Meet Sandhya Lohani

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sandhya Lohani. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sandhya below.

Sandhya , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

As an Interior Designer, I keep my creativity alive by seeking inspiration from diverse sources,
a multifaceted approach, drawing inspiration from the unexpected and embracing the unique needs of each project.

Keeping current with the latest trends whether it be color palettes, fabric innovations, and material advancements allows me to transform spaces into vibrant expressions of personality. It’s not just about following trends blindly, but about understanding the underlying principles and then applying them with a fresh perspective, ensuring the final result is both stylish and timeless.

I find inspiration in the most unexpected of places such as in art galleries, looking at architectural marvels, the rhythm of music, and the boundless beauty of nature. The colors of a Moroccan market, the geometry of a Japanese garden, the textures of a Tuscan vineyard – each of these are abundantly rich in design and offer unique perspectives to draw inspiration from.

Ultimately, design is about people. Truly understanding a client’s needs, desires, and lifestyle is essential for creating spaces that resonate with them on a deeply personal level. I strive to weave elements that reflect their individual stories, ensuring the design not only meets their practical requirements but also provides comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging within their own four walls. The goal is a harmonious synergy between aesthetics and functionality, a space that genuinely feels like home

Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, I turn to nature. It is, after all, our greatest teacher. Recently, I’ve been drawn to incorporating natural, environmentally friendly materials into my designs. These elements not only offer visual richness and tactile appeal but also contribute to the overall well-being of the user, creating spaces that are both beautiful and sustainable. From the warmth of reclaimed wood to the calming presence of natural stone, nature offers a palette of possibilities for crafting spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also promote a healthier and more harmonious living environment.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

The path to interior design wasn’t a straight line for me, but a captivating detour from the world of architecture. My fascination with interiors started very early on as a student of architecture. I was mostly captivated with the intricate details and human-centric approach of interior design. After graduating with a degree from the prestigious New York School of Interior Design, I gained valuable experience across diverse projects from assisting lead designers on major commercial projects like MTV networks and a multi-media ad firm in Times Square, NYC, to sourcing interior fabrics and materials for high-end residential design projects.

Now, nestled in the beautiful city of San Diego for over a decade, my design philosophy blends aesthetics with environmental consciousness. My current work is deeply inspired by nature, emphasizing organic forms and a sense of grounded comfort. The core principle is to create spaces where people feel truly at home, while simultaneously fostering awareness of the choices they make within those spaces.

I strongly believe we all have a part in preserving our environment. I strive to utilize environmentally friendly products in every aspect of a design, from flooring and wall coverings to fabrics, finishes, and paint. Maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle, not only extends to nutrition and fitness but starts within the home from creating spaces that promote overall wellbeing.

The philosophy is simple: every conscious choice contributes to a healthier planet. Whether it’s incorporating recycled materials, repurposing panels for walls, breathing new life into vintage desks, or opting for low VOC paints and tiles, all these little details collectively make a significant impact.

Looking ahead, I really would love to further educate the general public on the importance of sustainable choices. The goal is to inspire a shift towards less waste, more environmentally friendly practices, and the realization that every individual can play a role in nurturing the health of our planet. It’s a call to action, encouraging everyone to embrace their own unique way of contributing to a more sustainable future.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back at my own path, from a design student to a practicing professional, I can confidently say that three core qualities have been the most impactful to me are communication, creativity, and problem-solving. These pillars not only shaped my growth but continue to be indispensable in navigating the complexities of the design industry.

Interior Design is a collaborative effort between the client, contractor, and other professionals. Communication is key and vital to ensure a successful project.

Designers need to be adept listeners, truly understanding their clients’ needs, preferences, and budget constraints. They need to translate these needs into a cohesive design vision, communicating project ideas clearly and concisely, setting realistic deadlines, and managing expectations. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building trust and rapport with clients, fostering a positive and collaborative working relationship

Creativity is the heart and soul of interior design. You need to be able to visualize and conceptualize spaces, come up with problem solving skills, think outside the box and create unique and innovative solutions.
I would highly suggest keeping a journal and taking notes on what inspires you the most be it art, architecture, music , nature or travel. Draw inspiration from these.

Design projects rarely go exactly as planned. Unexpected challenges are inevitable. That’s where problem-solving skills come into play. Be resourceful and creative in developing effective solutions. This might involve finding alternative materials, adjusting the design, or negotiating with contractors

To an aspiring designer, embrace the learning process, stay curious, and never stop pushing the boundaries of your creative vision. The world is waiting to see the spaces you’ll create!

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

I have had the opportunity to work with many clients, who have both inspired me and helped me to grow in my profession. First and foremost, Interior design is teamwork. I believe a project is successful when the designer and client work together and are able to communicate openly and respect each other’s views. Clients are always asking how to pick the right professional designer who can understand their style. It is equally important for us to have the ideal client who we design for.

My ideal client would be someone who would trust me for my creative vision and design advice. This itself would help alleviate a lot of the overwhelming stress clients go through when undertaking a new remodel, renovation or addition. I would like them to relax and enjoy the process while I will be working to achieve their dream vision.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

For pictures of Sandhya, please credit SL PhotoStudios

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