Looking for expert interior designers in Pune? Read on for a comprehensive guide on the leading talent in the city specialising in residential, commercial, and corporate design.
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Owning a space that authentically mirrors the preferences and aspirations of its inhabitants has long been a priority for many. With the burgeoning expansion of the interior design sector, alongside the increasing financial capability of the Indian populace, this is becoming more attainable.
If you're seeking to embark on designing a new space in the city of Pune but find yourself unsure of where to begin, you've landed on the right page. Our curated collection of the best interior designers in the city features design maestros from various domains, adept in residential, commercial, and corporate interior design. Each designer or duo has been meticulously chosen based on their portfolio, industry experience, and breadth of projects.
Here’s a brief overview of our curated list:
- Pashmin Shah and Satyajeet Patwardhan
- Akash Mehta and Poonam Mehta
- Natasha Shah
- Anuja Marudgan
- Anil Poduvala and Ankur Kothari
- Ashwiinii Dongare
- Jyoti Panse
- Ajit Bendre
- Kunal Sangle and Anurag Karnik
- Nidhi and Abhijeet Jaju
- Bharati Havele
- Elham Mirza
- Ankita Nand Deshmush
- Rashmi and Mitali Haswani
Let’s dive right into what makes them the best.
Top Interior Designers in the City of Pune
1. Pashmin Shah and Satyajeet Patwardhan
Source: Architectural Digest
Co-founders of Amoeba Design, Pashmin Shah and Satyajeet Patwardhan have been spearheading the growth of contemporary interior design in Pune with their Japanese minimalist design. Founded primarily on the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, this duo bring their Indian roots to their design with unique interiors that boast of functionality against neo-traditional Indian aesthetics.
Shah and Patwardhan are specifically dedicated to creating sustainable and culturally specific contemporary interiors based on global insights and best practices. Several leading design magazines have celebrated Amoeba Design and its work, the most notable of which remains their feature on Architectural Digest’s top 100 in 2023.
2. Akash Mehta and Poonam Mehta
Source: AMPM Designs
Featured on Forbes India and Architectural Digest for their unparalleled contribution, Poonam and Akash Mehta have been spearheading the luxury interior design industry with their innovative designs. While Akash specializes in lighting design and has worked for several high-end residences and hotels, Poonam has had the honour of being featured in Forbes’s ‘30 under 45’ for her sustainable and minimalist design style.
Joining forces, Akash and Poonam have established AMPM Designs, a design studio renowned for its unparalleled luxury services. Through a seamless fusion of their distinct styles and sensibilities, the duo crafts designs that are not only futuristic and timeless but also truly unique. Their collaborative efforts result in spaces that transcend the ordinary, setting new standards of sophistication and innovation in the industry.
3. Natasha Shah
Source: Between Walls
Eclectic, warm and classically modern - there couldn’t be better ways to describe Natasha Shah’s unique approach to interior design. As a practitioner of contemporary and sophisticated design, Natasha is hands-down one of the prominent names in the design industry.
Since founding her design studio, Between Walls, in 2014, Natasha has become renowned for her meticulous attention to detail, aesthetic precision, and exceptional craftsmanship. Between Walls offers a unique and unparalleled design service, garnering widespread recognition and accolades from leading publications such as Vogue India, Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, and The Architects Diary for their diverse range of projects.
4. Anuja Marudgan
Source: @anujamarudgan (Instagram)
Focused on creating interiors that reflect and materialize the inhabitant’s emotions, Anuja Marudgan’s journey as an interior designer is nothing short of an inspiration. She established her architecture and interior design firm Ikigai Studio right after her graduation in 2020 and has worked on over 50 successful projects and clients since.
A key contributor to Anuja’s success is her unique design approach - an emphasis on transitionally styled interiors that bring forth the perfect blend of modern aesthetics and functionality. Recognised by Architectural Digest for its exceptional design, the Pune House is one shining example of her ethos and also a project close to her heart as it was designed for her mother. This home not only exudes warmth but also embodies inclusivity with its disability-friendly features.
5. Anil Poduval and Ankur Kothari:
Source: Archilovers
Co-founding partners Anil Poduval and Ankur Kothari have established an interdisciplinary design studio based in Pune, Red Brick Studio, with the objective of prioritizing contextual and sustainable design. The design firm has had the honour of being featured in Architectural Digest for its innovative, unique, and sustainable solutions.
