Rahul Bhatt - ‘The Creative Process is Always Personal’

Rahul Bhatt, Managing Director at Cherry Hill Interiors, shares insights on being a pioneer in the design and build market and shaping India’s future-ready workplaces

In the evolving landscape of workplace design, few leaders have shaped the corporate interiors industry in India as profoundly as Rahul Bhatt. With a remarkable career spanning over 25 years, Rahul has been instrumental in redefining how organisations perceive and experience their workspaces. As the Managing Director  at Cherry Hill Interiors, he pioneered the adoption of the design and build (D&B) model at a time when the concept was still unfamiliar to the Indian market. His vision of combining creativity with functionality helped overcome initial skepticism, and today, the model stands as an industry standard embraced by leading companies across the country.

Rahul’s influence extends beyond design — he leads projects across multiple regions in India and Sri Lanka, ensuring that every space reflects not just aesthetics, but also culture, wellness, and smart functionality. His leadership philosophy emphasizes trust, autonomy, and collaboration, which has enabled him to build high-performing teams and a strong professional network.

In this exclusive interaction with Corporate World, Rahul Bhatt talks about his journey, its challenges and triumphs, the balance of style with functionality, and the wisdom he has gathered from a career dedicated to shaping workspaces of the future.

Q. Give us an overview about your journey in the corporate interiors industry. What inspired you to specialise in D&B solutions?

It has been an overwhelming journey of 25 years filled with learning and some amazing projects. Cherry Hill was among the very few companies in India to start the D&B model, which at that time was quite alien to industry practices. It was very difficult to convince clients that the same organisation could both design and build their office. I always had the ability to break free from conventional approaches and introduce new norms. Today, we are proud to see almost every company in India attempting to adopt the D&B model.

Q. You currently manage several regions across India and one in Colombo. How do you ensure consistency and excellence across such a broad geographical span?

Leading across such a vast and diverse set of regions calls for more than just logistical coordination — it requires strategic finesse, cultural empathy, and a clear framework of operational excellence. One has to be mindful while crafting SOPs that are flexible enough to absorb regional nuances yet strong enough to uphold brand standards and quality. Rather than micromanaging, I prefer to foster trust through autonomy, giving teams decision-making authority within a strategic envelope we co-create. Regular cross-regional leadership dialogues also encourage peer learning and keep everyone aligned on vision and execution.

Q. How do you ensure a balance between aesthetics and functionality in your corporate interior solutions?Achieving the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality requires a thoughtful approach. It’s about creating spaces that not only look impressive but also serve the practical needs of employees and visitors. This can be done by ensuring seamless workspace flow through optimised desk placements, meeting areas, and collaboration zones. Prioritising employee comfort with ergonomic furniture, proper lighting, and acoustics enhances productivity. Infusing company identity into the décor through colour schemes, branding elements, and unique architectural details helps build a sense of belonging. Designing adaptable environments that accommodate different work styles and using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, and biophilic elements also create healthier workplaces while maintaining a sleek look.

Q. At the end of the day, the best corporate interiors combine style with smart functionality to foster a productive and inspiring work environment. Are you working on an office design project?

Yes, we are working on many such projects that are design-centric and integrate technology to make interiors smart and sustainable. The best corporate interiors don’t just look good; they work well. They reflect organisational culture, support team dynamics, and subtly guide behaviour and mood. We ensure that employee wellness is an integral part of the design process right from the drawing board. Keeping these aspects in mind, the outcome is always customised as per the requirements of the end user.

Q. You’ve built a strong network of professionals and thought leaders. What is your approach to talent acquisition and team culture?

Building a strong network of professionals and thought leaders requires a strategic approach to talent acquisition and fostering the right team culture. This begins with identifying individuals who align with the organisation’s vision, not just in terms of skills but also in mind-set and values. We also leverage professional networks, referrals, and industry events to connect with high-calibre talent. Maximum effort is made towards employee retention by fostering an environment of collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect. Continuous learning and knowledge-sharing are encouraged to help teams grow together.

Q. Is there a project that felt more like a personal milestone than just a professional assignment—one that truly reflects your philosophy in D&B, from the first sketch to the final walkthrough?

The creative process is always personal. Every project feels like our own, and we make every effort to ensure it is designed and delivered as conceived from day one. We also showcase such projects to clients by comparing concept renderings with actual site pictures, which builds confidence in our capabilities. These moments, when a client sees the vision come to life exactly as promised, are particularly fulfilling.

Q. What is one piece of wisdom you’ve learned through your journey that you’d like to share with our readers?

For budding designers, never leave the drawing board and never stop sketching. For managers, stay alert , a keen eye for detail will bring true quality and expertise. And above all, there is no alternative to hard work, so keep working with dedication.