How do you describe your journey in this male-dominated industry?
Though statistically it is a male dominated industry, I never felt it was extra challenging or overwhelming being a woman. This is the field that I love and it ignites my grey cells fully. Although the overall journey has been challenging and enriching at the same time, there was never a moment where I felt disadvantaged of being a women in this field.
Who has been your inspiration in the process of your entire career?
I am inspired by the works of Patricia Urquiola, Kelly Wreastler. Both are amazing designers who work on projects in Interior design, product design and furniture design. I am also inspired by a comedian Mindy Kaling especially after reading about her journey in her book. I like the way she talks about pushing yourself, challenging yourself and standing up for yourself in her book.
Which has been your first project? Where? What was it? How has been your experience?
My first project was a small retail display designed for L’oreal which led me to design the interiors for a Salon in Mumbai. After the success of that project, I got a chance to design Interiors of the best Salon brands in India like Jean Claude Biguine, Tony & Guy, Studio 11 & Bodycraft. Apart from doing various type of Interiors projects Kaleido has completed interiors of 110 Salons and Spas till date.
What type of projects captures your interest or rather interested to do?
I am interested in projects in the field of architecture, interior, product. Anything from a lavish villa to a luxurious chess board to a customised sofa design – I am interested in designing and experimenting with details at various scales.
Your most challenging projects; where and why? Tell us more about the same?
There are quite a few for various reasons. I have learnt a lot from those, but it never stopped me or my team from trying new ideas or taking up challenging projects. Those journeys have been immensely enriching and a paved a solid path to the future. Also, because at the end of it all there is nothing more satisfying than the moment when you see your completed project or the idea that you had conceptualised.
Tell us about your upcoming projects; where and what type; schedule of completions?
We are currently working on an office project spread over six floors of a commercial building in Mumbai. This is scheduled to be completed in March 2022. We are also working on a 4000 sqft Salon & Spa project in Bangalore scheduled to be completed in April 2022. And we have just commenced the site work for two residential interiors projects in Mumbai. Apart from interiors we are designing home décor products like a Chess board, tic tac toe board, trays, side tables, sculptural paper weight for a home décor brand that is schedule to be launched in May 2022
Your wise words to next-gen stepping into this profession?
This profession is full of hard work and passion so be ready to bring on both when you are working in this field.
