In the dynamic world of design, few individuals manage to leave an indelible mark across multiple disciplines. Arun Sharma is one such visionary. As an accomplished Interior Designer and Entrepreneur at Urban Frame, a savvy Artist, Arun has skillfully blended artistry with business acumen to carve a unique niche for himself.
His work reflects a deep understanding of aesthetics, space, and human experience, making him a leader in shaping modern design landscapes. Today, we delve into his journey, creative philosophy, and what drives his passion for transforming spaces and inspiring others.
Whether you are a design enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or someone looking for inspiration, this conversation with Arun Sharma offers valuable insights into the mind of a true creative visionary.
When asked about his professional journey, Mr. Arun Sharma described it as a “nice and crazy” adventure. Design, as both a philosophy and an industry, has been a part of him since childhood. Born into a family of farmers in Rajasthan, Arun is the first generation to step into the world of design. His father and ancestors were skilled craftsmen, particularly in wood carving, a tradition that faded with time. However, this craftsmanship sparked his curiosity and passion for attention to detail, which ultimately shaped his path toward design.
Arun reflects on his school days, noting that while many of his peers were uncertain about their futures, he had a clear sense that his interests lay in design. His journey into design wasn’t just about finding a profession; it was about embracing his natural talents and inclinations.
Arun pursued formal education in design at Jain University, Bangalore. After completing his studies, he worked with Space Matrix, where he gained valuable insights into the corporate side of the industry.
A pivotal moment in his journey came when he met his mentor, Anup Naik. Their relationship blossomed into a decade-long collaboration that began with a small project. Under Anup’s guidance, Arun honed his skills and eventually took charge of the interior design business at Urban Frame.
Reflecting on his journey, Arun feels fortunate to have understood design early in life, giving him an edge in his field. What began as an exploration of craftsmanship has evolved into a thriving design career, filled with creativity, mentorship, and continuous growth.
Mr. Arun Sharma shared key philosophies that have guided his journey as a designer. At the heart of his approach is the belief that learning is the way to lead life. He emphasizes that every project, regardless of its scale or typology, provides invaluable experience. Instead of specializing in one field, he believes the diversity of projects enriches his knowledge, where both aesthetics and functionality are core elements.
Mr. Sharma highlights a common design oversight—focusing on functionality too late in the process. According to him, the functional requirements of a project should be prioritized from day one. While aesthetics naturally follows, the project’s purpose and the user’s needs should remain at the forefront. He champions a human-centric approach, where the user is the “God” of the project.
Sustainability is another cornerstone of his philosophy. In every project, Sharma pushes for green building certifications, a commitment underscored by his own office’s gold certification. He sees sustainability as not just a trend, but as a long-term responsibility, designing spaces that will evolve and function over the next 10 or 20 years.
A remarkable example of this vision is a recent project where Sharma transformed a 20-year-old government school building into a hospital for children suffering from blood diseases. The building, abandoned for years, was repurposed by Sharma and his team to create a timeless, future-proof space for children of all ages. This project demonstrates his belief that good design should last well beyond its initial purpose.
Collaboration is also key to his ethos. Whether working with legends in the design world or vendors with decades of experience, he believes in the value of learning from others, regardless of age or status. His approach challenges the traditional perspective, encouraging designers to keep an open mind, constantly learn, and push the boundaries of design.
These principles of human-centric design, sustainability, and continuous learning are what make Arun Sharma’s work stand out, not only in terms of aesthetics but in creating spaces that truly serve their purpose for years to come.
Arun Sharma shared valuable insights on how both personal and organizational efficiency are influenced by several factors. One key element he emphasized is the importance of learning—no matter one’s role or position. He highlighted that there is no shame in leaving outdated methods or practices, and stressed that continuous learning is a cornerstone for growth in any organization or project.
Communication plays a vital role in his approach. For Arun, communication is not just about selling a project but selling an ambition. Clients often come with dreams and visions, whether for a personal or commercial project, and designers have the responsibility of shaping these into reality. Through effective communication, trust is built between both the internal team and the client.
