Jannat Chopra, the founder of WellThenSo Design Studio, has made a mark in the interior design world with her innovative approach and dedication. Her journey from Dubai to Goa, combined with her extensive educational background and passion for art, has shaped WellThenSo into a leading design studio. This article delves into Jannat’s background, her design philosophy, the services her studio offers, and her future aspirations.
Educational Background and Early Inspirations
Jannat Chopra’s educational journey began in Chandigarh, but she soon moved to Dubai for her schooling. Her formative years were spent in Chennai, where she attended Omega, a spirituality-based school, from the 8th to the 12th grade. She pursued her BSc in Interiors and Furniture Design from institutions in Indore and Ahmedabad. Her quest for deeper knowledge led her to complete a Masters in Interior Design and Furniture Design from MIT in Pune.
Jannat’s passion for painting and art significantly influenced her career. She finds inspiration in colours and the depth they bring to a canvas. Her fascination lies in how art can convey ideas and emotions, transforming a blank canvas into a meaningful experience for others.
The Birth of WellThenSo Design Studio
In 2018, Jannat established WellThenSo Design Studio in Goa. At that time, the design services available in the region were limited, making the design process more of a challenge than a pleasure for clients. Jannat aimed to change this by offering a comprehensive range of design services and materials.
The studio was created with a vision to provide limitless design possibilities. Jannat wanted to offer a vast material library and customizable options for furniture, lighting, wallpaper, and rugs. Her goal was to make the design process enjoyable and hassle-free for her clients.
Porvorim: The Ideal Location
WellThenSo Design Studio is situated in Porvorim, Goa, a location that Jannat finds ideal for her business. Porvorim’s central position allows easy access to both the southern and northern parts of Goa, facilitating site visits and client interactions. This strategic location has positively influenced the studio’s operations and its ability to cater to a diverse clientele.
Core Values and Principles
As the founder of WellThenSo, Jannat emphasises authenticity, service, and quality. These core values guide her approach to both design and business management. She believes that while creativity is essential, maintaining high standards of service and quality is crucial for a successful project. Jannat’s dedication to these principles ensures that each project reflects her commitment to excellence.
Design Philosophy and Approach
Jannat’s design philosophy revolves around giving ample time to the design process. She advocates for a thorough, diligent approach to design, which involves careful consideration of over 100 elements in a project. This approach ensures that spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.
She encourages clients to be patient and allow sufficient time for both design and execution. This patience, she believes, is key to achieving a holistic and well-executed final output. Jannat’s team, with their expertise and commitment, plays a crucial role in transforming spaces into functional and beautiful experience zones.
Comprehensive Range of Services
WellThenSo offers a wide range of services, including:
- Architectural Design
- Villa Construction
- Interior Design for commercial, residential, and hospitality projects
- Interior Execution
- Custom Furniture
- 3D Rendering for architectural and interior design projects
- Augmented Reality (AR) for architectural and interior design projects
- Product Animation
- Professional Photography and Videography
The studio’s versatility in handling various project types and services highlights its capability to address diverse client needs.
Balancing Creativity with Practicality
Jannat’s approach to balancing creativity with practicality involves responsible budget management. She and her team prioritise budget allocation based on project needs and client priorities. By providing a detailed budget sheet and listing essential items, they ensure that clients understand where their investments are going and what compromises, if any, might be necessary.
Ensuring Consistency and Quality
To maintain consistency and quality across all projects, Jannat relies on well-established systems and a trained team. She emphasises the importance of setting up systems that combine human intervention with organised processes. This approach helps in managing various aspects of the business efficiently and ensures that each project meets the studio’s high standards.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Jannat has faced several challenges as an entrepreneur. One significant issue has been the lack of respect for female authority in business. Additionally, setting up systems and processes has been a gradual process, often requiring troubleshooting and adaptation. Jannat’s solution lies in meditation, taking small steps, listening, and maintaining a respectful and optimistic attitude. These practices help her navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and maintain her focus.
Staying Updated with Design Trends
Unlike many designers, Jannat does not follow trends religiously. She believes that design should be driven by the user’s needs and the designer’s creativity. Innovation, she feels, comes from collaborative efforts among various creative fields. By observing and valuing contributions from architects, photographers, interior designers, and other professionals, Jannat fosters an environment where fresh and innovative ideas emerge organically.
Future Plans and Expansions
Looking ahead, Jannat envisions WellThenSo becoming the largest design work community in India within the next five years. She is excited about upcoming projects and expansions, including the launch of HAZO, a sister company focusing on furniture, decor, and lighting. Additionally, ZAI, in partnership with Aditya Singh, will specialise in animation, augmented reality, and 3D rendering. These ventures reflect her ambition to enhance the studio’s impact and showcase its creative work on a larger scale.
Conclusion
Jannat Chopra’s journey from Chandigarh to establishing WellThenSo Design Studio in Goa is a testament to her dedication, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her focus on authenticity, quality, and innovative design ensures that WellThenSo continues to transform spaces and exceed client expectations. With exciting future projects on the horizon, Jannat’s vision for her design studio promises to shape the future of interior design in India.
