Designing Workspaces, Labs, and Restaurants for an Automotive Industry Giant in India: A Personal Journey
Introduction
As a business owner in the interior design and architecture space, designing and overseeing the delivery of workplace, laboratory, and restaurant spaces for an automotive industry leader in India has been an unforgettable experience. From navigating complex cultural dynamics to pushing creative boundaries with substantial budgets, this journey has tested my creativity, patience, and ability to adapt to new environments.
The Thrill of Incredible Design & Large Budgets
One of the most exciting aspects of this project has been the sheer scale and ambition of the designs. With large budgets at our disposal, we’ve been able to push boundaries and explore incredible design possibilities that genuinely reflect the client’s innovative spirit. From cutting-edge workspaces to high-tech laboratories and stylish restaurants, every aspect of the project demands creativity and excellence.
Navigating New Cultures & Customs
Working in India has brought its own set of challenges and rewards. Immersing myself in the local customs, understanding the way business is conducted, and connecting with the people has been both enlightening and humbling. It’s a culture where deal-making often trumps straightforward truth-telling, but it’s not about dishonesty; it’s simply how business functions here. Remaining patient, curious, and open to understanding the nuances of communication has been essential.
Overcoming Sensory Overload
India is a country of intense sensory experiences. The density of people, the unique and sometimes overpowering smells due to the immense amount of garbage, and the constant hum of life all around can be overwhelming. From holy cows wandering along motorways to tiny children on motorbikes heading to school without helmets, the visual landscape is filled with contradictions and surprises.
Learning New Systems & Collaborating with New Teams
This project has also required me to learn new building codes, explore unfamiliar materials, and collaborate with local teams with different structures and approaches. It’s been a steep learning curve, but the experience has enriched my understanding of design and broadened my perspective as a business owner.
Blurring the Line Between Clients and Friends
One of the unexpected joys of this journey has been the relationships formed along the way. Travelling and working closely with clients has often blurred the line between professional and personal. There’s something special about sharing these experiences and building connections that go beyond contracts and deadlines.
The Highs: Pride, Adventure, and Comfort
Delivering over 80 million GBP of real estate for my client in India has been a point of great pride. The action-packed days are filled with excitement, creativity, and progress. And I must admit, I thoroughly enjoy flying business class, with a bed to stretch out on during a 10.5-hour flight. Moments of luxury and accomplishment make the journey feel worth it.
The Lows: Sacrifice, Stress, and Safety Concerns
But it’s not all glamour. Being away from my husband and four children is always painful. Missing birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions, such as Valentine’s Day, leave a hollow feeling despite professional achievements. Working in India also comes with darker realities—extreme poverty, heaps of rubbish, and the constant vigilance required to ensure no child labour or social transgressions occur among local partners.
Every negotiation is exhaustive, often feeling like an endless series of discussions where nothing is straightforward. Safety concerns are ever-present, with kidnapping attempts, unsanitary hotel conditions resulting in ringworm, and the stress of navigating airport departures where procedures feel inconsistent and negotiable.
The long flights and the resulting jet lag can also take their toll. And then there’s the interruption of life’s regular schedule—missing precious time with my family.
Conclusion
Designing for an automotive industry leader in India has been a journey of growth, challenge, and inspiration. The opportunity to create incredible designs while navigating a new cultural landscape has been both exhausting and exhilarating. It’s a reminder that the most rewarding projects are often the ones that push you outside your comfort zone and force you to grow.
Despite the struggles and sacrifices, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. It has transformed me as a business owner and a person, and I look forward to sharing more of this ongoing journey.
