High on Design Podcast

In conversation with Shivani Gupta Mittal and Ayush Mittal, the co-founders of House of Lalittya — a design firm known for its elegant blend of modern and traditional aesthetics. In this candid episode of the High on Design podcast, they open up about how their lives (and business) have transformed since becoming parents, and how they continue to juggle family, creativity, and growth.From bootstrapping a brand from a 100-square-feet office to running a 25-member studio, Shivani and Ayush share the real, behind-the-scenes stories of what it actually takes to build and sustain a design practice today. They talk about systems, structures, the pressure of client demands, and the evolving nature of design expectations — all while navigating sleepless nights and feeding schedules.This episode is packed with practical insights on team building, designing with emotion, creating sustainable workflows, and staying creatively fuelled while life (and work) keep changing. If you’ve ever wondered what it's like to raise both a baby and a brand at the same time — this one’s for you.Chapters: 00:45 – Meet the guests: A quick intro01:20 – How life & business changed after becoming parents08:36 – Dealing with negativity while growing a design business10:20 – Balancing marriage and managing a business together13:17 – Their take on working with Gen Z creatives14:16 – How gold became their design signature19:15 – Nurturing strong relationships within their team24:08 – The systems they’re building to scale their studio27:56 – How they handle client enquiries with clarity29:11 – Facing stagnancy in business and finding momentum32:12 – Why documentation is key in creative work34:56 – From startup phase to building a sustainable practice36:29 – The most bizarre client requests they’ve received

In conversation with Shweta Kaw, the principal architect of Studio Meraki, a design studio based in Delhi-NCR. In this episode, Shweta shares how she transitioned from being a student to a business owner, learned to pitch projects, build client relationships, and find her voice as a woman architect navigating both the creative and commercial sides of practice.Shweta’s journey into the world of architecture began like many others — as a student full of dreams. But what sets her apart is how she shaped those dreams and struggles into a meaningful, sustainable practice over the last 15 years. From her academic roots in India to completing her Master’s in Building Performance & Sustainability at the National University of Singapore, to working as a Sustainable Design Consultant in Singapore and then in India, her story is layered with learning, risk, and reinvention.She speaks candidly about the early days of building Studio Meraki — the doubts, the hustle, and the unexpected lessons. For young architects looking to start out or branch off on their own, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest insights.

In conversation with Vasanth Packirisamy, Artist, Principal Architect and Partner at Firki Studio, a practice known for its fresh, modular, and idea-driven approach to architecture. In this episode of the High on Design Podcast, Vasanth reflects on the journey that shaped both him and the studio — starting from childhood curiosities to co-founding one of the best dynamic design collectives in the country.He shares how Firki came into being, the story behind its name, and what it takes to build a five-partner practice that thrives on independence, experimentation, and shared vision. From navigating early struggles to building a culture where even interns have a say, Vasanth speaks honestly about leadership, collaboration, and the importance of giving people space to think differently.We talk about life with kids, how parenthood shifts your thinking, and the ever-elusive work-life balance. He also dives into the many strange (and often hilarious) client requests they’ve faced — and why every project is an opportunity for creative problem-solving. From artistic intent to architectural practicality, Vasanth unpacks how architecture must be judged after it’s built, and where the future of design is heading.This episode is full of real talk on studio life, shared ownership, design experimentation, and how to build work that feels both personal and powerful.Chapters:0:52 – Introduction1:26 – Becoming an accidental architect & business owner7:15 – Starting his professional journey13:46 – Marriage, jobs, and early business days15:32 – First few years of work 17:34 – Firki ended up with 5 partners20:31 – The story behind the name ‘Firki Studio’24:36 – How to approach looking at buildings & design29:12 – Unique and unexpected client briefs38:07 – Creating products while building spaces43:06 – The story behind Firki’s brick office50:23 – What it’s like raising a child when both parents are architects52:44 – How Firki Studio is decentralizing design57:23 – What’s coming next at Firki Studio59:13 – Staying inspired

In conversation with Tushar Mistry, Principal Architect of Tushar Mistry Design Studio, with over 20 years of experience in builder homes and show apartments. In this episode we get real insights on budget, the difference in the mindset of developers and clients and the challenges that come along the way. His design studio has specialized in making the best use of resources by providing innovative designs, bringing in class, and a touch of their spirit and soul to the entire space. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

When you consider the indoors and the outdoors as one, you inevitably feel more connected. In this episode of Design Weekly, Anushka Contractor, the principal interior designer of Anushka C Studio shares candid insights into her design journey, how she conceptualizes spaces and experiments with wood tones. 