The studio takes an analytical approach to design, basing most of its exploration and ideas on the diverse construction techniques, materials, and local culture. Each project is founded on the principle of incorporating function and aesthetics, the best example of which remains the Cove House project by the studio.
6. Ashwiinii Dongare
Source: First India
Ashwiinii Dongare, a Pune University engineering graduate, has transitioned into a prominent figure in residential interior design. Founding two successful firms, Interiors By Ashwiinii Dongare and Smart Home Designs LLP, she has solidified her presence in the industry.
With a staggering 1 million followers on Instagram, Ashwiinii's popularity as a residential interior designer and her expertise in turnkey project management speak volumes about her influence and credibility. She has positioned herself as an accessible designer, catering primarily to the urban middle class with her blend of minimalist yet modern aesthetics.
7. Jyoti Panse
Source: JPA Tulja Architects and Interior Designers
With 30 years of experience as an architect and interior designer, Jyoti Panse’s contributions have left an impressionable mark on the industry. She has worked on over 500 projects in her tenure and catered to prestigious clients like Cosmos Bank, Saraswat Bank, Siemens Ltd., Bajaj Regional Offices, Bank of Maharashtra, and Symbiosis College of Art & Commerce.
She has also been an ardent propagator of Water Management and has worked alongside several industrial buildings, public spaces, and residences within the scope of rainwater harvesting and water recycling. Panse also established her interior design firm JPA Tulja Architects and Interior Designers in 1991 and has since then expanded her scope of work to include interior design in the commercial, healthcare, hospitality, and showroom-related spaces.
8. Ajit Bendre
Source: @ajitbendredesignstudio (Instagram)
Embodying the principle of simplicity, Ajit Bendre has been revolutionizing the interior design industry with his timeless and contemporary design style. The confluence of individuality and diverse design styles is evident in his work, be it commercial or residential clients.
Founding his own company, Ajit Bendre Design, he champions minimalist architecture and aims to tailor each project to reflect the unique tastes of his clients. The ABD team, since its establishment, has undertaken numerous projects, consistently delivering innovative design solutions. Their work has been recognised and featured multiple times on platforms like Arch Daily, showcasing their commitment to excellence and creativity.
9. Kunal Sangle and Anurag Karnik
Source: @thearchitectsdiaryin (Instagram)
Hailing from architectural backgrounds, Kunal Sangle and Anurag Karnik are co-founders of Agneya Designs, an interior design and architecture company based in Pune. The company was established back in 2021 and has made great strides in the field since its inception. The unique proposition of Agneya lies in the distinct yet mutually collaborative design ethos of both founders.
Kunal's design philosophy centers around sustainability and the integration of cultural elements, while Anurag brings a rational and aesthetic perspective to their projects and client engagements. Their contrasting yet harmonious approaches converge to produce functional spaces that incorporate natural colors, sharp and geometric lines, and cohesive design language that seamlessly addresses a client’s everyday needs.
10. Nidhi and Abhijeet Jaju
Source: Mid-day
Yet another exceptional designer duo, Nidhi and Abhijeet Jaju lead the popular design company Xclusive Interiors with branches in Pune and Hyderabad. The company was established back in 2005 taking a mixed approach of beautiful, bold, and sophisticated interior design.
The overarching principles driving Xclusive Interiors focus on infusing warmth and comfort without compromising functionality. Beyond the exceptional growth of their company, the duo also share a common interest in experimentation, primarily focusing their energies on reinventing styles, blending modern elements with traditional aesthetics, and maximising the potential of limited spaces.
11. Bharati Havele
Source: TFOD
Bharati Havele is a reputed interior designer known for her bespoke services, particularly for residential and commercial spaces. She has experience working with a diverse set of clients and industries, ranging from private homes, apartments, boutique hotels, and restaurants to investment properties.
In 2001, Bharati established her company Akruti Interiors, focusing primarily on luxury and elegant interior design. Her design style is also rooted in the principle of maximizing space and enhancing productivity, striving for the perfect balance of pragmatic design and aesthetics.
12. Elham Mirza
Source: @thewall_by_elham (Instagram)
Striving for the perfect convergence of the past with the future, Elham Mirza’s design approach definitely stands out for its eccentric and innovative ethos. As a luxury interior designer, her ability to seamlessly blend timeless pieces and principles of architecture with a contemporary flair is what makes most of her work stand out.
