High on Design Podcast

Utsav Kamboj

5.0 (3)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

"High on Design" is an interview-style podcast hosted by Indian Architect and Urban Designer - Utsav Kamboj. The podcast features raw stories with Architects and Interior Designers pushing the boundaries of design, exploring their life stories, insights into their practice and design perspective. The podcast aims to explore the human side of designers to uncover what made them who they are today.

22/07/2025

How to get clients using Instagram - with Shivani and Ayush

In conversation with Shivani Gupta Mittal and Ayush Mittal, the co-founders of House of Lalittya — a design firm known for its elegant blend of modern and traditional aesthetics. In this candid episode of the High on Design podcast, they open up about how their lives (and business) have transformed since becoming parents, and how they continue to juggle family, creativity, and growth.From bootstrapping a brand from a 100-square-feet office to running a 25-member studio, Shivani and Ayush share the real, behind-the-scenes stories of what it actually takes to build and sustain a design practice today. They talk about systems, structures, the pressure of client demands, and the evolving nature of design expectations — all while navigating sleepless nights and feeding schedules.This episode is packed with practical insights on team building, designing with emotion, creating sustainable workflows, and staying creatively fuelled while life (and work) keep changing. If you’ve ever wondered what it's like to raise both a baby and a brand at the same time — this one’s for you.Chapters: 00:45 – Meet the guests: A quick intro01:20 – How life & business changed after becoming parents08:36 – Dealing with negativity while growing a design business10:20 – Balancing marriage and managing a business together13:17 – Their take on working with Gen Z creatives14:16 – How gold became their design signature19:15 – Nurturing strong relationships within their team24:08 – The systems they’re building to scale their studio27:56 – How they handle client enquiries with clarity29:11 – Facing stagnancy in business and finding momentum32:12 – Why documentation is key in creative work34:56 – From startup phase to building a sustainable practice36:29 – The most bizarre client requests they’ve received

45 min
17/07/2025

Hard Truth about Pitching Architectural Projects - with Shweta Kaw

In conversation with Shweta Kaw, the principal architect of Studio Meraki, a design studio based in Delhi-NCR. In this episode, Shweta shares how she transitioned from being a student to a business owner, learned to pitch projects, build client relationships, and find her voice as a woman architect navigating both the creative and commercial sides of practice.Shweta’s journey into the world of architecture began like many others — as a student full of dreams. But what sets her apart is how she shaped those dreams and struggles into a meaningful, sustainable practice over the last 15 years. From her academic roots in India to completing her Master’s in Building Performance & Sustainability at the National University of Singapore, to working as a Sustainable Design Consultant in Singapore and then in India, her story is layered with learning, risk, and reinvention.She speaks candidly about the early days of building Studio Meraki — the doubts, the hustle, and the unexpected lessons. For young architects looking to start out or branch off on their own, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest insights.

47 min
15/07/2025

35: Best way to learn about Construction - with Vasanth Packirisamy

In conversation with Vasanth Packirisamy, Artist, Principal Architect and Partner at Firki Studio, a practice known for its fresh, modular, and idea-driven approach to architecture. In this episode of the High on Design Podcast, Vasanth reflects on the journey that shaped both him and the studio — starting from childhood curiosities to co-founding one of the best dynamic design collectives in the country. He shares how Firki came into being, the story behind its name, and what it takes to build a five-partner practice that thrives on independence, experimentation, and shared vision. From navigating early struggles to building a culture where even interns have a say, Vasanth speaks honestly about leadership, collaboration, and the importance of giving people space to think differently.We talk about life with kids, how parenthood shifts your thinking, and the ever-elusive work-life balance. He also dives into the many strange (and often hilarious) client requests they’ve faced — and why every project is an opportunity for creative problem-solving. From artistic intent to architectural practicality, Vasanth unpacks how architecture must be judged after it’s built, and where the future of design is heading.This episode is full of real talk on studio life, shared ownership, design experimentation, and how to build work that feels both personal and powerful.Chapters:0:52 – Introduction1:26 – Becoming an accidental architect & business owner7:15 – Starting his professional journey13:46 – Marriage, jobs, and early business days15:32 – First few years of work 17:34 – Firki ended up with 5 partners20:31 – The story behind the name ‘Firki Studio’24:36 – How to approach looking at buildings & design29:12 – Unique and unexpected client briefs38:07 – Creating products while building spaces43:06 – The story behind Firki’s brick office50:23 – What it’s like raising a child when both parents are architects52:44 – How Firki Studio is decentralizing design57:23 – What’s coming next at Firki Studio59:13 – Staying inspired

1h 7m
14/05/2024

34: TUSHAR MISTRY on - Designing Show Homes for Builder Projects With

In conversation with Tushar Mistry, Principal Architect of Tushar Mistry Design Studio, with over 20 years of experience in builder homes and show apartments. In this episode we get real insights on budget, the difference in the mindset of developers and clients and the challenges that come along the way. His design studio has specialized in making the best use of resources by providing innovative designs, bringing in class, and a touch of their spirit and soul to the entire space. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

27 min
08/09/2023

33: ANUSHKA CONTRACTOR on - How to approach Interior Design

When you consider the indoors and the outdoors as one, you inevitably feel more connected. In this episode of Design Weekly, Anushka Contractor, the principal interior designer of Anushka C Studio shares candid insights into her design journey, how she conceptualizes spaces and experiments with wood tones.

17 min
26/08/2023

32: SHILPA JAIN ON: Different Scales of Architecture Practice

When you change the scale or genre of projects, you get back into perspective. In this episode of Design Weekly, Shilpa Jain Balvally, the co-founder of Studio Osmosis, a multidisciplinary design practice, shares the beautiful journey of growing her practice and how one should approach varying scales and types of architectural projects.

31 min
04/08/2023

31: RITIKA KOTHARI on - Becoming a Designer in the Metaverse

Metaverse is a universe where you can be anyone and design without boundaries. It is the future of spatial design. In this episode, Rititka Kothari, founder of House of Ritika and Colab Cloud Meta breaks down everything an architect and interior designer needs to know about the Metaverse, opening up a new rewarding career path. We talk about MNCs demand for virtual space designers and how you can become one.

22 min
28/07/2023

30: QUIRK STUDIO on - Crafting Spaces with a Story

Blending the outdoors and the indoors seamlessly is one of the most imperative tasks for any designer. In this episode of Design Weekly, Shivani Ajmera, the co-founder of Quirk Studio shares the journey of starting and growing her studio. She shares her design approach to achieve clean, minimal contemporary spaces that speak volumes about the client’s personality.

23 min

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

"High on Design" is an interview-style podcast hosted by Indian Architect and Urban Designer - Utsav Kamboj. The podcast features raw stories with Architects and Interior Designers pushing the boundaries of design, exploring their life stories, insights into their practice and design perspective. The podcast aims to explore the human side of designers to uncover what made them who they are today.

Creator

Utsav Kamboj
Years Active

2020 - 2025
Episodes

37
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Utsav Kamboj
Show Website

High on Design Podcast