My Approach to Interior Design and Architecture
Design is personal. It is about more than just creating beautiful spaces. It is about building a brand you believe in, protecting your relationships, and finding balance between function and form.
A little introduction for those who are new here. I'm Sarah Sham, Principal Designer at Essajees Atelier. I started this studio 10 years ago with the goal of doing the best design work in the world with the best team on the planet.
I once thought my work should speak for itself, but I've learned that when you design luxury, you are the brand. How you carry yourself signals to clients that you understand quality because you've lived it. It's not about being performative; it's about being real.
I have a strict rule: I never work with close friends or family on a paid project. My relationships are far more valuable than any project, and I won't take even a tiny chance of compromising them. I'll either do the work for free or recommend someone else.
This is a close-up of the origami light fixture at Koko Hyderabad. While it's amazing to have your work appreciated, I've realized my highest highs no longer come from work.
Me with my indie dog, Steffi. My personal life, including my two girls and my pets, is the center of my world.
A moment with my daughter in my office. Being a mom is the best job in the world, and I'm always navigating the beautiful rollercoaster of balancing work and family.
A re-introduction post. My journey started in my family's 130-year-old art business, which gave me a deep appreciation for design history and execution.
A photo of my amazing team. My goal is to share everything openly and build a community where we all grow stronger together.
Another shot with my daughter. Juggling ambition with raising kids is a challenge, and I have so much respect for all the parents out there doing it.
About My Design Philosophy
My design approach is simple. I do not follow trends. Instead, I focus on the why behind every room, whether it is a high-revenue restaurant layout or a home that needs to fit your family's daily routine. I share 3D renders before we break ground so you know exactly what the result will be, removing the guesswork and building trust long before construction starts.
Design is not just about aesthetics, it is about building a brand and protecting relationships. My journey started in my family’s 130-year-old art business, where I learned that the execution of a project is just as important as the concept. This grounding taught me that a luxury space is not just about what you see, but how you live in it.
When we take on a project, we move past surface-level beauty and look at function. We analyze guest flow for restaurants, acoustic needs for bars, and the daily reality for homes. My team of fifty works together to bridge the gap between creative vision and site reality. We do not gatekeep our process, we share everything because we believe the industry grows stronger when we share information.
I hold boundaries firmly. I do not work with close family or friends on paid projects because my relationships are worth more than any contract. This same rigor goes into our client work. We use data-driven profiling to understand your needs and detailed 3D renders to ensure the final result matches your expectations. If you value clarity, technical precision, and a design partner who tells it like it is, we might just be the right fit.
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