Maharashtra’s Pune is set to get a touch of New Zealand, as a Kiwi architectural company has entered the market to introduce “outdoor spaces” in the city.
The New Zealand-based architectural and construction company VIKON, is set to make its India debut by August 2025.
Vincent Huang, founder of VIKON, says that his company’s vision is to blend New Zealand’s design sensibilities with that of India.
“We aim to provide a fresh look on how we define building and to bring some elements of New Zealand to Pune, such as the emphasis on outdoor spaces,” he says.
VIKON Pune, India office /Photo: Supplied
He said he aims to do this while staying true to India’s architectural character.
"We are really quite interested in India’s growth economically, educationally, and socioeconomically, and I think that India’s potential is truly quite remarkable," he explains.
The team is also dedicated to saving time, minimising cost, while delivering high-quality results.
Vincent says that they chose Pune for the city’s potential and the talent it has to offer.
“Pune has a lot of potential. Also, it is not as crowded as Mumbai,” he says with a smile.
Another reason for choosing Pune over larger metros like Delhi and Mumbai was its strong presence in the IT and manufacturing sectors, he says.
VIKON India team/Photo: Supplied
“We ended up selecting Pune because of its potential as a growing city, with lots of universities and a talent pool that is swiftly rising,” he says.
The Pune office is already set up and staffed with three employees.
“Things are already well underway, but let’s officially say it’s August 2025,” says Huang.
When asked about the company performance in New Zealand, Huang expressed that it is not vibrant at present.
“The market is really quiet at the moment. The government hasn’t given us a lot of direction, but I am looking forward to industry developments,” he says.
Short for Vincent and Construction, VIKON is a New Zealand-based firm established in 2010.
"The driving tenet behind VIKON’s formation was to create people-oriented buildings that focus on comfort and longevity," he shares.
"Making buildings feel like a partner, going with you on a long journey," he adds.
VIKON India office/Photo: Supplied
The company provides comprehensive architectural and construction services, including Light Commercial, New Build, Renovation, and Architectural Design.
Huang, originally from Taiwan, graduated from the University of
Setting up a business in India also came with its challenges.
Huang says, it took significant groundwork, from securing a business visa, conducting training, and establishing processes that work for both regions.
“We have conducted a lot of cross-training with our India personnel so that we are well-versed in both countries’ regulations and customs,” he notes.
Securing a long-term business visa for India was one of the biggest milestones.
“It involved a lot of documents to be prepared and processes to be followed,” Huang shares, crediting The Consulate of India in Auckland for its assistance.
LinkedIn post by Vincent Huang
“Their mission to facilitate opportunities for foreign businesses has helped us a lot on our business journey for India.”
VIKON’s expansion also comes at a time when New Zealand and India are strengthening trade and business ties. In March 2025, the two countries launched negotiations towards a comprehensive free trade agreement.
Alongside this, New Zealand is exploring collaborations in aviation, food and beverage, manufacturing, IT, and technology services in health, education, and agriculture.
He believes the exchange will be two-way — with New Zealand learning from India’s architecture sector and sharing its own expertise to strengthen both sides, improve processes, and foster growth.
Once fully operational, the Pune office will support VIKON’s New Zealand operations, with its designers assisting in drawing and drafting work for Kiwi clients, while simultaneously servicing India’s growing market.
Looking ahead, Huang said he is eager to explore what India has to offer him and his company.
“I really admire the tenacity shared by Indian culture and its people, and how they are not easily deterred. Their family-oriented bonds are also something I quite admire,” he said.