As a woman of substance, have you made a difference in the lives of others or yourself?
You often never know the impact your work can have on someone. Values and ethics are primary for me, and I drive Alankaram as a brand operated by this ethos. When we started in 2015, we were just a home-grown furniture design studio with a small 7,500 sq. ft. workshop and a handful of skilled artisans. We have since grown as designers, manufacturers, and a brand where product design has an intention and a purpose, making the furniture robust, durable and honest with materiality. Our keen attention to detail has made us a force to be reckoned with.
What kind of transformation would you like to see in the design or architecture landscape of India?
I would like to see more Indian craft forms come to the fore. I firmly believe that design is a personal choice, and the Indian design scene is now better at reflecting the occupants’ personalities. Keeping this consciousness in mind, we create products rooted in tradition with a touch of ‘Indian-ness.’ At Alankaram, our products are an ode to our heritage and culture and yet imbibe a contemporary luxe element.
Do Women Designers interpret clients brief differently as compared to male architects?
Yes, women designers are more intuitive and grasp the client’s requirements before they can say it in so many words. Moreover, design briefs come from women owners as they are primary users of the residence and are better informed about the needs of their families. Apart from being detail-oriented, most women architects ensure that their designs resonate with the likes and preferences of their clients.
Please tell us about a project that was challenging & satisfying to do as well as earned accolades?
One of our most challenging yet satisfying projects is a residence in Surat, where we supplied furniture. The architect had based the design of the house on a painting, and we at Alankaram, were required to design, execute and provide 45-50 SKUs of bespoke pieces for the home in less than two months. We managed to pull off the mammoth task, resulting in a beautiful set up of teak wood furniture across the house. Five years after the project, the client still lauds us on our efforts and cherishes every piece we designed with love and care.
Does sustainability ever come in the way of creativity? How do you deal with it?
Sustainability and creativity for us go hand-in-hand. We source 65% of our raw teak wood for our furniture from imported, highly sustainable sources. The other 35% of Indian oak wood is sanctioned by the government, which in turn takes conscious efforts of ecological conservation by planting an appropriate number of trees for all the trees uprooted. Moreover, at our factory in Pithampur, we reuse discarded pieces of wood to make boards. We find beauty in sustainable sources and reduce wastage wherever possible.
Have women architects/designers Earned the respect to be able to play a part in town Planning/town Landscaping?
Yes!