When you change the scale or genre of projects, you get back into perspective. In this episode of Design Weekly, Shilpa Jain Balvally, the co-founder of Studio Osmosis, a multidisciplinary design practice, shares the beautiful journey of growing her practice and how one should approach varying scales and types of architectural projects. 

Metaverse is a universe where you can be anyone and design without boundaries. It is the future of spatial design.   In this episode, Rititka Kothari, founder of House of Ritika and Colab Cloud Meta breaks down everything an architect and interior designer needs to know about the Metaverse, opening up a new rewarding career path. We talk about MNCs demand for virtual space designers and how you can become one. 

Blending the outdoors and the indoors seamlessly is one of the most imperative tasks for any designer. In this episode of Design Weekly, Shivani Ajmera, the co-founder of Quirk Studio shares the journey of starting and growing her studio. She shares her design approach to achieve clean, minimal contemporary spaces that speak volumes about the client’s personality. 

To be able to create something beautiful for someone else is a motivation in itself. In this episode of Design Weekly, Karan Desai, the founder of KARAN DESAI | Architecture + Design, shares his roller-coaster journey from college to making it big in the industry. He shares his insights on what it takes to create innovative and adventurous design projects.  https://courses.archea.in/learn/thinking-outside-the-wallshttps://courses.archea.in/learn/thinking-outside-the-walls.

This episode is a game changer for you if building passive income has been on your mind for quite a while. Arpit Yadav, a UX Designer for 6 years, a gamer and a hard-core AI enthusiast talks about 3 ways you can make money online with the help of AI. Psssst, it has to do with creating content (without using your own ideas, your own face or even your own voice). Sounds too good to be true? Tune in to this 13 minute episode and listen for yourself.

Tune in to this episode where I am in conversation with Tanya Khanna, Founder of Epistle Communications. If you are thinking about creating your brand identity, this episode is perfect for you because Tanya shares some super important things you need to know about standing out from all the noise out there and why creating a brand identity and a message is important for you!

Tune into this conversation where we are talking about solving air pollution through architecture.  "Climate change is seen only as a materialistic problem like water, fuel or CO2. As humans we are driven by feelings and emotions. When your design connects this problem with emotions, that is when this problem is solved." - says Giriprashad.

Tune in to this conversation with Ankita Thadani, Founder of A|T Design Studio and we are talking about how to switch from employee to entrepreneur ethically.  "Every young designer should be extremely ethical and conscious of the choice they make because every firm understands when an individual wants to start their own business" says Ankita. Hit the play button to know more.

Geometry has a powerful impact on how humans perceive space. In this episode of Design Weekly, Badrinath Kaleru, founder and principal architect of Studio Ardete shares his approach to using geometry in architecture in today’s urban setting. We also discuss the digital trends in the design industry. 

Tune into this conversation with Ar. Chirag Dedhia, founder of Studio4 Consultants, India's leading BIM consultants and implementation experts based in Mumbai. In this conversation we are talking about all things BIM. 

Hey There! I am so thrilled you have tuned in to this episode where I talk about how to battle burnout, create a system and stay creative in your business. 

In conversation with Sidhartha Talwar, Design Principal at Studio Lotus, New Delhi where we are talking about the journey of Studio Lotus, digging deep into their projects and a lot more. 

Thank you for tuning in to this episode where I am in conversation with Ankur Choksi, Design Principal at Studio Lotus. 

Tune in to this episode in conversation with Vyoma Patwa, Principal Architect at Design Lab Vyoma, if you are all geared up to become an entrepreneur but you have lots of questions and doubts. You want to create a system for your business where you don't feel overwhelmed and you can enjoy and expand your growth. 

