Behzad Kharas From Adversity to Architectural Excellence

Behzad Kharas journey to becoming an accomplished architect is a testament to his unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Growing up in Bahrain, he watched his father, the chief project architect for the current King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, excel in the field of architecture. However, Behzad’s own path to architectural success was marked by numerous obstacles. At a young age, in Class VI, Behzad had to leave his parents in Bahrain due to the First Gulf War and move to Nashik with his grandparents. Despite facing initial setbacks, his resolve to pursue architecture remained unshaken. When he didn’t perform well in his entrance examination, he refused to accept defeat. Instead, he reapplied, and this time, he secured the 56th position in the Maharashtra state entrance exams, earning a scholarship seat in Mumbai.

Just when it seemed like his architectural dreams were within reach, life threw another curveball. Behzad’s father suffered paralysis, and the family’s financial situation took a hit. Faced with the responsibility of supporting his family, Behzad contemplated abandoning his architectural aspirations to become an airline purser for Etihad Airways. It was during this critical juncture that Behzad received sage advice from his mother’s boss, who told him that running away from problems was not a solution. He emphasized that “the world belongs to the brave.” Encouraged by these words, Behzad decided not to give up on his architectural dreams. He worked relentlessly to overcome the challenges that life had thrown at him.

In 2005, Behzad founded The BNK Group in Nashik, initially using a small table in a friend’s office. His journey began by designing his friend’s office space in exchange for rent, which eventually led to more projects in nearby cities like Pune and Mumbai. However, it was a chance meeting with a Marwadi businessman in Mumbai that proved to be a turning point in Behzad’s career. This benefactor offered him the opportunity to redesign a resort under construction, opening doors to further opportunities. Although initially hesitant to relocate to Mumbai due to his family’s situation, Behzad’s wife encouraged him to chase his dreams.

Behzad moved to Mumbai in 2007, starting with a small cabin space in exchange for his design services. Over the years, he expanded his business, facing immense challenges and traveling between Nashik, Pune, and Mumbai to balance his work commitments and his father’s care. The BNK Group, founded by Behzad, initially focused on interior design but later transitioned to offering luxury turnkey projects, addressing the challenges of quality control and profitability. This shift was driven by the need to deliver the highest standards of design and detail while maintaining profitability.

What sets The BNK Group apart is its commitment to quality, attention to detail, and personalized solutions. Behzad believes that gaining the trust of clients in the interior design industry is challenging, especially when it comes to the use of quality materials. To overcome this, he transitioned to managing entire turnkey projects from concept to completion, ensuring full control over quality. Behzad’s company has scaled new heights, undertaking projects not only in India but also internationally, including Africa, China, and Dubai. They have designed spaces for renowned establishments like Taj Vivanta in Delhi and One Avighna in Mumbai.

While challenges persist, including talent acquisition and retention, The BNK Group continues to thrive. Behzad’s focus on residential turnkey projects has seen remarkable growth, driven by high-net-worth individuals seeking luxury interiors. In the future, Behzad envisions raising external funds to establish an experience centre for clients and an in-house manufacturing space, further expanding his business. Behzad Kharas’ journey from adversity to architectural excellence exemplifies the power of perseverance, determination, and unwavering commitment to one’s dreams.

Conclusion:

Behzad Kharas, the founder of The BNK Group, has turned adversity into architectural success through unwavering determination. His journey, marked by challenges and setbacks, reflects the resilience and commitment needed to achieve one’s dreams. Behzad’s transition to luxury turnkey projects and his dedication to quality have set The BNK Group apart in the competitive interior design industry. As he continues to overcome obstacles and expand his business, Behzad’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring architects and entrepreneurs alike.