- Saniya Kantawala

Saniya kantawala is the lead designer at Saniya Kantawala Design (SKD), an interior design firm established in 2014. Relatively young and versatile, it has successfully completed nearly 45 projects in a brief span of five years. With a portfolio that ranges across different domains such as hospitality, residential, retail and commercial, SKD has made a niche for themselves, winning numerous national and international accolades for limitless design explorations. Many of her notable projects and design inputs have been published in leading magazines and newspapers such as Hospitality Design, Times of India, Architectural Digest, Interior Design Magazine, Elle Decor, Frame magazine, Dwell, Interior design. She was also interviewed by Times Now channel for completing an up-cycled and a repurposed restaurant and bar in India and She was also interviewed by vogue for a Retail project that took place a year ago.

At the age of 17, Kantawala embarked on a design journey, while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in commerce. She learned the importance of honest and effective coordination for executing design projects. Growing up in a family of professionals, she realised the significance of hard work, diligence and sincerity, that ultimately helped her forge her own path to a successful career. She also worked as a dance instructor while studying at design school and later as an in-house design consultant for a real estate company. Graduating at the age of 22 with such vast experience and knowledge, she established Saniya Kantawala Designs with a vision to not limit herself to conventional notions and philosophies and explore varied design possibilities.

Saniya is also a passionate Dancer, she learnt how to dance before she learnt how to walk. From Bharatanatyam to Ballet to even street dancing for Intercollegiate competitions. Saniya still keeps dance as part of her daily routine. She quotes, “When you are passionate about anything in life, for me the passion only dies the day I will.”

Moving forward with the ideology that the “mind is a gifted tool with various layers of visions, so why stick to one?”, Saniya has spearheaded a diverse range of projects that include high-end retail outlets to boutique hotels. The firm is in the process of setting up base in Dubai and is currently developing designs for a residence in New York. As an interior designer, Saniya strongly feels the need to incorporate art forms inspired from India’s diverse cultural heritage in design while aiming to enhance user well-being. By creating thoughtful designs that foster a positive and nurturing environment, Saniya believes we can effectively enhance the quality of life.