Innovation in interior design has always occurred because of diverse perspectives, an out-of-the-box approach, and disruptive thinking that challenges the established norms. By embracing diverse viewpoints and exploring unconventional approaches, designers can push the boundaries of creativity and create truly unique and inspiring spaces.
These innovative minds aren’t afraid to break free from traditional design norms. They experiment with new materials, textures, and colours and explore unconventional layouts and spatial relationships. This bold approach leads to groundbreaking designs that redefine the possibilities of interior spaces.
Now, as an aspiring interior designer with a tremendous hunger to bring in the revolution, what would you do if, after putting in three years at leading design firms in New Delhi, gaining valuable experience and learning not only the nuances of design but also all the tricks of the trade? Of course, if you were a man, you would surely have dared to establish your own interior design studio.
However, what if you were a woman and that was also in the 90s?
If only you were one like Payal Kapoor, then no matter what, you’d definitely venture out on your own like she did and launched ‘VISIONS’ in 1990. It was a tremendous leap of faith, even for Payal. After attending the famed Carmel Convent School in New Delhi, and later staying in Mumbai because of her father being a naval officer, and finishing her higher education, she chose Interior Design and started studying at the Polytechnic College for Women for three years.
Payal further expanded her expertise by specializing in hospitality, hotel, and commercial design. Graduating in 1987, she gained valuable experience working in two prominent organizations. This professional journey laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial aspirations.
Daring to Disrupt the Design Dynamics
In a defining moment of her career, Payal made the courageous choice to launch her design firm, marking a major turning point in her professional journey. At first, the venture appeared highly risky. Payal reflects, “I admit, it was incredibly challenging in the beginning.” Without connections or knowledge about securing projects and no formal business background, she was facing an uphill climb. She adds, “Nevertheless, any assignment that came my way, I tackled with complete dedication, meeting every deadline.” A talented designer and leader, Payal infuses her organization with both innovation and integrity. Yet, as with all endeavours, her entrepreneurial path was not without difficulties. “The design industry posed numerous challenges since I didn’t have a mentor or family support in the field. Most of my relatives worked in medicine, engineering, services, and the corporate sector—I was the only one in business,” she shares.
Furthermore, entering a male-dominated industry presented its own set of hurdles. Payal had to work with an all-male labour force and often travelled long distances for projects. She recalls dealing with some unprofessional clients, often delaying payments, and at times, not paying at all, despite formal agreements. Such experiences were especially discouraging for young Payal, who was in her twenties at the time. “It was disheartening to work hard without fair payment and to face sharp criticism on top of it,” she says, acknowledging how demoralizing those early days were.
Winning Over Adversities
Despite the adversities, Payal treated every difficult experience as a learning opportunity. These challenges taught her to assess human behaviour and understand the variety of personalities she would encounter in her profession. She developed essential interpersonal skills, learning how to handle difficult clients and challenging situations with grace and resilience. Along with patience, she maintained her self-respect, kept her head high, and concentrated on doing her best work.
“I thrive on excitement and challenges—they keep me motivated,” Payal shares with enthusiasm. She finds great fulfilment in handling fast-paced turnkey projects, always seeking something unconventional; routine work doesn’t inspire her. In addition to designing hotels, she has taken on projects designing trains, ships, and aircraft simulators, working on thrilling assignments across the US and Europe.
Although the industry can be demanding, Payal remains deeply passionate about her work. Not every project sparks an instant connection, and she acknowledges that some tasks may not excite her. Still, with her exceptional skills, she approaches each project with creativity, always finding small ways to stay engaged and enthusiastic, no matter the assignment.
An Embodiment of Triumph
Drawing upon her experiences, hard-won expertise, and steadfast commitment to her craft, Payal Kapoor and her interior design firm, Visions, have risen to the top ranks of the industry. Visions has become not only a highly successful company but also the embodiment of Payal’s dreams and creativity. Under her skilled leadership, Visions is known for its meticulous approach to space planning, optimal space utilization, and a focus on enhancing property value. Headquartered in Delhi NCR, Visions has established itself as a leading name in office interior design, blending contemporary trends with timeless traditions to elevate clients’ lifestyles. The firm values transparency and professionalism, ensuring that clients are fully engaged in the design process to deliver high-quality, tailored outcomes.