He noted the distinction between clients who are well-versed in design and those who are not. For the latter, the process involves education—guiding them through uncharted territory while helping them realize their vision. Arun also stressed the significance of technology in modern design processes, emphasizing how tools like BIM, VR, and AR have revolutionized client engagement. These tools offer clients a tangible experience of their future space, enhancing trust and ensuring that both parties are aligned in their vision.
He shared an inspiring story about a major project in Sports Excellence in Bangalore. It was a project driven by an individual passionate about contributing to sports in India. This client’s vision went beyond badminton, seeking to create a hub for a variety of sports. This deeply personal commitment motivated Sharma and his team to approach the project with heightened dedication, ultimately delivering a world-class facility that has since supported IPL teams, football leagues, and Olympic athletes. For Arun, projects are not just about design or aesthetics—they serve a deeper purpose. Every project is a chance to meet the needs of its users, ensuring that human-centric design is at the core. Standardizing processes, from the conceptual phase to completion, ensures a seamless experience for all involved, making sure that the vision is realized while the project is delivered efficiently.
Arun Sharma reflected on the challenges he faced and the dynamic yet demanding nature of the industry. He said, the industry itself is very challenging. With countless architects and designers across India, competition is fierce. Managing projects, regardless of size, presents its own complexities, Arun explained. A project can be handled by a small or large team, but streamlining the process is key.
Arun stated, every project is a learning experience, for me, it was always about not binding myself to a single niche. I wanted to explore a variety of projects, from residential bungalows to large-scale developments. He mentioned, different types of projects showcase different perspective of clients needs. Sometimes, it’s passion, sometimes it’s ego. Every project tells its own story.
Arun also highlighted the importance of clear communication with clients. He noted, it’s frustrating when projects start with no clear budget, only for clients to later reveal financial limitations. However, he believes in maintaining transparency from the start, which fosters mutual respect and understanding.
He also spoke about external factors that disrupt projects, especially government regulations. “Most projects hit roadblocks due to regulatory issues, causing delays. Patience and agility are crucial in navigating these hurdles.” Ultimately, Arun sees every challenge as an opportunity for growth.
The expectations of clients today are drastically different from what they were seven or eight years ago. For us, each project has been a learning experience, not just in terms of design, but in understanding the evolving needs and trust of our clients. One of the key lessons I have learned is the importance of strong communication, which has helped me build relationships that feel more like family connections than professional engagements, Arun Sharma stated.
He continued; I have had clients reach out in deeply personal ways. This level of care and trust is mutual. As a result, many of our clients return repeatedly, with each one contributing six to seven projects over the years. This ongoing relationship has created a sense of loyalty and community, turning business partnerships into lasting bonds.
In fact, my clients often take me along on their professional journeys. Whenever they have a new venture, they reach out because they trust not only in our ability to deliver, but in the consistency and quality of our work. This trust is deeply tied to our process and time management, which have been honed to deliver projects efficiently and reliably.
Arun explained, beyond just delivering a project, we also focus on offering value beyond the immediate scope of work. We often advise our clients on sustainable practices, encouraging them to think long-term. For example, when we worked on a resort project, we advocated for investments in renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, and sustainability. Though these added 5-10% to the upfront cost, they’ve dramatically improved the client’s return on investment over time. Acting as advisors in this way, rather than just service providers, helps clients optimize their projects for both the environment and their bottom line.
This collaborative approach is what sets us apart. We don’t simply “take on projects.” Every client interaction feels like a partnership, with both sides contributing ideas, knowledge, and experience. This has been especially important for us, as we haven’t focused heavily on marketing. Instead, we rely on word of mouth and the deep trust we’ve built in the market. As a Designer and organization, our reputation has grown organically through these relationships.
