Every woman carries a quiet power within her. When she recognises it, she transforms not only herself, but the environment she shapes. Architecture and design, once defined by a singular narrative, now evolve through diverse voices and authentic authorship. SHAKTI50 emerges as an inquiry into women who are not merely participating in design, but leading it – independently, intentionally, and unapologetically. These Design Shaktis honour the legacy of those before them while expanding it through work that creates tangible impact. They redefine the design paradigm with conviction, clarity, and influence. In doing so, they move from the margins to the forefront – as founders actively shaping the built environment and the society it reflects.
“Being a woman founder, I feel empowered,” quotes Aditi Sharma. She is the founder of Gurgaon-based Aditi Sharma Design Studio, an interior designer born and brought up in the mountains, whose early connection to nature continues to influence her design sensibilities. At the heart of the studio lies a holistic, human-centric, and interdisciplinary approach to design. Aditi believes in creating timeless spaces that are not only aesthetically refined but also deeply connected to their context. Every project – be it residential, commercial, or hospitality- is shaped through thoughtful detailing, meaningful materials, and a strong narrative that enhances everyday living. In addition to interiors, Aditi also leads Greytone, an award-winning fashion accessory and wall art brand that explores design through concrete. With Greytone, she extends her interdisciplinary ethos into the world of fashion and object design, blending craft with innovation.
Being women founders, Komal Mittal and Ninada Kashyap carry the responsibility of striving for excellence in everything they create, not just spaces, but possibilities. They are committed to inspiring everyone to pursue their dreams with determination and achieve excellence in their chosen fields. Based in Pune, they founded Alkove-Design in 2013 with the goal of creating designs that foster a sense of belonging. The studio’s work begins with understanding how people actually use and move through space. Komal’s approach is guided by clarity, planning, and contextual understanding, while Ninada brings intuition, imagination, and sensitivity to detail. Together, they translate client needs into spaces that feel timeless and meaningful. Sustainability is central to their practice, informing decisions from planning through execution. With a deep respect for tradition and local craftsmanship, the studio’s work balances heritage with contemporary ways of living.
Astha Bohra envisions women’s empowerment as the ability to transform spaces into soulful, lived-in art where local and experimental crafts merge seamlessly with functional, warm, and sustainable design narratives. As the founder and lead interior designer of Allium Jaipur, she specialises in creating art-forward, experimental interiors that challenge conventions while remaining deeply liveable. Believing that a home should reflect the soul of its inhabitants, Astha approaches every project collaboratively and with a process-driven mindset. By treating interiors as canvases for fine arts and tactile experimentation, she crafts immersive environments that are innovative, expressive, and grounded in comfort, sparking curiosity in every corner.
“Women have shaped history through resilience, innovation, and courage, continuously transforming societies and redefining equality across generations,” Anarr Gunjaria observes. She is an interior designer based in Ahmedabad, with a philosophy rooted in simplicity and a deep connection to nature. Her practice works across residential and corporate interiors, creating spaces that are functional and thoughtful. She approaches each project as a unique, need-driven response shaped by context, purpose, and the people who inhabit it.
According to Anusha, Shakthi means creation. Anusha Arun is the founder of Atelier 108, a Bangalore-based multidisciplinary architecture and interior design studio driven by a philosophy that combines luxury with modern contemporary expression. Her work spans bespoke residences, boutique apartment developments, commercial spaces, workplaces, hospitality environments, and large-scale masterplanning projects. Anusha approaches every project with technical precision and artistic clarity. She articulates spaces through material richness, spatial balance, and thoughtful detailing, ensuring harmony between structure and story. She shapes environments that elevate everyday living, spaces that feel effortless yet powerful, contemporary yet timeless, designed for those who seek distinction, depth, and quiet luxury.
The future of any civilisation is written in the scale of freedom, education, and power given to its women. Arpita Sharma, an architect leading a multidisciplinary practice, illustrates this statement through her works at the urban and infrastructural scale. As founder and principal architect of Atelier Astil, her work spans architecture and interiors across large-scale developments, corporate campuses, institutional and educational buildings, hospitality environments, and ultra-luxury residential projects. Her core expertise lies in delivering complex work with exceptional attention to detail and material rigour, navigating cultural contexts with clarity. Rather than approaching architecture as personal expression, Sharma frames it as a civic act. As she states, “Architecture begins where responsibility outweighs authorship; luxury is the disciplined orchestration of material, proportion, and performance, executed with precision, restraint, and clarity.”
