#OnTheCover: Matriarch Shilpi Sonar’s maximalist luxury interiors find new expressions through son Satyadeep’s innovative urban planning and daughter-in-law Arpita Sood’s precise interior aesthetics

Some families pass down heirlooms. The Sonars pass down a legacy of transforming spaces and shaping skylines. In a world where the built environment increasingly defines our lives, this family stands at the vanguard, wielding
creativity as their weapon and innovation as their shield. It began with Shilpi Sonar, a visionary who saw beyond the four walls of convention. Today, her son Satyadeep Sonar and daughter-in-law Arpita Sood Sonar carry that vision forward, expanding it from interiors to entire urban landscapes. Theirs is not just a story of design; it’s a saga of dreams inherited, ambitions nurtured, and a family united by the common goal of leaving the world more beautiful than they found it. From the bustling streets of Nagpur to the heart of Raipur, their journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

This trio represents a perfect blend of experience and fresh perspective, of time-honoured traditions and cutting-edge innovations. Mrs. Sonar’s maximalist aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail, honed over decades of experience, find a perfect counterpoint in Satyadeep’s diverse architectural portfolio and Arpita’s sharp, precise approach to interior design. At the heart of CREATIONS lies a design philosophy that masterfully balances grandeur with grace. Established in 1989, CREATIONS doesn’t merely design spaces; they orchestrate experiences. From the first spark of an idea to the final brushstroke, the firm immerses itself in every facet of the creative journey. Their hands shape each phase—from initial concept and meticulous planning to exterior finesse and intricate design development.

In an era of relentless modernisation, CREATIONS stands as a beacon of cultural reverence. Their work is a love letter to heritage, seamlessly weaving contemporary aesthetics with timelessness. Each design is an understated symphony of comfort, transforming clients’ dreams into tangible havens. The result? Tranquil retreats where luxury whispers rather than shouts, allowing inhabitants to bask in opulence while cocooned in serenity. Urban Saints, the brainchild of visionary architect Satyadeep Sonar, burst onto the design scene in 2018, heralding a new era in architectural innovation. This avant-garde firm doesn’t just design buildings; it reimagines the very fabric of urban landscapes. With a name that evokes both reverence and rebellion, Urban Saints has quickly established itself as a sanctuary for cutting-edge design thinking. Their specialty? A potent cocktail of revolutionary space planning and technological wizardry that transforms mundane blueprints into awe-inspiring realities. Under Shilpi, Satyadeep and Arpita’s stewardship, Urban Saints doesn’t just keep pace with the evolving architectural landscape—it sets the pace. The firm’s comprehensive technological strategising acts as a crystal ball, anticipating future needs and seamlessly
integrating them into present-day designs.

In the pages that follow, we’ll explore the minds behind this extraordinary family of designers. We’ll uncover the
secrets of their success, the challenges they’ve faced, and the vision they share for the future of design in India and beyond. From the opulent interiors of CREATIONS to the innovative urban landscapes of Urban Saints, we’ll take you on a journey through the Sonar family’s world of design—a world where creativity knows no limits, and where three generations come together to craft the spaces of tomorrow. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and amazed as we pull back the curtain on one of the most exciting collaborations in the world of design today. Welcome to the world of the Sonars!

SHILPI SONAR: THE MAXIMALIST MAESTRO
Kashish Kaushal (KK): Can you take us through the early days of your career and what inspired you to establish CREATIONS in 1989?
Shilpi Sonar (Shilpi): I was enthusiastic about pursuing interior design because it fascinated me to comprehend design as a medium to explore my creativity. During those years, architecture was prevalent and widely understood, while interior design was merely regarded as a component of decoration and a pastime. After completing my degree, I recognized the potential and impact of design in spaces, which motivated me to pursue interior design as a profession rather than a mere hobby.

KK: What were the challenges you faced in starting your own design firm, especially in a smaller city like Raipur in the late 1990s?
Shilpi: Initially, there was considerable resistance primarily due to a lack of knowledge and awareness. The scope of
interior designers was limited to curtains, cushions, and colour coordination of soft upholstery. This was further exacerbated by carpenters and contractors of that era who questioned the validity of ideas because women were not associated with technical knowledge during those times. However, with a clear vision, I aimed early in my career to ensure that the world would one day recognize interior design as an integral aspect of designing spaces. With this intention, I established Creations in 1989 in Nagpur. Initially, I was a one-person team because, while there were draftsmen, there was no proper infrastructure or technical understanding for them to detail interior drawings. I personally drafted sheets for nights on end to ensure that my clients fully understood the designs.

KK: How did you balance your career ambitions with raising a family, and what role did your husband and family play in supporting your entrepreneurial journey?
Shilpi: It was a significant balancing act that required a great deal of care and attention. My husband, Nimchand, was a senior figure in the firm, and young Satyadeep, who is now an architect, was just a young child. Balancing the demands of motherhood with my desire to establish myself in the industry was challenging. I had to work exceptionally hard, as there was limited support and understanding of my architectural drawings. It was a difficult period, but I persevered. My unwavering dedication, hard work, and efficiency were instrumental in shaping my career and achieving success.

SATYADEEP SONAR: THE URBAN VISIONARY
KK: Can you tell us about your journey into the world of architecture and urban design, and what led you to establish Urban Saints in 2018?
Satyadeep Sonar (Satyadeep): Architecture has always captivated me. Growing up in an environment of designers, I developed a keen interest in details and drafted sections of buildings. My passion for architecture solidified when I watched a documentary about the Petronas Towers, which at the time were the tallest buildings in the world. Architecture presents endless possibilities for creativity, which excites me. The opportunity to challenge structural physics is a primary driving force behind my interest in the field. Upon returning from London, I felt compelled to contribute to the city that has given me so much. I chose the name ‘Urban Saints’ with the intention of restructuring the urban fabric of Raipur without prioritizing the imposition of out of-context buildings.

