At Brilliant Read Media, it is our constant endeavour to identify and share some of the unique and compelling stories from the startup ecosystem. As part of this, we invited Shreyanshi Dubey for an interview with Brilliant Read Media. To say further, Shreyanshi is an Entrepreneur and Founder of Varenyam Architecture And Design. Let’s learn more about her background, her inspiring journey so far and her advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Shreyanshi:
Could you please talk us through your background and journey?
My journey into architecture has been a mix of unexpected turns, passion, and a bit of serendipity. It started in the humanities, with a clear goal of becoming an IFS officer and eventually working for the United Nations. When I was pursuing my master’s in Global Studies I got an opportunity to work for World Health Organization.
I was driven by a strong sense of duty to serve humanity in the best way possible. Yet, destiny had its own plans for me, and after years of focus on academics and hours spent studying, I found myself at a crossroads.
One day, after years of studying and following a traditional path, I decided to make a bold change. I walked up to my parents, put down my books, and told them I wanted to switch directions. I wanted to pursue a career in construction, and more specifically, in design.
My dad, who has always been my biggest support, didn’t hesitate for a moment. His response was simple: “Ok karo. Whatever you need from me, I’m here to help.” That unwavering belief gave me the courage to dive headfirst into the world of architecture.
Within just a few days, I was interning at an interior design studio. I was introduced to a whole new world—working alongside interior designers, architects, vendors, and supervisors. Testing the waters, I quickly realized I had found my calling.
What really drew me to architecture was the ability to see a vision and bring it to life, especially when it came to construction. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing a space transform based on your ideas. It’s like an intuitive process for me—whenever I walk onto a site, I can instantly visualize the best use of the space, almost like my brain has built-in software for it.
The next step in my journey took me to Melbourne, where my father’s best friend played a pivotal role in encouraging me to pursue architecture at a professional level. At the same time, I was still preparing for the UPSC exams, which I knew would be my last attempt.
I didn’t see myself in that career anymore, but I did gain a valuable lesson in perseverance. Sitting at a desk for 18 hours a day, with no immediate reward in sight, taught me the importance of passion and grit. I may not have pursued the UPSC path, but that experience shaped my approach to challenges in life.
While I was navigating all these changes, my mom was a constant source of inspiration. She always emphasized the value of education and the importance of a strong foundation. I didn’t dare to apply to top design schools initially, but my mom and my brother’s belief in me was a game-changer.
Her confidence pushed me to apply to the Harvard Graduate School of Design. I was accepted, and that experience was transformative. It’s where I truly began to develop my architectural imagination, which continues to influence my designs today.
Looking back, every step of my journey, from my humanities background to architecture, has shaped who I am as a designer. Each experience—whether it was studying at prestigious schools or working hands-on in the field—has fueled my passion for creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also serve a meaningful purpose.
That blend of traditional wisdom with contemporary design continues to guide me as I work on each project, always striving for a balance between innovation and respect for the spaces we work with.
That’s my journey so far—a journey of discovery, of listening to the little voice inside that knew where I truly belonged, and of having the support of my family to take those leaps of faith. It’s been a process of growing, learning, and continuously evolving. And I’m excited for what’s to come.
‘Varenyam Architecture and Design’ is such a unique name; talk us through it, and what kind of problem-solving does your firm embrace?
“Varenyam” is derived from the Gayatri Mantra, symbolizing the origin of divine wisdom and enlightenment. It was given to us by my mother, and I wanted the name to be deeply rooted in Indian cultural traditions, reflecting the essence of our heritage In the context of Varenyam Architectural and Designs, we embrace the principle initialism of Vaad, which means consonance in English—seeking harmony between creativity and practicality.
Our design philosophy blends modern architectural sensibilities with India’s rich cultural heritage, striving to create solutions that are both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. At Varenyam, finding the ideal balance between innovative design and superior functionality is our goal.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
What drives me is the deep sense of fulfilment that comes from seeing a project come to life, especially when we’re creating spaces for others—spaces where we don’t always know the full story of the people who will use them.
