What got you into designing?
I am a business graduate. My family and friends including myself never thought I’d get into designing, but I always was inclined towards the arts since I was a kid. My mother accidently introduced me to interior designing and I instantly developed an interest and a strong passion towards it.
What would define as your personal style?
My designs always reflect my client’s personality. It doesn’t have to always be about looking good, it’s also about feeling good and being comfortable. Home is where your true personality dwells. I believe in an empathetic approach to design, where understanding the client’s interests is key. I love telling expressive stories of experiences and memories with an amalgamation of colours, textures and patterns. My design philosophy had a major shift after my son’s birth. Growing with him made me understand the importance of journaling memories. For instance, I made a beautiful quilt with my son’s clothes that he used as a toddler. I had a clock that wasn’t working; I added a frame and tuned it to the time my son was born along with few photographs of my family. It brought such a difference to our house. We’ve also got a wall full of tiny postcards that I collected during my travel to various towns. Personalised products like these tell stories and I really believe in storytelling.
How is Chennai as a market for an interior designer?
I was born and brought up in Chennai. I love this city and I have learned a lot from it. The people of Chennai are open-minded. I have gotten great opportunities to experiment and execute, which has made me grow as a designer.
What do you take most inspiration from?
Whenever I travel, I make sure that I visit art shows and field markets for inspiration. I do read extensively which has had a great influence in my designs. I also have a habit of painting and doodling at vacations. I often look back to these art works
for inspiration.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
My mother. My parents. My friends. They constantly believed in me and motivated me throughout my career and still do.
What does good design mean to you?
The key to a good design is to strike harmony. Designing is not restricted to just following trends. Dressing up a place with love and an eye to detail is also quite important.
What are the projects you’ve worked on?
I’ve designed for Apollo Heart Centre and Toni&Guy Hairdressing recently. I’ve done few residences as well. I had the opportunity to design for Toni&Guy almost 9 years ago when I had just begun my career in interior designing. Their projects are always close to my heart.
What piece of advice would you give to someone beginning their career in interior design?
Follow your passion and nothing can go wrong. Do not just go only with what the client wants; consider their needs that they might not even reveal. Get to that depth because interior designing is all about touching people’s lives. Maintain a good rapport with your clients.
write to us at editor.provoke@paulsons.in