According to Sheetal, every space should feel like home – layered, personal, and deeply intuitive. Sheetal Kamani is the founder of August Eight Designs LLP, a studio known for taking thoughtful risks with colour, introducing unexpected yet refined palettes that add depth and identity to a space. Her design philosophy blends old soul with new soul, where timeless character meets contemporary innovation. She specializes in residential and boutique spaces, crafting environments that feel bold yet minimal. Her work celebrates materiality – pairing raw, honest finishes with soft textures, and her designs balance structure with warmth. To her, every detail is intentional, every element curated to create a cohesive narrative. Sheetal’s goal is to design spaces that are distinctive, expressive, and enduring – spaces that don’t just look beautiful, but feel lived-in.
Kamakshi Ganesh and Yaamini Gitanjali are partners at Cartwheel, an architecture and interior design practice based in Chennai. Conceived as a multidisciplinary design house, the studio works across architecture, interiors, furniture, and art commissions, guided by the belief that design should not only shape structures but also positively influence the lives of those who inhabit them. From a small team of three, Cartwheel has grown into a 15-member practice with studios in Chennai and Bangalore.
While their philosophy is to infuse design into everyday living, they ensure this is never at odds with the client’s vision. Instead, they weave their philosophy seamlessly into each brief, creating spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically refined but also deeply personal and resonant. In 2024, the practice broadened its international presence, undertaking luxury projects including penthouse designs across the Middle East. Today, Cartwheel proudly provides design consulting services across India and the Middle East, delivering projects that range from boutique residences to large-scale public works.
“Being a woman founder means leading with purpose,” quotes Priya Lakhotia Parikh. She is the founder of Mumbai-based Chicago Studio, an architecture and design practice. Priya brings an international perspective to her work, combining global influences with an understanding of Indian lifestyles and spatial sensibilities. Her practice specializes in the design, restructuring, and transformation of residential and commercial spaces, creating environments that balance timeless aesthetics with contemporary functionality. The studio’s design language is characterized by a refined layering of materials, subtle architectural detailing, and a thoughtful interplay between classic and contemporary elements. Chicago Studio’s projects often blend influences from minimalism, art deco, neoclassical, and modern design.
“It takes courage to build, to lead, to make decisions, to stand by your vision,” quotes Apoorva Chandru. She is the founder of the Bengaluru-based studio Copper Trunk. At the heart of her practice is a simple belief: homes are deeply personal. According to her, designing a home means stepping into someone’s story, understanding how they live, what they value, and what comfort means to them. Her studio specializes in residential interiors, approaching each project as an intimate and collaborative process. Her core expertise lies in spatial planning, material selection, and translating individual lifestyles into thoughtfully designed homes. The nature of her work is rooted in listening and empathy. She focuses on creating homes that feel lived-in rather than staged, intentional rather than excessive. Each project evolves differently, shaped by the people who inhabit it, yet always grounded in clarity, thoughtful, enduring, and intuitive design.
According to Shaily Shah & Otaiba Khopekar, great design lies in restraint, function & the quiet power of refined detail. They are the co-founders of Cubet Design Studio, an interior design firm based in Mumbai. The founders were united by their common belief that spaces are truly an expression of self and that aesthetic sophistication should be accessible to all. Otaiba’s eye for detail and Shaily’s passion for perfection have helped scale Cubet Design Studio into a pan-India residential and commercial design studio within a short span of time. Their firm’s clientele ranges from young professionals crafting their first homes to discerning homeowners building bespoke luxury residences, along with commercial collaborations with some of India’s leading corporations.
“Women shape society through resilience, empathy, and inclusive thinking, creating environments that empower individuals to participate and thrive,” quotes Naomy Parikh. She is the founder of Doro, an architecture and design practice based in Ahmedabad, working across residences, institutions, makers’ spaces, spatial installations, exhibitions, and research-led initiatives. Beyond built projects, Doro engages in curatorial and public initiatives that expand architecture beyond conventional practice. Through exhibitions, modular installations, and community-oriented platforms, the studio explores how spatial design can foster dialogue around living, making, and the built environment. With a background in ceramics and a deep interest in making, textiles, and material tactility, Naomy’s practice is currently focused on designing studios and workspaces for makers and creative communities.
“Being women founders means building with empathy and strength at the same time. It means balancing intuition with strategy, creativity with responsibility, and ambition with care,” quote Farheen Nanji and Naazish Nanji Reshamwala. They are the co-founders of the Mumbai-based FN Design Studio, a boutique interior design and architecture practice. They work as a partner duo, combining architectural clarity with refined design sensibility to create spaces that are thoughtful, functional, and enduring. They manage projects from initial design concepts through execution and final completion, guided by a strong work ethic, an eye for innovative design, and a deep commitment to realizing their clients’ dream vision for their spaces. Their work is rooted in strong spatial planning, proportion, and materiality, with a focus on creating designs that feel current while maintaining a timeless aesthetic that resonates with context, culture, and craft.
