The Emotions of Interior Design: A Masterclass by Roopali Mashruwala

ISDI – School of Design & Innovation’s CO-ELEV8 series continued with an inspiring masterclass by Roopali Mashruwala, a seasoned architect and designer. The session delved into the emotional depth of interior design, highlighting how spaces influence human emotions and interactions. Through real-world case studies and immersive discussions, students explored client-centric design approaches and innovative spatial planning techniques.

Key Takeaways

Looking Beyond Aesthetics: Tangible & Intangible Emotions

• Interior design is more than just visual appeal—it should evoke emotions and create meaningful experiences.
• Spaces must reflect the personality, lifestyle and cultural values of the client.

Understanding the Client’s Home & Lifestyle

• Observing how clients interact with their home environment enables designers to craft functional and personalised spaces.
• A keen understanding of daily routines, family dynamics and storage needs leads to efficient and harmonious designs.

Site Visits: Observing from Multiple Perspectives

• Analyzing a site from different vantage points unveils key focal areas and potential challenges.
• Factors like light, ventilation and movement patterns must be assessed for optimal spatial planning.

Structural Elements as Design Opportunities

• Instead of viewing beams, columns and RCC walls as constraints, they can be integrated as creative elements.
• Structural elements can enhance the visual identity of a space, adding character and depth.

Data-Driven Design & Research

• Leveraging data on spatial dimensions, materials and client preferences leads to informed design decisions.
• Researching trends in materials, finishes and sustainability ensures durability and eco-conscious design.

Moodboards: Establishing the Right Design Language

• A well-crafted moodboard effectively communicates the envisioned atmosphere of a space.
• Colors, textures, and material swatches help align client expectations with the final design outcome.

Encouraging Experimentation in Design

• Designers should push conventional boundaries, exploring new layouts, lighting techniques and material applications.
• Breaking traditional norms fosters unique and visually captivating interiors.

The Importance of Walls & Eye Levels

• Walls serve as storytelling canvases, where textures, finishes and art placement shape the space’s character.
• Understanding eye levels ensures optimal positioning of artwork, lighting and furniture for aesthetic and functional balance.

Case Studies: Pedder Road & Dr. E. Moses Road Projects

• Roopali Mashruwala shared insights from Mumbai-based projects, illustrating solutions to site-specific challenges.
• Factors like location, structural limitations and client expectations played a crucial role in the final design.

This masterclass provided students with a holistic understanding of interior design, emphasising the synergy between functionality, aesthetics and emotions. By blending research, experimentation and client engagement, future designers can create immersive spaces that resonate on a deeper level. Roopali Mashruwala’s industry expertise and practical insights left students inspired, urging them to think beyond traditional norms and embrace innovation in their design journeys.

With CO-ELEV8, ATLAS SkillTech University continues to nurture future-ready designers by bridging academia with industry wisdom.