As part of our relentless pursuit to identify and share with our community some of the unique and compelling startup stories from the ecosystem, this weekend we invited yet another Women Entrepreneur – Apoorva Kulshrestha to understand more about her journey, vision and the way forward. She is a Passionate Architect, Consultant and the Founder of ADS Architects and Interiors. Let’s learn more about her incredible journey so far!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Apoorva:
Talk us through your background and your journey, please;
I did my architecture education from N.D.M.V.P. College of Architecture, Nasik, and further pursued my professional training with eminent architects of the country and have worked with MNC companies. For a few years, I had also worked in Singapore.
Working across different countries broadened my horizons and gave me good exposure to understand different cultures and approaches to business. I was very passionate about design and creative arts right from my school days and always aspired to become an architect.”
To add to my skills and knowledge, I also enriched myself with MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) courses, which are now very necessary to excel in global standards. I regularly upgrade myself with construction industry news and trends.
During my college days, I took part in major contests and competitions since I was an all-rounder in studies & cultural activities.
I also apprenticed with local architects to gain practical knowledge and together it has contributed to shaping who I am today.”
What made you passionate about ‘Architecture and Interior Designing’?
I have always been fascinated to experience spaces and architecture through their proportions, materials, scale, and treatment. Any change in the parameters brings out a new effect on users and their interactions.
And of course, the sense of creation is unmatched. Every client and project has its unique vision and requirement and so would be the language of design.”
So no two projects even in the same category can be the same. There is so much new to create every day. The mix of aesthetics along with functionality is something that ignites the artful fire.
As they say – “Architecture is a visual Art”
‘ADS Architects and Interiors’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
Being the founder, I included my initials for ADS as Apoorva’s Design Studio and that’s how ADS Architects & Interiors came into being.
How do you manage to keep going despite the challenges? What drives you?
It’s the challenges that keep me going as I cannot imagine myself doing very repetitive work.
When I take up a project, I have to tune my thinking as per the vision of the client. The end goal is through my design the client achieves his goal, be it an eco-friendly house or “selling” interiors for a restaurant.”
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
My family and their support motivate me. I would also credit the incredible women architects who have paved a way for my generation of women architects.
What about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
The overall process of seeing an idea conceptualize into reality is very satisfying and exciting.
What are some of the strategies that you believe has helped you grow as a person?
1) Being flexible
2) In tune with one’s mind
3) Faith in God
4) Ability to take risks & venture into uncharted territories.
What are the business mantras you have embraced as you sought to establish your success story?
Empathy – I practice empathy in business for clients as this allows me to understand their points of view. I also keep boundaries to ensure that the project is something I enjoy working on.
Proactivity – Getting the right opportunity and performing to the best of your capability when you get that opportunity.
To get that opportunity, I present myself as a brand. I prepare myself to give in my best shot at every opportunity that comes my way.
Please share with us, how do you motivate your clients?
Communication is the key, and I always encourage clients to be very informed in their decisions about the project. I educate them to ensure they are thorough with the process.
As architects, we are accustomed to the rollercoaster journey which I understand for clients could be a difficult moment.”
This is the time we must hold their hands and navigate them to the project completion. All these together make a successful project.
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
My motivation comes from being around my kid as children are the best inspiration to live each day to the fullest.
I motivate myself from quotes and books and I believe that when you work towards your goals consistently, you do get results. Discipline is also very important and I try my best to schedule my week ahead.
I ensure I have a balanced day and give myself at least 1 hour, be it for exercise or reading a book. Time management is very important and I schedule my day very practically in time slots to ensure that I have a clear idea of all the tasks, be it professional or personal.”
This helps me to achieve maximum productivity in a limited time.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
(a) A very clear understanding of oneself as I feel that our work should align with our principles.
(b) Documentation, SOPs
(c) Working with proactive and passionate people
(d) Consistency
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
For students – keep participating in college competitions, events and take every assignment seriously. Become proficient in software and apprentice with local architects from the third year onwards.
For professionals, set career goals and keep yourself upgraded with courses and workshops. Be proactive and always give your best shot at work.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