There’s a unique challenge in building these spaces, not knowing exactly how someone will react, but knowing that our designs will answer their needs, even before they fully understand them themselves.
It’s not just about pushing boundaries or honouring tradition; it’s about addressing the doubts and questions that arise throughout the process. Every project is a journey of transformation, from concept to creation, where we answer those uncertainties with a final product that speaks for itself.
The true joy comes when we see the vision we’ve worked so hard on transform into something tangible—a space that leaves a lasting impact. It’s this balance of innovation and respect for history, paired with the ability to create meaningful, functional environments, that makes each completed project so rewarding. Knowing that we’ve shaped something that resonates with others, that serves their needs, is what keeps me going.
What are the most important lessons you have learned from your life?
Each day offers a new lesson—though often, it’s not about pinpointing a single takeaway, but about embracing the ebb and flow of learning and unlearning. In a market that’s constantly evolving, I’ve learned to trust my own ability to adapt.
There’s a constant need to start fresh, reevaluate, and grow from each challenge. We’re a team of problem solvers, and every obstacle becomes a chance to evolve, to learn, and to push each other towards excellence.
While the journey can sometimes feel solitary, it’s in those moments that I remind myself to stay grounded, maintain emotional balance, and stay true to my values. The real power, though, lies in the support of those around us. Trust—both in myself and in my team—has been a cornerstone.
It’s these connections, the belief in one another, that make every challenge meaningful. It’s through collaboration and shared strength that the journey becomes not just bearable, but worthwhile.
According to you, what are the keys to success?
For me, the keys to success are honesty, empathy, humility, and staying grounded. It’s about believing in your ability to face any challenge and navigating the journey with integrity. Success isn’t just defined by the end results—it’s about how you approach each step, how you stay true to yourself, and how you embrace the lessons you learn along the way.
Success means different things to different people, but for me, it’s about finding peace in knowing that I’ve done my best. At the end of the day, I can rest easy because I have a sense of accomplishment, knowing I’ve completed the tasks I set out to do. I believe success isn’t a permanent destination.
For instance, when I topped my CBSE 12th boards, I thought that was a success, but then came the challenges of graduation, postgrad, and later UPSC preparation.
What UPSC taught me, though, is that material success or where you are in life doesn’t define you. What truly matters is who you are as a person—your humanity, your culture, your refinement, and your politeness. To me, anyone who embodies these qualities is a truly successful human being.
What advice would you give to our young readers?
There is no fixed trajectory to success. You have to do what feels right. My advice for young people would be that there’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. It’s important to trust your instincts and do what feels right for you. Stay adaptable, especially in today’s ever-changing market.
Embrace new perspectives and be open to change. Humility is key—never stop learning or growing. The journey might not always be straightforward, but as long as you stay true to yourself and stay open, you’ll find your way. Even if you have not found the way, just trust your journey.
Last but not least, what makes it worth it?
What really makes it all worth it for me is seeing a vision come to life. Taking an idea from your mind and turning it into something tangible—whether it’s through design, construction, or the impact it creates in the community—is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that the work you’re doing can bring about real change is what makes every challenge and every effort worthwhile.
I’m not exactly at a place where I can pinpoint just one thing that makes it all worth it, but for me, the fact that I’m doing something tangible keeps me going every day. There’s really no concept of a “holiday” for me because, in a way, I’m not just working when I’m at work—I’m living it. It’s part of who I am.
I’m also deeply grateful for the team I’ve had since the beginning of my journey. They treat our company like their own, putting in the care and dedication as if it were their baby. When it comes to adding new people to the team, I take my time. I want each new member to share the same passion and commitment we have. It’s about finding people who are as devoted to the mission as we are, and that’s something I’m really mindful of.
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.
