The Design Company: Where Luxury Meets Living

The Design Company: Where Luxury Meets Living

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2025

The Design Company is a premier design studio redefining the art of architecture, interiors, and landscapes for discerning clients. Based in Bengaluru,  Known for its seamless blend of artistry and precision, the firm creates environments that capture timeless elegance, functional sophistication, and a deep connection to their surroundings. Every project is a personalised journey, shaped by the client’s vision and elevated by the studio’s uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship, detail, and enduring quality.

From bespoke residences to signature hospitality spaces, The Design Company designs not just spaces, but experiences, environments that look exceptional and feel unforgettable.

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At the heart of The Design Company’s success are Sweety R. Nahar and Milind Mantravadi, Founders & Principal Designers, whose expertise in design ideation and flawless execution has set new benchmarks in the industry. Under their leadership, the firm breathes life into every structure it touches, an orchestration of natural light, bespoke materials, and exquisite proportions in perfect harmony.

 Sweety R. Nahar, Founder of The Design Company Says :

“Luxury is not about excess, it’s about intention. Every line, every texture, every shade is chosen to tell a story worth living.”

The Design Company offers a multidisciplinary expertise in Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Design, and Home Styling, delivering a complete and cohesive design experience.

  • Architecture: Innovative yet timeless, their buildings respect the environment, harmonise with surroundings, and stand the test of time.

  • Interiors: Curated spaces that reflect personality, blending textures, colors, and materials for beauty and practicality.

  • Landscapes: Green spaces that connect people to nature, focusing on sustainability, native planting, and seasonal beauty.

Every project is approached as a unique narrative, tailored to the client’s lifestyle and aspirations. From modern urban residences to luxury commercial spaces and serene outdoor retreats, The Design Company integrates form, function, and beauty in every detail.

Clients are treated as collaborators in a creative journey, with a transparent and personalised process ensuring each choice resonates with their vision. Customer satisfaction isn’t just a metric, it’s the foundation of every project.

As trends shift and lifestyles evolve, The Design Company remains committed to its core philosophy: design that inspires and endures. With a growing portfolio across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, the studio continues to push creative boundaries while staying rooted in its passion for meaningful, sustainable design.

Milind Mantravadi, Founder of The Design Company Says:

“Design is not just about what you see, it’s about how you feel when you experience it. Our job is to make that feeling unforgettable.”

For those seeking more than just a beautiful space, for those looking for a place that tells their story, The Design Company is where the journey begins.

For more details:

Instagram: @thedesigncompany_india
Email: sweetynahar.tdc@gmail.com / milind.tdc@gmail.com


Diageo India Partners with THSC to Skill 300 Youth under ‘Learning for Life’ Programme

Diageo India Partners with THSC to Skill 300 Youth under ‘Learning for Life’ Programme

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 7, 2025

Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.), one of the country’s leading alcobev companies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) to train 300 students under its flagship ‘Learning for Life’ programme. The signing ceremony was attended by Praveen Someshwar, MD & CEO, Diageo India; Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC; Mr. Navdeep Singh Mehram, Vice President – CSR & Sustainability, Diageo India; and Mr. Vaibhav Verma, Vice President – Industry Engagement, THSC.

This initiative reflects Diageo India’s continued commitment to creating a diverse, skilled, and future-ready workforce, in line with its Spirit of Progress ESG action plan.

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The classroom-based training programme will be held at THSC-affiliated centres in Bengaluru and delivered by certified trainers and assessors. Designed as a short-term skilling programme for unemployed and underprivileged youth, it is aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). The curriculum will cover technical training, communication, digital literacy, and soft skills, preparing candidates for roles in the hospitality, business, and service industries. Upon completion, participants will undergo assessment and certification by THSC, providing credibility and industry recognition.

With its strong network of over 750 industry partners, THSC will facilitate placements and apprenticeships for successful candidates, enabling them to secure employment in hotels, restaurants, quick-service chains, and allied services.

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Praveen Someshwar, MD & CEO of Diageo India, said: “The hospitality sector is a vital engine of growth and opportunity. Through ‘Learning for Life’ and with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, we are empowering young talent with the skills and confidence to thrive, building not just careers, but a more inclusive India.”

Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC, added: “We are proud to partner with Diageo India on the ‘Learning for Life’ initiative, which aligns closely with our mission to skill and empower youth for meaningful careers. The hospitality sector continues to be one of the largest job creators, and this programme will provide participants with practical skills, exposure to industry standards, and a pathway to sustainable employment.”

Launched in 2020, Diageo India’s ‘Learning for Life’ programme has already impacted the lives of over 6,500 students. By providing equal access to training and resources, the programme helps boost employability, improve livelihoods, and strengthen the hospitality sector with a more inclusive and skilled workforce.


Premium Travel Faces Price Hike Under GST 2.0

Premium Travel Faces Price Hike Under GST 2.0

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 7, 2025

Luxury travel in India is set to become more expensive as the GST Council raises taxes on private jets, yachts, and premium airfares under its revised GST 2.0 framework. Effective September 22, aircraft for personal use, typically private jets and helicopters operated outside scheduled commercial services, will now attract a flat 40 percent GST, up from the earlier 28 percent GST plus a 3 percent compensation cess.

Yachts and other pleasure vessels will also fall under the 40 percent GST slab, closing a long-standing gap in the taxation of luxury assets. This marks a significant increase in acquisition and import costs for charter operators and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Non-economy class air tickets will see an increase from the earlier 12 percent GST to 18 percent, with airlines expected to pass on the added cost to passengers. Business and first-class travelers will experience a noticeable rise in fares amid strong demand for premium travel.

The GST Council’s revised structure underscores a clear policy message: discretionary flying and sailing are now subject to higher tax burdens, while services such as drones, simulators, and freight operations move to lower GST slabs. Luxury enthusiasts and operators of high-end travel assets should prepare for increased costs as these changes come into effect.


GST Rationalisation Brings Growth Opportunities for F&B, Hospitality, and FMCG

GST Rationalisation Brings Growth Opportunities for F&B, Hospitality, and FMCG

By Hariharan U

Published on September 6, 2025

 The recent GST rationalisation is being hailed as a positive move across the food & beverage, hospitality, and FMCG sectors, promising easier operations, reduced compliance costs, and growth opportunities.

Mr. Simranjeet Singh, Director, CYK Hospitalities, said, “The GST rationalisation represents an uplifting change for startups and emerging F&B brands, making operations simpler. Previously, multiple tax slabs made it difficult for young entrepreneurs to set transparent pricing, stay compliant, and remain competitive with cost-conscious consumers. Now, with just two slabs—5% for essentials and 18% for other products—startups can clearly plan product mix and expansion. Lower-slab products encourage demand for QSRs, cloud kitchens, and packaged foods, while premium offerings remain on the higher slab. The reform empowers the ecosystem with creativity, credibility, and new growth avenues for both emerging and established players”.

Mr. Sanjay Jain, Director, ElanPro, added, “GST rationalisation is a welcome step that will boost consumption and investment across sectors. In hospitality, room tariffs below Rs. 1,000 are now tax-free, mid-range hotels at Rs. 1,001–7,500 are taxed at 5%, and even premium hotels above Rs. 7,500 have dropped from 28% to 18%. This is likely to drive higher occupancy and create demand for kitchen upgrades and modern refrigeration. Restaurants and catering operations also benefit, with GST reduced to 5% for non-AC outlets under Rs. 50 lakh turnover, air-conditioned restaurants, and outdoor catering services. Lower costs allow operators to invest in food safety, storage, and quality”.

He further noted that FMCG and dairy companies will gain from relief on essentials like UHT milk, paneer, and cheese, enabling stronger cold storage and refrigerated logistics. Additionally, renewable energy devices now taxed at 5% make solar-powered cold storage more viable. Jain observed that while some effects may be indirect or medium-term, these reforms are a strong catalyst for India’s commercial refrigeration industry, supporting faster and broader cold chain adoption.

The consensus among industry leaders is clear, GST rationalisation not only simplifies compliance but also strengthens India’s F&B, hospitality, and FMCG ecosystem, fostering innovation, investment, and sustainable growth.

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