One of the most striking aspects of Shivani Ajmera and Disha Bhavsar’s dynamic is the quiet confidence they exude, both individually and in their partnership. It’s a confidence that’s not loud or boastful, but rather a deep-seated self assurance that comes from knowing their strengths, trusting each other, and being secure in their collaborative vision. It’s evident in the way they bounce ideas off each other, their banter and laughter filling the room as they explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of their design practice. When asked about their ultimate dream project, Shivani and Disha’s eyes light up in unison. Without hesitation, they share a vision that’s been brewing in their minds for years: “A quaint café by the beach, with a lush nursery and a library.” Perhaps it is this unison of thought and vision that makes their partnership so successful.
Quirk Studio, founded in 2013, rapidly established itself as a force in the design world. The duo’s signature style combines minimalist principles with intricate narratives, reflecting their deep love of design and the emotional power of spaces. Shivani notes, “We didn’t deliberate too much before setting up the practice—it was a spontaneous leap.” It’s this spontaneity of thought that sets them apart, even today. From colleagues to friends to partners, Disha and Shivani have navigated an interesting journey. “Our journey began with two laptops, a shared vision, and Disha’s dining table as our first makeshift workspace. It was just the two of us, diving headfirst into our first projects with nothing but passion and determination,” reminisces Shivani. Over a decade since their inception, these pioneering design entrepreneurs have refined their expertise, mastering the intricacies of the business of design and cultivating a distinct design aesthetic that sets them apart.
Our meeting took place at their studio, a physical manifestation of their creative essence. The space pulsed with their energetic vibe, layered with subtle nuances, inviting us to delve deeper. As we settled in, they shared their collective journey, offering a glimpse into the symbiotic partnership that has come to define their design practice.
THE BIRTH OF QUIRK
Take us to the beginning? How did two young creatives from diverse backgrounds come together to start an interior design studio?
Shivani: Both of us began our professional journeys working with renowned architects and interior designers, gaining valuable experience in the industry. Our paths converged when we became colleagues at a prominent publishing house in India. During this time, we discovered a shared passion for design, a similar aesthetic sensibility, and a deeper commitment to shaping the built environment through thoughtful design. This creative synergy and shared ambition inspired us to establish Quirk Studio—our independent design practice dedicated to crafting spaces that are both meaningful and transformative.
How did design happen to you? Shivani, you specialised in mass media but decided to pursue design? How did this shift happen? Disha, what inspired you to pursue design?
Disha: Since my childhood, I was inclined towards art and design. My dad has always had a keen eye for design and detail, which came naturally to me. I have an aunt who is an interior designer, and while growing up, she was a big influence and inspiration to me. It is through her that I learnt and realised the potential of Interior Designing as a profession and a business. I learnt what one could do with it, and that opened a whole new world of possibilities for me as I was naturally drawn to design, which further concretised my decision to study Interior Design after I finished my schooling.
Shivani: While I was in the early years of my undergraduate programme in advertising, I happened to get a chance to design my cousin’s bedroom. It was then that I discovered the world of design can be made into a career, and I also realised that this was something I really loved. This serendipitous realisation led to the switch, but I did finish my degree, after which I went on to study Interior Design in Italy, formally.
When did you both realise that you nurture the same passion for design? Take us through your initial days.
Shivani: While working on a large event together, we happened to have a conversation about what our future goals were, and realised that we were very aligned in what we wanted to create for ourselves. While working, we had already developed an inherent rapport. This conversation grounded our understanding of how each of us serves together, from which bloomed the idea to partner and create something larger than Disha and Shivani as individuals.
We didn’t overthink anything, nor did we ask too many people for their opinions and suggestions. Instead, we took off from whatever knowledge and experience we had, taking a leap of faith in the truest sense, and figured out everything along the way, right from scratch. This has been a huge part of our story and our journey as individuals and as Quirk Studio, and we wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. Spontaneity and instincts are what got us started, brought us here and keep us going, even today—it is our USP.
Why Quirk Studio?
Disha: From the outset, we aspired to establish a practice that reflected our distinct design philosophy. When the time came to choose a name, Quirk resonated deeply with us. The word embodies individuality, originality, and a distinctive approach—qualities we strive to infuse into our work. It encapsulates our commitment to create spaces that are not only aesthetically compelling and functional but also uniquely expressive. The name felt instinctively right, encapsulating both our design ethos and our creative spirit.
