We were lucky to catch up with Diksha Pilania recently and have shared our conversation below.
Diksha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project hands down has been my latest project “Upaya-Transforming slum spaces, uplifting lives”. The mission of Upaya is to use participatory design processes to bring interior design services to underserved communities and make design accessible to “All”. The project takes a creative approach by transforming limited spaces through multifunctional furniture design and thoughtful interventions. to redefine the way we perceive living spaces. With a profound belief in the power of design to uplift lives, UPAYA represents more than just a project; it embodies a vision to empower the underserved. Please see a video of the project here (https://www.vanvaasi.org/
With my dual master’s in scenic and interior design, I have always been interested in how people interact with spaces and how these spaces affect their behavior. Because of this interest combined with my passion for community work, I noticed a gap: interior design services were often seen as luxurious and were not reaching underserved communities.
Along with my design education, I’ve always been drawn to social work because I believe my life’s purpose is to give back to the community that shaped me. Seeing the challenges these communities face and recognizing the privilege and education I have, I couldn’t sit idle. I felt compelled to use my knowledge and resources to make a difference. After studying for 5 years in the States, I had to find a way to bring back the knowledge I had gained to my own country and this project provided me with a new beginning as I ended my educational career and ventured into equitable and social design. I realized these communities needed attention because the way their living spaces were designed affected their mental well-being. That’s why I launched Upaya. It’s not just a solution; it’s a way to create more thoughtful communities. I’m using my skills as a spatial designer to make a positive change and show the power of good design.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi folks!! For all of you who don’t know me yet (well, you should, haha). So here’s a little bit about me; I will try to put as much as I can but I am always down for a coffee chat if my background is of any interest to you 🙂
Externally, I am an interdisciplinary designer with a Bachelor’s in Accessory Design(NIFT, Delhi) and a dual master’s (MFA in Theatre (Scenic Design) & MS in Interior design) from Virginia Tech. But internally I am a storyteller, a listener, a community builder, a changemaker, and a social worker. All of these combined are what bring a deep meaningful story, passion, and purpose to the work I do. Design has become a medium for me to quench my thirst for bringing change in the world. We are surrounded by design in every aspect of our life- whether it is the clothes we wear, the cup we drink in, or to a larger extent- the house we live in; And when that design comes with a deeper purpose going beyond the form, the aesthetics, it has the power to change lives.
This passion for design equity, and community upliftment through design is what led to the creation of Vanvaasi- a social enterprise that aims to make design accessible for “All”- encompassing the huge pool of underserved communities which are forgotten about. Vanvaasi was co-founded by the brother-sister duo (Harshal Pilania and myself). Design holds transformative power, and our belief – “Everyone deserves a designer” drives my work. By providing design services to underserved communities, we aim to break the elitist barriers of design services. We emphasize “Designing with them, not for them” as it is important to let go of the notion of “charity” to make the people feel valued and well-deserved of what they have; and to advocate and speak up for the lives they want and desire.
With over a decade in the design industry, I’ve built valuable connections with fellow designers. At Vanvaasi, we welcome all design projects, confident in our network to find the perfect match for your needs. Beyond fulfilling design requirements, we’re dedicated to social contribution—each project supports a unique initiative where an underserved child interested in design gets the chance to shadow professionals, gaining invaluable experience. From mural paintings and interior design to website creation and videography, we’ve tackled a diverse range of projects.
At Vanvaasi, we are not only aiming to work in the interior design sector, but we have also launched several programs such as Mentorship for design careers and equipment drives to accelerate the spread of design education. Our mission is to continuously broaden our services while making a tangible difference in the lives of underprivileged children, combining wealth and knowledge transfer. Join us as we design for change. Let’s make a difference together.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being a creator has opened my eyes to the vast spectrum of colors the world has to offer, far beyond the mere black and white, the yeses and nos, the rights and wrongs. In my role, I’m not just moving towards a predefined solution; I don’t have a textbook filled with answers. Instead, as a creator, I navigate the world fueled by inspiration, drawing from stories, places, and people. What I create is, in some way, a reflection of my own vision (while certainly inspired by the amazing work around me), but it always carries a unique touch that’s distinctly mine.
I see design as an acquired skill, and selling that design as an equally crucial ability. I appreciate having the control to defend my solutions based on my learnings and ideology, not just to be disproven by set formulas. As a spatial designer, I have the unique opportunity to literally step into my drawings, to feel my work, and to bring countless stories to life through my creations. That, in essence, is what keeps me going.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
When I launched “UPAYA,” I faced skepticism. Critics argued, “Slum dwellers don’t need interior design,” labeling it a luxury and questioning its impact on larger issues. Doubts about its success and acceptance in slum communities were vocal. Starting UPAYA from the United States presented its own set of challenges. Being away from India for five years meant I was out of touch with local trends, materials, and issues, a gap that was frequently highlighted. Although I had support in the States, the absence of local, professional guidance from India was felt.
Yet, driven by a love for challenges, I chose to ignore the skeptics. I began reaching out to professionals in India for informational interviews and was lucky to find established figures in social design willing to offer guidance. Despite initial doubts about the project’s necessity, my team and I approached it with the dedication of any design project, pouring our hearts and souls into the work. The outcome was rewarding—smiling, grateful faces that reflected the positive impact of our work on their lives.
Choosing this project as my final thesis was unconventional, but I’m proud to announce that UPAYA has since been recognized with two prestigious awards: the 2024 CSGS Masters Thesis Award and the AAD Outstanding Graduate Student Award from Virginia Tech.
To the voices that doubted the project’s viability and impact, your skepticism only fueled our commitment & here’s what i have to say:
By entering the spaces of underserved communities as a dedicated design advocate, I aim to spread equality. Through my social design firm, I strive to open doors, encouraging them to knock as clients, without facing racial biases. When I provide a couch, it’s not just a furnishing; it’s a seat in society they rightfully deserve. Opening windows signifies more than just letting in fresh air and light; it’s about unveiling their lives to the world. Coloring their homes isn’t merely adding hues; it’s erasing the barriers of color that often result in injustice, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vanvaasi.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanvaasi/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diksha-pilania/