From knocking on doors to shaping skylines: Tony Ashai’s journey

Tony Ashai, often referred to as the "architect of dreams," has had a remarkable journey that spans from learning art in Kashmir to becoming one of the most sought-after architects in the world.

In an exclusive interview with Nukta, Ashai shares his inspiring story, from his humble beginnings to designing luxurious homes for celebrities in Beverly Hills and mega-projects in Dubai.

A childhood rooted in art

Ashai was born in Srinagar, Kashmir, a place rich with history and culture but plagued by conflict. He grew up in an environment where art was his escape.

“I was always inclined towards art,” he recalls, highlighting how his early love for sketching and creativity shaped his path towards architecture.

After completing his education at an architecture college in Chandigarh, India, Ashai’s life took an unexpected turn. With war brewing in Kashmir, he sought refuge in travel, eventually landing in New York City, where he pursued a master’s degree in architecture at the State University of New York.

From struggle to stardom in Beverly Hills

Upon finishing his studies, Ashai faced the challenging reality of establishing himself in the competitive American market.

“When you graduate from architecture school, you're not an architect yet. You have to do a three-year internship,” he explains. After completing his internship and obtaining his license, Ashai moved to Los Angeles, determined to make a name for himself in Beverly Hills.

“I started knocking on doors,” he says, acknowledging that it was persistence, rather than connections, that helped him build his client base.

It wasn’t long before his unique designs caught the attention of high-profile clients. His homes, known for their artistic flair and luxurious features, made him the go-to architect for celebrities. “The talent was always there, the design was always there, and suddenly, I was the most sought-after architect in Hollywood.”

When asked about the difference between designing for celebrities versus other clients, Ashai insists that celebrities are just like everyone else. “

They have the same desires, the same lifestyles. They entertain, they want privacy — just like any family,” he says. However, what sets celebrity homes apart is their need for clearly defined public and private spaces.

“Celebrities live two lives — public and private — and their homes must reflect that balance.”

Shift to bigger projects: LA to Dubai

While designing homes for A-listers, Ashai recognized that he didn’t want to be confined to residential architecture. His desire to take on larger, more impactful projects led him to transition into city planning and commercial ventures.

“I realized if I didn’t stop, I’d be stuck designing homes for the rest of my life,” he says. This decision paved the way for international projects, including iconic structures in Dubai.

Ashai’s portfolio spans from luxurious celebrity homes in Malibu to iconic towers in Los Angeles and groundbreaking projects in Dubai.

“In LA, I started with 5,000-square-foot homes, and soon I was designing 50,000-square-foot estates for the elite,” he shares.

One of his current endeavors is the JW project in the UAE, a design inspired by local fishing boats, which has already gained international recognition.

Ashai speaks passionately about Dubai, describing it as “a breath of fresh air.” He believes the city offers unparalleled opportunities for architects.

“Dubai is rising at an extraordinary speed, with a very organized master plan,” he says.

According to Ashai, architects worldwide should be flocking to Dubai for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work on groundbreaking projects. “If you’re not here, you’re missing out.”

'Architect of dreams'

When asked how he earned the title of “architect of dreams,” Ashai explains his unconventional approach to designing homes.

“I tell my clients to create a dream, scene by scene,” he says. His process involves clients envisioning every detail of their ideal home, from the color of the walls to the layout of the rooms. He then brings that vision to life.

“My job is to take their dream and turn it into reality,” he adds.

Ashai’s projects continue to push boundaries, with several developments underway, including Dubai Lifestyle City’s new version and multiple towers in Ras Al Khaimah.

Despite his success, he remains grounded, choosing to keep his firm relatively small to maintain control over the quality of his work.

Ashai’s journey wasn’t without its hardships. He is quick to share the wisdom he’s gained over the years with aspiring architects.

“Hard work beats intelligence,” he says, recounting advice he received early in his career.

His formula for success is simple: work harder than anyone else, take risks when you're young, and don’t be afraid of failure. “Failure is just a setback — don’t give up,” he says.

As Tony Ashai continues to design breathtaking spaces around the world, it’s clear that his journey is far from over.