How the interior design industry will change in the next few years? If the last 10 years are any indication, it will appear remarkably different than it does today. In 2009—when brass, barn-wood paneling, and exposed-filament Edison bulbs were still seen as stylish—most designer products were sold exclusively to the trade, pricing was often a closely guarded secret, and Instagram and Pinterest didn’t even exist. Now, that internet has loosened the laces on the industry’s trade, consumers have gotten a taste for it and seek to give their homes a style they have always seen in the mind's eye.

A Homemaker and a licensed Architect by qualification, Ankita Gupta established her interior designing venture called I Design Spaces. She has been married for 14 years, and after 7-8 years into her marriage, she decided to put her skills into a business. They say that there is a woman behind every successful man, but Ankita's success story makes us believe in the era of equal latitude and respect. She proudly says that the unmoving support of her husband & in-laws sought her to pursue her passion and laid the foundation for her interior design startup.

Ankita Gupta, the founder, Architect and designer at I Design Spaces, is one of the few enthusiastic architects and has been doing an implausible job of reanalyzing interior spaces in the realm of heritage residential and commercial/ industrial sites. In the epoch of significant changes and challenges, she is leading to ushering in a more robust economy, an equal society, and a nation more equipped with skilled employees. She has been awarded ‘The Jagran Excellence award 2019’ epitomizing the women empowerment culture and contributing to a novel outlook with inside the transformation of India.

“A huge credit goes to my husband, who is the backbone of I Design Spaces, and to my in-laws and other family members who have shown exceptional support to my dreams and endeavors”, expresses Ankita.

The journey of I Design Spaces began from its inception in a basement room with just one parttime staff. From there the firm grew untapped as customers started recognizing Ankita’s phenomenal designs and placed their trust with I Design Spaces. Being a licensed architect from the Government of India, Ankita nevertheless chose to do interiors as she felt it was her calling and on top of that, it was an interestingly creative, challenging, and growing segment. Her passion began with renovating her residence after marriage and took the shape of a profession.

Her unconventional style of working and personal approach to every project makes her work unique and remarkable. Ankita prefers undertaking

fewer projects and giving each one of them her best. Given her personal touch to every project, clients often come closer and eventually become like family. This gives her further spirit to work and fall deeper in love with her work.

Establishing Manasvini

Two and half years into rethinking interiors, Ankita came to crossroads with a group of community workers who expedited block printing, and handloom fabric. Ankita soon developed an interest in this area. So much so, that she established a sister concern firm of I Design Spaces, and named it Manasvini after the Sanskrit translation of ‘a proud woman’. Manasvini offers a wide range of handmade home furnishing. With an online store and a physical studio, Manasvini offers home furnishings inclusive of bed linens, table linens, handloom fabrics, etc. Customization in block printing is one of the USPs of Manasvini that has its motifs and designs.

While the two labels are different in terms of their offerings, Ankita explains how the two essentially complement each other. Once the interiors are done, we offer a glance to our clients at how their homes could be styled with our exclusive products. More often than not, clients do like the pitch and agree to style with Manasvini. The clients' involvement is always on priority; after all, a satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all. Hence, Manasvini has completed the architectural projects of I Design Spaces with the dying art form on handloom fabric under its label. The focus is also on sustainable fabrics which can be effortlessly used in interiors.

“Ankita is one of the few enthusiastic architects and has been doing an implausible job of reanalyzing interior spaces in the realm of heritage residential and commercial/industrial sites”

The Process To Captivating Interiors

At I Design Studio, the team acknowledges the client’s suggested project details and establishes the ground of the exact need from the execution plan and the feasibility of achieving the goal. During the first meeting, the IDS team also discusses the scale, time, and cost, along with the general regulations and norms for the new execution or restoration. Along with that they also keep account of clients’ perspectives about the restraints and responsibilities of IDS’ role or any third party role, such as other consultants (if any) who are required for the project at any stage.

Every project that IDS undertakes is initiated with complete morality and a clear vision. From the very first meeting, IDS prioritizes providing its client with a better understanding of the end ideal. IDS also assist the client in understanding the limitation and advantages of using its consultation, which will additionally help bring the construction assignment to a more fruitful one.

“Ankita believes in listening to the client's requirements attentively and presenting them with designs that have a personal touch”

Consultation is headed by a site visit that includes a holistic view of the location and outlining of IDS’ conceptual planning. IDS team overseas the site and discuss the project scale by compiling information on site. Crucially, the IDS team of experts on-site notes vital points for the project and consequently undertakes the planning. Conceptual 2D & 3D designs & plans are proposed before the workforce reaches and the actual heavy lifting initiates to shape the idea in reality.

Challenges & Philosophy That Kept Ankita Moving Forward

Ankita agrees that being a women entrepreneur is a challenging task given the various responsibilities in a balancing act between personal, social, and professional life. More so, when a job like interior designing is site-oriented, she is often quick on the uptake. Handling laborers, and contractors, and most importantly supervising a command on site being a woman is challenging. However, she adds that when one loves his or her work, everything else could be repressed.

Sharing her philosophy of work, Ankita beautifully reminds us that, the majority of people in Indian society buy a house only once in their lifetime. She goes on to explain that buying a house is a dream come true for many, and therefore, it’s very personal and soulful. Ankita too believes in listening to the client's requirements attentively and presenting them with designs that have a personal touch. “After all”, she adds, “it’s not just a house they’re buying, it’s their home”.

Staying updated with the trends of the trade has been very exciting for Ankita. She says that she has been blessed with clients who themselves are aware of the changing trends in interiors. The era of digitalization and globalization has made the work more challenging and at the same more interesting. Often, clients suggest ideas that Ankita learns, and enjoys working on them too. “It’s fun to learn and to acquire knowledge while working"

‘Life Is Not About Numbers & Limited Opportunities’

IDS works on the principle of collective conception. From the very beginning, the practice has believed in the virtues of exchange, crossing ideas, common effort, shared knowledge, and enthusiasm. Ankita had the opportunity to listen to her calling and take the leap. She passes on the same advice to the younger generation who aspire to become an entrepreneur. She says, “Life is not just about numbers. Marriage or not, succeeding is not dependent on any phase. Life will keep giving you opportunities, you just got to grab one of them and fly. Most importantly, you got to choose what you truly love, only then, success will approach, and stress will fend off”.