“Today, women lend their immense emotional strength to their workplaces, and their discipline and dedication cannot be matched,” quotes Husna Rahaman. She is the founder of Fulcrum Studio and a globally celebrated architect, award-winning designer, poet, and published author whose two-decade-long career has redefined the language of contemporary Indian architecture. Known as “The Poet of Architecture,” she brings together intellect, soul, and structure, creating spaces that don’t just function, but feel. Her work is driven by a powerful belief: architecture must stir human consciousness and invite deeper emotional and sensory experiences. Educated at the Inchbald School of Design and the Parsons School of Design, and shaped by a lifelong curiosity for cultures and people, Husna sees the world as both playground and laboratory.
Diksha Saini and Pallavi Chandra are the co-founders of Glass Forest, a design studio that works with glass as a medium for storytelling. The practice brings together art, light, and spatial design to create thoughtful installations and collectible objects that respond to their surroundings. Their work includes bespoke installations, sculptural lighting, and limited-edition design pieces across residential and hospitality spaces. For Diksha and Pallavi, nature remains a constant source of inspiration.
Textures, movement, and quiet beauty often guide their forms and material explorations. They approach each piece with sensitivity to scale, light, and emotion. They work closely with skilled artisans across India, learning from traditional techniques while gradually exploring new possibilities within the material. For them, glass represents both delicacy and strength, and they continually seek to balance the two. At its core, Glass Forest is about creating atmosphere, hoping to add a sense of warmth, curiosity, and quiet presence to the spaces it becomes part of, inviting reflection and human connection.
Being a woman founder represents a wellspring of creativity to Pratyusha Kethinedi. She is the founder of House of Katha, a bespoke interior design studio that creates spaces rooted in Indian heritage and shaped by a modern sensibility. Her studio brings together timeless materials, local craftsmanship, and contemporary aesthetics to craft interiors that tell deeply personal stories. At its core, House of Katha believes that design goes beyond form and function; it is about memory, emotion, and meaningful connections. At House of Katha, each project begins with a narrative, where the team translates a client’s experiences and aspirations into thoughtful spatial expressions. From high-end residences to distinctive food and beverage spaces, the studio’s work celebrates nostalgia, sustainability, and the beauty of Indian artistry.
As an architect, Hiloni Sutaria views women as catalysts for societal change, advancing equity through design, leadership, and the creation of resilient, sustainable communities. She is the founder of HSC Designs, a multidisciplinary practice based in Ahmedabad. Hiloni integrates client requirements, contextual challenges, climate considerations, and community needs to develop innovative and unconventional solutions. Her projects are distinguished by their intrinsic experiential value. Along with her team at HSC, she continuously pushes the boundaries of architecture through experimentation with materials and technology. Hiloni is a strong advocate of sustainability and promotes grassroot methods such as material reuse and zero-waste practices across her projects.
Selva Sidiq focuses on intentional design, moving beyond just following trends to actively defining how spaces look and feel. She is the founder Kerala based architecture practice of IS Design Spot. Her work is an inquiry into how architecture can better represent diverse voices and authentic stories. She doesn’t just design buildings but creates frameworks that allow for independent and unapologetic expression, ensuring every project has a clear, unique voice that respects the past while building the future.
Her core expertise is in multi-modal synthesis, blending different ideas, techniques, and technologies into cohesive solutions, and contextual problem-solving. I specialize in turning complex, scattered ideas into clear architectural and strategic plans. Her process is based on conviction and clarity. She acts as a catalyst for those moving from the sidelines to the forefront of the design industry. By bridging the gap between history and innovation, she creates a tangible impact that redefines the design world, helping to build a more inclusive and intentional environment.
As a founder, Ishita’s vision is to create environments that feel timeless rather than trend-driven. Ishita Sharma leads her bespoke interior design practice, Ishita Sharma Designs, where every project begins like a blank canvas open to interpretation and rich with possibility. She approaches each space with the same sensitivity she brings to her paintings, thoughtfully layering colour, texture, and light to achieve depth, balance, and emotion. Drawn to rich palettes, tactile finishes, and nuanced detailing, Ishita crafts interiors that feel both refined and soulful, whether a serene home or a bold one.