What aspects of each other’s personalities, skills or work styles resonated with you and inspired you to take the plunge to start a collaborative venture?
Shivani: What really works for our partnership is the fact that we began as colleagues, we have seen each other in a work environment—that became our foundation, and our equation evolved from there, and so did our friendship. Once we started QS, certain rules came about organically, whether it is mutual respect, trust or keeping egos at the door, we endorsed all of this inherently and with our team members. Both of us have always believed in the ethos of “less is more”, and our spaces subscribe to a contemporary and minimalist design language. We want to create a difference in a person’s space, to completely transport and centre them when they enter it. It is also about creating change and uplifting people’s lives through these curated pockets of being.
Friends first? Or colleagues first?
Disha: Colleagues first, and then friends—stuck together forever and we won’t have it any other way! We believe that our partnership at Quirk Studio worked and has come a long way because we were aware of each other’s temperaments since the beginning. This experience was foundational to the great camaraderie that we share on the work front today. So essentially, we are colleagues turned partners, who became great friends, and today we
are like family to each other.
One thing we practice as individuals and imbibe in our team is that we don’t count. Everybody is doing what they can, to the best of their abilities; someday one person has a bad day, the other day someone else does. The idea is to take the vision forward and balance each other and not be petty.
You are first-generation design entrepreneurs. Were there any challenges while setting up? If so, how did you navigate through those challenges?
Shivani: In the initial stages of our journey, one of the biggest challenges we faced was establishing our practice without any external backing. Without a predefined roadmap, or guide, we had to navigate every aspect of building a business independently—from setting up backend operations and assembling a team to creating a workspace that reflected our vision. However, through perseverance, adaptability, and a shared commitment to our craft, we were able to overcome these challenges and lay a strong foundation for Quirk Studio.
I’m curious to know what your first workspace was like, and how is it like now?
Shivani: Our journey began with two laptops, a shared vision, and Disha’s dining table as our first makeshift workspace. It was just the two of us, diving headfirst into our first projects with nothing but passion and determination.
As our work gained momentum, so did our need for a dedicated space, leading us to our first office—a modest yet
significant milestone. Over the years, as our team and portfolio grew, so did our workspace, evolving into the vibrant design studio we have today. Looking back, that humble beginning remains a testament to our journey, reminding us of how far we’ve come.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY AND PROCESS
How would you describe your shared design philosophy, and what sets your collaborative work apart?
Disha: At the heart of our studio’s philosophy is a deep-seated passion for crafting people-centric spaces that not only coexist harmoniously with their surroundings but also tell a unique story. For us, design is about creating an emotional connection between individuals and the spaces they inhabit. We’ve always been driven by a desire to strike the perfect balance between functionality and timeless elegance, resulting in spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
Our studio’s vision is deeply personal—we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and experimentation to create spaces that are truly one-of-a-kind. Every project is an opportunity for us to learn,
grow, and evolve as designers. And yet, despite the ever-changing landscape of design trends and technologies,
our core values remain unwavering: a relentless pursuit of quality, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a passion for creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and nurture those who inhabit them.
COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS AND EXPERIENCES
What has been your most memorable or challenging project to date, and what did you learn from it?
Shivani: One of our most challenging projects to date has been our London project— Dunraven Home, which presented a unique set of opportunities and learning experiences. Designing in an entirely different continent required us to adapt to new regulations, construction standards, and workflow dynamics. The complexities were further heightened by the fact that we undertook this project during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating travel restrictions, remote coordination, and evolving logistical challenges.
Despite these obstacles, the experience was immensely rewarding. It broadened our understanding of international design practices, strengthened our ability to adapt to diverse working methodologies, and reinforced the importance of flexibility and innovation in our process. Ultimately, it was a project that not only pushed our creative and operational boundaries but also enriched our practice with a global perspective.
How do you handle creative disagreements or differing opinions when working together?
Disha: I think disagreements are opportunities to refine and elevate our work. Our approach is straightforward—the best idea always takes precedence, regardless of whether it comes from one of us or a team member. At Quirk Studio, the interests of the project and the client remain at the core of every decision, ensuring that differing perspectives ultimately contribute to the most effective and thoughtful design solutions. This philosophy allows us to navigate creative differences with a sense of objectivity and collaboration, always prioritizing what serves the project best.
Are there any projects that you’re particularly excited about?
