The art of interior architecture goes far beyond decorating a space. In Season 3, Episode 6 of In Studio with Kohler, architect Pooja Bihani explains how her Kolkata-based studio, Spaces and Design, approaches each project with a thoughtful blend of harmony, practicality, and aesthetic intent.
At its core, interior architecture is about understanding how people live, interact, and feel within built environments. Spaces and Design focuses on creating interiors that are not only visually appealing but also responsive to human behaviors and day-to-day needs. The goal is to build spaces that feel effortless and alive — environments that feel comfortable, balanced, and well-considered.
For Pooja, design is not just about adding beautiful elements — it’s about how those elements shape the way people live. She emphasizes that form must always follow function. While a home or workspace should look good, its value is realized only when the space serves its users seamlessly.
In practical terms:
Every space tells a story. Pooja highlights that context — whether cultural, climatic, or functional — plays a big role in shaping design decisions. A single design language doesn’t fit all projects; understanding the location, heritage, usage patterns, and owner requirements is critical.
For example, a residence in Kolkata might demand a different approach than a commercial space in another city. Considering local climate, lifestyle patterns, and cultural cues helps create spaces that feel organic and grounded.
Spaces and Design believe that design is a dialogue, not a monologue. Listening to clients, understanding their needs, and interpreting their lifestyle is an integral part of the process. This collaborative ethos helps produce results that are not only aesthetically refined but also deeply aligned with client expectations.
Pooja stresses that great design always evolves through:
The episode ultimately conveys one central idea: good design changes the way people experience their environments. It should feel effortless, perform well, and emotionally resonate with users. For Pooja and her team at Spaces and Design, this means crafting spaces that are not just visually compelling but functionally excellent — places that feel like home, workplace, or sanctuary in equal measure.
By blending deep contextual understanding, careful planning, and thoughtful aesthetics, the studio shows how interior architecture can be a force for enhanced living and meaningful daily experiences.
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