Studio and founder profile
Pooja Bihani, B.Arch, IIA, COA, IIID, is the founder and principal architect of Spaces and Design in Kolkata. She set up the studio in 2006 to offer end-to-end turnkey architecture and interior design services for residences, workspaces, and lifestyle spaces. A gold medallist from S.P.S.M.B.H’s College of Architecture in Kolhapur, Pooja is an executive core committee member of the prestigious IIID forum (Indian Institute of Interior designers), Kolkata Chapter. Some of her most acclaimed projects included the restoration of Belgadia Palace in Odisha, the Tree of Life Pranic healing centre in Kolkata, and the award-winning BMA Villa in Raichuk.
Studio vision
Spaces and Design was established with the intent to create environs that epitomise harmony, aesthetics, and optimum functionality, thereby enriching the life of the users in their habitat. A strong believer of giving each project its own identity, Pooja works within the mandates of the site, budget, and the clients’ lifestyle and needs. These form the robust framework that drives her well-honed design and execution process.
Design ethos
The concept of ‘Interior Architecture’ underpins every design endeavour by Spaces and Design. The studio is renowned for integrating architecture and interiors to create an inviting ‘inside-out’ experience. Based on simple circulation plans, the spaces flow into each other, highlighting the studio’s inherent style of capturing the beauty of simplicity and symmetry.
The scope of Spaces and Design is unrestrained. Swinging from heritage Indian to Nordic styles, and often creating bespoke design details and wall art, Pooja believes in adding character and exclusivity to each project.
Recognition
Since its inception, Spaces and Design has been recognized by leading forums and industry leaders in the form of various awards and accolades. Some of them are:
Hafele India Best Design for ‘Hospitality Restoration’ ● Hafele Star Awards for Best Design in Office ● Aparijita You Inspire – Interior Design ● IIID Design Excellence Award ● Excellent Design award for Residential Project – CWAB Awards ● Noteworthy Projects ‘Residential Interiors’ category for BMA Villa, Raichak ● Decowood Design Diva – Category ‘Retail’ ● India Today Home – Ask the expert ● IIID – Discussion on New Reality with Ayan Sen ● RealtyPlus – Masterclass ● Architecture + Design – Meet the Design Disruptors ● Goodhomes – Building Women ● ET Edge – Greener Construction Sector ● Hafele – Kitchen Ideas ● Kohler – Pecha Kucha ● Surfaces – talks of town ● and many more ●