Shivani: While all our projects challenge us to push our boundaries and continue evolving our design narrative in meaningful ways, one that stands out is our Solapur estate project— a sprawling 20,000-square-foot villa set against a distinct natural topography. What makes this project particularly special is its strong emphasis on sustainability. Additionally, we are also working on a celebrity project. While we cannot share details just yet, it is a collaboration we are deeply excited about, given the scale and creative possibilities it presents. Both projects challenge us to push our boundaries and continue evolving our design narrative.
WOMEN IN DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE
As women in a male-dominated field, did you face any challenges, and how have you overcome them?
Disha: As a woman, one often feels the weight of navigating both the emotional and business side of leadership. There’s also the expectation to lead with both authority and empathy. If I’m too firm, I risk being labeled “difficult” or “too ambitious,” and if I’m too empathetic, it’s easy to be overlooked or underestimated. Balancing these perceptions while staying authentic to your true style, is an ongoing challenge.
What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers in design and architecture?
Shivani: Your unique perspective is your superpower. Own it, and let it guide you to spaces you never thought possible. Create, innovate, and inspire—because when women rise, we don’t just change the world, we redefine it.
THE CURRENT DESIGN SCENE IN INDIA
The Indian design scene has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. As design professionals, what are your thoughts on this evolution? What exciting developments or trends have you observed in the industry?
Shivani: The Indian design landscape is undergoing a remarkable trans-formation, making this an incredibly exciting time to be part of the industry. Several factors are driving this evolution. Firstly, India’s strong economic growth has made design more accessible to a wider audience than ever before. Additionally, the new-age homebuyer— primarily millennials—is significantly shaping design preferences.
This generation is well-travelled, highly exposed to global aesthetics, and deeply invested in creating spaces that reflect their individuality. Their refined tastes and willingness to experiment have brought about a paradigm shift in the industry, pushing architects and interior designers to explore more innovative, dynamic, and personalised design solutions. This confluence of economic expansion and evolving consumer sensibilities has made the Indian design space more vibrant, diverse, and creatively fulfilling than ever before.
Disha: Honestly, we are not very big on trends. We prefer the classic, timeless designs as trends can come and go, but a home should be designed as a forever space. But the one trend that we really love is the use of organic and natural materials, and biophilic design. This will continue to grow as people continue to prefer more natural, organic materials in spaces, creating greener zones, and marrying the outside with the inside. We love these concepts as a design studio and we hope to see them grow more in the coming years.
How do you think Indian designers can contribute to the global design conversation, and what unique perspectives or strengths do they bring to the table? What role can designers play in shaping India’s cultural identity, preserving traditional crafts, and promoting social change?
Shivani: India is at the forefront of a global transformation, headlining industries across the board, and design is no exception. With one of the richest cultural and artisanal legacies in the world, Indian designers have a unique opportunity to shape and contribute to the global design conversation in a profound way. The country’s deep-rooted traditions in craftsmanship—from intricate handloom textiles to centuries-old architectural techniques— offer a wealth of inspiration that is now being reinterpreted in contemporary contexts by designers across disciplines.
What makes this moment particularly exciting is the paradigm shift in global influence. No longer are we solely looking to the West for design inspiration—on the contrary, the world is now turning its gaze towards the East. From Ayurveda and yoga to indigenous craft traditions, there is a renewed appreciation for India’s cultural wealth. This is reflected in the design industry as well, where Indian designers, furniture makers, lighting artists, architects, and interior designers are not only preserving traditional techniques but also elevating them to a global stage.
DESIGN AND THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY
What are your thoughts on AI-generated design, such as AI-created artwork or AI-designed products? Do you see this as a threat or opportunity for human designers? How do you think AI-generated design will change the way we perceive and value design?
Shivani: The reality is that AI is already deeply embedded in our everyday lives, and its presence in the design industry is only set to grow. Rather than resisting this shift, we believe the right approach is to pivot, adapt, and evolve alongside technological advancements.
AI-driven tools and software are gradually being integrated into our design processes, aiding in tasks such as visualisation, material exploration, and efficiency optimisation.
Disha: We do not see AI as a threat to designers. Design, at its core, is an inherently human-centric and deeply personal discipline—one that requires intuition, emotion, and an understanding of cultural and contextual sensitivities. While AI can assist in streamlining certain aspects of the process, it cannot replace the artistry, narrative, and emotional intelligence that a designer brings to a space. The future of design lies not in choosing between AI and human creativity, but in leveraging both to push the boundaries of innovation.
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