Shailja Awasthi: Fulfilling Pursuit of Purposeful Spaces where Spaces Become Stories

Driving the Much Needed Innovation

When we speak of luxury, it is not just a matter of aes­thetics or opulence, but rather, it is redefined as a bespoke experience. It is an emotional journey shaped by storytell­ing, innovation, and sustainability wherein each space is an expression of the people who inhabit it. Hence, whether the project begins from the ground up or involves breath­ing new life into an existing structure, the goal remains the same, which is to create spaces that understand and elevate the human experience.

Furthermore, what truly gives the firm a competitive edge is its commitment to facilitating conscious design. Every project is approached with a sensitivity to energy, emotion, and the daily rhythms of life. This deep aware­ness allows for the creation of environments that do more than just function, they inspire, nurture, and transform.

A Noteworthy Journey

Leveraging unfettered experience, Shailja Awasthi stands out for her unwavering focus on meaning, feeling, and longevity. Her work isn’t about what’s in style, but rather, it’s about what endures, what uplifts, and what connects. With this motion at play, each project becomes not just a structure, but a living, breathing space that is designed to make people feel more alive in their everyday lives.

Furthermore, the story of Shailja Awasthi’s design practice isn’t one of sudden inspiration. It is a tale of a lifelong relationship with creativity. “I’ve been sketching since I was three and a half”, she recalls. What began as an innocent pastime quickly became a de­fining force in her life, shaping not just her career but her worldview.

Growing up, creativity wasn’t just encouraged in her household, it was em­bedded in the everyday rhythm of life. The family frequently moved homes and cities, and with every move came the challenge and joy of making each new space feel like their own. That spirit of adaptation, while reimagining and craft­ing with whatever was available, laid the foundation for Shailja’s intuitive design thinking.

Also to note, her family was a melting pot of disciplines, including medicine, art, science, and technology, which gave her an early appreciation for diverse perspectives. This multidisciplinary exposure sparked a curiosity in her that never dimmed. It wasn’t just about designing things that looked good, it was about understanding how things worked, how people lived, and how spaces could enhance that experience.

Before formally stepping into the world of interior and spatial design, Shailja explored creativity through various lenses. She worked in adver­tising, participated in below-the-line (BTL) marketing, and curated exhibi­tions. Hence, each experience adds another layer to her understanding of design and communication. This di­verse, cross-pollinated background al­lowed her to approach space not just as a physical container, but as a canvas for stories, emotions, and transformations.

Growing up in a traditional Hindu household, she was surrounded by teachings that emphasized observation, intention, and balance - concepts that later found their way into her profession­al ethos. The family environment was a rich mosaic of disciplines: medicine, biotechnology, technology, consumer behavior, and creative arts. This unique blend shaped her worldview and culti­vated a nuanced perspective on what it means to design with purpose.

The inception of the firm was not marked by a grand plan or corporate blueprint. It was more organic, and contained a quiet resolve to build something that combined her love for storytelling, her deep sensitivity to how people feel in spaces, and her commitment to mean­ingful design. Over the years, that small seed of an idea has grown into a respected practice that continues to create environments that resonate, inspire, and elevate.

The Genesis of an Absolute Vision

For Shailja Awasthi, the process of turning thought into something tangible has always been second nature. Her design philosophy goes far beyond aesthetics, it’s rooted in under­standing people and anticipating their needs, even the unspoken ones. “Often, clients don’t fully know what they’re looking for until we help them discover it”, she reflects. Shailja’s approach to space design is an intricate blend of science, nature, psychology, and art.

In a world where luxury was often equated with scale, excess, and imported opulence, Shailja felt the need to challenge that narra­tive. Her idea of luxury wasn’t about display­ing wealth, it was about curating deeply per­sonal experiences. “For me, true luxury is quiet, mindful, and meaningful. It’s about how a space makes you feel, not just how much it costs to build”, signifies Shailja.

Before launching her own firm, Shailja im­mersed herself in the world of brand strategy and innovation, working with international agencies like JWT and Ogilvy. She even led strategy for a stem cell banking company, which is an unusual but telling testament to her ability to navigate both science and crea­tivity. Across all these experiences, one thread remained constant, which is the pursuit of sto­ries that connect deeply with people and the spaces they inhabit. The decision to start her own venture wasn’t driven by rebellion or dis­content, but it was born out of a need to add real value.

Today, her studio is a reflection of that be­lief, a place where ideas take shape not just in concrete and color, but in energy, emotion, and intention. It’s not just a business, it’s a calling. And in every project, Shailja continues to re­define what design can do, and not just for a space, but for the people who live within it.