DEVIKA NARAIN

FOUNDER | CREATIVE DIRECTOR

What did you want to be when you were a child?
A journalist and teacher in no random order. Ever since I was little, I've wanted to do something that will create some sort of an impact to the world we live in.

What’s your favorite thing about your work-space?That it's mine! I'm so fortunate to have found a space that I can call my own, the office is filled with things I love and is home to some of the most enterprising and creative people I know. It's got a little day bed you can read in, a dining table at the heart of it where you'd find us arguing over design theories or decor details and my favourite place is my desk, a vintage find where I can sit in peace and work.

Name a person (past or present) whom you admire or look up to. I surround myself with stories of people that inspire me. From Frida kahlo to Julie Taymor and sabyasachi - they're all stories worth emulating. But the people I truly look up to are those around me. I'm incredibly lucky to be surrounded by the most amazing family and friends.

What does success mean to you? Being content. Not on a magical far off day. But every day.

What’s your favourite thing to come home to after a long day of work.Family. Book. TV. Bed. In no particular order.

What’s the best piece of advice you were given when you were starting out. Try it, how bad can it be!

 

HOME TO POSSIBLY  THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY, OUR TEAM IS A MOTLEY MIX OF EXPERTS IN DIFFERENT FIELDS.

TOGETHER, WE ARE THE DESIGN AVENGERS

 
 

SHIRAZ SINGH

PRINCIPAL DESIGNER | MAD HATTER

What did you want to be when you were a child?
An archaeologist

What is your personal or professional motto?
You can be crazy, erratic or absolutely ridiculous but never boring

What tool, object or ritual could you not live without in your workday?
My cup of coffee or more recently my adrak wali chai.

What’s your favorite thing to come home to after a long day of work?
A balcony filled with plants and book + coffee.

Which of your traits are you most proud of?
I am unapologetic-ally myself and that I have an opinion (on everything!)

At what point in life did you first learn about your field of work, what called you to it?
A classic Bollywood answer but truly it just happened. I wanted to work with craftsmen and vernacular techniques of existence! And over time and many many many many jobs later I realized that this industry has potential to genuinely contribute to their skills and lives. As someone who has been actively documenting craft stories this one of the most effective ways to make a difference.

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SHWETA ROKADE

Sr. BUSINESS MANAGER | THE ACCOUNTANT (ref movie)

What did you want to be when you were a child? It began from wanting to be a teacher, to wanting to be a painter and then desperately wanting to be an astronaut. I remember I had stuck cut-outs from newspapers with information about space travel, planets and galaxies in my room, it was like a mini exhibition.

What’s your favorite thing about your work-space That it feels like home.

What does success mean to you? To be able progress every single day, even if it's slow.

What is your personal or professional motto? Believe in yourself no matter what and always do things wholeheartedly.

What tool, object or ritual could you not live without in your workday? Laptop and coffee.

If you were magically given three more hours per day, what would you do with them. Spend time with my family, especially my father since we all get so busy and caught up with things that we forget about our parents.

At what point in life did you first learn about your field of work, what called you to it. I love planning things, even as a kid, I planned all my birthdays. I knew exactly what I wanted to wear (only pink, blue and yellow!) and what I wanted my friends to do. I’ve planned my friend’s birthday parties and proposals ever since! As cliche as it sounds, every time I’d watch a wedding inspired movie or show, I wanted to be a part of that world. I’m so fortunate to be working for something I love.

What’s the best piece of advice you were given when you were starting out? Whatever you do, put your heart into it or don't do it at all.

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ROHAN SHETTY

Sr. DESIGNER | SPORTS HUSTLER

What did you want to be when you were a child?

An artist or a cricketer. I always woke up early morning at 6 before my school just to draw or colour something on my sketchbook. Always started the day with a drawing. Cricketer because I loved the game too much back then. 

What tool, object or ritual could you not live without in your workday?

Early morning walk with Tenali(my dog), everyday before I start my work. 

Which of your traits are you most proud of?

My ability to learn and adapt.

What does the world need more of?

Love, humour and common sense.

Name a person (past or present) whom you admire or look up to.

M S Dhoni. I was always was a big follower of sports be it cricket or football. And sports in general has shaped my character. Be humble, hard-working and a good team player.

What’s the best piece of advice you were given when you were starting out?

Always have an open mind, there's always new things to learn!

APURVA KAPADIA

Sr DESIGNER | MasterBaker

What does the world need more of?

Some Music, some dancing and lot of laughter

What does success mean to you?

Celebrating one cake at a time !

What is your personal or professional motto?

Be adventurous, try it all out - there’s nothing you can’t learn.

What’s the best piece of advice you were given when you were starting out?

Never give up. It only goes upwards

RIDA KHALFAY

PRODUCER | Laugh-a-thon CHAMP

What does success mean to you?

Being able to fulfill the smallest tasks to the best of my abilities means everything to me.

What is your personal or professional motto?

Not everyone is going to like you, deal with it, stay original!

What’s the best piece of advice you were given when you were starting out?

If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room, ask as many questions as you can.

If someone gave you a million dollars, what would you do with it?

I would probably go berserk and keep it forever because I would never come to a decision about how to spend it.

SARAH PATIL

JUNIOR DESIGNER | NINJA

Name a person (past or present) whom you admire or look up to.

Ms Dhoni. I have always admired his ability to live life simple, clear and in the moment

What does success mean to you?

An opportunity that encourages me to do better

What is your personal or professional motto?

Que sera sera - whatever will be, will be.

What’s the best piece of advice you were given when you were starting out?

Life is what you make it

What tool, object or ritual could you not live without in your workday?

Going out for a drive alone and listening to good music.

Which of your traits are you most proud of?

Acceptance and composure

AMRIT NAGPAL

JUNIOR DESIGNER

What does the world need more of?

Kind and empathetic people.

What does success mean to you?

Waking up everyday and spending it the way I choose to. Adding a little something to the world (not sure what that is yet). Being content with my life while I try to grow. Making my younger self proud.

What’s the best piece of advice you were given when you were starting out?

You don’t need to know everything or have it all figured out. Just be willing to learn and put in the effort.

What tool, object or ritual could you not live without in your workday?

A notebook that I carry everywhere with me. I’m a forgetful person, and so I like to write and keep track of all my tasks.