Saniya Kantawala Founder & Principal Designer, Saniya Kantawala Design “Luxury, to me, means more or less having the time to do the things we truly love” Saniya Kantawala’s design philosophy is to not have one. “Our mind is a gifted tool with various layers of visuals, why stick to one?” asks Kantawala, who found her calling in the realm of design via a rather circuitous route. A graduate from the HR College of Commerce, she received her initial training from architect Ashiesh Shah’s atelier in Mumbai, learning the importance of honest and effective coordination when executing design projects. At age 22, after acquiring a diploma in interior design from Rachana Sansad, she established Saniya Kantawala Design (SKD) in 2014. The interdisciplinary design studio has carved a niche for itself within a decade, with a notable presence in India and the UAE. Through unique designs and a versatile portfolio that includes hospitality, commercial, residential and retail, SKD has created 100+ projects for a range of clients including boutique hotels, nightclubs and high-end retail outlets. The firm’s international presence comprises a residence in upper west-side Manhattan and a penthouse in London. Saniya also specialises in visual merchandising and lighting design, having completed certifications from UAL, Central Saint Martins (London) and Eli Sava (Barcelona). To make a space feel luxurious, she advocates using the right materials, attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship. With the eye of a gallerist, she also feels the need to incorporate art forms inspired by India’s diverse cultural heritage in design. A social media sensation, Sarah is a shining example of the power of positive thinking and action. An open book about her personal struggles and vulnerable moments, she has garnered a sizeable following on Instagram among mostly young professionals due to the inspirational nature of her updates that helped many since the pandemic. Born into the Essajees family in Mumbai as part of the fourth generation of this 130-year-old legacy of dealers in antiques and high-end bespoke furniture, Sarah acquired a degree in Art History from Duke and Oxford University. While working with her father during her 20s, one of his clients was in search of decorative lights – but instead, found a potential designer! At the age of 26, bolstered by the client’s confidence in her, Sarah did a two-year diploma in interior design at Rachana Sansad while designing the client’s home. In 2014, she started Essajees Atelier – her successful endeavour to bring her family legacy into the 21st century. For Sarah, luxury embodies detail, finesse, time and subtlety; and she recommends understated elegance, solid space planning and soft lighting to make a space luxurious. “Being a part of LuxeBook is a huge honour; it means a lot to me to be recognized as one of the best in the country” Sarah Sham Principal Designer, Essajees Atelier | 43 | 42
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