On the occasion of Women’s Day, we caught up with Rupande Shah on what inspires her, and her views and ideas as a woman in the field of design. We hope you enjoy this tête-à-tête!
Berger Paints India: What inspires you to think creatively and fuels you to ‘paint your imagination’? (Paint your imagination is Berger Paints’ tagline).
Rupande Shah: Everything about life inspires me. A little bird, a song, rain drops on fresh soil, solid rock mountains, streams flowing into river, Everything!
Berger Paints India: Which is your favourite project till date? Tell us more about it.
Rupande Shah: There are too many favourite projects. One of the projects which is closest to my heart is a farmhouse outside Kolkata. It was made using all natural and local materials. Open spaces, semi-open spaces and closed areas, all followed one into another to form a seamless project.
Berger Paints India: How do you achieve work-life balance?
Rupande Shah: It’s tough, sometimes, however it’s most important to achieve this work-life balance. I try and regulate my timings. I also ensure that I do not work on any holiday. Instead, I focus on spending it with friends and family.
Berger Paints India: What made you choose architecture/interior design as a career?
Rupande Shah: I always wanted to be a creative person, however reading Ayn Rand’s ‘Fountainhead’ was the decisive factor in my life.
Berger Paints India: What do you enjoy most about interior decorating?
Rupande Shah: Everything! From the planning to the finishes to the end styling of the project. I love what I do, and I do what I love!
Berger Paints India: Which design trend are you most excited about?
Rupande Shah: Design has to be pure basics. To connect with the source of the material and to use it in all its purity is what I like to work with.
Berger Paints India: How does it feel to be a women architect/interior designer amongst male counterparts?
Rupande Shah: Awesome! I feel women are sensitive and very perceptive in their design approach. I use my sixth sense as a woman, to understand and solve design issues.
Berger Paints India:Which books are you currently reading/what are your hobbies?
Rupande Shah: I read a lot. Currently, I am reading “I am The Mind” by Deep Trivedi. I do a lot of photography, meditate and also do yoga regularly. I love traveling to new and exciting places.
Interested in more inspiration? View the remainder of Rupande’s exclusive interview with us by clicking on the link: