Sunita Kohli is a pioneering Indian interior designer, architectural restorer, and furniture manufacturer, renowned for her contributions to India’s design heritage.(Wikipedia)

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🏛️ Early Life and Education

Born on December 28, 1946, in Lahore, Pakistan, Sunita Kohli grew up in Lucknow, India. She completed her BA (Hons.) in English Literature from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, and a Master’s degree in English from Lucknow University. Despite lacking formal design training, she is a self-taught professional who has made significant strides in the field of interior design .(Middle Height, Wikipedia, Rishihood University, Delhi NCR)

🏆 Career and Achievements

In 1971, Sunita Kohli founded her interior design firm, Sunita Kohli Interior Designs, and later established Sunita Kohli & Company, specializing in manufacturing contemporary and classical furniture. Her notable restoration projects include the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House Colonnade, the Prime Minister’s Office, and Hyderabad House in New Delhi .(Rishihood University, Delhi NCR, Wikipedia)

In 1992, she became the first interior designer to receive the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, recognizing her excellence in the field of interior design and architectural restoration .(Rishihood University, Delhi NCR)

In 2010, she co-founded K2India with her daughter, Kohelika Kohli. K2India is a multidisciplinary design and architectural firm known for its work in interior design, furniture manufacturing, restoration, and landscape architecture .(Scribd, k2india.com)

🏛️ Notable Projects

Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House), New Delhi: Restoration and redecoration of various rooms, including the Ashok Hall.
Parliament House Colonnade, New Delhi: Restoration of the historic colonnade.
Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi: Interior design and restoration work.
Hyderabad House, New Delhi: Restoration and interior design.
National Assembly Building, Thimphu, Bhutan: Interior design for the building.
British Council Building, New Delhi: Interior design work.
Sikh Haveli, Lahore, Pakistan: Restoration and conversion into a boutique hotel .(Scribd, Wikipedia)

🎓 Academic and Advisory Roles

Sunita Kohli has held several prestigious positions, including:(Architectural Digest India)

Chairperson of the Board of Governors at the School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, appointed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India .
Member of the Advisory Committee of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Member of the General Council of the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi.
Member of the Academic Advisory Board of the Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Haryana .(Wikipedia, Rishihood University, Delhi NCR)

📚 Publications

Sunita Kohli authored “Kala: Chronicles of Craft, Culture, and Contemporary Design,” a collection of essays that explores the intersections of art, craft, architecture, and design in the Indian context. The book was launched in London and Milan and aims to redefine design narratives by integrating traditional and contemporary perspectives .(Architectural Digest India)

For more information on her work and philosophy, you can visit her official website: K2India.

Here’s a FAQ for Sunita Kohli, the renowned interior designer:

❓ FAQ: Sunita Kohli – Interior Designer & Architectural Restorer

1. Who is Sunita Kohli?

Sunita Kohli is a pioneering Indian interior designer, architectural restorer, and furniture manufacturer, known for her work on heritage and luxury projects, including Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House in New Delhi.

2. What kind of projects does she handle?

Residential: luxury homes, villas, apartments
Heritage restoration: historic buildings, palaces, and government buildings
Commercial: offices, institutional spaces
Furniture and décor design

3. Does she have formal design training?

No, she is largely self-taught but has gained international recognition for her expertise in interior design and restoration.

4. What are some of her notable projects?

Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House), New Delhi
Parliament House Colonnade, New Delhi
Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi
Hyderabad House, New Delhi
National Assembly Building, Thimphu, Bhutan

5. Has she received any awards?

Yes, she was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for her contributions to interior design and restoration.

6. Does she run her own firm?

Yes, she founded Sunita Kohli Interior Designs and co-founded K2India, a multidisciplinary design and architectural firm, with her daughter Kohelika Kohli.

7. Does she offer bespoke furniture and décor?

Yes, her firms specialize in custom furniture, décor elements, and integrated design solutions for residential and commercial spaces.

8. Can she handle heritage restoration projects?

Absolutely. She is renowned for restoring historic buildings, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality.

9. Where does she work?

Primarily in New Delhi, across India, and occasionally on international projects.

10. Does she provide consultancy or advisory roles?

Yes, she has served in advisory positions such as:

Chairperson, Board of Governors, School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal
Member, Advisory Committee of Rashtrapati Bhavan
Member, General Council of the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi

11. Has she published any books?

Yes, she authored “Kala: Chronicles of Craft, Culture, and Contemporary Design”, exploring art, craft, and contemporary Indian design.

12. How to hire Sunita Kohli or her firm?

You can contact K2India through their official website: k2india.com for consultations and project inquiries.

If you want, I can also create a “Sunita Kohli Profile Sheet” with:

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