A great design aesthetic often blooms from strong roots of inspiration. When it comes to Shabnam, this translates quite literally and truly. An almost umbilical connect with Mother Nature combined with her love for traditional art infuses within her design a strong sense of individualism that sets every space she creates a class apart.
Who has been your inspiration in the process of your entire career?
I get inspired by the simple things in life be it nature, emotions or people. I like many designers’ work. Professionally, Geoffery Bawa’s, Nari Gandhi, Philippe Starck and many more have done some awesome work that I loved. It is both interesting and intriguing to notice how different people see same things differently. Also talking to my family keeps me inspired and makes me want to push my limits while keeping me grounded.
Which has been your first project? Where? What was it? How has been your experience?
My first independent project was a friend’s second home, an outhouse. The parents lived in Bangalore and she studied in London at that time and gave a complete freehand. This was a big thing as I was not as experienced, and I was lucky to get a break. It turned out well and was featured at many publications and I never looked back ever since.
More than the project, it is about the vision of the client, the faith that client has in our work and the amount of creative expression they are ready to give. I think its not only the size and the budget. To a very extent it is the client that defines the project and the excitement that comes with it.
What type of projects captures your interest or rather interested to do?
Designing for me, especially spaces is like expression that allows me to create something real that can be enjoyed, touched and felt. Having said that, every project is interesting as the journey involved in achieving the best outcome is wherein the interest lies.
Your most challenging projects; where and why? Tell us more about the same?
One very strong advice I would like to give to young aspirants pursuing architecture and design is to not give up on your dreams. Be you. You are a visionary and do not get swayed by the by products of the fields like stardom or money. Put your soul in every design. The going gets tough at times and there’s no harm in reaching out to people but through thick and thin don’t give up on your belief system and dreams.