In the world of interior designing, women entrepreneurs are leaving an indelible mark, reshaping spaces with their innovative vision and expertise. Among these trailblazers is Reena Gaikwad, the Design Director at RWAMP STUDIO. With a relentless commitment to transforming imagination into reality, Reena stands as a testament to the growing influence of women in the ever-evolving landscape of interior design. Reena holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Academy of Architecture, a comprehensive five-year program.

In this interview with Women Entrepreneur Magazine, Reena shares insights into her leadership and walks us through the industry trends.

Can you please give a brief outline of your career journey?

After completing my bachelor’s in architecture, I gained three years of valuable experience working with an architectural design firm. Seeking further expertise, I pursued my master’s in architecture at Sheffield University in the UK.

After completing my master's degree, I worked with a London-based architectural design firm for almost two and a half years. Following this experience, I ventured into entrepreneurship, starting my own projects. Currently, I am a Partner at RWAMP Studio, my own design venture. This marks the latest chapter in my journey within the architecture and design field.

Coming from metropolitian city like Mumbai, I was always drawn towards community living. I have been deeply interested in how communities are organized and how spaces are utilized. How the built form in which we live & breathe effects the social fabric of our society, whether social, economical or cultural. This fascination, from my childhood to the present, led me to pursue a career in architecture.

I believe that spaces are more than just built forms; they are dynamic environments shaped by events, emotions, and connections. This realization became clearer during my master's studies. Whether it's designing a small product or a space ranging from a hundred square feet to a master plan spanning over 150 acres, it's about the thought process and the impact on the community. For me, architecture and interior design go beyond physical structures; they involve creating spaces that resonate with energy, drama, and connections, ultimately enhancing the engagement of people.

Describe the services offered by RWAMP Studio and highlight the key specialties.

Established in 2017, RWAMP is a multi-disciplinary Architecture & interior designing company dedicated to bringing positive change to the built environment and cultural surroundings using creative skills.

We believe that design has no compartments: we work within the fields of Master planning, Architecture, Interior design, Landscape design, and Product design. Brand & Identity and even research and development to constantly broaden our horizons.

We embrace the concept of immersive architectural experiences, blending the essence of architecture with experiential technology through our ‘Arch+tech’ philosophy and a multisensory design approach. This innovative approach is evident in our work on thematic museums and experience centres with a unique user experience through carefully designed spaces and installations.

We focus on Multisensory design approach such as sense of touch with materials/textures, sense of sound with shapes & forms, and sense of smell like landscape/ plantation & earth materials.

We believe that every element, from architecture to branding, influences and complements the others. Additionally, our focus on architecture plus technology, involving immersive technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality, adds a niche dimension to our work.

Regarding your design approach, could you share how you initiate the creative process for a new project?

Certainly, when it comes to creativity, inspiration surrounds us. Travel & Adventure holds a significant place in our creative process, providing a break to clear our minds and drawing inspiration from various environments. Nature, too, serves as a major muse. Additionally, we find inspiration in movies and diverse art forms. When a client brief is received, these collected inspirations, whether from travel, movies, or elsewhere, serve as the backdrop for our design conceptualization.

The inspiration we gather is translated into a significant overarching idea that becomes the driving force behind the design. We emphasize the importance of this big idea in our creative process. To further develop the design, our team engages in collaborative workshops, where everyone's input, regardless of seniority, is valued. These sessions encourage diverse perspectives, even a small suggestion can spark new ideas. The design process then progresses to address technical aspects, ensuring a comprehensive and interconnected approach to the project.

How do you see the future of interior design trends given the constant changes in the world?

With the continual introduction of various materials, keeping up with and understanding them can be challenging in the design process.

The use of new materials prompts a focus on sustainability, ensuring that our choices align with responsible design practices. There's a noticeable shift towards smaller and more compact spaces, urging a move away from maximizing larger areas. The trend is now towards a more minimal and multifunctional approach, reflecting the changing dynamics of space utilization. This shift is already underway, emphasizing the importance of designing for multifunctionality and adopting a minimalistic perspective to suit smaller and more versatile spaces.

Can you give a piece of advice to budding interior designers?

My advice would be to simply be yourself and have confidence in your abilities. If you truly believe in something, just go for it. Instead of viewing challenges as obstacles, recognize that life is inherently challenging. As a woman entrepreneur, I acknowledge that it's not always easy, and there may be times when you feel the need to prove yourself. However, this perception can be shifted by maintaining authenticity and confidence. Rather than constantly feeling the need to prove, be true to yourself, and the world will take notice.

Reena Gaikwad, Partner, Rwamp Studio

Reena, a dynamic Architect and Entrepreneur, holds a bachelor's and master's in architecture. With a rich background in London-based firms, she's now a Director of design at RWAMP Studio, weaving energy and connections into innovative designs.