The team at Visions adopts a client-centric approach, prioritizing open communication and actively listening to clients’ preferences before beginning any project. Their design philosophy is rooted in creativity, artistry, and technical expertise, paired with problem-solving skills and comprehensive construction knowledge. Each project is carefully curated to reflect the client’s unique vision, from colour schemes to layout, creating designs that are visually appealing and personalized.
Achieving Crown Jewels of Success and Glory
When asked about pivotal moments in her career, Payal fondly recalls the Imperial Hotel project in Janpath, New Delhi, her first independent consultancy endeavour in 1991. This project marked her initial breakthrough, opening doors to more prestigious assignments. Her impressive portfolio has grown to include celebrated projects such as The GD Goenka School in Vasant Kunj, the USI building for the President of India, the iconic Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, and the renowned Palace on Wheels luxury train. These landmark projects have become defining milestones, each contributing to Payal’s legacy.
Payal considers the Palace on Wheels project a cornerstone of her career. Selected from a national pool of designers, she led the transformation of the entire train from a meter gauge to a broad gauge, elevating the Palace on Wheels to international acclaim. This project involved reimagining the luxury train’s interiors to showcase India’s rich heritage, ultimately earning it a number-one global ranking, competing directly with the prestigious Royal Scotsman train. Payal’s work on the Palace on Wheels garnered significant media attention, and her bespoke designs, steeped in Indian culture, set new standards for luxury train travel.
Throughout her career, Payal has been determined to avoid being typecast as a designer tied to any one niche. Fearlessly embracing innovation, she constantly seeks out new challenges to expand her horizons. “Overcoming each hurdle brought an ‘aha!’ moment for me,” she says with pride, reflecting on the well-earned recognition she has received for her trailblazing work. As a bold leader in her field, Payal continues to inspire with her relentless pursuit of creativity, proving that passion and resilience can transform visions into enduring success.
Her Inspirational Idols
Role models serve as guiding beacons, much like lighthouses steering voyagers safely through challenging waters. For Payal Kapoor, role models are those individuals who embody humility, even when surrounded by fame, wealth, and comfort. She deeply respects those who not only succeed but also prioritize giving back to society, generously extending a helping hand to others. These qualities, for her, represent the truest measure of greatness.
Payal holds the Royal Family of Jodhpur in high esteem, particularly Maharaja Gaj Singhji, Maharani Sahiba, and their late uncle, Thakur Raju Singhji. During her nearly nine-year tenure working at the prestigious Umaid Bhawan Palace, Payal had the privilege of observing and learning from them. She credits them with imparting invaluable life lessons, both professional and personal, that continue to influence her approach to design, leadership, and service.
Alongside the Royal Family, Payal also admires the legendary Mr Ratan Tata. She is inspired not only by his remarkable achievements and contributions to the industry but also by his unwavering grace, humility, and respectful manner in which he interacts with everyone. Mr Tata’s dedication to ethical business practices and his commitment to philanthropy have left an indelible impression on Payal, providing her with an example of a leader whose actions are grounded in respect and generosity.
For Payal, these figures represent the ideals she aspires to in her life and career—a blend of success, compassion, and an enduring commitment to the betterment of society. These role models have inspired her to build a legacy through her work that not only strives for excellence but also contributes positively to the lives of others.
Success Means…
Success holds a unique meaning for everyone, and for Payal Kapoor, it’s a deeply personal and evolving concept. She believes success is inherently subjective, shaped by individual aspirations and values. To her, success is not just about achieving personal goals but also includes gaining a sense of recognition, appreciation, and respect for her work. Payal’s career journey is a testament to this—she has earned a respected place in the design industry entirely on her own merits, with no endorsements or influential backers to smooth her path.
