390
/ 10
Min Read
As the Design Lead for Home Storage at Godrej Interio, Vaishali Shah has spent nearly two decades shaping the way Indian homes integrate functionality with aesthetics. Her journey into architecture and product design was fueled by an innate curiosity for complex systems and a deep appreciation for cultural influences. Drawing inspiration from pioneers like Zaha Hadid, Eero Saarinen, and Santiago Calatrava, Shah has cultivated a design philosophy that balances creativity with pragmatism, leading to solutions that are both beautiful and purposeful.
In this exclusive interview, Shah reflects on her transformative experiences at Godrej Interio, shares insights into emerging trends in kitchen and home furniture design, and discusses the evolving role of franchising in the industry. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring women professionals in design and emphasizes the importance of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of creative talent. Read on to discover her perspectives on the future of Indian home design and how innovation and tradition can harmoniously coexist to shape living spaces for years to come.
Can you share a bit about your journey into the world of architecture and product design? What inspired you to pursue this career?
The complexity of systems has always been a subject of interest to me, whether it's system furniture for offices or modular furniture for homes. The challenge of optimizing space while aligning it with user needs to create functional, aesthetically pleasing solutions is what drives me. Rather than a single defining moment, my journey has been shaped by multiple influences. During my architectural studies, I was deeply inspired by visionaries like Eero Saarinen and Santiago Calatrava, who redefined norms with their distinctive styles. Among the most influential figures for me is Zaha Hadid, whose fearless approach to design and ability to push boundaries left a lasting impact.
Additionally, I draw inspiration from India's rich heritage, incorporating cultural elements into my designs to create spaces that are both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.
Having been with Godrej Interio for 15 years, what has been the most transformative experience for you in the design industry?
Having joined as a fresh post-graduate in Design, I’ve been with Interio for 17 years. Throughout this time, I’ve had the opportunity to design a wide range of furniture products and solutions. I’ve also contributed to several strategic projects for the brand, sometimes as a lead and other times as a key participant. The most transformative insight I’ve gained in the design industry is that success is not defined by the product itself or the materials used, but by the experience it creates for the user. To truly fulfil my role as a designer, I strive to craft experiences that are not only seamless and functional but also exceptional from every perspective.
What are some key lessons you have learned as a leader in design at Godrej Enterprises Group?
Over the years, I have learned that great design thrives on balance – between creativity and constraints, aesthetics and functionality. My journey evolved from focusing on flamboyance to embracing pragmatism, understanding that artistic expression must ultimately serve real-world usability.
A defining experience was developing the design language and brand experience for Godrej Enterprises Group's furniture brand. This challenge reinforced the value of perseverance and adaptability while teaching me that design is inherently iterative, requiring continuous refinement. I have discovered that beyond solving functional problems, design must foster connections and prioritize user well-being. Empathy has become central to my leadership approach, driving responsible solutions that address immediate needs while contributing to a more thoughtful, sustainable future.
As a firm believer in the power of good design, how do you balance aesthetics with functionality in your projects?
My design philosophy centers on solving spatial challenges while adding elements of delight. Rather than viewing aesthetics and functionality as competing priorities, I integrate them to enhance the overall user experience. The most successful designs do not force trade-offs between beauty and utility – they seamlessly combine both.
This integration manifests in my emphasis on durable materials like steel alongside eco-friendly alternatives such as bamboo and low-energy materials. These choices create products that are both visually compelling and built to last, reflecting my commitment to longevity over disposability. I approach each project as an opportunity for continuous improvement – refining and iterating until finding that perfect balance between creative expression and practical constraints.
What emerging trends do you foresee shaping the future of kitchen and home furniture design?
The future of kitchen and home furniture design is shaped by several key trends, with sustainability at the forefront. There is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly materials, modular designs, and long-lasting products that reduce environmental impact. As urban spaces shrink, multifunctional and flexible furniture that maximizes both form and function has become essential. Simultaneously, biophilic design continues to rise in popularity, creating spaces that promote well-being through natural elements.
Technology is another major driver of change, with smart home integration extending beyond appliances to furniture with embedded IoT capabilities. These innovations optimize energy usage while enhancing convenience and adaptability. Equally important are cultural influences, as designers increasingly draw from heritage and local traditions to infuse contemporary designs with authenticity and meaning. At Interio, we are developing a concept that integrates these trends while streamlining the kitchen-buying process for time-conscious consumers. By focusing on simplification, sustainability, and adaptability, we aim to create kitchens that are intuitive and efficient for modern living.
As a female leader in the industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Throughout my career, I have experienced a respectful environment working alongside male counterparts. Despite women being underrepresented in the industry, I found it to be a platform where opinions are valued and contributions recognized based on merit. Nevertheless, navigating a traditionally male-dominated field has required resilience and confidence. Zaha Hadid has been particularly inspirational, encouraging me to challenge norms and embrace my unique perspective.
