In a design landscape increasingly dominated by visuals and trends, Studio Design Inc. (SDI) stands apart with a philosophy that prioritizes storytelling, context, and authenticity. For founders Khushboo and Kunal Khandelwal, design is not just about shaping a space — it's about shaping experience, memory, and emotion.
“Our core belief is that every space should tell a story — one that is personal, grounded, and emotionally resonant,” says Khushboo. “We don't chase a signature style or trend. What defines SDI is the seamless integration of design thinking with strategic vision, tailored to each client’s identity and aspirations.”
The studio’s multidisciplinary approach blends architecture, interiors, and user experience into a cohesive, people-centric process. By working across scales and typologies — from private residences to cultural spaces — SDI ensures that each project is not just a physical structure but a living narrative that reflects the user's lifestyle, aspirations, and environment.
“Aesthetics and functionality are not separate concerns in our process,” Kunal explains. “They are parallel strands of the same story. Function sets the foundation, and then we shape that through a carefully crafted aesthetic vision, refined materials, and a strong emphasis on the experiential quality of the space.”
This clarity of purpose is evident in SDI’s space planning — where every detail, from circulation flow to lighting and texture, is designed to serve both practical and emotional needs. The result is spaces that feel intuitive and immersive, whether minimalist or layered, bold or subtle.
Sustainability, too, is seamlessly embedded into the narrative. For SDI, it’s not about a checklist of green features, but a mindset that values restraint, contextual relevance, and long-term impact. “We believe that less is more. Responsible design, to us, means longevity, efficient planning, and materials that age with dignity,” says Khushboo. “It’s also about knowing when not to design — about letting the site, the people, and the purpose speak for themselves.”
One of the most notable shifts they’ve observed is the evolving role of clients in the design journey. Today’s clients are more informed, intentional, and engaged. This has led SDI to adopt a collaborative process — one rooted in dialogue and co-creation. “Clients now want their spaces to reflect who they are, not just what’s trending,” Kunal shares. “We see our role as guides, helping them articulate that vision, and translating it into built form.”
Rather than chase passing fads, SDI focuses on context and timelessness. “Our design decisions are based on clarity of purpose, cultural depth, and relevance to how people actually live,” Khushboo says. The firm often draws from India’s vast cultural palette, not to recreate the past, but to reinterpret its meaning for today’s world. This manifests in subtle ways — a locally sourced stone, a vernacular form reimagined in metal, or an architectural layout that supports multi-generational living.
“India’s diversity — in materials, lifestyles, and traditions — is an incredible resource. But we don’t copy craft or heritage elements verbatim. We’re more interested in their essence, their symbolism, and how those ideas can evolve,” says Kunal.
A recent example of this approach was a residential project where SDI interpreted traditional courtyard planning to create a central, light-filled core in an urban home — a nod to vernacular design, made relevant to modern needs. “We’re not nostalgic. We’re contextual. That’s the difference,” Khushboo adds.
As they look to the future, the Khandelwals see Indian design evolving in ways that are more conscious, rooted, and meaningful. “We believe the next era of design will be less about form and more about feeling. The quiet luxury of living in a space that truly understands you — that’s the new aspiration,” says Kunal.
Innovation is an integral part of this evolution. From new materials and digital workflows to immersive technologies and AI, SDI embraces tools that enhance creativity while keeping the human experience at the center. “AI, for instance, isn’t here to replace creativity. It allows us to be more efficient, freeing up time for deeper thinking and storytelling,” Khushboo notes.
In a time when the world is asking deeper questions about identity, belonging, and sustainability, Studio Design Inc. is offering answers — not in loud gestures, but in thoughtful, layered, and quietly luxurious spaces.
