The architecture and interior design industry in India is witnessing a transformative shift, led by visionary entrepreneurs who are redefining spaces with creativity, innovation, and functionality. In this special edition, we celebrate 10 trailblazing entrepreneurs whose success stories showcase their passion for transforming environments, setting new industry standards, and inspiring the next generation of designers.

From sustainable architecture to luxury interiors, their work reflects a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of design’s impact on daily life. Join us as we explore their journeys, challenges, and remarkable contributions to shaping the future of the industry in India.

Adnya Anvay Naik, Architect

Adnya Anvay Naik is an architect and the founder of Adnya Naik Designs Private Limited, a firm that delivers turnkey interior solutions for both commercial and residential spaces. With a strong focus on blending functionality with aesthetic flair, her firm manages everything from concept to completion—creating spaces that truly resonate with the way people live and work.

Before diving into the world of design, Adnya made her mark as a professional tennis player. Representing India on the global stage, she played at Wimbledon and the Australian Open, and was ranked Asia’s No. 1 pro tennis player, winning the prestigious Asia Masters Series. The discipline, hustle, and focus she honed on the court now fuel her entrepreneurial journey in architecture.

Her path has been anything but linear—balancing high-level sport with academic and creative pursuits. Founding Adnya Naik Designs was her way of channeling a lifelong passion for design into something tangible, impactful, and deeply personal.

Inspired by fearless women breaking boundaries across fields, Adnya knows the extra effort it takes to stand out as a woman in competitive arenas. But to her, every challenge is just fuel for the next big win. She’s also committed to giving back—mentoring young athletes and staying rooted in the tennis community.

Her mantra is clear: keep grinding, trust your energy, and never let anyone dull your shine. Success isn’t instant—it’s earned with hustle, heart, and the courage to follow your own path.

Shivani Joshi, Founder – Pink Coyote Design Studio

Shivani Joshi is an architect by profession and an actor and model by passion. She is the founder of Pink Coyote Design Studio, a multidisciplinary design firm with a distinctive voice in architecture, interiors, and bespoke furniture design. The studio has successfully completed over 45 diverse projects, crafting each with custom-made elements to reflect a unique design narrative. With a philosophy rooted in integrated design, Pink Coyote blends clean lines and minimalism with contextual elegance, and has garnered accolades including the India Design Award (2022) and recognition from Vogue India and Inside Magazine.

Shivani’s journey into architecture began serendipitously. While exploring the CEPT University campus in Ahmedabad, she stumbled upon its architecture college and instantly felt a deep connection to the space and its energy. That encounter led her to pursue her B.Arch at CEPT, where she earned five awards and a gold medal from the State of Gujarat. After graduation, her creative drive led her to Mumbai to explore modeling and acting, where she went on to win “Timeless Beauty” and “Eyeconic Eyes” at Femina Miss India 2013, and starred in four Gujarati films.

In 2018, Shivani returned to her architectural roots and founded Pink Coyote. Alongside her design practice, she continues to work as an actor and model. A passionate animal lover, Shivani fosters and cares for stray cats, often housing several in her studio and garden. Over the years, she has rescued more than 40 cats and remains actively involved in animal welfare.

Shivani draws deep inspiration from the resilience of everyday people and from her grandfather—a pioneering gynecologist whose discipline and service-oriented life taught her the value of integrity and relentless dedication.

Her message to aspiring professionals: “Embrace change, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of hard work. Success lies in the journey, so make it meaningful and uniquely yours.”

Nikita Mehta, Interior Designer

Nikita Mehta is an interior designer driven by a deep love for colours, textures, and thoughtfully designed spaces. What began as a natural fascination with decorating corners of her home and arranging décor elements gradually evolved into a full-fledged passion for interior design. Over time, she realized that creating beautiful and functional spaces was not just an interest, but something that genuinely brought her joy and fulfillment.

For over two decades, AN Design has been redefining contemporary luxury through interiors that are both timeless and expressive. Founded in 2005 in Surat, the studio is recognised for its ability to transform spaces into sophisticated environments infused with character, texture, and artistic depth.

Whether designing expansive luxury homes or compact modern residences, AN Design brings together natural materials, geometric precision, and carefully curated details to create interiors that feel effortlessly balanced. Playful textures, bespoke finishes, layered lighting, striking artworks, and subtle pops of colour define the studio’s signature aesthetic — one that gracefully treads the line between classic elegance and contemporary design.

Every project by AN Design reflects a commitment to craftsmanship, functionality, and timeless beauty, resulting in spaces that remain relevant, refined, and deeply memorable.

Her journey in interior design has been one of continuous learning and creative exploration. She finds inspiration in nature, colour palettes, wood textures, and the evolving materials and finishes entering the design industry. For Nikita, every project is an opportunity to experiment with ideas and thoughtfully combine elements to create spaces that feel both elegant and practical. Watching a concept transform into a finished environment remains one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

Like many women in the design and construction industry, she faced challenges early in her career. Working with contractors and teams in a predominantly male environment often meant having to prove herself repeatedly.