A significant challenge has been balancing professional and personal responsibilities while making a meaningful impact. I have discovered that kindness in leadership fosters innovation and ensures sustainability and empathy remain central to every project. Women bring valuable perspectives to design, particularly in sustainable solutions, where a sense of caregiving and social responsibility translates into user-centric approaches.
What advice would you give to aspiring women professionals looking to establish themselves in the field of design?
For aspiring women professionals in design, embrace your individuality and creative vision. Never hesitate to express ideas that challenge conventions – figures like Iris Apfel and Zaha Hadid demonstrate the power of breaking free from traditional constraints. Remember that design extends beyond aesthetics to solving real-world challenges. Develop your ability to balance visual appeal with functionality while remaining attuned to human needs. This foundation will help you create truly impactful work. Women bring unique strengths to design through heightened empathy and social awareness. Use these qualities to foster inclusive, culturally rich environments that genuinely connect with people. Simultaneously, make sustainability central to your design philosophy by prioritizing resource conservation and long-term environmental impact. The journey of balancing professional achievements with personal fulfillment is ongoing, but by weaving together innovation, sustainability, and empathy, your work can become a powerful force for positive change.
How do you mentor and encourage young designers in your team?
Mentoring young designers involves nurturing their creative potential while guiding them to align ideas with customer needs and evolving trends. I foster a collaborative environment where open dialogue and constructive feedback flourish, encouraging designers to experiment with materials, colors, and functionality to think beyond conventional boundaries. Hands-on involvement in projects, complemented by regular brainstorming sessions, helps them gain deeper understanding of design principles and user-centric solutions. I emphasize continuous learning through design workshops, exhibitions, and exposure to global references that inspire fresh perspectives.
How do you see franchising playing a role in the kitchen and home furniture industry?
Franchising is playing an increasingly pivotal role in the kitchen and home furniture industry, especially as consumer preferences shift towards personalized, quality-driven solutions. It allows brands to expand their reach across diverse geographies while maintaining consistent quality and service standards. This model empowers local entrepreneurs to bring curated furniture solutions to customers, combining global design trends with localized insights. Moreover, franchising helps streamline the supply chain, offering quicker delivery timelines and tailored experiences that cater to the evolving lifestyle needs of customers.
What are some key factors to consider when expanding a design-driven business through franchising?
Expanding a design-driven business through franchising requires a balance between brand consistency and local adaptability. Establishing clear design guidelines, comprehensive training programs, and regular quality audits helps maintain the brand's design ethos across locations while allowing for regional customization.
Digital tools like 3D visualization and inventory management systems enhance operational efficiency, creating seamless experiences for both franchise partners and end customers. Equally important is developing a flexible product portfolio that offers customization options to address local market preferences and spatial considerations.
How can franchising help bring standardized yet locally adaptable design solutions to consumers?
Franchising creates an ideal framework for delivering standardized yet locally adaptable design solutions. By establishing consistent brand guidelines, it ensures that design quality, materials, and overall aesthetics align with global standards regardless of location. Simultaneously, franchise partners contribute vital insights into local preferences, cultural nuances, and spatial constraints, enabling customization that resonates with regional consumers.
This balanced approach gives customers access to thoughtfully designed products that reflect both international trends and local sensibilities. The franchise model also facilitates quicker adaptation to emerging design movements, with successful innovations from one region potentially being implemented across the network. Through this structure, consumers benefit from furniture solutions that maintain quality standards while addressing their specific lifestyle and environmental needs.
If you could redefine one aspect of the kitchen and home furniture industry, what would it be?
If I could redefine one aspect of the kitchen and home furniture industry, it would be transforming the buying process from overwhelming to intuitive. Today's consumers face an abundance of choices, technical specifications, and complex decisions that often create anxiety rather than excitement.
My team at Godrej Interio is currently working on a concept that distills this complexity into an intuitive journey, particularly for time-constrained consumers. This approach leverages technology to visualize possibilities while streamlining decisions, ultimately making kitchen and furniture selection more accessible to everyone regardless of their design knowledge.
How do you envision the future of Indian home and kitchen design evolving in the next decade?
The future of Indian home and kitchen design will be characterized by meaningful fusion – where global innovation meets distinctly Indian sensibilities. We will see increasing integration of traditional artisanship with contemporary functionality, celebrating cultural heritage while addressing modern needs. This evolution will be particularly evident in smaller urban spaces, where ingenious storage solutions and multifunctional designs will optimize limited square footage.
Technology will transform Indian homes through IoT-enabled solutions that respond intuitively to household patterns and preferences. In addition, climate-responsive design will gain prominence as environmental concerns intensify, with homes incorporating passive cooling, natural ventilation, and rainwater harvesting. These bioclimatic principles will align with ancient Indian architectural wisdom while utilizing modern materials and techniques.