While financial rewards are undeniably significant, Payal considers hard work, integrity, and honesty to be far more lasting achievements. She values the satisfaction that comes from knowing she’s given her best in every endeavour, creating work that speaks for itself. This approach has been instrumental in carving her reputation as a dedicated and visionary leader in her field.
Payal also highlights the importance of adaptability in defining her success. She explains, “I believe that the ability to evolve with the times, to embrace new trends, and to innovate while remaining resilient in the face of challenges is crucial to lasting success.” Her capacity to adapt has been a guiding force throughout her career, allowing her not only to stay relevant but to thrive, even as the industry rapidly changes around her.
Ultimately, for Payal, success is a blend of resilience, continuous learning, and a passion for meaningful work that brings both personal fulfilment and societal impact. Her journey illustrates that true success lies in finding harmony between professional achievement and personal growth, proving that enduring success requires a foundation of principles that withstand the test of time.
Meeting Yourself Amid the Chaos
For any professional, achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial, and Payal Kapoor is no exception. She fully embraces the evolving idea of work-life integration, bringing fresh and creative approaches to harmonize her career and personal life. Rather than simply splitting time between work and home, Payal focuses on seamlessly blending her professional responsibilities with moments that recharge her soul, enabling her to approach each day with renewed energy.
To Payal, a perfect “me-time” is found in solitude and nature, where she can reconnect with herself away from the hustle and bustle. She says, “I find joy in the simplicity of life—just being surrounded by hills, gazing over a tranquil lake, and enjoying the fresh air with a cup of tea. These small pleasures give me immense peace.” The serenity of natural surroundings serves as a source of inspiration and tranquillity for her, helping her stay grounded.
In her Delhi routine, Payal incorporates moments of relaxation into her schedule. She enjoys spending her evenings in quiet reflection, listening to music, or simply doing nothing—allowing herself time to unwind and disconnect from the demands of her work. For Payal, these moments of calmness are essential not only for her well-being but also for her creativity and productivity, helping her bring renewed passion to her work each day.
Through her innovative approach to balancing work and life, Payal exemplifies how work-life integration can enable a deeper sense of fulfilment. Her methods reflect her belief that success is not just about professional accomplishments but also about nurturing oneself and savouring life’s simple joys.
A Guidebook of How to Achieve Your Dreams
With years of experience, boundless creativity, and global collaborations with industry giants, Payal Kapoor has established herself as a remarkable and visionary leader in interior design. Her journey is characterized by a unique approach and an indomitable spirit that inspires those around her, especially aspiring women designers seeking to carve their own paths. Payal’s words of wisdom serve as invaluable guidance for these emerging talents, offering insights drawn from her own professional journey and personal growth.
Payal emphasizes the importance of respecting working women, whom she sees as embodiments of the fine art of balancing multiple roles—professionals, homemakers, friends, and individuals. She believes that managing these roles gracefully deserves recognition and admiration. Beyond balancing acts, Payal highlights that time management is the cornerstone of being organized. She advises that young women professionals should harness the power of delegation and outsourcing when feasible, freeing up time to focus on core tasks that require their expertise and vision.
Equally vital in Payal’s advice is the importance of self-love and trust. She encourages young women in the industry to prioritize self-care, making time for relaxation, and connecting with friends to recharge. “Staying motivated involves setting aside moments for yourself,” she says. Payal urges them to learn the art of laughter and letting go, reminding them that some situations will always be beyond their control and that the pursuit of pleasing everyone is a futile one. “Your self-respect and dignity are non-negotiable. You are worth much more than you might realize,” she concludes, underscoring the importance of holding oneself in high regard.
In this field and beyond, Payal’s insights provide a foundation for aspiring women leaders. Her words serve as both encouragement and caution, guiding them to approach their careers with integrity, balance, and resilience. For those navigating the challenges of the professional world, Payal’s journey is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from valuing oneself and pursuing one’s passions with unwavering dedication.