For Joohie Patel, design is more than a career—it’s a way of seeing and shaping the world. With a lifelong affinity for creativity and an education in interior architecture from CEPT University, she has cultivated a design approach that is both emotionally resonant and technically refined. As the Founder of The Design Compound, Joohie has carved out a distinctive space in the industry by prioritizing client stories, contextual elegance, and sustainable choices. In this candid exchange with Business Frontier, she talks about her journey, the challenges of leadership, and how meaningful design is born from empathy, adaptability, and a deep understanding of space.
Q. Can you share with us your early experiences and influences that shaped your passion for design? What was it that initially drew you to pursue a career in interior architecture?
I have always been a creative child with a vivid imagination. My mom was constantly creating—whether it was sewing my clothes from scratch, making thoughtful gifts, or experimenting with new recipes. She showed me that the world is a canvas, and it is all about what you make of it. Pursuing design was not a decision based on inspiration but rather a natural outlet for my creativity.
Interior architecture became the perfect medium, combining volume, materials, lighting, furniture, and fabrics. Beyond aesthetics, I am fascinated by the psychological impact of spaces and how they influence emotions. The ability to shape environments that evoke specific feelings is what truly drives my passion for design.
Q. How did your education and experiences influence the direction of your career and the founding of The Design Compound?
My education at CEPT University’s School of Interior Design gave me a strong foundation in spatial design, materials, and how spaces influence the way we live and feel. It wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about understanding how people experience their surroundings.
I’ve also lived and worked in multiple cities—Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, and now Bangalore. This exposure helped me understand culture and life from different perspectives and gave me a unique lens through which to view design. I realized I wanted to tell stories through spaces, creating personalized, meaningful interiors. That vision led me to start The Design Compound, where I could bring my passion for design detailing and client-focused solutions to life.
Q. Among the various projects you’ve undertaken, is there one that stands out as a personal favourite or one that posed particular challenges?
A recently designed multi-generation home, Solstice, is my favorite project so far. It was an incredible opportunity to design unique details and experiment with a variety of beautiful materials and finishes.
One of the biggest challenges was the year-long pause due to COVID and its aftermath. During that time, we evolved so much as a design studio, and the client’s taste and requirements also changed. When the project resumed, we redesigned the entire home with a completely fresh perspective. Thankfully, we had the nicest clients with exquisite taste, which pushed us to create something truly special.
Solstice is a space that is both timeless and deeply personal, blending craftsmanship, thoughtful materials, and elegant details. It reinforced my love for storytelling through design and the importance of adaptability in creating meaningful spaces.
Q. The design industry is constantly evolving. What current market trends do you think are most impactful?
The design industry is ever-changing, but we focus less on fleeting trends and more on getting the basics right. Quality materials, thoughtful details, and spaces that enhance everyday life are at the core of what we do.
What stands out today is the growing emphasis on personalization in design. Clients are moving away from cookie-cutter styles and choosing spaces that reflect their lifestyle, heritage, and unique preferences. Handcrafted details, vintage elements, and cultural or regional influences are becoming more prominent, blending timeless aesthetics with conscious design.
There is also a shift toward flexible, multi-functional spaces that adapt to changing needs, especially in urban homes. Technology is playing a bigger role too—from smart lighting and appliances to complete home automation. More than ever, both designers and clients are embracing individuality, becoming more experimental, and creating spaces that feel truly personal, which is a breath of fresh air.
Q. As the principal designer and leader of your studio, how would you describe your leadership style? How do you foster creativity, collaboration, and growth within your team?
At The Design Compound, we have a small, close-knit team, which makes communication easy and seamless. I am very conscious of the work culture within our studio and believe that continuous learning should be a top priority for everyone who works with me.
I set a strong design vision, but I also encourage my team to build their confidence by taking the lead in generating ideas, handling client and vendor communication, and making independent decisions. Approachability is key, and we emphasize open communication so that no one hesitates to reach out for support. Above all, fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere is essential. Design and creativity thrive in an environment where people feel valued, inspired, and empowered to contribute.
Q. Sustainable design is becoming increasingly important. How do you approach sustainability in your work, both in terms of materials used and the overall design process?
Sustainability, for me, is about designing spaces that are timeless, functional, and responsible. I focus on durable materials, quality craftsmanship, and thoughtful planning to ensure longevity, reducing the need for frequent renovations.
We consciously minimize waste by repurposing materials whenever possible and incorporating handcrafted elements that celebrate local artisans. This not only provides employment to skilled craftsmen but also allows clients to own one-of-a-kind, heirloom-quality pieces. Additionally, we prioritize low-VOC materials to create healthier interiors. Sustainability isn’t just about materials but about making thoughtful design choices that enhance everyday living while being mindful of the environment.
As a business owner and principal designer, maintaining work-life balance must be a challenge. What strategies do you use to ensure that both your professional and personal lives thrive?
Honestly, I think work-life balance—especially as a business owner and a working mom—is more of a myth than a reality. My personal and professional lives thrive, but not always at the same time.
I believe in giving 100% to whatever I am doing at the moment. If a project needs extra attention or meeting a deadline will make a meaningful impact, I focus entirely on getting it done without worrying about the clock. When I am with my family, I make it a point to be fully present, keeping my phone away and being a hands-on parent.
In many ways, I approach my projects the same way I do parenting—with dedication, patience, and a commitment to nurturing something meaningful. To recharge and stay inspired, we take culturally immersive vacations as a family. This strengthens our bond and fuels my creativity in unexpected ways.
Q. What’s next for The Design Compound? Are there any upcoming projects or innovations you are excited to explore?
We are at an exciting stage at The Design Compound as we prepare to hand over some of our first projects in Bengaluru. Seeing how they come to life and how our clients experience these spaces is something we are really looking forward to.
Within the studio, we are focusing on integrating technology into our design process to make it more efficient and seamless. We are also exploring new software to enhance our workflow. Additionally, we are eager to experiment with innovative materials and techniques that are emerging in the industry. Pushing the boundaries of design while staying true to our philosophy is something we are always excited about.
