Saachi Marwah Rana is an accomplished interior designer celebrated for her exceptional ability to transform spaces into stunning works of art. With a remarkable portfolio that includes the homes of numerous celebrities, Saachi has firmly established herself as a leading figure in the realm of interior design. Recently,
Saachi ventured into the world of furniture design, drawing inspiration from architectural visionaries such as Alexander Mcqueen and Antoni Gaudí fashion designers. This fusion of architectural brilliance and fashion innovation led to the creation of a groundbreaking collection of bespoke furniture.
In an exclusive conversation with Architecture+Design, she reveals more about the collection, her design philosophy and the role of bespoke luxury evolving in the future:
Can you share more about your upbringing and how being surrounded by art and design influenced your career path? What specifically inspired you to venture into furniture design?
Growing up surrounded by art and design has been a fundamental aspect of my life. Both of my parents were deeply involved in the creative realm – my mother as a closet designer and my father as a National Award-winning bronze sculptor. As a child, I eagerly anticipated being picked up from school, knowing that my afternoons would be spent in their art studio. This was where I was introduced to the intricacies of design, from patina and wrought iron details to brass and bronze. What might seem like an unconventional play date for a child became my norm, exposing me to the intersection of beauty, functionality, and technical craftsmanship at an early age.
Beyond merely venturing into furniture design, my passion for design extends across various mediums. I find joy in creating capsule collections that transcend trends and can be cherished as heirlooms. My childhood was marked by not just designing furniture but also crafting jackets for myself, an early indication of my diverse design interests.
I envision going beyond the realm of furniture to explore areas like jewelry, wallpaper collections, patterns, prints, and overlays. The goal is not merely to create pieces but to curate collections that stand the test of time, passed down through generations rather than being disposed of after a few years. This holistic approach to design, inspired by my upbringing and personal creative expressions, shapes my perspective on creating meaningful and enduring pieces.
Your furniture collection seems to blend architectural brilliance and fashion innovation. Could you elaborate on the thought process behind merging these two distinct styles?
From my early years, a profound fascination with fashion has been a driving force in shaping my creative perspective. I firmly believe in the power of dressing up as a form of self-expression, aligning one’s attire with their mood. This idea of “dopamine dressing” has been a personal philosophy, reflecting in my approach not just to fashion but also to design as a whole.
What sets my design process apart is the seamless integration of fashion into my furniture collections. I draw inspiration from the world of fashion, immersing myself in fashion shows and documentaries. Recently, for my Maison Archangel chairs, the creative spark came from luminaries like Alexander McQueen, with McQueen’s deconstruction-to-construction ethos leaving a lasting impact. His Savage Beauty walk, circa 2005, has been a pivotal source of inspiration.
I view fashion as a starting point for any interior design venture. Coffee table books filled with insights into the work of various fashion designers are a staple in my creative space. Unlike conventional approaches, it’s not just a furniture piece that inspires me to design; rather, it’s an intricate web of correlated influences. Much like the transformative nature of a well-chosen piece of clothing, I contemplate how a furniture piece can dynamically impact and define a space.
This holistic approach, intertwining elements of fashion and interior design, guides my creative journey, ensuring that each piece I craft carries a narrative and resonates with a sense of purpose beyond mere functionality.
How did you manage to incorporate computational design techniques into your furniture collection, and what challenges did you face during this process?
The process of developing our furniture collection has been a fascinating journey, deeply rooted in the exploration of computational design and parametric architecture. Working closely with my co-associate architects, who specialize in parametric architecture, we aimed to translate these concepts into the realm of interiors and furniture, diverging from the mainstream.
It involved a back-and-forth of construction and deconstruction, a meticulous journey to perfect ergonomics and details down to every leg and piece. Instead of taking the conventional route of carving from a single piece of wood, we opted for a more challenging material – bronze. The unconventional choice led us to craft the furniture in multiple pieces, almost like assembling a puzzle. This not only tested our skills but added a unique complexity to the final product.
Beyond the traditional design realm, we delved into biomimicry, exploring its application to non-living entities. The process was a blend of inspiration, extensive research, the creation of maquettes, and a continuous cycle of breaking and making until we achieved the desired outcome.
The journey spanned several years, presenting numerous challenges. However, the result is a bronze sculpture that stands as a testament to our commitment to pushing creative boundaries and embracing unconventional design methodologies. In the end, the effort was worthwhile, yielding a distinctive piece that challenges the norms of furniture design.
The idea that the materials used appreciate in value over time is intriguing. Can you explain the selection of materials and how this choice aligns with the overall philosophy of your collection?
Growing up, witnessing my parents intricately working with bronze, I gained a firsthand understanding of the complex process involved in creating bronze sculptures. It wasn’t a direct transition to bronze; rather, it evolved through stages involving clay, POP, resin, and molding. While the textbooks might portray it as a challenging process, watching it unfold before my eyes, absorbing the intricacies, left a profound impact on me. This journey serves as a tribute to the craftsmanship instilled in me by my parents from my earliest childhood days.
The Maison Archangel chairs, part of a capsule collection, embody not just a piece of furniture but an heirloom. The complexity of the process contributes to their unique character, and they don’t merely fit into a space – they demand the creation of space around them, defining the entire ambiance. This, to me, mirrors the enduring quality of heirlooms that transcend trends.
The material, bronze, holds a special significance. Similar to gold and silver, it evolves over time, becoming more precious. It’s not just a piece of furniture; it’s an heirloom that appreciates with time. This connection with materials, reminiscent of the way beautiful wood stands the test of time, aligns with the enduring nature of cherished possessions, like a Chester passed down through generations, weathering the ages and timeless changes. In essence, these chairs encapsulate not just craftsmanship but a legacy and a narrative that extends beyond the present.
In what ways does this collection transform everyday furniture into genuine works of art, and what kind of impact do you envision it having on living spaces?
In the realm of interior design, my approach is analogous to curating a wardrobe filled with iconic pieces. It’s not just about arranging furniture; it’s about intentionally creating a space that pays homage to each piece as one would with a cherished McQueen dress or a carefully stored Chanel bag. The essence lies in making space for these furnishings, allowing them to shape and define the environment. The underlying philosophy revolves around treating each piece as couture, an heirloom that transcends time and can be passed down through generations—a concept reminiscent of the meticulous curation seen in the world of art collecting.
How do you see the role of bespoke luxury evolving in the future, considering the changing trends and technologies in design?
Embracing the evolution of technology in design is undoubtedly beneficial, not just for expediting processes but also for enhancing imaginative possibilities. It’s a valuable tool that aids in the efficiency of creation without compromising creativity. While new technologies offer a streamlined approach to certain aspects, I maintain a perspective rooted in the human touch. I consider myself a “Tumblr girl,” someone who appreciates the authenticity and personal touch that technology can’t replicate. There’s a delicate balance; technology can assist, but it cannot replace the core of design, which is a deeply human and creative endeavor. In my view, it’s about leveraging technology as a complement to, not a replacement for, the designer’s vision and ingenuity
In terms of design, I’ve always steered clear of being a trend follower. Design, to me, transcends passing fads—it’s about cultivating a space that aligns with your personal comfort and resonates with your daily life. For instance, while cherry bomb red might be considered a trend, I wouldn’t impose it on an entire room unless it aligns with the client’s preferences and daily experience. Design, in essence, is deeply personal; it should evoke happiness and reflect your unique taste. I don’t believe in blindly adhering to trends; rather, I see myself as someone who shapes and sets trends. Every designer has the potential to be a trendsetter, a catalyst for change, and that’s the approach I bring to my work.