‘It provided an opportunity to turn creative interests into a professional skill set’

Dakshita Dalal, a 20-year-old B.Des Interior Design student, explains why she opted this programme. Th budding designer mentioned how Apeejay is providing her with opportunities while enhancing the preparedness to work in the design field. 

Describing about her recent works, Dakshita shares how she has turned discarded materials into award-worthy installations and reimagined the zoning of Delhi’s Craft Museum as a class project. She landed an internship that took her from concept sketches to client meetings — all while forming clear, considered opinions about how design education should evolve. Read edited excerpts:

Why did you opt for B.Des Interior Design?

I opted for B.Des in Interior Design because I have always been interested in the way spaces influence people’s experiences, emotions and everyday lives. I wanted to explore creativity in a structured way while developing an understanding of spatial planning, materials, aesthetics and the technical aspects of design. The course provided me with an opportunity to turn my creative interests into a professional skill set.

What made you choose ASU, and how are the teachers helping you?

I chose my university because I was looking for an environment where I could develop my understanding of interior design. Here, through academic learning, practical projects and interaction with faculty, I have developed more skills.

Tell us about a memorable class project.

One of my most memorable projects was the “Best Out of Waste” project that we undertook last semester. What made the project particularly meaningful was the opportunity to work collaboratively as a team while transforming available materials into something creative and aesthetically appealing. It helped me understand the importance of teamwork, coordination and the process of collectively developing an idea into a finished outcome.

How do you approach research in your design projects?

Research in my design projects generally involves studying existing and relevant resources available online. Then I understand the specific requirements of the client. I consider understanding the client’s needs and expectations an important first step, as it helps in developing design solutions that are relevant, functional and aligned with the project requirements.

What would you recommend to a novice exploring the field of design?

For someone new to the field of design, I would recommend speaking with students already studying at the universities they are considering to understand their experiences before making a decision. Beyond university selection, I would encourage students to approach design as a process rather than focusing only on the final outcome. Exploring, experimenting, learning from mistakes and enjoying the journey are all important parts of becoming a designer.

What opportunities has the college given you to work on real-world projects?

Last semester, we worked on an existing design project based on the Craft Museum in Delhi. The project involved studying the existing space and exploring how it could be enhanced through more thoughtful design interventions while maintaining appropriate zoning and ensuring that all functional spaces were addressed. It helped me understand the importance of analysing an existing environment before proposing design improvements.

How well is the university preparing you for the design industry?

The greater exposure to industry practices, practical workflows and professional design processes is enhancing the preparedness of students entering the design profession.

Have you completed any internships through ASU so far?

Yes, I completed a summer internship as an Interior Design Intern. During the internship, I was involved in multiple design projects and gained exposure to various stages of the design process.

My responsibilities included assisting with concept development, preparing and mapping 2D floor plans and elevations, material selection, developing 3D designs and renders, participating in client meetings and contributing to market research. The experience helped me understand how the different stages of design come together in a professional working environment and gave me practical exposure beyond the academic setting.