The Indian architecture space has been growing on a consistent basis. The increasing competition as well as constant advancements in technology can be attributed to this rise. In this ultra-competitive market segment, one company that has been able to separate themselves from the rest is Kaleido Architecture. This pioneering multidisciplinary design firm has immense expertise in architecture, interiors and product design. The company's experience in the field of product design and architecture gives them a unique edge in dealing with details in any project of vastly varying scales. Growing from humble beginnings, the company has now grown into an international award-winning team with experience in working with multiple international brands in multiple categories across the globe. Shivangi Narke founded Kaleido in 2008, after having worked for over a decade on projects spanning across interior design, architecture, furniture design and product design across India and US.

In an exclusive interview with Women Entrepreneur magazine, Shivangi talks more about her professional journey and the unique business operations of Kaleido Architecture.

Can you talk more about your educational and professional background?

I pursued my B.Arch from Mumbai post which I completed my Masters in Design from Purdue University, US. After graduation, I worked for an international design firm in the US itself. I have had the opportunity to work on various projects on different spectrums including Apple retail stores that has now become iconic. This exposure gave me crucial insights into retail interiors and its design. I was initially interested in working on different scales of design from the very beginning itself and that has helped me to learn about new segments within architecture and design. This was also the reason that I felt like, one day I should start my own architecture firm that is both versatile and client-centric.

Can you give a brief overview about Kaleido Architecture and what separates you from the rest in the market?

We are a multidisciplinary design firm and we work in areas of architecture, interiors and product design. Over the years, we have worked with several prestigious Indian and international brands in the retail, saloon, and office interior segment. We have won international awards and have been featured in reputed and famous magazines as well. We have also received an honourable mention in a design competition for student housing project.

We as a company have worked on both architecture and interior designs which gave us a better understanding on what the client expects and how we can satisfy them. We strive to ensure thateach project which we work on is a bold statement and is unique in its own sense. We always keep ourselves updated with the latest trends in not only architecture and design but also on fashion, graphic, installation design and other related industries as well. I try to follow up on the new and innovative ideas from the younger generation as well. 

"This is a very passion-driven industry and if you want to succeed in the corporate realm, choose a segment that you are passionate about"

Elaborate more on the role that you have at Kaleido Architecture and what are the major challenges that you have faced in the industry?

As the founder, I have to wear multiple hats at the same time but that has helped me to have a holistic experience and view of our business. As we grew over the years, I am now working primarily on business development and design work owing to the fact that they are two facets that I am most passionate about.

We are working in a highly competitive market that is dynamic in nature. This coupled with the high involvement of the unorganized players in the industry brings new challenges regularly. With that said, we have streamlined our business operations and that has helped us to finish our works within the stipulated time frame. And even during the covid-times, we were able to execute and deliver the projects on a timely manner.

We strive to ensure that every solution that comes from us should be innovative and it should be aesthetically bold. By taking on new challenges, I not only push my boundaries but also my employees as well. This helps them to learn constantly and improve on a consistent basis.

According to you what are the major milestones that you have had in your career so far?

We were able to achieve most of the targets that we have set and that shows that we are on the right path. Also, over the years, clients have entrusted us with larger projects which shows not just our positive reputation in the market but also the trust the clients have on us. And this has been a huge achievement for us that has given us the motivation to continue moving forward. Over the years, we have also been able to expand our horizons and get into more verticals which is also something that brings me great joy.

What would be your advice to the coming generation of entrepreneurs?

This is a very passion-driven industry and if you want to succeed in the corporate realm, choose a segment that you are passionate about. This will help you to work hard, be persistent and push yourselves even more to succeed.

Shivangi Narke,Founder,Kaleido Architecture

This pioneering professional Shivangi, aspires to make impressive strides in the architecture industry leveraging her immense expertise and passion for architecture and design. She has also won multiple international awards for design as well