Outside her profession, Nikita enjoys travelling and exploring new places, which often becomes a source of inspiration for her designs. She also values spending time with family and visiting pilgrimage destinations across India, experiences that bring her peace, balance, and perspective.

Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals is simple: believe in yourself and never stop learning. Building something meaningful takes patience, dedication, and confidence, especially for women trying to create an independent identity.

Nikita believes her journey has been shaped not only by her own efforts but also by the encouragement and support of the people around her. As a working mother, she deeply values the understanding and support of her child, family, and loved ones. For her, even small words of encouragement can become powerful motivations that help shape a person’s path forward.

Ruchi Tandon, Architect, Interior Alchemist, Entrepreneur, Co-founder – Ruchi & Shashank (DDJ Studiio Pvt. Ltd.)

Ruchi Tandon is an architect, interior alchemist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Ruchi & Shashank (DDJ Studiio Pvt. Ltd.), a multidisciplinary design studio known for creating luxurious, timeless, and deeply personal spaces. With over two decades of combined experience alongside her partner Shashank Mandlay, she has built a design practice rooted in craftsmanship, emotion, and thoughtful storytelling.

Design was never merely a profession for Ruchi—it was an instinct. From an early age, she was fascinated by the way spaces influence emotions, behaviors, and everyday experiences. After working with some of the industry’s leading firms and gaining exposure to residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, she realized she wanted to create spaces through her own design philosophy. This vision led to the establishment of Studiio Design du Jour.

Over the years, the studio has delivered bespoke luxury residences and sophisticated commercial environments across India and internationally. While trends increasingly leaned toward minimalism, Ruchi found herself drawn to spaces that felt warm, layered, and emotionally rich. Her design language blends classical elegance with contemporary living, embracing what she describes as “balanced maximalism”—spaces filled with personality and depth while maintaining harmony and sophistication.

One principle that guides her work is the concept of unity in design. She believes beautiful rooms should not exist in isolation but should flow together to tell a cohesive story. Large, open, and transparent spaces that allow different zones to coexist while remaining visually and emotionally connected have become a hallmark of her approach.

Coming from a humble background, Ruchi built her journey through perseverance and determination. As a woman in the architecture and construction industry, she often found herself working harder to establish credibility in traditionally male-dominated environments. Managing entrepreneurship, client relationships, project execution, and personal responsibilities demanded resilience and adaptability, lessons that strengthened her both professionally and personally.

Beyond design, she is passionate about entrepreneurship, branding, mentorship, and personal growth. Through conversations, digital content, and speaking engagements, she hopes to inspire aspiring designers and entrepreneurs while building a larger personal brand that extends beyond interiors.

One philosophy that has transformed her journey is ownership. She believes true growth begins when individuals stop blaming circumstances and start taking responsibility for their work, decisions, and outcomes. Ownership, according to her, builds trust, leadership, confidence, and credibility.

For Ruchi Tandon, success is measured not only by projects completed, but by the trust earned and the lives touched through design. Every home she creates becomes part of someone’s story, and that responsibility continues to inspire her. While she takes pride in everything achieved so far, she believes the most exciting chapters are yet to come. Her vision extends beyond designing spaces—it is about building a lasting legacy and inspiring the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs.

Priyanka Kawedia, Interior Designer

Priyanka Kawedia is an interior designer known for blending creativity with functionality, building a body of work that reflects both aesthetic clarity and practical design. Entirely self made, her journey has been shaped by determination, consistency and a strong belief in her craft. From taking on small residential projects to executing large, refined homes and sophisticated commercial spaces, she has steadily carved her own space in the design industry.

Her approach to design is rooted in understanding spaces beyond their visual appeal. She focuses on creating environments that are not only beautiful but also purposeful, ensuring that every element serves a function while enhancing the overall experience. Creating spaces that feel open, refined, and beautiful—while ensuring they remain effortless to maintain every day—has become a defining philosophy in her work. This balance between elegance and practicality has become a defining aspect of her design style.

Inspired by Sudha Murty, Priyanka’s path has not been without challenges. Working in a predominantly male driven industry, she often found herself needing to prove her capabilities. Instead of being discouraged, she relied on in depth research, strong subject knowledge and a fact based approach to establish credibility. Over time, her work began to speak for itself, building trust and recognition.

Alongside her professional journey, she manages her responsibilities within a traditional Marwadi household. Balancing her role as a mother, managing her home and building her career has required discipline and adaptability. She views this balance not as a limitation, but as a strength that has shaped her perspective.

Her message to aspiring professionals is simple. Keep learning, stay curious and invest in your growth. Knowledge and consistency create lasting impact.

For Priyanka Kawedia, success is not defined by scale alone, but by the ability to build something meaningful with persistence and self belief.

Shweta Arnav Tongaonkar, Founder – Shweta Arnav Tongaonkar Design Studio

Shweta Arnav Tongaonkar is an architect and the founder of Shweta Arnav Tongaonkar Design Studio, established in 2021. Her practice is rooted in sustainable, biophilic, adaptive, and conservation led architecture, with work spanning architecture, interiors, heritage restoration, and documentation.