KK: How does Urban Saints’ approach to innovative space planning and comprehensive technological strategizing differ from traditional architectural firms?
Satyadeep: Urban Saints employs a multifaceted design approach that draws inspiration from diverse sources. We
adhere to world-class design principles, adapting them to local sensibilities to create contextual designs. Our firm
specializes in spatial planning, prioritizing holistic experiences of luxury through thoughtful considerations of space, light, and ventilation. We also excel in integrating various energy-efficient systems to create exceptional technological experiences. As a forward-thinking firm, we challenge conventional structural dynamics, striving to design lightweight and innovative buildings. Unlike traditional architectural firms, our approach emphasizes designing spaces from the inside out. In the Indian context, interior spaces play a crucial role in functional usage,
while exterior areas are tailored for leisure activities.

KK: What is your design philosophy, and how has it been influenced by your mother’s work and the legacy of CREATIONS?
Satyadeep: I feel it is essential to clarify the assumption that my mother’s guidance simplifies my work, is not entirely accurate. While my architectural studies abroad exposed me to diverse schools of thought, upon returning to Raipur to apply these concepts, I encountered challenges due to the lack of local relatability. However, my mother’s role in shaping my design philosophy proved pivotal. Despite her lack of involvement in the intricate structural aspects of buildings, she imparted a profound understanding of the contextual relevance of spaces in our region. Her guidance enabled me to grasp the expectations and preferences of our clientele, which I then skillfully incorporated
into my architectural designs. I firmly believe that her expertise in the field is unparalleled. Having collaborated with renowned industry figures and gained extensive global exposure to design, I can confidently assert that her exceptional ability to comprehend human emotions allows her to create unique and memorable experiences for our clients. This is a talent that I genuinely aspire to acquire from her.

ARPITA SOOD SONAR: THE SPACE SCULPTOR
KK: What excites you the most about joining Urban Saints as a partner and interior designer? How do you plan to leverage your skills and expertise to contribute to the firm’s design process and projects?
Arpita Sood Sonar (Arpita): Leading our team and ensuring client satisfaction through successful project handovers is a source of great pride and accomplishment for me. I am committed to improving our firm’s design process and bringing about positive change. By meticulously managing our work patterns and implementing an enhanced execution process, I aim to introduce a fresh and innovative approach to interior design in our city of Raipur.

KK: In what ways do you and your husband, Satyadeep Sonar, collaborate or influence each other’s work? What are your goals and aspirations for your partnership with Urban Saints, both in terms of the firm’s growth and your personal development as a designer?
Arpita: Satyadeep and I have a highly effective design partnership. Our shared understanding of spaces emphasizes
comfort and coziness, which contrasts with his more opulent design style. When collaborating with me, he focuses on
creating cozy corners and tea spots that exude a warm and inviting atmosphere. In return, he inspires me to incorporate richer materials and a touch of flair into my designs, adding a bit of flambouyance to the cozy spaces I create. Despite our differences, our designs seamlessly blend together, creating a natural and harmonious aesthetic that resonates with the majority of our clients.

THE TRIFECTA OF SPATIAL TRANSFORMATION
KK: What are the unique strengths and perspectives that each of you brings to the design process, and how do you leverage these to create a dynamic and collaborative working relationship?
Shilpi: You know, our design firm has been around for a long time, and we’ve seen a lot of changes over the years. But one thing that’s always stayed the same is our commitment to helping our designers be the best they can be. I’ve been working as a principal designer for over 30 years, and I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to give designers the freedom to explore and experiment. When Satyadeep and Arpita feel like they can be themselves, they come up with the best ideas. And that’s a big learning experience for me too! I’m so proud of the work they’ve been doing lately, and I can’t wait to see what they do next. Satyadeep oversees spatial arrangements, architectural details, and technical aspects of construction and technology. He ensures a clear canvas for our designs, preventing service overlaps during execution. Arpita spearheads the introduction of innovative building materials and quirky elements, efficiently managing interior technicalities.

KK: How do you navigate the challenges or potential conflicts that may arise when working together as a family cum design team in the same industry?
Satyadeep: In the initial stages of our collaboration, we encountered diverse perspectives and had to temporarily set aside our preconceived notions to comprehend each other’s creative visions. Drawing from our collective experiences, we recognize the significance of attentively considering everyone’s ideas. In the realm of design, we consistently embrace the fusion of diverse concepts and design elements. Once the designated design lead is identified, we empower them to assume full responsibility and provide unwavering support throughout the design process.

KK: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance while running successful design firms and collaborating on projects?
Shilpi: Upon returning from the office, we frequently take complete breaks. While our work schedule is demanding, we refrain from discussing work-related matters once we are with our family. I am deeply spiritual and believe that all issues will eventually resolve themselves.
Arpita: We are fortunate to have two lovely children, whose smiles completely revitalise us after a hectic day at work. Furthermore, we adhere to fitness routines that enhance our mental clarity.

KK: Looking back on your respective journeys, what are the most significant achievements or milestones that you are most proud of, both individually and as a design team?
Satyadeep: Our esteemed leader, Mom, has received numerous accolades throughout her illustrious career,
including various prestigious awards and widespread recognition within the design community. Notably, she was recently honored with the prestigious Smt. Satya Devi Memorial Award by the Indian Building Congress in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the field of interior design. Furthermore, Mom was recognized as one of the top 100 most influential women in the country this year. Her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership have been instrumental in fostering a thriving ecosystem for interior designers in the state of Chhattisgarh. As a team, we are proud to be consistently ranked among the top 50 design firms in India, a testament to our collective expertise and commitment to excellence.

To read the full interview, subscribe to Architecture+Design!