Reena Ahuja
Director, StudioXP Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (Interview Part –1)

Reena Ahuja, Director of StudioXP, is a trailblazer in workspace design with over 18 years of experience. Known for her innovative approach, Reena integrates sustainability and wellness into her projects, creating environments that promote employee well-being and productivity. She advocates for eco-friendly solutions, utilizing materials and strategies that reduce environmental impact. Her deep understanding of how design can positively influence mental and physical health is reflected in all her work. In this interview with The Best Creators, we explore her design strategies, leadership at StudioXP, and her vision for the future of workspaces focused on wellness and sustainability.

Prepare to explore insights from one of the most influential figures in the industry, and discover the design principles shaping tomorrow’s offices.

Professional Career Highlights - An Overview

Reena Ahuja briefed about her professional journey, she said, my journey in architecture began in 2004, after completing my degree from the School of Architecture, Indore. My first professional experience came with Vijay Gupta Architects, where I worked on school building projects which offered me a glimpse into the industry. 

However, the true turning point in my career came in 2005, when I transitioned into the field of interior design, a space that requires not just creativity but also adaptability and a constant willingness to learn. This shift ignited a passion in me, shaping my career direction and cementing interior design as my professional forte.

She continues, in the early days, I had the privilege of being part of a core team at Design and Development Private Limited, a small group of determined professionals led by Mr. Jiten Puri. We were committed to rebuilding our careers and making a mark. Under his guidance, I took on a variety of tasks—from conceptualizing designs and creating gfc drawings to conducting site visits and exploring new materials and technologies. These behind-the-scenes efforts, often unnoticed, were essential in shaping the projects we worked on. With a small team, we put in late hours, solving challenges and ensuring excellence in every project we delivered.

Reena stated that in 2012, when Mr. Jiten Puri and Mrs. Koheli Puri launched StudioXP, I knew we were embarking on an extraordinary journey. We started small, with a modest 2,000 sq. ft. workspace, but we never shied away from challenges. Brick by brick, with relentless hard work and a shared vision, we grew. Today, I’m proud to say StudioXP’s portfolio spans over 10 million sq. ft. of interior projects, a testament to our perseverance and dedication.

As the Director design, I remain deeply involved in every aspect of our work. My goal is to ensure that each space we create embodies our core values: Dream, Design, Deliver. This has been challenging, but watching StudioXP grow into an industry leader has been incredibly rewarding. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and teamwork of everyone who has been with us for the past 12 years. Together, we have built something truly remarkable, and I am excited for what the future holds, Reena concluded.

Designing Beyond Aesthetics: Philosophy for Human-Centric Spaces

Reena Ahuja shared key philosophies reflecting on her extensive career that have shaped her professional journey. She stated, traditional architectural mantras such as “less is more” and “form follows function” remain foundational. My experience has transformed these guiding principles into something deeper—these formulas are as essential as the air we breathe.

When I look back, those early lessons were like learning to walk. Now, after countless projects, teams, and experiences, I see that they have become as instinctual as the basic necessities of life, she said. 

According to Reena, good design is not just about balancing aesthetics and functionality, it’s about creating spaces that elevate the human experience. “A well-designed space should seamlessly merge beauty and practicality. Especially in evolving work environments, this balance is crucial. It’s not enough for a space to look visually appealing; it must also enhance the user’s efficiency and well-being”, she explained.

She stresses that design must not be about indulging in concepts alone. “Earlier in my career, I would dive straight into the creative process, driven by passion for the concept. But over time, I have realized that it’s not about us, the designers. It’s about the users, the people who are using these spaces every day for 10 to 12 hours”, Reena highlighted

Reena advocates for a human-centric approach, where the end user’s comfort, productivity, health, and happiness take precedence. “Our role as designers is to create spaces that don’t just function well, but also nurture well-being. We must approach design with love for our concepts but with even greater empathy for the users.”

In today’s dynamic work culture, where environments constantly evolve, this philosophy becomes even more vital. She said, “A space designed for a brand or culture is important, but it must also improve the employee’s experience. The user is the most critical person in this entire industry, and their needs must be at the forefront of our design thinking”.

Crafting Collaborative Success: Efficiency, Innovation, and Teamwork

In conversation with The Best Creators, Reena Ahuja shared the driving forces behind StudioXP’s growth and efficiency. “Since our inception, we’ve scaled from a small founding team to nearly 80 people. Ensuring both efficiency and scalability was crucial to our success,” she explained. Ahuja emphasized the importance of a collaborative work culture, where cross-functional teams, including architects, designers, and various departments, work in unison. “A project’s execution is no longer just a designer’s vision. It’s a collective effort that involves both internal teams and external stakeholders like contractors, consultants, and architects. Pre-planning and open communication are essential for smooth project delivery.”