For Shweta, architecture was a natural calling. It offered the perfect balance between creativity, problem solving, and social impact. Her journey began with formal architectural education, followed by hands on experience at established firms where she built strong technical foundations. Over time, she felt the urge to create something of her own, a studio grounded in sustainability, contextual sensitivity, and meaningful design.

Her professional path has been a steady layering of experience and purpose. She has worked on landmark conservation projects, government buildings, industrial developments, residential architecture, and international assignments. When she launched her studio in 2021, she did so with a clear vision to integrate sustainability into everyday architecture rather than treating it as an afterthought. Today, her portfolio ranges from private residences and interiors to public sector projects, master planning, and heritage conservation. She is particularly passionate about green façades, urban farming, adaptive reuse, and her evolving philosophy of Design for Disassembly.

Shweta draws inspiration from architects who design with empathy toward people, climate, and culture, as well as from craftsmen and site workers who bring projects to life on ground. As a woman in architecture, her challenges have largely been practical. Site visits, late evenings, and solo travel require extra awareness and planning. However, she has been fortunate to work in respectful environments where she has never felt underestimated. These experiences have strengthened her resilience and independence.

Beyond her practice, she mentors young designers, engages in conservation research, and continuously upgrades her knowledge in sustainable construction technologies. Writing design narratives and developing innovative concepts for affordable housing and green projects remain integral to her growth.

For Shweta, success is not a milestone but a mindset. It lies in designing with integrity, creating meaningful spaces, and contributing positively to society and the environment. She remains committed to shaping architecture that is responsible, human centric, and future ready.

Dipeeka Kulkarni, Interior Designer & Co-Founder – Necointerio

Dipeeka Kulkarni is an Interior Designer and Co-Founder of Necointerio, a design practice known for curating minimal, boho-inspired spaces rooted in serenity, warmth, and timeless elegance. Her design philosophy goes beyond aesthetics — she believes interiors should be emotionally resonant, quietly expressive, and deeply personal. Every space she creates is shaped to evoke comfort, character, and calm.

Design has been her natural calling from an early age. Drawn instinctively to form, balance, and the interplay of textures and light, what began as casual fascination gradually transformed into a committed creative pursuit. With time, she recognised that interior design is not simply about beautifying spaces, but about shaping experiences and influencing emotions — a realization that now forms the core of her creative journey.

Her professional path has unfolded across intimate residential spaces, expansive villas, and bespoke luxury homes. Through every project, she has evolved as both a designer and entrepreneur — refining her sensitivity to materials, compositions, and storytelling through spatial design. Being recognised among the Top 4 Interior Designers in Pune by APB News, along with features in publications like India Today and Home, has been a testament to the authenticity and soul her work carries.

At Necointerio, Dipeeka has transformed houses into homes that reflect tranquility, individuality, and refined warmth. Each project becomes a narrative articulated through textures, tones, and forms — harmoniously converging to create spaces that feel deeply personal. For her, it is the emotional connection that clients experience within their newly created environments that truly defines success.

Her inspiration flows from the subtleties of everyday life — the textures of nature, the softness of diffused light, travel, art, and people who create with honesty and purpose. As a woman entrepreneur, she has navigated the challenges of balancing professional drive with personal responsibilities, and describes the journey as both demanding and transformative. Through it all, she credits the unwavering support of her husband and Co-Founder, Shardul Sharma, whose belief in her vision has been central to every milestone.

Outside her core practice, Dipeeka is deeply passionate about home styling — layering neutral palettes, organic materials, and tactile elements that breathe soul into interiors. For her, styling is the finishing layer that turns design into emotion and elevates a space from simply beautiful to truly lived-in.

To aspiring professionals, her message is rooted in courage and authenticity: trust your instincts, stay original, and be consistent even when the path is uncertain. Perfection is overrated — persistence, intention, and honesty leave the real impact. Every challenge carries a lesson, and the first step forward is always the most powerful one. Once you begin, momentum becomes your greatest mentor.

Siddhi Lahoti, Founder – Studio Sthaptya by Siddhi

Siddhi Lahoti, an interior designer by profession, has carved a niche for herself through a deep-rooted passion for design that began in childhood. Originally from Pune, she started her journey as a freelancer, spending four years building her portfolio and honing her skills. A year and a half ago, she made the bold move to Mumbai, a city she describes as full of scope and opportunity. Since then, she has completed over 15 projects, connecting with diverse clients and bringing their spaces to life with her unique vision.

Her dream is to design a luxury hotel—an ambition that reflects both her aesthetic sensibility and her drive to take on larger, more intricate challenges. As a woman in a demanding, often male-dominated field, Siddhi has faced her share of hurdles. Balancing home responsibilities with rigorous site visits hasn’t been easy. She’s often found herself managing work on unfamiliar sites, sometimes surrounded only by laborers. But these challenges haven’t deterred her; instead, they’ve strengthened her resolve and deepened her commitment to her craft.

Beyond her professional life, Siddhi enjoys playing chess, writing, reading, and sketching—activities that fuel her creativity and balance her fast-paced work life. She believes that while the field of interior execution is tough, especially for women, the outcome makes it all worth it. Her message to aspiring professionals is simple but powerful: be strong. Her story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the beauty of following one’s vision despite the odds.