SpaceTalk: Mastering Residential Interiors and Innovative

 

SpaceTalk is a Gurgaon based startup founded by Himani Jain.

 

Based out of Gurgaon,  it specializes in personalizing luxury spaces- apartments, villas and farm houses. The studio started its journey a couple of decades ago, and has an extensive portfolio spanning residences, fashion boutiques, jewellery stores, cafes, home bars, offices and exhibition spaces, says Himani.

 

We at Bangalore Insider had the opportunity to catch up with Himani and to know her amazing story. Here are the excerpts from the conversation.

 

 

Give a brief info about your startup?

SpaceTalk is a studio that masterminds residential interiors, and innovative product design. Based out of Gurgaon,  it specializes in personalizing luxury spaces- apartments, villas and farm houses. The studio started its journey a couple of decades ago, and has an extensive portfolio spanning residences, fashion boutiques, jewellery stores, cafes, home bars, offices and exhibition spaces.

 

 

What made you start your startup and what problem does it solve?

The studio was founded by Himani Jain, who was responding to her natural inclination to design. Over the years, we realized just how much details matter. A wholesome space is not just one that looks good, but has come together organically. In other words, spaces have to be built layer by layer,  until everything comes together. As they say, the whole is more than the sum of its parts. This is what we offer- a philosophy of building backwards, where we start right from the smallest details, and build up from there. This way, you avoid so many errors and discrepancies, while also ensuring that the end result is harmonious.
Tell us about yourself, your previous jobs/ventures? What were you doing before this startup?

I was the kind of person who topped the class, and was meticulously academic in school. It was a bit of a surprise when I took up a career path that was unconventional – design. But I had to follow my passion, and was not ready to compromise. I started off training in design, and spent a few years as a design critic. This was a time when I got to travel all over the world. The exposure was stimulating and beautiful, as I began to develop an eye for putting together colour and complex compositions.

 

 

Where is your startup based out of? Why do you think that is the best place for you?

We are currently operating out of Gurgaon. For the niche that we have picked, which is luxury residential spaces, it is perfect. Many of our clients are friends who live in the neighborhoods around us. This helps us keep up our connect with our clients. Many of our clients are people who have come back for more after buying a few of our creations.

 

 

As a startup founder, what are you paranoid about? What keeps you awake at night?

At this point in my career, I am more immersed in the creative aspect of the work than ever. So, yes, I am thinking about proportions and fretting over some tiny element that can make a space come together when I’m going to sleep.

 

 

Who are your competitions and how are you better than them?

Interior design has blossomed into a mushroom of activity in India over the last few years, so there it is a very competitive industry for sure. However, many studios now offer something unique, or some niche experience, like us. This is why we’re confident that the right clients will find us organically. Interior design is a very immersive activity, if you’re any good at it. We constantly build and maintain a good connect with the client even as we’re trying to collaborate, and bring their vision to life. This is really not possible when you don’t have a personal connection with the client. Our studio offers impromptu consultations and is collaborating with the client every step of the way. We are all in, at every step of the process.

 

 

How hard is it to have a work-life balance as a startup founder and how do you manage it?

The studio is currently spearheaded by four people, Himani Jain, the founder and lead, Anindita Kar Roy, the creative head, Srikanth Raghavendra, a senior associate, and Kunal Savarkar, our in-house consultant. Between the four of us, there is a constant bustle of activity. Himani had to work very hard as she was starting out, and it has taken years of perseverance, and a passion that never dimmed, before she got here. She is now grateful to have time to focus on the creative aspect.

 

 

What’s the biggest misconception people have about you? Why do they have that? What’s the reality?

People assume that goo interior design is all about glamour. The truth is that each space has its own context, and very specific needs. Interior design is constantly about being able to dialogue with the space, and balance the client’s vision with what is possible, and know when to stop, or go with the flow.

 

 

What gets you excited about this company?

I am absolutely enthralled when a client returns after enjoying some of our creations. It is the best feeling of fulfilment to know that your work has been done well, and has been appreciated.

 

 

Tell us how a day in your life looks like? Your schedule for a day right from the time you get up till you hit the bed at night.

My day starts from responding to emails and messages. Through the day, I divide my time between client meetings, coordinating work, and focusing on the production. In the evenings, I spend quality time catching up with my family, and home. I do, however, make sure that I have some time alone with the designing and creating aspect, and also assess the way the studio is doing.

 

Tell us about your team and how did you meet each other?

The one thing common to everyone in the team is our meticulous and obsessive focus on the small details. This gives us a common ground to work from, and also connects us creatively. There is a true sense of collaboration, wherein everyone puts in the best of their own creativity and background into the work.

 

 

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