In the labyrinth of design, where creativity reigns supreme and innovation is paramount, Radhika Raj emerges as a luminary, an expert orchestrating the symphony of space and light. As the Founder of Eso Torra Indesigns, Radhika's journey is a testament to the transformative power of design and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. Radhika commenced her journey in 1996 after marriage in Kolkata. Relocating again in 2004 to Singapore, she founded Kastle Kreations, renowned for its boutique design. As her projects expanded globally, Radhika rebranded to Sphere Concept in 2012. With a growing team and international reach, she established Eso Torra Indesigns, the term 'Eso Torra' is derived from Greek, meaning 'within' or 'deeper knowledge,' symbolizing the concept of designing from within with profound insight. Today, Radhika continues to craft transcendent spaces that resonate globally.

Below is an excerpt of Radhika Raj’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur magazine.

What motivated you to foray into the field of interior design?

My journey into interior design was sparked by a childhood spent in Afghanistan and Singapore, where I marveled at my mother's knack for transforming spaces. Despite familial expectations favoring business, I pursued my passion. Through tenacity and research, I secured admission to Savannah College of Art and Design, opting for a curriculum blending architecture with interior design. Graduating from SCAD marked not just an academic achievement, but a testament to my dedication. Today, I approach each project with a blend of creativity and commitment, striving to craft spaces that resonate with emotion and innovation. Interior design isn't just a career; it's my lifelong pursuit.

What led you to establish Eso Torra Indesigns? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of specialization.

The genesis of Eso Torra Indesigns stems from a profound appreciation for global talent and a commitment to excellence. Our team, scattered across diverse corners of the world from Turkey to the Philippines and Europe, brings a rich tapestry of perspectives to every project. Embracing this international synergy, we offer a unique proposition – the World Palate. This bespoke service transcends conventional boundaries, facilitating the seamless sourcing and procurement of materials from across the globe, delivered directly to our clients' doorsteps. Our success is underpinned by robust partnerships and a dedicated team, including my husband - Rajeev, whose support transforms vision into reality. At Eso Torra Indesigns, we don't just design spaces; we curate transcendent experiences.

What are the various roles and responsibilities you shoulder as the Founder of Eso Torra Indesigns?

As the Founder of Eso Torra Indesigns, my responsibilities span the entire spectrum from ideation to implementation. I meticulously oversee the adherence to established processes honed through years of experience, ensuring seamless execution. Client engagement holds paramount importance, and I maintain a hands-on approach to foster trust and satisfaction. While I rely on a talented team, I maintain a personal connection with each project, infusing it with my vision and expertise. Facilitating team growth is imperative, encompassing sourcing, education on emerging technologies like AI, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Furthermore, I am committed to nurturing future talents through hands-on mentorship and training initiatives, thus perpetuating a legacy of excellence.

In your opinion what are some of the most critical challenges you encounter as an interior designer? What steps do you undertake to overcome these roadblocks?

As an interior designer, navigating challenges is a constantly evolving journey. Initially, adapting to new cultural landscapes, like relocating to Kolkata - India, posed hurdles in communication and understanding local practices. However, I embraced learning Bengali to engage effectively with contractors, laying the groundwork for successful projects. Venturing into larger-scale endeavors, such as restoring a historic building for the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, demanded versatility and resourcefulness. Despite being a small team, we undertook the task, culminating in a project inaugurated by Former Prime Minister Lee in 2008. Expanding internationally introduced fresh obstacles, like orchestrating projects remotely in London, and relying on trusted partnerships in Italy and local collaborators. Embracing these challenges propelled me to explore new horizons in Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Dubai, fostering growth and resilience with each daring leap. Each hurdle surmounted becomes a milestone, propelling Eso Torra Indesigns toward new heights of excellence.

Throw light on the most critical professional milestone you have achieved throughout your professional journey. What has your success mantra been over the years?

One of the most pivotal milestones in my professional journey occurred in 2008 when I was recognized by the Singapore Interior Designers Association for my achievements. This acknowledgment marked a significant moment of validation and spurred me to further heights. Subsequent accolades, including Luxury Lifestyle Awards from 2020 to 2023 for outstanding projects in various domains, reaffirmed the dedication and vision driving Eso Torra Indesigns.

My success mantra revolves around perpetual growth and unwavering belief in continuous improvement. Embracing the ethos of constant learning and evolution, I navigate challenges with courage and resilience, fueled by the belief that there's always more to achieve and discover. Fearlessness and a commitment to excellence remain the guiding principles propelling me forward in this ever-evolving landscape of design.

Radhika Raj, Founder, ESO Torra Indesigns

Radhika Raj, the visionary Founder of Eso Torra Indesigns, is a trailblazer in the world of interior design. With years of experience under her hat, Radhika excels in creating sublime spaces that effortlessly merge cultural inspirations with contemporary design elements. Her innovative approach has garnered international acclaim and recognition.