“Being an oil painter has deeply shaped my design philosophy,” she shares. She views walls as compositions, materials as brushstrokes, and lighting as the final highlight that brings a space to life. Her process is intuitive yet intentional, seamlessly blending artistic expression with functional precision. Rather than simply designing rooms, Ishita curates experiences that reflect her clients’ personalities, lifestyles, and aspirations.
As the founder of a bespoke decorative lighting and spatial design studio, Manasi believes in the importance of freedom of expression. Manasi M. Jade is the founder of Mumbai-based Jade Design Q. Her practice specializes in custom lighting installations that combine sculptural form, material exploration, and architectural sensitivity to enhance interior environments. Working across luxury residences, hospitality, and commercial spaces, Manasi creates chandeli-ers, pendants, sconces, lamps, and large-scale installations tailored to each project. Known for its evolving design language and versatility across styles, materials, and scales, Jade Design Q blends luxury with expressive craftsmanship. Her studio operates at the intersection of product design, art, and architecture, transforming light into a defining spatial experience that shapes atmosphere, emotion, and the character of space.
“Shakti,” according to Swati Chandrasekhar, is stewardship – the responsibility that comes with influence, and the quiet power of the women before her flowing through her work. Swati is the founder of January Designs, an award-winning architecture and interior design practice rooted in Chennai and Salem. Backed by over 14 years of immersive, hands-on execution and more than 1,000 completed projects across premium residential and commercial environments, the studio reflects both scale and sensitivity. She chose entrepreneurship to redefine perceptions of women in business and to build spaces that are both profitable and principled, where ambition and empathy lead together. She views design as both an emotional journey and a disciplined technical process. Her expertise spans luxury villas, refined apartments, hospitality spaces, and high-performance commercial interiors across diverse contexts.
Sowmya firmly believes that women have shaped society by building systems of care, resilience, and progress, often without receiving credit, yet always with a lasting impact. Ar. Sowmya Lakhamraju is the founder of Kiasma, a landscape architecture–based firm. With a diverse portfolio spanning residential projects, housing communities, conservation efforts, institutional designs, hospitality venues, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Sowmya has left her mark across India. She merges her formal training with an unquenchable curiosity and a passion for multidisciplinary design. While grounded in a conventional foundation, her belief that creativity flourishes when we challenge the status quo sets her apart in a crowded field. Her love for photography and art informs every facet of her work, providing her with a unique lens through which she views and interprets spaces.
Women bring an intuition rooted in deeper consciousness, shaping society through care, craft, and resilience, and anchoring progress in people, place, and purpose. This is Shonan’s perspective on the role of women in shaping society. Shonan Purie Trehan is the Founder and Principal Architect of Language.Architecture.Body (L.A.B.), a multidisciplinary architecture practice comprising over forty architects and collaborators. Her work is grounded in constructing relationships between narrative, environment, and habitation, shaping buildings that are both purposeful and poetic. Shonan leads a team that combines inventive design, rigorous execution, and sensitivity to people and place, crafting architecture that endures with relevance, intelligence, and meaning.
“Today’s woman leads with grace and empathy, proving she can excel in any field while remaining mindful of all beings,” quotes Manmeet Arora. She is the founder of a Goa-based studio, Loc Design House, that adds aesthetics, inspiration, and comfort to functional spaces. With a portfolio spanning nearly a decade, her practice has designed homes, offices, and educational spaces, earning features in renowned architecture and interior design publications. In 2021, Manmeet moved Loc Design House from Mumbai to Goa and ventured into boutique home development with Villa Yugen and Villa Nava. Drawing inspiration from her transition from the city to a quaint village, she designs functional yet luxurious homes tailored to the nuances of the coastal town.
According to Apoorva, women shape society by balancing strength with empathy, influencing how families, cultures, and institutions evolve. Apoorva Shroff, the founder of Lyth Design, leads a boutique architecture and interior design firm known for its innovative approach to spatial storytelling and sustainable design. Since its inception in 2022, the practice has built a growing roster of noteworthy clients, including SoftBank, Prestige Group, AshokaUniversity, and several notable celebrities, with upcoming projectsthat include destination homes. The unique name of her practice is inspired by the word “lyth,” which translates to a joint that binds and supports movement. Its philosophy is that architecture, interiors, products, art, or even simple graphics are limited only by the power of imagination. Apoorva aims to translate inspirations, ideas, and memories into efficient and practical spatial solutions that are truly breathtaking.
