“Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to how things are built—whether it was watching cars on the road or noticing how buildings were designed. This early interest laid the foundation for my later pursuit of architecture, where I sought to combine my love for design and functionality in both buildings and vehicles.
At 18, while still studying, I started an automobile manufacturing and modification factory. It wasn’t just about making money; it was a way to put my ideas into action and explore my love for design. For five years, the business flourished, but things changed when the pandemic hit. The market became saturated, and I knew I needed to rethink my journey.
That’s when my mother encouraged me to align my work with my education. I began exploring ideas within architecture that felt innovative. After months of research, the concept of movable homes made from repurposed shipping containers caught my attention. The thought of creating eco-friendly, portable homes fascinated me. That’s how ‘Inventio Movable Homes’ came into being.
One of my standout projects is The Colosseum Hyderabad. It’s a Roman-themed staycation in Shamshabad, built entirely with containers. Despite the scepticism, I believed in the vision and pushed forward. After nine months of hard work, it became a reality. Today, it’s more than just a project-it’s proof that unconventional ideas can work if you believe in them.
Even though I stepped away from the automobile business, my passion for vintage vehicles has stayed with me. I’ve restored vintage cars like the 1984 Nissan 1-ton 4W73, which is now part of my personal collection. I’ve also found ways to blend this love into my architecture. For instance, I’ve turned old jeeps into barbecue stations using their bonnets as grills, combining functionality with creativity.
Sustainability is at the core of my design philosophy, whether it’s in the homes I create or the vehicles I restore. In the case of movable homes, I focus on repurposing shipping containers, which are often discarded, and transforming them into functional, eco-friendly living spaces. This approach not only reduces waste but also minimizes the environmental impact of new construction materials.
By giving these containers a second life, I create homes that are not only innovative but also sustainable. When it comes to vehicles, particularly antique cars, sustainability plays a similar role. Rather than letting old vehicles fall into disrepair or be abandoned, I restore them, preserving their history while giving them a modern, functional purpose. This aligns with my belief that old cars, when properly cared for, don’t lose value-they become treasures. Through both architecture and automobiles, I strive to create designs that are not only aesthetically unique but also environmentally responsible, proving that sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand.
As an entrepreneur, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. The journey has taught me that success isn’t a straight path but involves being open to change and innovation. Transitioning from the automobile industry to architecture during the pandemic required quick pivots, but it also led to new opportunities for creativity and growth. Starting over is never easy, but I’ve learned to stay patient and keep working. Building trust with clients and delivering quality projects have helped me move forward.
To anyone starting out in a niche field, I’d say just believe in your ideas and take the leap. Focus on originality and be prepared to work hard. Patience and consistency are what make the difference.
Looking back, every decision-whether it was modifying vehicles or designing container homes-was about doing something different. My dream is to be recognized as the “Container King” in this industry, and I’ll keep working toward that, one project at a time.”
- Anvesh Muddagouny, Entrepreneur