Founder & Principal Architect – EXS Design | RIBA Chartered Architect | Global Design Mentor

Every space is a story — my role is to make it timeless, purposeful, and deeply human.

From Pune’s Heart to the World Stage

Raised in Pune, India—a city steeped in culture and progressive thought—Piyusha Bokil’s passion for architecture began with quiet moments outside a neighbourhood studio, watching drawings become reality. That early fascination became a lifelong calling. Graduating with a Gold Medal in Architectural Design from Pune University, she carried forward values deeply rooted in her formative years: integrity, contextual sensitivity, and uncompromising quality.

Design Journey: Leadership, Awards & Global Recognition

Piyusha’s career began with bold ideas and the courage to pursue them. She first gained national attention winning the NDTV National Award for her Exploratory Science Centre concept, where fractal geometry became a storytelling medium. At Plural Architecture & Designs, a boutique practice, she led healthcare projects that achieved global acclaim—including a wellness centre in Al Ain shortlisted for the MENA Design Awards. Later, as Project Lead at U+A Architects, she steered high-profile, large-scale developments, guiding teams through complex design and delivery challenges.

EXS Design: From Bedroom Office to Global Studio

In 2020, amid the stillness of a global lockdown, Piyusha transformed a spare bedroom in her Dubai home into the launchpad for EXS Design. Today, the firm operates from Dubai Silicon Oasis and delivers projects across India, the Middle East, and more than 30 international locations. As a RIBA Chartered Architect and Dubai Municipality–registered professional, she leads a multidisciplinary portfolio—from luxury villas and mixed-use towers to commercial interiors, F&B destinations, wellness centres, and healthcare spaces.

EXS Design’s notable works include the LMI Innovation Hub, the culturally rich Malgudi F&B prototype, the striking Green Metal Industries Administration & Mosque, the bespoke Masaar Townhouses for Arada, and the YOU+BABY Photostudio, shortlisted at the INDEX 2022 Awards. Since 2023, the studio has also rolled out over 50 Costa Coffee outlets worldwide, including in Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Italy, Japan, China, and the UAE—each balancing brand identity with a nuanced local touch.

Philosophy: Context, Clarity, Creativity

For Piyusha, design is not about chasing trends—it’s about creating enduring, human-centred spaces that inspire. Her approach marries context with clarity, creativity with purpose. Through EXS-iDoodle (EXS Coach Me), she mentors entrepreneurs, business owners, and students, empowering them to make confident, strategic design choices—even without prior architectural knowledge.

Rooted in the Marathi Entrepreneurial Spirit

Though her work spans continents, Piyusha remains grounded in her heritage. Her journey—from sketching as a young girl in Pune to leading an award-winning global design practice in Dubai—embodies the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial drive synonymous with the Marathi spirit. She continues to inspire a new generation of designers and business leaders, proving that passion, precision, and perseverance can shape a future without boundaries