Women are the invisible hands that shape families and communities. Empowering them uplifts society and creates a lasting generational impact. This is the belief of Sridevi Changali and Rosie Paul, co-founders of Masons Ink Studio, regarding women’s role in shaping society over the years. Their work focuses on three core areas: sustainability, heritage conservation, and social architecture. Sridevi and Rosie are committed to driving positive change within the construction industry by honoring the skilled hands that bring their visions to life. They strongly believe that sustainability should be the standard rather than the exception and are dedicated to making it more accessible to all. Their goal is to achieve a zero-carbon footprint in their projects, while prioritizing research and development to explore the use of natural materials in construction.
As a founder, Vrinda is rooted and weathered. Vrinda Seksaria is an architect, researcher, and photographic artist whose interdisciplinary practice bridges architecture, urban studies, socio-cultural theory, and alternative photographic printmaking. She founded Metis Practice, a design studio committed to creating context-responsive, sustainable spaces that unite aesthetics, functionality, and cultural insight. She has also led Metis – Analogue Lab, a dedicated darkroom for historical photographic processes, integrating experimental printmaking into architectural research and practice.
As women founders, Vandana and Kanika believe that entrepreneurship is not just about running a business; it’s about building with heart, intuition, and excellence. Vandana Goyal and Kanika Goyal are the co-founders of Delhi-based Moi Den Interiors, a practice grounded in elegance and thoughtful innovation. At the heart of the studio lies a commitment to infuse every project with a distinct human touch. Vandana’s journey into interior design was shaped early in her childhood while watching her father passionately bring homes to life – brick by brick, drawing by drawing. Early exposure to architectural drawings and site visits instilled in her an intuitive understanding of form, structure, and craftsmanship, inspiring a lifelong pursuit of creating spaces that nurture belonging and emotional connection.
According to Tanya, women have always been culture’s co-creators, remixing norms, sharing power, and making society brighter, bolder, and more inclusive. Tanya Chutani is the Principal Architect and Lead Designer of Pantone Collective, a New Delhi-based architecture and interior design studio focused on art, architecture, and design. She crafts high-end projects across India and internationally, from Bangkok to Bali. Known for her fearless use of color and form, Pantone Collective creates emotionally resonant spaces hat fuse traditional details with bold contemporary aesthetics. With a portfolio spanning hospitality and farmhouses, her work has been widely recognized on national and international platforms. Rooted in a strong design philosophy and enriched by Tanya’s global experiences, particularly her time in Italy with brands like Kartell and Fontanot, Pantone Collective represents a new wave of design redefining spaces with a poetic balance of color, form, function, and feeling.
Kumpal Vaid, the founder of Purple Backyard, a renowned interior design practice based in Mumbai, leads a studio dedicated to decoding spaces through immersive design. She is known for her exhaustive exploration of every project’s scope, ensuring that each design solution is unique and tailored to her clients’ specific requirements. Her practice stands out in the world of interior design and spatial consulting, with an emphasis on immersive experiences, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to creating bespoke spaces that meet individual needs. The studio has established itself as a leader in the industry. Inspired by the understated allure of visual arts, Kumpal aspires to create immersive, almost meditative spaces that are not restricted by genre, size, or scale. She upholds her “less is more” ideology by taking purposeful steps away from conventional minimalism.
“Design is not just on paper, it’s a lifestyle,” quotes Aishwarya Krish. She is the founder of Chennai-based Roaish Architecture + Design. Aishwarya creates spaces that are minimal yet warm, contemporary yet timeless, rooted in context, climate, and craft. Her work spans architecture, interiors, and bespoke furniture, with a strong emphasis on material honesty, spatial experience, and natural light. Through her practice, Roaish, she approaches each project as a unique narrative. Her design language often features vibrant palettes, clean lines, and thoughtful detailing, resulting in spaces that are both functional and emotionally resonant. The studio’s work has received accolades from multiple organizations for its distinctive, refined aesthetic and design integrity.
According to Ruby Gupta, Shakti as Genesis represents the power of creation, not just creating beautiful spaces through fabrics, textures, and design, but also creating opportunities for women to grow and thrive. She founded Chandigarh based studio Ruby’s Signature. “Being a visionary means building a brand that goes beyond aesthetics, by providing employment, sharing skills, and mentoring women to become confident and capable, so they can shape their own futures while contributing to something meaningful,” quotes Ruby.
When ready-made curtains were purchased and hung on windows, Ruby Gupta would perfect the length of the curtain to the last millimeter and give full attention to even the inconsequential curtain belt. The brand has over 60 employees, including master craftsmen and specialized artisans, following in the footsteps of Ruby Gupta. Even when designing residences, every step from on-site measurements and client preferences to fabric options, trials, fall, and stitch are all given undivided attention and care.