Tune in to this episode in conversation with Sarika Shetty, Design Director at SJK Architects where we have a detailed discussion about The Dasavatara Hotel which is soooooo inspired and a lot more. 

A good designer would find a way out of everything. In this episode, Veeram Shah - founder of Design Ni Dukaan talks about his playful approach to design where every space becomes a conversation. 

In conversation with Priyanka P. Mehra, Principal Architect at PS Design, Mumbai. This is by far the most fun conversation I have had. Listen to this podcast now where Priyanka talks about her journey of starting as a practicing architect, defining luxury in spatial design and a lot more. 

Hey! This episode is in conversation with Hiren Patel, Principal Architect, Hiren Patel Architects. Listen to tis episode now where we dig into his journey, his approach towards design and a lot more.

Tune in to this episode in conversation with Sebastian Zachariah, founder of Photographix India, an architecture and interior photography studio based in Mumbai.  I have truly enjoyed this conversation with Sebastian where he talks about how he started as an architecture and interior photographer, how does being a part of this niche feels like and a lot more. 

In conversation with Jasem Pirani, co-founder of MuseLAB, we discuss their start-up journey, approaching design problems, details in design, pursuing furniture design or product design as a fresher designer or architect and a lot more.

In conversation with Ridhi Agarwal, Design Head at Hipcouch, we talk about how Covid 19 is going to change how we perceive spaces, how interior industry is going to change and a lot more.

In this podcast, Ar.Sanjay Puri, principal architect at Sanjay Puri Architects shares his story of getting started as a practicing architect, important skills budding architects must have, understanding context of the site to create concepts and a lot more. 

In this podcast, Ali Baldiwala, founder of Baldiwala Associates shares some amazing insights on how he defines look and feel for his projects, his tips on practicing and client dealing and a lot more. 

This podcast talks about how to design a master bedroom, essential things to take care of and where to start. 

This podcast is in conversation with Nishita Kamdar, founder of Studio Nishita Kamdar an award winning architecture and interior design studio. She has also co-created P.O.D Pieces of Desire which caters to bespoke furniture pieces.  In this podcast she talks about how a vacation home "Under the Mango Tree" is different from a residence in terms of design, how she nails the art of simplicity in her designs while setting the right mood for a space.  "Every project comes with its own pair of problems, even answers but one of the most important things you have to understand is the client and their requirements because they are the ones who have to use the space. But we also educate them into how they can make the current situation better than what it is." - Nishita Kamdar

Congratulations!! You are doing really well and now you need to create a team to spread your wings. This podcast talks about everything you need to know, all the nit-ties and grit-ties of hiring your first ever team member. 

In this podcast, Meghna Mehta shares her journey as an architecture journalist with some really amazing insights on what this niche is really all about. If you have just taken your first step or you are almost on the edge, I am sure this will help you get started.  Click here to know more about architecture journalism.

For a really long time, I struggled to stay creative everyday, there was always something happening that blocked my ideas, I couldn’t think of unique ideas or couldn’t even focus to begin with, until I figured out what I was doing wrong. So here's a podcast full of tried and tested tips to boost your creativity.  First Meeting Questions: https://utsavkamboj.com/product/first-meeting-questions-for-beginners/ Mood Boards: https://utsavkamboj.com/product/mood-board-template/

Although architecture journalism is gaining popularity now, it has been a profession in a really long time. Listen to the podcast to know more.  Get in touch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utsav_kamboj/ Website: https://www.utsavkamboj.com

If you are looking for your true purpose and for complete fulfilment or if you are already doing what you love but you are not able to enjoy it completely or if you feel like you haven't achieved your true potential yet, this podcast and this book is for you too.  The Big Leap - Gay Hendricks

In this podcast, Sarah Sham (founder of Essajees Atelier, an award winning interior design studio) uncovers some really amazing insights for architects and designers who have just started their entrepreneurial journey or are planning to start soon. 

In this episode, I am uncovering 4 myths about doing masters and the real reasons to pursue masters. If you have been juggling around looking for how to begin your masters hunt, this podcast is for you my friend! Got questions? I am always available on my website www.utsavkamboj.com and my Instagram handle instagram.com/utsav_kamboj/