As part of the Switch On India campaign, a collaboration between AD India and Havells Crabtree, Kaushik takes on the challenge of translating inspiration into an exclusive space. This unique campaign brings together some of the country’s most discerning architects to conceptualise and create a space from scratch. At the heart of this campaign is the Apogee Switch Plates—the ‘Pinnacle of Perfection’—which aims to set a new benchmark in design excellence.
Inside the box presented to Kaushik were three distinct switch plate styles—the Satin Series, the Metal Series, and the Wenge Teakwood Series—each with its own design language, tactile identity and impeccable finishes. Of them, it was the Wenge Teakwood plate that captured her imagination.
“It takes me back to the vintage era,” says Kaushik. “That feeling inspired me to design a day lounge that embodies quiet luxury—something relaxed yet refined.”
Kaushik envisions her creation as Maison by the Marina—a serene coastal retreat that strikes a balance between indulgence and intimacy. The space channels the timeless elegance of Villa Kerylos on the French Riviera while reinterpreting it through an Indian lens, evoking the soft rhythm of the sea and the romance of slow living.
With its open and fluid layout, the lounge seamlessly connects the bar, the entertainment area, and the main seating zone, while still preserving a sense of distinction between them. “The luxurious tones set the mood for a space that balances warmth and sophistication,” she explains. “The poker table anchors the room, while the bar brings in evening energy, where you can stand by the Juliet balcony and see moonlight glint off the sea.”
A space that looks effortless is the result of immense thought and engineering, and the Apogee range mirrors that philosophy beautifully. For Kaushik, the allure of the Apogee Wenge Teakwood Series lies not just in its aesthetic appeal but in its craftsmanship. “The Apogee series, crafted to perfection, achieves what great design always does— merging form with function,” she says. The butterfly mechanism allows a soft, fluid touch, while the metalreinforced inner plates ensure durability.
Kaushik’s imagined Maison by the Marina is more than a lounge; it’s a mood. It celebrates the poetry of materials, the rhythm of natural light, and the subtle energy that flows through well-designed spaces. “I would love to see this day lounge come to life someday,” she muses. “It would be wonderful to experience the romantic quality of this space.”
The architect’s vision stands as a reminder that even the smallest details—a switch plate, a texture, a finish—can ignite grand ideas. It reaffirms how true luxury doesn’t shout; it whispers, softly, like the sea beyond a balcony at dusk.
