TELLING IT LIKE IT IS

Behind the dramatic overtures and picture-perfect vignettes, there is an incredible amount of work that goes into the realisation of any design. In her most candid conversation yet, designer Iram Sultan lifts the veil on the glamour to reveal the details that make the big picture

- IRAM SULTAN

Iram Sultan is known for her wide range of designs including everything from interior design to commercial and more. One of the binding forces among her peers, Iram has come to be known as one of the thought leaders of the Indian design industry today. Inspite of this, she shies away from the spotlight and prefers to work behind the scenes curating, plotting and ideating on design concepts with her team and fellow professionals from the industry...be it on design, art, or both. In her most honest words, here, she lays down all the cards to give us an unfiltered look into the world of design.

REASONS FOR BEING...

I am an eternal student. Everyday is a new day. New spaces, new people, new materials. My endeavour is to keep my mind open, and I hope I can learn from everyone I meet. One of the best parts of this design profession is the exposure you get to multiple methods of thinking about the same thing. What I can do with a space or a material, and what my friends and colleagues (not to mentions heroes) from the industry can do with the same can produce hugely varying results. And all of this essentially boils down to details.

THE GROUND REALITIES

Whenever you see our work, what you see are beautiful photographs with everything looking impeccable. But what you don't see is what it took to get there. That is the biggest reality of our lives and something I am keen to share. Obviously, it takes sweat, blood and tears from many people to get there. As a designer, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a collaborative approach in my life. Our industry is based on it. My first point of collaboration is always my clients. I approach every space by standing in the client's shoes, by being aware that they are the ones who will inhabit it every single day.