We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Suneha Balasubramanya. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Suneha below.

Suneha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was during my time in architecture school. I vividly remember sitting in our history of architecture class, completely captivated by how spaces tell stories—not just through their design, but through their ability to evoke emotions and create atmospheres. This fascination became even more pronounced when I started exploring movies and set designs. Watching films, I realized how environments were crafted to complement narratives and shape the viewer’s experience.

What truly sparked my interest was recognizing the parallels between architecture and set design. In both fields, you’re creating spaces, but while architecture focuses on functionality and permanence, set design is about storytelling and impermanence. It felt like discovering a new language, one that combined my architectural knowledge with my love for visual storytelling.

After working for a few years designing interiors for corporate spaces, I found myself drawn to projects that had a more dynamic, narrative-driven approach. That pull led me to transition into production design and art direction—a leap that felt both exhilarating and natural. It allowed me to merge my technical skills with my passion for crafting environments that resonate emotionally and visually.

Looking back, it was those moments in school, coupled with hours spent analyzing film sets and imagining the stories behind them, that set me on this path. It was a slow realization, but once I saw the connection between my interests and the potential to make a career out of it, there was no turning back. Every project now feels like a chance to channel that early fascination into something tangible and transformative.

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.

I was born and raised in Bangalore, India, where my passion for art and design shaped my journey from an early age. This interest led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, which became the foundation of my career. I began my professional journey at RSP Design Consultants as a Design Manager, where I had the opportunity to collaborate on design and execute corporate interiors in India. These large-scale projects taught me the importance of blending functionality with creativity and sharpened my ability to manage complex designs in a tight timeline.

My deep appreciation for Indian classical music, dance, and cinema has been a constant source of inspiration, drawing me toward the art of visual storytelling. To bring this passion to life, I pursued an MFA in Production Design at the American Film Institute, where I honed my ability to craft environments that speak volumes without words. Since then, I’ve worked on short films like Dosh, Aros World, and Ramadan American to name a few projects that have not only earned recognition at film festivals, but also allowed me to explore the transformative power of design in storytelling. Today, I merge my architectural expertise with my love for narrative, creating immersive spaces that don’t just set the stage but become characters in their own right, shaping emotions and bringing stories to life.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey is to design spaces that tell stories and evoke emotions. Through production design and set design, my goal is to create immersive environments that seamlessly integrate with the narrative, amplifying its impact and bringing it to life. Growing up, I developed a deep appreciation for how art can shape emotions and transport audiences to entirely new worlds.

This passion drives me to craft designs that are not just backdrops but active participants in storytelling. I strive to create spaces that resonate with audiences, enriching the visual and emotional layers of a story. For me, the ultimate reward is seeing these designs not only support a narrative but also leave a lasting impression, transforming ideas into captivating, tangible realities.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the power to shape worlds and emotions with nothing more than an idea. It’s magical to see a concept that once only existed in our mind transform into a tangible space that becomes a character in its own right, helping to tell a story. Each project feels like an invitation to collaborate with imagination itself, weaving together details that evoke wonder, nostalgia, or even tension.

But the true reward comes when the audience connects with what we create—when a set sparks a feeling, enhances a narrative, or lingers in someone’s memory long after the credits roll. It’s in those quiet moments of resonance, where the design becomes more than just a visual—it becomes an experience. For me, that ability to touch people’s hearts through visual storytelling is the most fulfilling gift of all.

Contact Info:

• Website: sunehabalasubramanya.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneha_balasubramanya/?locale=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneha-balasubramanya-9462a92bb/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14528280/