With a foundation in chemical engineering and an IIT education, Saniya Tadha blends engineering with artistic intuition, giving her work unexpected depth: the precision of an engineer, the sensitivity of an artist, and the vision of someone who sees beyond surfaces into the soul of a space. She is a globally recognised stylist and creative director who believes every space carries a story waiting to be shaped with intention and revealed with sensitivity. Her process begins with a simple question: What story does this space want to tell? Through textured materials, curated objects, sculptural elements, and poetic compositions, Saniya transforms interiors into living narratives. The spaces she creates embody quiet luxury, emotional depth, and a distinct sense of human presence.
As an architect, Shea believes in allowing oneself the time and space to grow into who they are and to evolve with time. Shea George is a young architect and interior designer deeply invested in creating spaces that respond intuitively to people and the way they live. For her, function always precedes form, and good design is simply design that makes everyday life easier. Her understanding of luxury is personal and introspective; it is about feeling oneself completely within a space.
When one enters a home and instantly recognizes who they are within it, she believes, that is true luxury. To Shea, design is never about the designer; it is always about the people who inhabit the space. Every project is distinct because it is shaped by the personality, lifestyle, and emotions of its residents. She finds that her strongest work is often the most understated, spaces that quietly evoke emotion. She loves listening to people’s stories, understanding what “home” means to them, and translating those narratives into spaces that feel like the truest, most elevated version of themselves and their lives.
Empowerment is what comes to mind when I think of women founders like Shrutika Raut. She is the founder of SRDS, a design practice specializing in architecture and interior design solutions. With a commitment to sustainable design principles, SRDS approaches each project with creativity and ingenuity. Shrutika’s philosophy revolves around embracing the diversity of cultures and concepts. Her practice thrives on the fusion of colors, textures, and patterns to create visually compelling environments. With a deep fascination for Indian art and culture, she incorporates traditional elements into contemporary spaces.
As a founder, Simran sees Shakti as the embodiment of power. Simran Boparai is the founder and principal architect of Simran Boparai Archtelier, a design studio renowned for crafting ultra-luxury residences that embody timeless grandeur and refined living. Based in Chandigarh, her practice specializes in neoclassical and colonial-style villas, mansions, and bespoke boutique projects across India and internationally. Rooted in symmetry, proportion, and meticulous detailing, her work reinterprets classical architectural language through a contemporary lens. Each residence is conceived as a legacy structure, defined by grand façades and stately columns. Intricate moldings and thoughtfully curated interiors reflect opulence without excess. From concept to execution, the studio is deeply involved in spatial planning and façade articulation. Material selection and fine detailing are carefully considered in every project. Each project is designed to resonate with harmony, permanence, and timeless architectural integrity.
Shipra Singhania’s work stands as a testament to her commitment to sustainability and tradition. She is the founder of Alwar-based Sketch Design Studio, with a deep appreciation for traditional art forms and heritage. Educated in interior and spatial design at the University of the Arts London and Rachana Sansad, Mumbai. She began a mission to revive ancient building techniques and celebrate traditional craftsmanship. Her passion for natural building projects took root in Rajasthan, advocating indigenous materials and sustainable design practices.
According to Shabrin Momm, being a woman founder feels like alchemy. She is the founder of Mumbai-based Skew Studio, where design meets thoughtful curation. For Shabrin, design has always been a way of experiencing the world, shaping how she observes light. It influences how she interprets form and responds to her surroundings. With over eight years in the industry, her journey reflects sustained exploration and growth. Having completed more than twenty-five projects, her work reveals an evolving design perspective and a refined creative voice.
It has given her resilience, creative freedom, and the confidence to trust her instincts, even when they are unconventional. She embraces redefining traditional norms through curves, spatial rhythm, and soft geometry, which she calls “unconventional elegance.” Shabrin believes that Shakti is perseverance – the kind that doesn’t need to be dramatic. Shabrin strongly believes being a founder is about showing up, doing the work, and choosing discipline even when it would be easier and more convenient to pause.
“Women have always shaped society quietly yet powerfully, preserving tradition, nurturing craft, and leading change with empathy. Their resilience and intuition continue to redefine culture, community, and the spaces we inhabit,” quotes Sona Reddy. She is the Principal Architect of Sona Reddy Studio, known for curating spaces that radiate love and happiness. She has made a significant impact in the design and construction realm in the short time since her studio’s establishment. As a young and evolving firm, Sona Reddy Studio has expanded its services across a wide range of design sectors, including residential, retail, workspaces, and hospitality.
