How do you describe your journey in this male-dominated industry?
I’d say it’s been smooth. I’ve always experienced respect from my male counterparts. Even though there are fewer women in the industry, this has always been a balanced platform, where opinions have been respected and responsibilities are equal.
Who has been your inspiration in the process of your entire career?
There’s no single inspiration for my entire career. While studying architecture, I was always inspired by architects like Eero Saarinen and Santiago Calatrava who have always challenged the normal and have created their own distinct style. A woman who comes to my mind and has been an inspiration is Zaha Hadid, for she dared to be different and not just that, she did it successfully.
Which has been your first project? Where? What was it? How has been your experience?
My first project was almost 15 years ago of an office furniture system for Godrej Interio. I had christened it VURV (coined from Verve) as a dynamic office system that was distinct from all the others that existed then. I’d say from then to now, flamboyance has reduced, and pragmatism has increased. However, I have always tried to add delight in the projects which has remained with me.
What type of projects captures your interest or rather interested to do?
The complexity of systems has always been a subject of interest to me. – Whether its system furniture for offices or modular furniture for homes. Solving the challenges of space and equating them with the needs of users to come up with solutions that support Modern living is what interests me.
Your most challenging projects; where and why? Tell us more about the same?
The most challenging project that I have worked on in my professional life is not a product or a tangible solution. It was the working of a strategy for a new furniture brand for Godrej & Boyce; setting its design language and the brand experience for this new brand was most challenging as well as the most satisfying for me. During this project, I learnt much more than I gave. As for my personal life, I think being a mom to my twins has been most challenging and will continue to be (as it is to every mom). Everyday is a new learning and an enriching & delightful experience.
Tell us about your upcoming projects; where and what type; schedule of completions?
shh it’s a secret!! Not to reveal too much… me and my team are working on a new concept for the Kitchen space. The idea is to simplify the process of buying and setting up a new kitchen, especially for the consumers who have limited time at hand. We hope to introduce this idea after a thorough pilot and ensuring the model works well within the stakeholders of the value web by the end of this year.
Your wise words to next-gen stepping into this profession?
Be you! and never shy away from expressing your ideas and thoughts. This wouldn’t really mean that you hold on to your initial ideas. Design is all about iterations and improvements. You can’t achieve perfection but always aim for it. Try to be your own critic and more rational than emotional. Because good design is always a balance of many aspects.
