The art behind a modern palace door

The art of creating magnificent palace doors came alive at Design Democracy 2026 at HITEX, Hyderabad, through the work of Sanjay Oberoi, founder of Aluminr. His creations combine brass with intricate inlays of blue lapis, black agate, bronze, copper, orange onyx, mother of pearl and other materials, transforming functional doors into striking works of art.

For Oberoi, each door is more than an architectural element. It is a carefully crafted expression of design, requiring patience, precision and the collective skills of a team of artisans. “What finally comes out is a product of love and labour made by an entire team who work in harmony, combining individual skills into one collective masterpiece,” he says.

The creative process involves several stages, with each detail receiving close attention. Polishing, assembly, finishing and the combination of different materials are all interconnected to achieve the desired result. “Each of our artisans is a ‘gold-fingered’ artisan,” Oberoi says, highlighting the craftsmanship and experience that go into every creation.

The designs are also evolving with changing tastes. While traditional wooden doors once dominated luxury spaces, contemporary clients are increasingly seeking distinctive materials, intricate detailing and personalised designs. Oberoi’s son Rajat and daughter Chavvi are now part of the team, bringing fresh creative ideas and an understanding of the changing preferences of today’s real estate and luxury clientele.For Oberoi, the essence of the craft lies in bringing different materials, textures and artistic skills together to create something unique. Behind every finished door is a process of experimentation, refinement and meticulous workmanship. Despite challenges involving manpower, materials and working capital, the satisfaction of transforming an idea into a distinctive piece of art remains the driving force. For him, craftsmanship is ultimately about passion, patience and the ability to turn creativity into something enduring.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jaywant Naidu

Jaywant Naidu[email protected]