How Urbankare is Redefining Interior Design in Tier-2 India

In the heart of Patna, a quiet transformation is taking place in how interiors are designed, delivered, and experienced. Founded in 2015, Urbankare set out to tackle a persistent issue in India's tier-2 cities: the lack of organised, reliable, and tech-enabled home services. What began as a solution for household maintenance has since evolved into a leading turnkey interior design firm with a growing footprint across Bihar and Jharkhand.

A Tech-Backed Journey Rooted in Real Needs

Co-founder Balkishan Kumar, armed with a degree in Computer Science Engineering from VTU, Bangalore, left a promising software career to co-launch Urbankare. His partner, Swati Anand, brought over a decade of corporate experience from industry leaders ABB and L&T, with a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication. Together, they combined technical acumen with a deep understanding of operational inefficiencies in the unorganised interior sector.

"From tech titan to design trailblazer," Swati Anand's shift epitomises Urbankare's mission to infuse structure, transparency, and professionalism into an industry long marred by inconsistency.

From Services to Spaces: Scaling with Vision

Urbankare's initial success in household services set the stage for a strategic pivot in 2017. When Usha Jha, Secretary of BMUS, entrusted the firm with an interior project, it marked a new chapter. Since then, Urbankare has executed hundreds of residential and commercial projects across Patna and Ranchi, with a client roster that includes NTPC, IOCL, and Smart City Patna.

This growth was catalysed by support from institutions such as CIMP, STPI, Startup India, and the Bihar Startup initiative, alongside a key seed funding grant in 2017 from the Bihar government. A case study published in Emerald Insight further highlighted their innovative approach.

Inside UrbanTrendz: Where Luxury Meets Smart Design

In a bid to raise the bar even higher, Urbankare recently launched UrbanTrendz, a modular furniture and smart home experience centre in Rupaspur. Offering luxury interiors with up to a 10-year warranty, it’s more than just a showroom — it’s a statement of intent.

UrbanTrendz integrates cutting-edge technology into every facet, from automated lighting to AI-assisted project management. These tools ensure faster execution, optimal capacity use, and a world-class finish,  elements previously rare in tier-2 city projects.

Differentiating in a Crowded Market

Operating in a competitive space with giants like Livspace and HomeLane, Urbankare distinguishes itself through its hyper-local approach. By focusing on:

• Transparent pricing and client-first design
• Customisation that respects local preferences and budgets
• A strong network of trained professionals

Urbankare ensures that interior design is not a luxury, but an accessible, stress-free experience.

Looking Ahead: Growth with Purpose

With plans to establish five new experience centres across Bihar and Jharkhand, Urbankare is not slowing down. The team is doubling down on technology to streamline processes, elevate customer experience, and solidify its leadership in organised interior services.

The founders' advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is rooted in experience: "Face challenges with dedication, and build solutions grounded in authenticity."

Urbankare's story is one of perseverance, purpose, and progress, and it’s only just getting started.