In the world of interior design, where creativity seamlessly intertwines with functionality, Shradha Chodankar stands out as a beacon of inspiration. Hailing from Thrissur, Kerala, and raised in Kankavli, Maharashtra, Shradha has made a significant mark in the vibrant design landscape of Goa through her business, Aluxcre Interiors. Her journey is a testament to her dedication, passion, and the innovative approach she brings to every project. Married to a Goan, Shradha’s life is a blend of diverse cultural influences, which is vividly reflected in the unique design style of Aluxcre Interiors.
Early Life and Education
From a young age, Shradha Chodankar was deeply inclined towards the arts. While many around her followed more conventional career paths, she was always drawn to the creative world. Her passion for arts and design led her to pursue a Bachelor in Interior Design (B.I.D), which set the course for her future. This formal education provided her with both the technical skills and theoretical knowledge required to excel in the field of interior design.
Choosing Interior Design as a Career
Shradha’s decision to venture into interior design was driven by her love for arts and her desire to create beautiful, functional spaces. For her, interior design was not just a career choice but a passion that allowed her creativity to flourish. She viewed it as an opportunity to do what she loved while building a lucrative career.
Design Philosophy
Shradha Chodankar’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in minimalism. She firmly believes that “less is more,” which is evident in her approach to design. Her focus is always on function over form, ensuring that each space she designs is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and easy to maintain. Shradha’s preference for neutral and earthy tones, combined with simple yet elegant décor, creates spaces that are both calming and inviting.
Understanding Client Needs
One of the key aspects of Shradha’s work is her ability to understand her clients’ needs. She begins each project with a detailed consultation to ensure she has a clear understanding of the space’s purpose and the client’s preferences. This client-centric approach allows her to create designs tailored to the specific requirements of each project, ensuring the final outcome aligns perfectly with the client’s vision.
Favourite Projects
Over the past four years, Shradha has worked on numerous notable projects in Goa. Among her favourites are the complete renovation of a 3BHK apartment for a former Miss India in Caranzalem, Goa, and the setup of a new IVF clinic in Patto Panjim. Each project presented its unique challenges, but Shradha’s ability to adapt and innovate ensured that the end result was nothing short of spectacular.
Embracing Culture and Trends
For Shradha, inspiration comes from various sources. Travelling to different places and experiencing diverse cultures plays a significant role in shaping her design ideas. The wide variety of architecture and interior designs found across India serve as a constant source of inspiration. Additionally, she stays updated with the latest trends by attending trade shows and following other designers and architects on social platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.
Balancing Functionality with Aesthetics
In Shradha’s design process, functionality is always a priority. She ensures her designs are practical and sustainable while maintaining visual appeal. By using neutral colours and incorporating pops of colour through décor items and artwork, she creates a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. Every piece of décor is carefully selected to complement the overall theme of the project.
Workflow: From Consultation to Completion
Shradha’s workflow is a well-structured process ensuring efficiency and client satisfaction. It starts with a site visit and consultation to understand the client’s requirements. Following this, she moves on to the paid client onboarding process, where the design style is finalised. Shradha then creates 2D/3D models to visualise the space, followed by a detailed estimation of costs. Once everything is approved, the actual work begins on site.
Incorporating Personal Style
Shradha believes that a successful design reflects the client’s personal style. During the initial consultation, she gathers information about the client’s preferences and integrates these into her designs. While she advocates for functionality, Shradha is also open to incorporating specific client requests, even if they differ from her usual style. By providing insights into how certain design choices might impact the overall aesthetic and functionality, she ensures the final design is both beautiful and practical.
Overcoming Challenges
The interior design industry is not without challenges. For Shradha, one of the biggest hurdles has been keeping up with the ever-changing trends. Clients often request designs they see online, not realising these might not be suitable for their space or budget. Shradha addresses this by educating her clients on the realities of design, helping them understand that what looks good online may not always be practical. Additionally, coordinating with labourers and suppliers can be challenging, but she has overcome this by collaborating with a reliable contractor.
Design Principles
Shradha’s work is guided by a set of design principles emphasising simplicity and elegance. Her preference for minimalistic design, neutral tones, and earthy elements creates spaces that are both timeless and contemporary. She believes in creating spaces that are not only visually appealing but also sustainable and easy to maintain.
Favorite Materials and Elements
When it comes to materials, Shradha has a few favourites she often incorporates into her designs. These include wood, natural stone, veneer, and wall murals. She also has a fondness for hand-painted arts, which add a personal touch to her projects. These materials not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space but also contribute to its functionality.
Budgeting and Resource Management
Effective budgeting and resource management are crucial to the success of any project. Shradha approaches this by creating a thorough estimation based on the actual measurements at the site, with a 10-15% headroom to accommodate unforeseen expenses. She also ensures resources are managed efficiently by establishing a workflow process and maintaining proper coordination with the contractor.
Advice for Hiring an Interior Designer
For those looking to hire an interior designer, Shradha offers valuable advice. She emphasises the importance of clear communication and setting a budget from the outset. By making expectations clear and reviewing the designer’s portfolio in advance, clients can ensure they find a designer whose style matches their own. This helps prevent budget overruns and ensures the final design meets their needs.
Goals and Aspirations
Looking to the future, Shradha has ambitious goals for her career. She aims to excel in her work and develop a signature style blending modern functionality with sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Additionally, she hopes to work on a wider range of projects that allow her to showcase her creativity. In the long run, Shradha aspires to give back to society by working on projects that help local communities.
Conclusion
Shradha Chodankar’s journey in the world of interior design is one of passion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Her ability to blend functionality with aesthetics, while staying true to her design principles, has made her a sought-after interior designer in Goa. As she continues to innovate and inspire, there is no doubt her work will leave a lasting impact on the world of interior design.