Elham founded her design studio The Wall in 2017 and has since then worked on numerous residential and commercial projects. Elham has also dappled in interior styling projects, retaining her unique style of blending vintage with contemporary design principles.
13. Ankita Nand Deshmukh
Source: Andspaces
Principal architect and Director at Andspaces, Ankita Nand Deshmukh pursued her higher education in architecture, before expanding her scope of work to interior design. Ankita’s design philosophy is founded on innovation and functionality, key aspects that are reflected in the spaces designed by her.
Andspaces is renowned for its distinct style characterized by clean lines and the modern aesthetics of contemporary design, harmoniously interwoven with the elegance of curved furniture - a hallmark of the brand. Setting itself apart from the ordinary, the firm excels in seamlessly blending warm traditions with contemporary nuances, creating spaces that are both timeless and avant-garde.
14. Mitali Haswani
Source: H Interior Designs
Mitali Haswani is a Pune-based interior designer offering comprehensive end-to-end services to a diverse clientele. Her approach to design is rooted in pragmatism, seamlessly integrating client needs with innovative expertise to deliver bespoke solutions. In addition to her individual endeavors, Mitali co-founded H Interior Designs in collaboration with Rashmi Haswani, a firm specializing in creating tailored solutions across residential, commercial, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.
Since its inception, H Interior Designs has successfully executed over 80 projects, with a distinct emphasis on luxury design and refined aesthetics. The firm's portfolio encompasses a diverse range of themes, including contemporary European, modern and timeless, elegant, sophisticated, and classy designs.
How To Become an Interior Designer in 2025?
Pursuing an interior design career in 2025 could be a lucrative choice, given the growing demand for interior designers in urban and semi-urban cities. If you wish to get started with the field but don’t know the right path ahead, the following tips can be helpful:
1. Pursue Formal Education: One of the best ways to get started in the field is to pursue a formal course or qualification. Degree or diploma courses in interior design typically come with a comprehensive and structured curriculum, ensuring learners receive hands-on guidance in key skills. There are several online programmes too that can serve as excellent starting points for interested learners.
2. Gain Experience: Another great way to get started in the field is through practical experience. Seek internships or entry-level positions in interior design firms, architecture firms, or related industries. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding the practical aspects of the profession and building a portfolio.
3. Build a Portfolio: An interior design portfolio functions as a visual representation of your design process and style, making it essential to assemble one. Include design projects from coursework, internships, freelance work, or personal projects. A strong portfolio should also demonstrate your creativity, technical skills, and ability to solve design challenges. For reference, take a look at this Residential Design Project by AND learner Manisha Sinha.
4. Stay Updated: Interior design is a rapidly evolving field, necessitating the need to stay abreast of new trends, developments and technologies. A great way to keep up with current industry practices is by attending trade shows, workshops, and seminars. Such events can also serve as great platforms to network with professionals and stay informed about the latest developments in the field.
5. Develop Skills: If enrolling for a course is not something you align with, there are other options you can utilize to develop essential skills. Resources like videos, guides, How-to content, and webinars can help hone your skills in computer-aided design (CAD) software, 3D modeling, and rendering. However, it is important to note that such resources are typically value additions and may not be the best options to build your skills from scratch.
6. Launch Your Career: Whether working for a design firm, starting your own business, or freelancing, take the leap and apply for positions that align with your goals and interests. Be proactive in pursuing opportunities and showcasing your talents to prospective clients or employers.
Remember that success in interior design often requires persistence, dedication, and a passion for creating inspiring and functional spaces. It is important to continuously seek ways to improve your skills, expand your knowledge, and differentiate yourself in the competitive design industry.
Next Steps
In this complete guide to the best interior designers in Pune, we’ve looked at the leading designers and firms that have left an indelible mark in the industry. We’ve also outlined the different resources and ways interested learners can pursue a successful career as interior designers.
However, If you’d like to know more about interior design, we recommend checking out AND’s Interior Design Course.
If you’d like some additional resources to understand the field better, here are some to consider:
- Watch this session by Snehanshu Mukherjee, Founding Partner at T.E.A.M and Mansi Almadi, an Interior Designer at Studio Lotus
- Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
- Check out our Interior Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts.
- Take advantage of our scholarship and funding options to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.
Note: All information and/or data from external sources is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication.