Arun Sharma reflects on his career and some defining moments as an ongoing learning experience. Despite his years of expertise, Arun believes every project offers fresh lessons, shaping him as a designer and leader. From his childhood to his current endeavors, the learning curve has been a constant, and even today, he proudly states, “I’m still learning.”
Arun’s belief that wisdom can come from any experience, regardless of age or years in the industry. “Whether you have been in the field for decades or just starting out, every person brings something unique to the table,” he adds.
Beyond professional interactions, Arun finds inspiration in everyday life. Even something as simple as observing how people navigate the streets teaches him lessons in design, urban planning, and human behavior. He said, “I absorb everything, whether it’s while driving to work or heading back home, I’m always learning from my surroundings.”
He remains committed to growth and knowledge, encouraging others to do the same. Arun has no hesitation in sitting with other colleagues to learn new tools or techniques, stating, “There’s nothing wrong with learning, no matter your age or position. Even if I’m the oldest in the room, I’ll always be open to learning something new.”
Arun stated that the moment you stop learning is the moment you stop growing. He believes in keeping an open mind, embracing new ideas, and staying curious. “I don’t want to become stubborn or resistant to change. No matter where I am in my career, I will always be ready to learn from others”, he concludes.
Through every project, every interaction, and every small moment, Arun Sharma continues to evolve not just as a designer, but as a lifelong learner.
Arun Sharma, an accomplished interior designer, artist, and entrepreneur, shared insightful ways which helped him to be updated with the ever-evolving world of design and trends.
Reflecting on the rapid technological advancements, “Five years ago, I was not as immersed in technology as I am today, Arun admits, while technology can bring convenience, it’s crucial to remember that it has its downsides.” He elaborates on the role of artificial intelligence and automation in the industry, recognizing their benefits but stressing the importance of retaining the essential human touch.
“No matter how advanced technology becomes, it cannot replace human intuition and creativity. Technology can streamline processes and save time, but at the end of the day, a human must design a space for other humans, not for robots,” Arun states.
For Arun, staying updated goes beyond just learning new tools and techniques. He emphasizes learning through real-world experiences and interactions. He stated, “I follow trends through blogs, discussions with fellow architects, and attending conferences. These opportunities allow me to collaborate and understand different approaches, which helps broaden my perspective on design.”
Arun’s learning process isn’t confined to traditional knowledge sources. He recalls a profound lesson from a veteran craftsman at a job site. “While I was overseeing a project, this old craftsman, with limited formal education but a wealth of experience, suggested a modification that not only saved costs but improved the design. It taught me that wisdom and learning come from everywhere—not just books or formal education. Sometimes, those working in the field can offer insights that no textbook can provide.”
He also advocates for humility in the learning process. “Many architects stop learning, after gaining fame or success. Ego gets in the way, and they lose sight of valuable lessons that could come from anyone, be it a mason or a craftsman on-site. I always remind myself and others that we must remain open to learning, no matter where we are in our careers.”
Another key to Arun’s approach is active networking and collaboration. He noted, “I believe in sharing knowledge and experiences. In our organization, we hold weekly sessions where we invite professionals from different industries and sometimes even those outside of design field, like wildlife photographers to share their perspectives.
Once, a wildlife photographer shared his experience of waiting for days to capture a rare black leopard. His patience and attention to detail taught me an invaluable lesson about the importance of precision and timing, which I apply in my work.”
For Arun Sharma, these interdisciplinary exchanges foster creativity and provide fresh perspectives that can be applied to design. He said, every encounter brings something new. Whether it’s from a fellow designer, a contractor, or someone from an entirely different field, there’s always something to learn.”
Finally, Arun emphasizes patience and attention to detail as critical qualities for success in design. “Whether it’s project execution or decision-making, being meticulous and patient is key. These qualities, combined with a constant openness to learning, are what push me to grow as a designer.”
Arun’s holistic approach to staying updated is blending technology, hands-on experience, and collaborative learning which demonstrates that true innovation in design requires both technical knowledge and a deep understanding of the human experience.
To be Continued>>>