Designing a New Connection
Paul and Angie Sachdev

Words Ken BaronImages Khoo Juo Gie

Like many people who are successful in business, Paul and Angie Sachdev felt that they had to step outside their comfort zone to reach their full potential.

Only by leaving their familiar work world as distributors of fashion and lifestyle products could their passion for design and materials truly take flight. In other words, they didn’t just want to create beautiful things for strangers—they wanted to witness their creations being experienced by people they could interact with. And they wanted to be present when these people interacted with each other.

“For us, true luxury today is not marble floors or gold taps,” Angie explains. “It’s human connection. It’s sitting around a table, engaging in conversation, instead of being glued to a phone.” With her husband Paul by her side, Angie brought the human element to their work world. By opening Public House Bangkok, the couple has not only stepped outside their comfort zone, but they’ve also redefined what comfort means in that city’s bustling Sukhumvit district.

“We’ve always believed in creating spaces that feel special, not just look special.”

Paul Sachdev

How has your experience in the fashion industry shaped your approach to hospitality?

Paul Sachdev: We’ve always believed in creating spaces that feel special, not just look special. As in our retail business, we focus on delivering experiences that are current, relevant, and full of heart.

Angie Sachdev: When we travel, we’re always looking for what’s new, what’s inspiring—and we want to share that with our guests so their time in the city is richer, more memorable, and more personal.

Is this why your hotel has a gallery and a recording studio?

Paul: Yes. Most important to us was creating the kind of spaces where guests can interact, exchange stories, and maybe even make a new friend. Those moments—the laughter, the shared experiences—are what we hope our guests will carry home with them.

“I still feel the love and care in the small, family-run shops there that have stood the test of time.”

Paul Sachdev

Did your experience as travelers shape your vision as hoteliers?

Angie: Absolutely! Years of traveling for our work have taken us to every kind of hotel—from budget stays to five-star luxury. Yet the places that truly stayed in our hearts were always the boutique hotels. They had a soul, a sense of place, and a human touch that you can’t replicate in a chain.

Paul: Exactly. Plus, we saw a gap in Thailand’s hospitality market and felt inspired to create something that could fill it—a space where design, warmth, and authentic experiences come together.

Public House Bangkok feels deeply connected to the city, as if it couldn’t exist anywhere else. Does the city inspire you?

Paul: My inspirations are deeply rooted in my childhood. My grandfather lived in Bangkok’s old town, next to rows of woodworking shops where artisans would carve and craft each piece by hand. It was art in its purest form. Just behind us stood the Golden Mount Temple—a place of calm and peace for me since I was young. I still feel the love and care in the small, family-run shops there that have stood the test of time.

“Those moments—the laughter, the shared experiences—are what we hope our guests will carry home with them.”

Paul Sachdev

What are your favorite places in the city?

 Angie: I love places that let you connect, explore, and belong. This could be an intimate jazz night at Buddha & Pals or an evening spent sharing stories with new friends in a hidden corner of the old town.

Paul: For me, it could be good coffee at KARO, a visit to the Bangkok Cultural Center to see some art, or Siam Square for a bit of shopping. I love evenings in the park, Mod Kaew for wine, or good vibes at BLVD24/Alone Together, which is close to Public House. But no matter where we go, it’s the company that makes it perfect.

Angie: Yes, hanging out with family or good friends, having some good laughs over good food and drinks—this is a perfect day in Bangkok.