Vaishali Shah, Design Lead – Home Storage, Interio
“Design is more than aesthetics—it is a responsibility. As architects and designers, we shape spaces that blend beauty, functionality, and sustainability, ensuring they serve a purpose beyond trends. At Godrej Interio, we are committed to creating designs that minimize material consumption and waste, embracing a thoughtful and enduring approach. Sustainability is not just a practice; it is a mindset—one rooted in empathy, awareness, and innovation. Women, with their innate ability to nurture and connect, often lead the way in advocating for sustainable solutions. This perspective enables us to see beyond the immediate, recognizing the long-term impact of our design choices and making us powerful agents of change in the industry. Inspired by pioneers like Patricia Urquiola, I embrace experimentation with materials, textures, and finishes, pushing the boundaries of conventional design. By blending creativity with conscious design, we are shaping a future where spaces are not only aesthetically inspiring but also resilient and responsible.”
Arushi Agrawal, Founder & Director at Seva Home
“Design is more than just visual appeal—it’s about creating an experience that engages all the senses. Women often bring an intuitive approach to architecture and interiors, blending functionality with warmth and emotional depth. A well-designed space doesn’t just look beautiful; it feels inviting, tells a story, and evokes a sense of belonging.
Lighting and fragrance, in particular, have a profound ability to shape the atmosphere of a space. While light influences mood and perception, scent has an invisible yet powerful way of evoking memories and emotions. The gentle flicker of a candle casts a soothing glow, creating a feeling of comfort and tranquillity, while a carefully chosen fragrance can instantly transform the energy of a room. These sensory elements go beyond decoration—they create an immersive experience that lingers long after one leaves a space.
On Women’s Day, it’s inspiring to reflect on how women in design are reshaping the world—not just through grand architectural statements, but through the finer details that bring a space to life. Whether through sustainable choices, handcrafted elements, or sensory storytelling, women are making design more meaningful, personal, and conscious. Even something as simple as a candle can contribute to this transformation—its soft glow and evocative scent adding warmth, light, and a sense of purpose to every space it touches. Beyond aesthetics, design is also about impact, and just as women in the industry are embracing mindful, sustainable practices, we too, at Seva Home, are redefining luxury by making it socially conscious. Handcrafted by underprivileged women, our candles bring light not only into homes but also into lives. Today, I celebrate the power of women in shaping the world around us—through the spaces we design and the warmth we infuse into them, one thoughtful detail at a time.”