Aftab Mohommad, the director and owner of Cristina Interiors, Mumbai, has always emphasized the importance of dedication, creativity, and sustainability in the field of interior design. One key figure who stands out in the story of Cristina Interiors is Ar. Ashwini Gole, the Head Designer of the company. Ashwini’s journey is an inspiring one, marked by a deep passion for creativity, a resilience to overcome personal struggles, and a commitment to transforming spaces with luxury, functionality, and sustainability.
About Cristina Interiors
Cristina Interiors was founded in 2010 with a vision to provide luxury interior design solutions for residential spaces. Located in the bustling city of Mumbai, the company has built a reputation for creating highly functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable interiors. Ashwini Gole, having joined the company in 2017, has been instrumental in shaping its design philosophy. As Head Designer, she brings innovation and a keen understanding of client needs to every project.
The Beginning of the Journey
The story of Ashwini Gole is one of perseverance and passion. From a young age, she had a keen interest in the world of design. It wasn’t just about creating beautiful spaces; for Ashwini, it was about making these spaces functional, sustainable, and adaptable to the needs of their users. It was this passion for design that encouraged her to pursue a career in architecture and interior design.
The inception of Cristina Interiors in 2010 was a bold move in a competitive market. Ashwini joined the company in 2017 and quickly became an integral part of its growth. Her role as Head Designer was pivotal in steering the company towards success. Over the years, Cristina Interiors has evolved into a luxury interior design firm with a reputation for delivering stunning, sustainable residential spaces.
What Makes Cristina Interiors Stand Out
Cristina Interiors specializes in luxury residential projects. The company has successfully managed to carve a niche for itself by providing budget-friendly luxury interior design solutions. This unique blend of luxury and affordability makes Cristina Interiors accessible to a wider audience while still delivering high-end, high-quality designs.
The company’s USP (Unique Selling Proposition) lies in its commitment to creating highly functional and sustainable spaces. Ashwini’s designs are characterized by attention to detail, innovative use of materials, and a focus on creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also practical and environmentally responsible.
Inspiration and Motivation
Ashwini’s journey as a designer has been driven by her deep love for creativity and design. However, the most significant inspiration in her life has come from within. Having faced numerous challenges, including personal losses, Ashwini has drawn strength from her own resilience. “The struggle I had makes myself my own inspiration,” she says. “If I can reach here, then nothing can stop me ever.” This inner strength has been key to her success and has driven her to keep pushing boundaries, even in the face of adversity.
The Struggles and Lessons Learned
Like most entrepreneurs, Ashwini has faced her share of struggles. One of the most challenging times in her life came when she lost her father. The grief affected her personally and professionally, making it difficult to focus on her work. However, through this personal loss, Ashwini learned a valuable lesson about the impermanence of life. “One day we all have to leave, and life goes on,” she reflects. This realization gave her the strength to move forward and continue pursuing her passion with renewed determination.
As an entrepreneur and designer, Ashwini also faced the pressure of competing in a saturated market. With so many designers vying for attention, standing out became essential. However, Ashwini found a way to overcome this challenge by constantly evolving her designs and the materials she used. She understood the importance of staying ahead of trends and being mindful of environmental sustainability, which she believes is crucial for the future of the design industry.
Identifying Opportunities in the Market
The interior design market is highly competitive, with countless designers offering their services. For Ashwini, the key to identifying opportunities lay in being unique. “There are tons of designers in the market, and if I don’t stand out of the box, I won’t get work as much as I want,” she admits. To differentiate herself, Ashwini made it a priority to continually upgrade her designs and use materials that had a minimal environmental impact. This commitment to sustainability not only helped her stand out but also positioned Cristina Interiors as a forward-thinking, eco-conscious company.
The Importance of Client Psychology
As a designer, Ashwini understands that the key to creating the perfect space lies in understanding the client’s psychology and requirements. “It’s the most important thing to understand what the client wants because eventually, it’s their space, and they have to live there,” she says. Rather than imposing her own ideas, Ashwini emphasizes the importance of listening to the client’s needs and working collaboratively to bring their vision to life. This client-centric approach has been a cornerstone of her success and has earned her the trust and respect of her clients.
The First Project That Changed Everything
Every designer has that one project that marks the beginning of their professional journey. For Ashwini, it was her very first project, which had a modest budget of 15 lakhs. While the budget was small, the confidence and sense of achievement she gained from completing the project was invaluable. “That was the project that gave me the confidence to believe in myself and realize that I can do much better,” she recalls. This experience shaped her career and fueled her drive to take on even bigger and more ambitious projects.
Sustainability and Green Architecture
In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards sustainability and green architecture in the design industry. Ashwini fully supports this movement, acknowledging the pressing issues of global warming and environmental degradation. While she has not yet worked extensively on sustainable projects, she is committed to incorporating sustainable practices into her designs in the future. “I promise to start working on it as soon as possible,” she says, highlighting her commitment to the environment and the importance of creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.
Learning from Entrepreneurship
Ashwini’s journey as an entrepreneur has taught her valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. One of the key takeaways from her career has been the importance of never giving up, no matter how difficult the road may seem. “Life is not easy, but if you have the passion and the will to succeed, you will make it through,” she affirms.
Advice for Budding Architects and Designers
To aspiring architects and designers, Ashwini has a simple message: “This is the most amazing field ever because it’s so creative that you can make a different world out of it.” She encourages young professionals to embrace their creativity, work hard, and believe in themselves. “If you really work hard on the projects, you can achieve anything,” she adds, wishing them the best of luck in their careers.
