THE STORY OF AN INDIAN LEGEND

Canna Patel, Founder and Chairperson, HCP Interior Design, is an institution in herself. Over the years, she has diligently worked to reshape the design narrative, be it with her public architectural designs, commercial outings, or residential projects. Canna is a beacon of inspiration. Here she tells us her story, how she started and down to this point in time when her firm has been appointed as the interior sub-consultants for the Central Vista Project, including the New Parliament Building.

- SHANTAM DHINGRA

In a country like India, design goes beyond just the mere aesthetics that meets the eye. I feel it is more about acknowledging our deep-rooted history, different socio-cultural aspects, our way of life, our limitations, and opportunities - and bringing them all together in a cohesive manner to transform a space. I, as a designer, try to bridge the gap between my field of profession and society at large. It is to educate the layman about the need for and importance of design and help create a change across the different levels of society.

The beauty of being a designer is that it takes you beyond everything you might have imagined to be, and yet you can never say there is nothing left to reach out for. So, I continue reaching out for more; as it is more about the journey, rather than the destination.

LIFE BEFORE BECOMING A DESIGNER

I have trained and performed as a classical dancer for 17 years. For the first 12 years, I learned Bharatnatyam from Radha Menon. Later my guru, Kumudini Lakhia, trained me as a Kathak dancer and taught me the intricacies of the art form. This experience of unlearning an art form and learning a new style of performance helped me later in life too.

People often rightly talk about notions of a particular art being carried forward into design, but the most important thing I learned during those years of training was how discipline and persistence help you excel in your field. I carry forward this learning even today as a successful designer and try to instil the same notion in my students and young designers whom I have worked with.

TAKING THE LEAP, AND HOW