How do you describe your journey in this male-dominated industry?
I would describe my journey in the creative world as a museful odyssey—having discovered the Interior Design & Architecture spectrum from an engineering background, I see my perspective as that of a non-conformist, prompted to trace the life of aesthetic creations from engineered conceptions to tangible design. Being a woman with such a dream was challenging, especially at the time when universities were short of women students and the industry was sceptical about women entrepreneurs. It was my strong will to learn and connect that made me discover a lead in the professional spheres of design. Although I went along a slow learning curve in the newfound profession, I caught the pace with hands-on experience and social pedagogy that was made acquainted by several collaborative initiatives like brainstorming sessions at the factory—an inclusive work culture and constructive relationship with my employees was my route to newer milestones—the line of bespoke products with an original character under I’m.
Today, I find myself in a revolutionized phase of the industry where there is increased respect, sensibility and acknowledgement of gender-fluid roles that seems promising from where my journey dates back.
Who has been your inspiration in the process of your entire career?
I owe my career and all of its credit to my husband Ar. Deepak Kalra and in no small way my mother. Deepak kalra is a renowned architect, he honed my sensitivity to the spaces with site visits and client discussions where I accompanied him. I experienced a proximate exposure to the spaces, shapes, textures, mediums and colours that articulated my academic acumen along a creative discourse. My style was struck by an increased inclination towards clean lines, rich textures and natural material palettes that concretized the underlying statement in my creations, in an assorted moodboard. Induced by this, my earlier exposure to the global culture, language and art resurfaced with the potential to bring the best out of a space—and its persona. The character of the generic world has continued to inspire my works till date, with its evolving ethos and breathtaking minutiae.
Inspiration is a two-way road—knowledge sharing amongst the community has always been fruitful. My participation in several art and design events has helped me enrich my creations. With encouraging titles like the Women Achiever by International Women’s Day Awards among several other awards and editorial features, I have embarked on a future-forward journey that echoes the enlightening experiences of my present and the past.
Which has been your first project? Where? What was it? How has been your experience?
My works began as a creative frame that emphasized the versatile face of design—as curations along the global concepts of contemporary, postmodern, playful, artistic that come out as exclusively crafted pieces with an original character.
Im started as the first product design centre and the concepts, bold expression and new approach took the country by the storm. I never doubted that my journey would succeed , knew it would take some time but I am proud to say that Im has arrived.
What type of projects captures your interest or rather interested to do?
I find interest in personifying a story with art and design—in sculpting rich aesthetic narratives out of the simplest of materials. My design approach covets the fusion of clean-cut precision of industrial design with the bold character of creative art that celebrates harmony across the materials, treatments, artistry and technology. In the world silenced by regular, repetitive furniture and décor, I seek loud statements—with a luxuriant indulgence, upgraded style and overabundance of comfort. My niche is established along a subtle touch of whimsy, rich dose of colour, bold play of forms and an underlying thrust of new-age technology that create an experiential animus for the electrifying and sensuously extravagant pieces.
I have articulated a creative, stimulative and collaborative medium for bespoke furniture and décor at I’m The Centre for Applied Arts that resonates with the interests of a niche clientele with an appetite for grandstanding aesthetics, stimulative art and experiential design. Under the label of I’m, I intend to experiment with the boundaries of product design with eccentric material choices from contemporary steel to indigenous brass, trend-blazing colour palettes between monochromes and pastels, breathtaking artisanal details ranging from inlaid engravings to calligraphy, among others, that interact with the physical environment and create meaningful conversations. These experiments gave the overarching impetus for me to collaborate with reputed Indian designers across all fields like fashion, interiors and architecture and become a part of various globally acclaimed projects.
Your most challenging projects; where and why? Tell us more about the same?
I’m, in spirit, was born as a design response to the feeling and expression of the awakened self. One such expression held dear by me is a chess set accommodated by exclusive table and stools, all fabricated in outmoded cast iron, where the chess men stand out in brass. It was my first piece that went overseas, all the way to Germany. Yet another creative challenge in my journey was behind the making of an amorphic bar in solid wood that was artistically hollowed out to play with the contours.
Over time, my metaphorical approach to design made me conceive several eccentric pieces, one of which was a hand-sculpted dining table that gave the imagery of a bird resting its wings on the ground. The challenge here, followed from the idea, till the final making, given the material limitations, visual legibility and functional feasibility. Regardless of the challenge, the final product gave me pleasure, unlike any other.
Tell us about your upcoming projects; where and what type; schedule of completions?
Although I have come a long road from my first piece of work, my relationship with art and design has never been the same. My creative diction flows along the disclosure of new materials and technologies and their aesthetic compatibility with traditional, conventional materials. The upcoming work at our studio is a reinterpretation of my love for pure material forms in a contemporary that takes pride in the museful assortments conceived.
I provide customised solutions, therefore cater to all – offices, hospitality, residential, commercial but especially residential where the play with variety is possible.
Your wise words to next-gen stepping into this profession?
Unlike the other professional spheres, the design field calls for an intense passion coupled with spontaneous and ceaseless imagination. Everyone taking the creative direction must actualize the creative intensity and chase dreams, learn, grow and stand tall in the competitive world of today. Women, in particular, must adopt qualities that uplift their potential by bringing out their inherent strength in work and life alike.
Having marked my career with several intellectual copyrights and patents under my name in a field that was once new to me, I believe that the next generation has an abundance of opportunities ,waiting to be tapped, given that one is fully aware of the everyday functioning of the field. Creativity has no bounds and everyday is a learning experience.