“Women are the change-makers and the upholders of a value-based society,” says Mona Doctor-Pingel, founder of Studio Naqshbandi, an architecture practice deeply rooted in the ethos and philosophy of Auroville. She is the author of two books documenting the works of Poppo Pingel and Piero & Gloria Cicionesi, published as part of the Series of Monographs on Auroville Architects by Mapin Publishing in 2012 and 2018. Mona advocates a holistic approach to the science of building, employing biologically enhancing and environmentally responsible technologies grounded in the local climate and cultural context. By integrating architecture, interior design, and landscaping within each project, her studio creates cohesive environments that heighten the sensory experience of the built form.
Prakruthi believes Shakti embodies feminine light, softness, dedication, and eternal vibration. In Indian mythology, she is forever intertwined with Shiv, the all-encompassing universe and existence itself. Shiv and Shakti cannot exist without one another. This is the nature of society, where the power of Shakti enables the ever-changing flow of existence.” Prakruthi Rao is the founder of Studio Prakruthi, a multidisciplinary design practice specializing in architecture, interiors, and furniture design. Her studio reflects her personal design journey and a cross-geographical exploration of diverse aesthetic and artistic perspectives. It creates timeless architecture and interiors defined by quiet sophistication and refined design. Each project is thoughtfully tailored to reflect the client’s vision.
According to the mother–daughter duo, being women founders means liberation. Tabula Rasa is a collectible design practice led by principal designer Nithika Agarwal and her daughter Annanya Agarwal. Their work sits at the intersection of craft, narrative, and contemporary form. They create sculptural pieces for interiors that feel considered, tactile, and emotionally resonant. Their aesthetic is rooted yet forward-looking. Heritage informs them, but it does not confine them. They are drawn to strong forms, quiet detailing,and objects that reward attention over time. Each piece is conceived to settle into a space with ease and authority, growing more personal as it is lived with. Their work is meant to endure, to be collected, remembered, and eventually passed on. At Tabula Rasa, each piece begins with research and conversation, then moves through hands that carve, cast, polish, and assemble with intention. The result is work that carries nuance, irregularity, and presence.
“To me, being a woman founder is about being an alchemist,” quotes Meera Pyarelal. She is the founder of Temple Town Interior Design and Furniture Studio, rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of Kerala. The studio blends Indian craftsmanship with contemporary global aesthetics, creating beautifully handcrafted furniture for connoisseurs of refined luxury. Meera creates spaces and pieces that embody enduring elegance, showcasing Indian artistry within a framework of modern international design. The studio strives to preserve and promote traditional Indian design and craftsmanship, gradually fading in contemporary practice. Crafted from premium teak and luxurious upholstery, each piece features intricate detailing, exceptional craftsmanship, and timeless heritage.
When Siddhina reflects on women founders, authenticity stands out as the defining quality of their journey. Ar. Siddhina Sakla is the founder of The Arch Studio, a dynamic architecture and design practice.The studio is grounded in strong academic excellence and extensive professional industry experience.She established the practice with a global perspective and refined design sensibilities. Her approach blends international exposure with deep understanding of local context and culture. Under her leadership, The Arch Studio has delivered numerous architectural and interior design projects. The practice is known for innovative, context-sensitive solutions tailored to each client’s unique vision.
Fearlessness is what being a founder means to Priti Dhumal. She is the founder of Pune-based Archville Studio, a design atelier exploring interiors as dialogue between architecture, emotion, and lifestyle. Rooted in quiet luxury and intentional design, Priti crafts bespoke residential environments that feel refined and deeply personal. At Archville Studio, each project unfolds as a layered narrative shaped by spatial flow, materiality, and light. The studio specializes in end-to-end interior design, from concept development and spatial planning to execution oversight. Its practice also includes custom furniture design and thoughtful material curation, ensuring cohesive and immersive living environments. Her studio is distinguished by its nuanced understanding of textures, tonal palettes, and proportion.
“Women have been shaping societies since their very existence. Some have done it quietly yet intentionally, while others have done it boldly, with purpose and maximum impact,” quotes Sushmitha Ramesh. She is the Principal Architect of The Auburn Studio, a practice rooted in the belief that design is not just about how spaces look, but how they are felt, lived in, and remembered. She approaches every project with a strong emphasis on spatial clarity, natural materials, and restrained palettes. Her work often draws from vernacular sensibilities, wabi-sabi philosophies, and contemporary minimalism, thoughtfully adapted to the Indian context and climate. She works closely with clients, craftsmen, and consultants to ensure each space reflects both the user’s lifestyle and the studio’s design ethos. She intends to design spaces that age gracefully, support everyday rituals, and quietly enrich the lives of those who inhabit them, spaces that feel honest, grounded, and enduring.
