Shonali and Rustom have each spent over a decade shaping India’s interior design and home technology landscape. United by a shared vision for intuitive, design-led spaces, they’ve come together to launch a consulting practice that services both residential and commercial projects.
With a portfolio that spans luxury homes across India, they expanded internationally in 2023, bringing their expertise to Dubai.
“We design our spaces for the people who will inhabit them.”
Rustom, CTO at Empire, is part of the third generation of pioneers in cinema technology and entertainment in India. His grandfather, Keki Modi, was instrumental in growing the cinema industry, owning over 100 cinemas, including Strand and New Empire in Mumbai. His father, Burge Cooper, a trailblazer in the AV industry, introduced the concept of home theatres and was the exclusive distributor for B&W for over 25 years. Continuing this legacy, Rustom integrates cutting-edge home technology into interior design through Empire’s innovative Intuitive Interior Design approach.
“Technology is often removed from the design process; it’s an afterthought. I’d like us to be seen as the first who integrate both seamlessly from the start.”
Shonali, with a Master’s in Interior Design from Domus Academy, Milan, brings expertise from top design institutions in India and Italy. She has led roles as Founder of Studio Wodehouse, Partner at Pinakin Patel, Design Associate at Neterwala & Aibara, and Head of Design MENA at Matteo Nunziati in Italy. As Creative Director at Empire, her finely-honed design experience and meticulous attention to detail distinguishes her in the industry.
“The experience of designing our home from scratch gave us the idea to turn that into a business where we could deeply weave technology, design and craftsmanship into future projects.”
Burge Cooper is a trailblazer in India’s luxury home entertainment space and the Co-founder of AudioVision India, the country’s foremost destination for high-end audio and home theatre systems. With over three decades of experience in marketing at Air India and a lifelong passion for audiophile-grade sound, Cooper launched AudioVision India in the early 90s to bring the world’s finest AV brands to discerning Indian consumers. As India’s first THX-certified consultant, he has set the benchmark for immersive cinema experiences, working closely with architects and designers to create custom-built environments. His vision continues to drive Empire’s reputation as a leader in ultra-luxury, experiential entertainment solutions.
Armed with a degree in Business Management from the University of Leicester, Vivek first entered the design world by heading operations at Oma Lifestyle. He then went on to manage the entire Furniture Retail division at Pinakin for over a decade, shaping his expertise in design and retail management. He now brings this wealth of experience and knowledge to Empire Living Company to head the furniture collections division.
We are a dynamic group of experienced designers and technologists, specialising in both residential and commercial interior design, as well as creative direction, across India and Dubai. Armed with a wealth of creativity, industry expertise, and technical knowledge, we thrive when working across different styles, cultures, and client requirements.
We prioritise efficiency and thoughtful collaboration, delivering exceptional projects within defined timeframes and budgets. Our ultimate goal is to create spaces that authentically reflect the individuals who live, work, or engage within them.