DAAA HAUS expands its footprint to Mumbai: A fusion of global design and local sensibilities
DAAA Haus, one of Europe’s leading design studios, is proud to announce its official entry into Mumbai, bringing its signature philosophy of experiential design to India’s vibrant metropolis. The studio will be represented locally by Suhani Surana, International Business Development, and Deviprasad Kateel, Senior Architect.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Discovery
For Suhani, the intersection of fashion and design has always been a natural convergence. Having completed her studies at Istituto Marangoni Milano, after beginning her academic journey in Mumbai, Suhani’s first encounter with the world of design came during Milano Design Week while volunteering with Jaipur Rugs. “It was love at first sight,” she recalls, “though my introduction to design really began during my time at Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, where fashion and interiors often intersected in projects and extensions.”
Her subsequent participation in the Women@Dior x UNESCO program and the launch of her podcast Re:Nari further connected her with global creatives in design, ultimately leading to her meeting Keith Pillow, the visionary behind DAAA Haus, at a recent Milano Design Week. Their shared enthusiasm for the Indian market, combined with Suhani’s graduation and readiness to embrace new opportunities, perfectly aligned with DAAA Haus’ expansion plans.
Mumbai, Suhani’s hometown, is at the heart of her story. She shares, “Working between Mumbai and Milan offers the perfect mix of Mumbai that shaped who I am, while Milan expanded my horizons. The energy of Colaba’s bustling streets continues to inspire me every day.”
A Design Journey From the Hills to the Studio
Deviprasad Kateel brings a complementary perspective rooted in architecture and interior design. Born in the coffee-growing hills of Chikmagalur, Karnataka, Dev’s career began with a Bachelor’s in Architecture and later a Master’s in Interior Design from Milan’s Scuola Politecnica di Design. His work spans diverse scales, from sustainable hilltop homes and rammed-earth houses to innovative temple roofing projects, always emphasizing harmony between tradition, culture, and built form.
Reflecting on his connection with DAAA Haus, Dev notes, “My time at DAAA Haus in Milan, reshaped how I see design. It’s not just about spaces; it’s about crafting experiences and a language of life. Joining DAAA’s expanded journey in Mumbai is an exciting opportunity to bring that ethos to India.”
DAAA Haus in Mumbai
With Suhani and Dev leading its Mumbai chapter, DAAA Haus aims to merge international expertise with local culture, creating spaces and experiences that resonate with India’s unique design sensibilities. The studio plans to work across residential, commercial, and experiential projects, reflecting a philosophy where design transcends function to tell stories and create lifestyles.
About DAAA Haus
DAAA Haus is a Milan-based design studio renowned for its experiential approach to architecture and interiors. With a belief that design is a language, DAAA Haus crafts timeless spaces that bridge cultures and evoke emotion. The Mumbai expansion marks its first formal presence in India, furthering its mission to inspire through design across continents.