The Designer’s Journey: Craft, Culture and Recognition
Design is not just aesthetic; it is a reflection of travel, heritage, and the stories we carry. Here is a glimpse into the inspirations, artisan collaborations, and recognition that shape my practice.
A surreal and humbling moment seeing my work featured in the book 'Making Space – Interior Design by Women'. It is an honor to be included among 250 inspiring women who have shaped the world of design.
Flipping through the pages of 'Making Space', a book that celebrates the incredible contributions of women in interior design. Seeing my project recognized alongside pioneers and contemporaries is a truly special feeling.
Grateful to be recognized in the AD100 list for the 8th year in a row. This award from Architectural Digest India is a wonderful reminder of why I love what I do, and it’s a testament to the hard work of my entire team.
A snapshot from my feature in the AD100 list, where I discuss my design philosophy of preserving the old and adapting it to suit modern needs. This recognition from Architectural Digest is a celebration of a 15-year journey in design.
It is always a moment of immense gratitude to be featured on the AD100 list. This honor inspires me and my team to continue pushing boundaries and creating spaces that tell authentic stories.
In this 'Artboard' video for Architectural Digest, I share how my travels through India, especially to Nathdwara in Rajasthan, inspire my work. I discuss my love for Pichwai art, traditional crafts, and how I infuse the Indian essence into modern, functional design.
A short clip from my collaboration with Artize and Architectural Digest for 'The Artboard' series. The video explores how the decadent nuances of Rajasthan, its colors, crafts, and history, serve as a constant source of inspiration for my projects.
Meeting talented craftsmen at the AD Design Show is always a highlight. Here I am with Thiyagarajan, a textile designer from Tamil Nadu, whose passion for his craft is truly inspiring.
Watching the incredible Gudari work by artisans from the Kalbelia community. The vibrant colors and intricate stitching are a beautiful example of the traditional crafts I love to incorporate into my designs.
These talented women create museum-quality Kantha embroidery. Learning about their process and seeing the passion they pour into each piece is a powerful reminder of the soul of handmade crafts in India.
About The Designer's Journey: Inspiration, Craft & Recognition
I do not believe in mood boards that dictate your life; I believe in conversations that uncover your history. My process starts with understanding the pieces you already cherish—be it a grandmother’s saree or a vintage chair—and then we build a narrative around them. When we introduce a hand-painted mural or a custom jaali screen, it is not just decor; it is a collaborative dialogue between your story and the traditional craftsmen I work with across India.
My design language is heavily influenced by the architecture I encounter while traveling—from the bylanes of Nathdwara to the heritage walls of Spain. This is not about replication; it is about preservation. I look for the soul of a space, adapting centuries-old Indian craftsmanship for modern apartment living.
Every project is an opportunity to keep indigenous skills alive. Whether it is commissioning master karigars for Pichwai art, integrating Kantha embroidery into upholstery, or sourcing hand-woven textiles, I prioritize work that feels grounded. This approach turns functional areas like foyers and home temples into narrative-driven spaces.
Being named to the AD100 list for eight consecutive years is humbling, but it is simply a byproduct of the work I love. It reflects a 15-year commitment to pushing boundaries in interior architecture. Whether you are looking for a complete bungalow overhaul or a single room transformation, I approach the project with the same rigor: balancing technical precision, such as GFC drawings and Vastu compliance, with the emotional weight of your personal journey.
If you want a space that resists trends and tells a lasting story, we should talk. My studio is based in Santacruz West, and I currently take on projects across Mumbai, Hyderabad, and occasionally abroad.
Darshini
I see design as a 15-year conversation about stories and spaces. My team and I are here to help you preserve the history you already own while making room for the life you are building today.
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