Surabhi Swarup is a visionary designer and the driving force behind MAIA, a design firm revolutionizing Pooja room design. With an impressive background from the Apeejay School of Design in Delhi, Surabhi has set herself apart by seamlessly blending spirituality, aesthetics, and cultural heritage into her Pooja room designs. Here’s her interview with the TDJ correspondent where she share her experience.
TDJ: Can you tell us about your background and how you became interested in Pooja room design?
SS: My journey into design began at the Apeejay School of Design in Delhi, where I was profoundly inspired by the ancient art of Pietra Dura. This technique, which involves the intricate inlaying of semi-precious stones into marble, captivated me. I observed a significant gap in the market for Pooja room designs that truly encapsulated both spiritual and aesthetic elements. This realization fueled my mission to create spaces that are not just architectural structures but sanctuaries that resonate with the owners’ beliefs and customs.
TDJ: What is Pietra Dura, and how do you integrate it into your designs?
SS: Pietra Dura is an exquisite form of decorative art that involves the meticulous inlaying of semi-precious stones into marble to create intricate patterns and imagery. This art form is characterized by its attention to detail and the luxurious quality it imparts. At MAIA, we integrate Pietra Dura into our Pooja room designs to add a touch of opulence and grandeur. Our signature latticework, which reflects light beautifully, is a testament to this intricate craftsmanship.
TDJ: What is the process you follow when designing a Pooja room?
SS: The design process at MAIA is thorough and immersive. We begin with a deep dive into the religious context the space represents. This involves extensive research into scriptures, sacred texts, and religious practices to understand the underlying beliefs and philosophies. We collaborate closely with religious scholars, priests, and community leaders to ensure that every element of the Pooja room is spiritually significant and authentic.
TDJ: How do you balance tradition and innovation in your designs?
SS: Balancing tradition and innovation is at the core of our ethos at MAIA. We draw inspiration from both ancient and contemporary temples, integrating traditional elements with modern construction techniques and sustainable practices. Our goal is to honor the heritage of the past while addressing the evolving needs of future generations. This approach allows us to create spaces that are timeless yet contemporary.
TDJ: Who are some of your notable clients, and what are some prestigious projects you’ve worked on?
SS: Our clientele includes industrialists and celebrities who seek bespoke Pooja room designs. Some of our prestigious projects include M2K Palam Marg, Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia Residence, and the headquarters of Mankind Pharma. These projects reflect our commitment to excellence and our ability to push the boundaries of design and architecture.
TDJ: How do you ensure that your designs cater to clients from diverse religious backgrounds?
SS: At MAIA, we take pride in our ability to cater to clients from various religious affiliations, including Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Jains, and others. Each project begins with a deep understanding of the client’s specific religious practices and cultural values. This enables us to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful and respectful of different faiths.
TDJ: What makes MAIA’s Pooja room designs unique?
SS: Our Pooja room designs are unique due to our meticulous attention to detail and the integration of Pietra Dura art. We focus on creating harmonious and sacred spaces that reflect the client’s beliefs and aesthetic preferences. Every element, from the flooring to the temple structure and lighting, is carefully curated to ensure a cohesive and spiritually enriching environment.
TDJ: What are your future aspirations for MAIA and Pooja room design?
SS: As MAIA continues to evolve, our goal is to remain at the forefront of innovation in Pooja room design. We aim to leave an indelible mark on the world of sacred space design by continuously pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. My passion for precision and my discerning eye for art will drive us to redefine sacred spaces, one masterpiece at a time.
