We recently connected with Mugdha Deshmukh and have shared our conversation below.

Mugdha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

MGU Design stands for Mugdha Girish Uma Design—named in honor of my parents, Girish and Uma. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have their unwavering love and support throughout my journey of building a business from the ground up. As anyone who runs a business knows, the path is anything but easy. From taking full ownership of every detail, learning from mistakes, and collaborating with other professionals—it’s a journey filled with both challenges and rewards.

I’m deeply grateful to my parents—the two unwavering constants in my life—for always seeing the best in me, believing in my potential, and supporting me with endless patience. Naming my studio MGU Design is my way of honoring them and the incredible role they’ve played in my journey.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been an interior designer for nearly 15 years, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have turned my passion into a career. Growing up in India, I was immersed in a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, art, and architecture—an influence that continues to shape my creative approach today.

I believe every space should tell the story of the people who inhabit it—whether it’s a home, a restaurant, or an office that reflects a brand’s identity. What sets me apart is the exclusivity I offer: I take on a limited number of projects to ensure each one receives my full attention and creativity.

I’m deeply observant and analytical by nature. I always design from my clients’ perspective, with a solution-oriented mindset that ensures the final space is not just beautiful, but meaningful and functional too.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve pivoted three times in my life and career so far—each transition shaping me in powerful ways. The first was my move to Mumbai right after graduation, chasing my dream. I joined a multinational design firm and spent five enriching years designing corporate offices along with multiple embassy consulates. It was my first experience collaborating with designers from around the world.

The second pivot came when I left that job to start my own firm. It was a challenging time—I took on multiple part-time roles to support myself until I began receiving projects that gave me the confidence to grow independently.

The third, and perhaps most rewarding, was relocating to Los Angeles with my husband. Though it was a tough decision to leave behind the firm I had built, it turned out to be a turning point. I joined Ethan Allen to better understand the American market and design culture, while continuing freelance projects. Two years ago, with my husband’s unwavering support, I took the leap and launched my business here—and have since had the joy of working on some truly fulfilling projects.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Honestly, my thirties have been a journey of unlearning—shedding old patterns and rebuilding from a place of self-belief. The most transformative shift has been letting go of limiting beliefs and learning to trust myself. We all grow up with certain biases shaped by our upbringing, and over time, those unconscious narratives influence how we see the world—and ourselves.

The most powerful thing I’ve unlearned is negative self-talk. Replacing doubt with self-encouragement has changed everything. Reminding myself I can has opened doors I never thought possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mgu-design.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgudesign/

Image Credits

Tim Hirschman