At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Shruthi Mrinalini for an exclusive interview with us. Shruthi is an Architect, Interior Designer and Co-Founder at Studio Collective Overlap. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Shruthi:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey? How did you discover your passion for architecture?
I’ve always been fascinated by spaces since childhood—how they shape our experiences, moods, and interactions. My journey into architecture and design was a natural extension of that curiosity.
The love for architecture and design wasn’t something I discovered overnight—it was shaped over the years, through experiences, travels and a deep curiosity about spaces. Walking through the narrow lanes of old towns in Tamil Nadu, soaking in the grandeur of palaces as we went north, or even observing how a simple courtyard transforms a home—all of these moments shaped my perspective.
Over time, I realized that my passion lies in creating spaces that are not just functional but also deeply connected to the way people live and interact.
Who do you believe has been the biggest source of motivation in your daily life?
Inspiration comes from everywhere – the places we visit, the people we meet and the challenges we face. The most important aspect I learnt from family and friends, was to navigate life with determination and grace and taught me that success isn’t just about achievements – it’s about consistency, patience and the willingness to keep going, no matter the obstacles.
Beyond that, I find motivation in everyday moments – conversations with the team, seeing a design come to life, or even just observing how light transforms a space. At the end of the day, motivation isn’t something you find once and hold onto -it’s something you nurture daily, through the people who believe in you and the passion that drives you forward.
How did you start your journey of your architectural practice? And what was the idea behind it?
Starting ‘Studio Collective Overlap’ was a natural progression of everything we had experienced and learned in architecture and design. It wasn’t just about starting a firm; it was about creating a space where ideas, creativity and collaboration could truly thrive.
The name itself reflects our approach- “Collective” because we believe design is always stronger when minds come together and “Overlap” because great architecture happens at the intersection of different perspectives, disciplines, and experiences.
When we began, our focus was clear—we wanted to craft spaces that were not just visually appealing but also deeply intuitive and meaningful. Whether it’s an intimate home, a dynamic office, or a retail space that tells a story, our philosophy has always been about finding that balance between functionality, aesthetics and emotional connection.
But at the core of it all, Studio Collective Overlap is about creating designs that feel just right—spaces that people truly connect with and enjoy living in. Architecture that speaks to you!”
What are some of the strategies that you believe have helped you grow as a person?
I think growth, both personally and professionally, is a mix of instinct, experiences and the conscious choices we make along the way. From a young age, I was naturally drawn to leadership roles – simply being the person who made things happen and others looked up to.
Patience is something I’ve learned over time, especially as a woman in architecture and construction. It’s a field where you need to stand your ground, earn respect and often navigate spaces that are still male-dominated.
And then there are the choices we make as women – not just in our careers but in life. There’s always that balancing act between ambition and societal expectations, between personal and professional commitments. I’ve learned that survival isn’t just about adapting; it’s about setting your own terms.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Success means different things to different people, but for me, it’s always been about growth, consistency and staying true to my values. If I had to break it down, success isn’t a destination—it’s an ongoing process of evolving, learning and finding joy in what you do!
Success isn’t a solo journey. Surround yourself with the right people—mentors, peers and even clients who challenge and inspire you. The best projects (and careers) are built through strong, meaningful collaborations. I have internalized that things won’t always go as planned and that’s okay. Being open to change, whether it’s shifting a design approach or rethinking a career move, is what keeps you ahead.
What advice would you give to our readers?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that there’s no single right way to do things— whether it’s in architecture, career choices or life itself. Trust your instincts, but also be open to learning, unlearning and evolving – both personally and professionally.
It’s important to take your time, grow at your own pace, and define success on your own terms. At the end of the day, good design—and a good life—is all about balance. So, embrace the overlaps, find what excites you, and go after it with everything you’ve got!
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.
