Discern Spotlight

 

Ayushi Kanodia
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Growing up, what was your relationship like with your brother? Lots of bullying and fights or were you two best friends?
Like any brother and sister, while growing up we used to fight a lot! We would fight on the smallest issues but also were each other’s best friends. When both of us were at home you could always tell there was some mischief brewing between us. When it came down to it, we would tell each other everything and save each other from our mother’s shouting!
 
When you decided to start Ayushi Kanodia Designs, how did you decide that Parakh would be the best partner to work with? 
I have known Parakh all my life. When you are looking for a partner to take your company further, you need a person whom you can trust and know that they too will put their heart and soul into getting the company to where it needs to be. Also, looking at the type of experience he's had previously, we thought he would be a good fit for the company. 
 
What is your strength?
My strength is my drive and motivation to take this company to greater heights!
 
What is your biggest weakness?
My weakness would be that I am an organised chaotic mess, sometimes.
 
What is Parakh’s strength? 
Parakh’s strengths would be his management style, his efficiency and always being organised.
 
What is his greatest weakness?
I can’t say, I don’t want to get in trouble!
 
What do you two bring to the table professionally that is distinct?
While I am concerned with the designing, execution and sales, Parakh is concerned with the management, marketing and brand development of the company.
 
How has technology impacted the world we live in, in your eyes?
It’s clear that we cannot live without technology. It has definitely made our lives easier but at the same time more hectic. From the time you wake up till the time you are asleep, you are always using technology. Be it your smartphone, your laptop or your television, everything in our lives today is being driven by technology.
 
How has it helped or hindered the work you’re doing?
Technology has helped us a lot. We are now able to connect with our clients in real time. We are able to show them how their houses will look via virtual reality and augmented reality, and that’s before we’ve even started any work! So it’s been a huge help and really does make things more efficient.
 
How interested are you in design and décor?
Design and decor interest me a lot. However, at the same time unless the design is implemented for the client according to his/her requirements, style, time and budget it is of no use!

What is your favourite city to visit? 
My favourite city to visit is Tokyo. It’s a different world in itself.

Any particular architectural wonder that you are a fan of?
The Taj Mahal in Agra never fails to inspire me!
 
What’s your favourite way to relax?
Just being at home and chilling with the family is a big stress buster.

How do you stay inspired?
Travelling to different countries, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures is how I stay inspired.
 
Parakh Jindal
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Growing up, what was your relationship like with your sister? Lots of bullying and fights or were you two best friends?
Ayushi and I were always very mischievous so we would fight a lot but at the same time, she wouldn’t let anything happen to me. She was my best friend, my protector and my guide. Which she still is.
 
When Ayushi decided to start her design firm, what was your reaction to her asking you to come onboard?
I was from a completely different field. I had done my engineering and studied management abroad. When she asked me, I thought she was joking but it seems to have worked out really well.
 
What is your strength?
My strength is my ability to stay calm, be organised and be efficient at my work.
 
What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness would be that I over think and over analyse a lot. Which is good in certain situations but in others it’s better to just let go!
 
What is Ayushi’s strength, what is her greatest weakness?
Are you deliberately trying to get me in trouble? Ha ha!
 
What do you two bring to the table professionally that is distinct?
We both have our individual styles of working which complement each other. Also, our roles are well defined and play to our strengths and interests. While I am concerned with the management, Ayushi is concerned with the design and execution.
 
How has technology impacted the world we live in, in your eyes?
Technology has impacted the world a lot. From trying to solve the world’s greatest problems like clean water and food to trying to make travel possible in deep space; everything today is being operated by technology.
 
How has it helped or hindered the work you’re doing?
Technology has definitely worked positively for us. We are able to connect with our clients better, as well as help them visualize what the final project will look like, once their space is complete. From using 3D printers, VR and AR, to marketing ourselves digitally, technology helps us connect with a huge audience.
 
How interested are you in design and décor?
For me, it’s all about good taste and what goes with what. It can be the simplest design or decor element but it should bring out the personality of the client. The house should be an extension of the client, and bring joy to the occupants.

What is your favourite city to visit?
Barcelona, because it’s so multicultural and the weather is always nice.

Any particular architectural wonder that you are a fan of?
The Colosseum of Rome is such an architectural wonder. It never ceases to amaze me.
 
What’s your favourite way to relax?
Reading a good book and getting lost in words!

How do you stay inspired?
I love to travel and I immerse myself in the local culture of that city I am visiting. Experiencing that makes me stay inspired!

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Discern Living wishes you and your sibling a very Happy Bhai Dooj!