leading developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI has extended its reach throughout the region, establishing units in various locations such as Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Virar, Raigad, Navi Mumbai, Palghar-Boisar, Bhiwandi, Uran-Dronagiri, Shahapur-Murbad, and most recently in Alibag, Karjat-Khalapur-Khopoli, and Pen. Being the only Government-recognized body for private sector developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI is dedicated to promoting the industry’s organization and progress.
As a part of CREDAI National, an apex body of 13000 developers across the nation, CREDAI-MCHI has emerged as a preferred platform for regional discussions on housing and habitat by establishing close and strong ties with the government.
It is committed to breaking barriers to create a strong, organized, and progressive real estate sector in the MMR.The vision of CREDAI-MCHI is to empower the Real Estate fraternity of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as it preserves, protects, and advances the right to housing for all.
To continue being a trusted ally, guiding their members, supporting the Government on policy advocacy, and assisting those they serve through the ever-evolving real estate fraternity.
Disclaimer:- This story has not been edited by SugerMint staff and provided by the agency. SugerMint will not be responsible in any way for the content of this story.
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