We recently connected with Gargi Joglekar and have shared our conversation below.
Gargi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?
It’s funny how life sometimes nudges you in a direction you never quite expected. One afternoon, my husband came to me with this big grin on his face, holding out a laptop, and said, “If you can bring clients to other design companies, you can absolutely bring clients to yourself. Why not do this on your own?” That little moment changed everything.
Without a second thought, we sat down together and started brainstorming. There was something exciting about coming up with a name that felt just right for what I wanted to offer. After tossing around a few ideas, *Modern Design Homes* was born. It felt bold, personal, and exactly the kind of brand that reflected my design aesthetic—modern, elegant, yet still approachable. And just like that, in January 2018, Modern Design Homes LLC came to life.
Of course, it wasn’t as easy as just creating a website and putting my name out there. I won’t sugarcoat it—starting this business was a risk. I was stepping into unfamiliar waters, not knowing much about how to actually manage a business, what to look out for, or how to balance it all. I had a lot to learn. And you know what? I’m still learning every single day.
What has made this journey worthwhile, though, is the understanding that my clients’ needs always come first. I spent countless hours doing research—whether it was the latest design trends or new ways to create a seamless experience for my clients. There have been plenty of challenges, but every hurdle has made me a better designer, and, more importantly, a better business owner.
Even though it’s been a few years since I finished college, the learning hasn’t stopped. I’ve embraced every new design tool, every market research report, and every piece of coaching advice on how to streamline my processes. The goal has always been to create an experience where my clients not only love the final design but also truly enjoy the journey of getting there.
Modern Design Homes is more than just a business. It’s a reflection of my passion for turning houses into sanctuaries and spaces that people can’t wait to come home to. And while the road has been anything but easy, it’s been a journey I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For about seven amazing years, I’ve been deeply immersed in the world of interior design. My journey began with freelancing for a New York-based firm, where I had the opportunity to help them expand into Tampa, Florida. I started from scratch, working as the lead designer on various residential projects. It was a thrilling time, and it truly shaped my passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces.
From those early days to now, I’ve had the pleasure of steering my own ship as the owner and lead designer at Modern Design Homes. Throughout this journey, I’ve brought countless dream homes to life, designing spaces that are not just visually stunning but also incredibly functional. My clients have ranged from homeowners to savvy investors in the Tampa Bay area, and each project has been a unique experience.
When I approach a new project, I don’t just throw together patterns and furniture. I really take the time to study the space. I’m all about creating something personal for my clients. I always ask them about their daily routines, what they enjoy, and where they like to spend their time. It’s those little details that allow me to design something that truly reflects their lives. For instance, if someone loves to read, we’ll carve out a cozy reading nook just for them. I love getting into those details because that’s what makes the space feel truly theirs.
That level of attention to detail carries through in every phase of my design process. I don’t just give clients a rough idea of what their space might look like. I give them the ability to see it. With hyper-realistic rendering software, I can map out an entire room—down to the texture of a throw pillow or how the light hits a piece of furniture in the afternoon. It’s as real as it gets, and for clients who are making significant investments in their homes, that level of certainty is priceless. They can visualize every inch of their future space, which makes the decision-making process so much smoother.
Over the years, I’ve seen so many homeowners struggle to visualize their space, especially when it comes to furniture and decor. That’s why I specialize in creating photorealistic 3D renderings—so my clients don’t feel lost or overwhelmed when it’s time to make those important design choices. It’s one of the things that really sets Modern Design Homes apart.
My design process is all about making things easier and more enjoyable for my clients. I offer space planning, floor plan suggestions, paint palettes, and top-notch furniture and decor recommendations. And, of course, I provide those highly detailed 3D renderings from every angle, so my clients feel completely confident about how everything will come together.
At the end of the day, my goal is to take the stress out of designing a home and make it an exciting, creative process. I believe that with the right planning, attention to detail, and personal touch, we can create a space that feels like a true reflection of who you are. That’s what I love about what I do—and that’s what Modern Design Homes is all about.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission is simple: to help homeowners who struggle with envisioning the full potential of their space. I want people to truly understand the importance of their home—it’s not just four walls, and it shouldn’t be a place where you simply crash after a long day or eat a quick meal. A home is meant to be enjoyed. It’s where you build memories with your family, where you create those special moments. And when a space doesn’t feel cozy or personal, it’s hard to do that.
That’s why I’m so passionate about helping people see what their home *can* be. It’s not just about creating photorealistic renderings (though those are super helpful). The real magic happens when we collaborate in real time. Many clients can’t always visualize what their space will look like—that’s where the renderings become an absolute game-changer.
I use a combination of tools, like SketchUp, to not only map out spaces but bring them to life during client meetings. I love walking through a construction site with my iPad, and within minutes, I can show clients a 3D view of the space—where the furniture will go, how the light will hit the walls, and what kind of vibe the room will have. It’s immediate and powerful.
This ability to make changes on the spot during meetings is revolutionary. It takes the guesswork out of design, making the whole process smoother and so much more collaborative. Clients feel more confident and involved, and as a designer, it allows me to really fine-tune the space to make sure it’s exactly what they want.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Yes definitely!! I wish I had known just how important social media would be for my business! If only I had hopped on that bandwagon a little sooner. But hey, we live and learn, right? I’ve had to do a lot of learning along the way—and I’m still learning! I’ve signed up for courses to help streamline my business so that every client gets the absolute best experience when they kick off their design project with me.
But trust me, this knowledge didn’t just fall into my lap. I’ve spent countless hours diving deep into the internet, researching everything from the latest design trends to the most durable fabrics and materials for my projects. Because guess what? These are the things they don’t teach you in design school! So, I’ve been putting in the work to make sure I’m always ahead of the curve and can bring my clients top-tier designs that not only look amazing but last.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moderndesignhomes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndesignhomes_interiors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndesignhomesinteriors
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gargi-joglekar-569639195
