‘My time at Apeejay Institute of Design shaped my thinking’

She is an interior designer and space thinker with over six years of experience creating people-centric spaces that feel personal and purposeful. Having worked with Asian Paints and Livspace, she blends design expertise with strong client collaboration, bringing warmth, clarity, and spatial intelligence to every project. Meet Sonali Sharma, an alumna from Apeejay Institute of Design (AID) and a partner at In and Ex.

“I run an interior design practice where I manage projects end-to-end. I personally connect with clients, visit sites, understand their requirements, and translate their ideas into workable designs. From mood boards and layouts to costing, quotations, and coordination, I stay involved at every stage. I do have a partner who looks after execution on site, but the overall design direction and client interaction are handled by me,” the batch of 2016-2018 master’s in Interior Design graduate said.

In an impromptu interview, she reflects on her journey from student to entrepreneur.

How did the institute shape your approach to interiors?

My time at AID played a defining role in shaping my thinking. I am deeply grateful to my mentors who emphasised practical knowledge over theory. They taught us that design is not only about aesthetics. It is about understanding people and how they live. That lesson stayed with me. Even today, I design according to the client’s personality and lifestyle rather than imposing a fixed style.

What kind of projects do you work on?

I handle both residential and commercial spaces. In residential projects, I design complete homes, including structure planning, bathrooms, balconies, and even powder rooms. I believe every corner deserves equal attention because each space contributes to how a home feels. In commercial projects, I have designed salons in DLF, Lucknow, and Janakpuri, and a café in Hauz Khas. Each space brings a different challenge, and I enjoy adapting my approach accordingly.

You have worked with Livspace and Asian Paints. How did those experiences influence you?

Livspace was my dream company when I started. I joined as an intern and later became Assistant Manager at the Experience Centre. For two years, I focused heavily on client interaction, finishes, project auditing, and detailing. That phase strengthened my confidence and taught me how to manage projects with precision.

At Asian Paints, I handled independent projects, including the Noida territory, with minimal supervision. Managing diverse clients with different budgets and expectations helped me become more adaptable and solution-orientated. Those experiences prepared me for running my own practice.

You describe yourself as a space thinker. What does that mean?

For me, a home should reflect the client’s personality. I try to decode how they live, their habits, and even small details about their family. A house should feel lived in, not staged like a hotel. I focus on space efficiency, symmetry, and ensuring even smaller homes feel open and comfortable.

What motivated you to start your own practice?

The biggest motivation was freedom. In a job, roles can be restricted. Running my practice allows me to design freely, choose materials independently, and draw inspiration from travel, nature, and everyday experiences. The constant evolution excites me, and being responsible for my growth has been deeply fulfilling.