Paul Dass OBE moved from London to Goa to build a new kind of life while living his passion for creating design-led luxury homes. He is also one of the key partners who brought Soho House to Mumbai. His style of design is unique and his collaborations span across the world. However, despite having a worldly view of building, architecture and design, Paul Dass OBE incorporates the local into the modern and brings two different worlds together.
Tell us more about your journey in construction and architecture.
I made a conscious decision to move to Goa from London to ease into the only kind of life I knew was worth living – inspired, tranquil and charming. During my search for a new home, I could not find the right home with requirements I had in mind. So I thought, why not build a home for myself and to the high end real estate market that’s looking for similar properties?
I wanted to take the ingenuity and create bespoke living through Mayaland Homes, bringing to Goa all the knowledge I possessed over the last three decades of creating design-led homes in London and across India.
How is your style different from other architects in Goa?
Mayaland Homes combines high-quality British and international architecture, design and progressive technology with the best Indian professionals, artisans and creative artists. The architecture for Grande Gemeo Villa I & II reflects Goa’s famous heritage, offering the timeless charm of Indo-Portuguese architectural style.
However, we have taken the modern approach by incorporating the highest international standards in design, construction as well as sustainable methods and merging progressive technology from around the world with the heritage of local artisans to develop spaces that are absolutely unique.
Tell us more about your work with Soho House in Mumbai.
I was one of the three partners who brought Soho House in India. I was a local partner, along with David Fischer and Kris Jones. They trusted my caliber and allowed me to build Mumbai’s famous landmark at Juhu. The construction and design of Soho House was done by my in-house construction company – Pacific In.
During this time, I met Aaron at Soho House in Mumbai, who was designated as the designer and it was then that I knew, we could create magic. When I saw his work, I knew he was the right person to work with and ever since there has been no looking back. I took him on as our design director at Mayaland Homes.
If not Goa, where would you be in India?
I travelled across India and Goa is just perfect. If not Goa, then London would have been my final destination.
Which has been your dream project so far?
My dream is creating the next Beverly Hills in Goa and what better location than Assagao? The Mews, Assagao is my ultimate dream to build a community of like-minded individuals. It will be a private lane surrounded by the forests of Assagao, dotted with gorgeous villas that reflect Goa’s famous architectural heritage. On completion, the area will offer a combination of private luxury homes and a maze of cool walkways for residents to truly soak in the wonder of nature.
What inspires you to create?
In Goa we take inspiration from the Iberian Peninsula – researching traditional Portuguese paint colours and classic wall paneling from Lisbon. I just fell in love with the fusion between Goan architecture and Portuguese architecture. Here, we are recreating Portuguese architecture with a modern approach.
What do you like most about Goa and why should people choose it as a destination for their second home?
Goa is a very special place and everyone here has a very wide mindset due to international exposures, right from the time Goa started radiating its beauty to the world. The fusion of cultures along with its charming surroundings and spots has given Goa a unique potential of being an international tourist destination and has resulted in making Goa the most sought-after place to live in India.
How do you incorporate traditional Goan architecture in your work?
As an international design studio, we always reference our project’s local history and surroundings. It’s important to us to create spaces and buildings that feel natural and comfortable within their environments. In Goa, we use many traditional components of classical Goan architecture, such as balcao seating at the entrance or apuntado arched windows leading to Juliet balconies. Our future projects will look to classic Goan roof tiles and reference a modern take on Goan pattern cement tiles. The idea is that we are always looking to see how we can re-invent these classic elements with a more modern, luxurious touch.
What role do you think collaborations play in your industry?
We want to be the leading, most creative interior design firm in India, and know the only way to achieve that is through collective creativity and collaboration. Our initial goal is to first build an international in-house creative studio, but once established, work and collaborate with local designers and artists. India has an incredible creative history of craftsmanship, artistry and imagination, which positions it as a leading, yet untapped creative playground for designers and architects. Specifically, we want to forge connections with furniture designers: to create luxury, bespoke furniture pieces for our homes and artists to fill these homes with leading, contemporary Indian art.
