In this insightful interview, we sit down with Ameya Jain, the dynamic Director of Kumar Lifespaces and one of Pune’s most prolific new-age real estate entrepreneurs. As a civil engineering graduate, Ameya brings a unique blend of technical expertise and visionary leadership to the company. With a front-row seat to his family’s passion for the business from a young age, Ameya shares how those childhood experiences shaped his values and approach to crafting exceptional living spaces.

• Did any specific childhood experiences significantly influence your career path and leadership style?

Growing up, I had a front-row seat to my father and grandfather’s passion for this business. It wasn’t just about bricks and mortar—they approached every project with integrity, crafting quality homes that brought genuine joy to families. That left an indelible mark on me as a kid. Their timeless values of trust and reliability, fused with a progressive mindset, organically shaped my leadership style.

After getting my civil engineering degree from Bharati Vidyapeeth, joining the family trade felt predestined. But realizing I could elevate living experiences through elegant, sustainable design truly set my soul on fire. Creating a positive impact by developing eco-conscious homes that enhance people’s daily lives became my driving force, my raison d’etre. 

• Could you highlight some of the key achievements you are particularly proud of during your 16 years with the company?

Quality over profits—that’s been our battle cry at Kumar Lifespaces. This deep-rooted commitment has earned us a rock-solid reputation for crafting exceptional homes that people can truly trust. Our iconic Princeville/Pratham township in Moshi and Kumar Karishma in Pune are shining examples of how we pursue quality and innovative designs that leave residents awestruck.

We enjoy pushing boundaries with cutting-edge tech like Myvan and High-rise Towers. But it’s about more than just top-notch construction quality and efficiency – it’s also about minimizing our environmental impact. We are pulling out all the stops with eco-friendly materials and fixings to cut down on cement, turbocharge construction timelines, and snuff out pesky issues like leaks before they can rear their ugly heads.

But we don’t just talk a big game on sustainability – we live and breathe it. Our flagship, Park Infinia, received the coveted IGBC Platinum Accreditation for its eco-conscious features. Moreover, Kumar Properties has expanded its sustainable vision through KF Bioplants, India’s largest plant biotech company. A joint venture with Florist Holland B.V., this pioneering enterprise supplies over 60 million ornamental, forestry, fruit, and vegetable plants annually for commercial cultivation across India and 30+ countries worldwide. 

I am excited about the potential of vertical landscaping and renewable energy integration. By vertically greening our building elevations, we can reduce carbon emissions and create healthier living spaces. It’s an absolute win-win!

• How do you balance traditional values with the need for modern, innovative approaches in the rapidly evolving real estate market?

Our traditional values of quality, transparency, and timely project completion are deeply ingrained in our company’s DNA. These values have been the cornerstone of our success, enabling us to build lasting relationships with our customers. But we also know that resting on our laurels is the surest path to getting left behind in this fast-moving real estate game. So, while we stay true to our roots, we’re also constantly scanning the horizon and embracing new, innovative approaches to push our company forward.

We strike this balance by selectively adopting cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices that enhance our offerings without compromising our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Our vertically landscaped projects and the integration of renewable energy sources are prime examples of this harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.

• Can you share some initiatives or projects that the company has undertaken to contribute positively to the communities where you operate?

Corporate social responsibility is integral to our company’s ethos. We take great pride in actively contributing to uplifting communities and driving positive social impact through several high-impact initiatives.

One of the key focus areas is our collaboration with the H.V. Desai Eye Hospital in Pune. Together, we are dedicated to ensuring underprivileged individuals have access to quality eye care and affordable cataract treatments. This partnership is enabling life-changing interventions for those in need.

Additionally, through our Kesarimal Himmatlal Charitable Trust, we are committed to providing free or heavily subsidized healthcare services, including state-of-the-art dialysis facilities, to underprivileged communities. Our firm belief is that access to quality healthcare should be a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for a few.

Education is another domain in which we strive to make a significant difference. We actively identify and sponsor brilliant students from underprivileged backgrounds, empowering them to pursue their academic aspirations in engineering, medicine, and beyond based solely on merit. Our goal is to open doors of opportunity that may have otherwise remained closed.

• What advice would you offer to emerging leaders in the real estate industry based on your journey?

My advice to emerging leaders in the real estate industry would be to build a strong foundation rooted in integrity, quality, and customer-centricity. Success in this field is not solely measured by profitability but by the ability to create lasting value and positive experiences for your customers.

Most importantly, cultivate a genuine passion for what you do. Real estate is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about shaping communities and creating living spaces that bring joy and fulfillment to people’s lives.