“Power to empower local artisans,” quotes Khushboo Anas. She is the founder of Allahabad-based The French Studio. Khushboo is a designer whose journey began in biotechnology before her passion led her to interiors. Her style blends clean European lines with rich textures and vibrant global colours, seamlessly combined with traditional Indian craftsmanship. The result is a signature aesthetic that feels both international and rooted. Over the years, Khushboo and her team have delivered bespoke premium urbanhomes. What started as a dream to introduce European, farmhouse, and industrial aesthetics into handcrafted Indian furniture soon evolved into complete turnkey interior design projects. Each creation from The French Studio carries Khushboo’s personal touch. Every piece is handcrafted and meticulously finished using premium international paints and finishes that add texture, depth, and character. Her philosophy is simple: design should feel lived-in, soulful, and warm.
“Women have shaped society as nurturers, leaders, creators, and changemakers, redefining progress across generations,” quotes Manu Sharma. She is the founder of the multidisciplinary design practice Tracing Edges. Believing that spaces are living entities, the studio approaches every project as a dialogue between site, memory, and people. Her practice engages in residential, hospitality, and commercial projects, crafting environments that are multifunctional, highly utilitarian, and deeply sensitive to the end user. At Tracing Edges, design begins by carefully observing the language and latent desires of a site. Each project is treated as a palimpsest, building upon existing contexts while layering new narratives that feel timeless and relevant. Manu follows an exhaustive yet meditative, research-driven process that balances functionality with emotional resonance.
Prathima believes that women must amplify their innate instincts of care and nurture into broader societal spheres, helping restore the balance that shapes contemporary communities. Under the thoughtful leadership of Principal Architect Prathima Seethur, Wright Inspires approaches architecture as an evolving dialogue between people and place, light and shadow, earth and sky. She designs spaces that breathe – environments where air moves freely. Sunlight becomes a building material, and walls do more than enclose, they nurture. Climate, culture, and context form the foundation of her work. She believes design should emerge from the land and its stories rather than exist independently of them.
‘Grit and Excelsior’ is what being a woman founder means to Gayatri Gunjal. She is the founder of Chennai-based YellowSub Studio. Gayatri doesn’t just design, she dismantles the obvious and rebuilds it with better proportions. As a former state-level badminton player, national junior hockey athlete, and high-altitude climber who has scaled 6000-meter peaks, Gayatri approaches each project like a summit.
Her journey winds through CEPT University, Ahmedabad, where she began in Interior Architecture, and the National Institute of Design (NID). Where Industrial and Product Design sharpened her instinct for form, function, and experimentation. At Domus Academy, during her Masters in Living Design, she absorbed Italian craft culture and European design thinking, even collaborating with Ferragamo. Precision met poetry, and she kept both. Her studio operates at the crossroads of architecture, interiors, and execution, but refuses to behave like a conventional practice. According to her, design here is not linear; it loops, questions, argues, sketches, erases, builds, breaks, and builds again.
Timeless architectural features, such as courtyards, are always associated with bringing the naturally public forms to the world’s heart, building the most peaceful, secluded outdoor areas. These outdoor spaces maximize the living experience with their private space feature, which gives one the option for leisurely relaxation, recreation, or gardening. Furthermore, it has also been a […]
Architecture font choices go beyond style—they shape how your work is perceived. From portfolios to presentations, the right architecture font instantly communicates clarity, precision, and personality. As architects, we design not just with space but with every detail, including typography. Selecting a strong architecture font shows your commitment to visual storytelling and design consistency. In […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
In Indian homes with dynamic spaces, identification of standard interior door dimensions can have a positive impact on space optimization. First impressions matter, right? Beyond spaces inside the homes, doors carry long-time impressions through various panel sizes, intricate details, and more. While most of us remember the material and design, we tend to forget the […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
Welcome to the dynamic world of Moodboards For interior design, where creativity melds with functionality and imagination reshapes spaces. As an interior designer, you wield one of your most potent tools: the moodboards for interior design. Acting as a visual manifesto, it comprises a curated collection of ideas, textures, colours, and furnishings that converge to […]
Anthropometry in architecture is the study of human body measurements and proportions to design and layout spaces, furniture, and other elements. It is important to create environments that are comfortable, functional, and cater to the needs of occupants. Anthropometry in architecture considers cultural differences in body size and shape, ensuring diverse backgrounds and characteristics are […]