Reena further highlighted the value of strong partnerships. “Respecting our channel partners—contractors, consultants, and suppliers—is vital because their expertise adds immense value to our projects. Every meeting, whether internal or with clients, becomes a platform for innovation.”

Ahuja also emphasized the role of technology and innovation in shaping their work. “Creativity is the designer’s responsibility, but it must always align with functionality. Integrating technology, especially with advancements like AI and software tools, is crucial. These tools not only streamline processes but also enhance the quality of our designs. It’s essential to embrace AI as part of our workflow, allowing it to complement and improve our work rather than viewing it as something separate or external.”

Building Success: Core Principles of Design and Growth

Reena Ahuja shared invaluable learnings drawn from her extensive experience in the industry. Recalling the evolution of architectural practice, she emphasized that beyond the technical skills learned in architecture, it is practical experience and personal growth that truly shape a designer’s journey.

She distilled her wisdom into four key principles: collaboration, respect, integrity, and growth. “Success in design comes from collaboration” she stated. Ahuja emphasized the importance of mutual respect and a constant willingness to learn. “When we start thinking we are superior, we reach nowhere. Curiosity, open-mindedness, and valuing every team member’s input—from interns to senior designers lead to the most innovative outcomes.”

Ahuja also highlighted the increasing role of clients in the design process. With clients now better informed and equipped with research, it’s vital for architects to listen actively, engage in thoughtful conversations, and truly understand their vision. Building trust with clients through active listening ensures smooth project execution, she noted.

Ahuja continues that sustainability has shifted from being an option to a necessity. A few years ago, sustainable design was a choice. Today, it’s a responsibility. As designers, we must create spaces that not only serve their purpose but also respect the environment. Sustainability is now an integral principle, not a trend.

Top Challenges in Design and Build Projects

Reena Ahuja highlighted some most significant challenges she has faced throughout her professional journey. Her vast experience has provided her with deep knowledge into the evolving dynamics of the design and build (D&B) sector. From managing tight budgets to coping with shrinking timelines and payment cycles, Ahuja sheds light on what it takes to deliver quality projects amidst constant constraints.

1. Tight Budgets and Preconceived Designs: Ahuja stated one of the most pressing challenges in today’s market: balancing creative designs with stringent budget constraints. “Earlier, clients would engage architects early on, and the design process would unfold gradually after understanding the full scope,” she explains. However, in today’s highly competitive market, designers are expected to deliver layouts, 3D models, and walkthroughs before even engaging directly with the client.

“Designs are often conceived before we get any clear interaction with the client, and this can lead to difficulties. The real challenge emerges after the design is approved—when the budget must be aligned with the concept. We are not provided with budgets during the design phase, yet we are tasked with adjusting designs later to fit financial constraints”, Reena says.

To mitigate this issue, StudioXP has adapted by presenting clients with multiple design options that cater to different budget ranges. For instance, when discussing flooring, we offer alternatives that range from high-end materials to more budget-friendly ones. This allows us to align the client’s vision with realistic financial parameters from the beginning.

2. Shrinking Timelines: Another major challenge Ahuja has faced is the shrinking timelines for project completion. “I remember when projects came with a timeline of 120 days. Clients were more realistic, giving us enough time for creativity and execution. Now, post-pandemic, clients are asking for the same level of innovation and quality in as little as 60 days”, she recalls.

This shift puts immense pressure on design and build firms, requiring detailed pre-planning and constant coordination between departments. “Procurement, accounts, and material deliveries all need to be in sync to meet these timelines,” Ahuja notes. She emphasizes the importance of selecting materials based on their availability and lead times. “If a client insists on a 60-day completion, we know we can’t rely on imported materials that take weeks to arrive. We have to plan accordingly.”

However, Ahuja is candid about the trade-offs. “While the project will always get completed, the tight timelines often impact the quality and overall experience. It’s something that both the market and clients need to address for better results.”

3. Complex Payment Cycles: Payment cycles in the corporate world have also become more complex. According to Ahuja, many clients now delay initial payments by as much as 45 days after the first invoice, causing significant strain on cash flows.

“Corporate clients have their own processes, and often payments don’t come through until well after work has begun. This puts a real financial burden on design and build firms,” Ahuja explains. To overcome this, her team sets clear payment terms upfront and ensures financial buffers are in place to keep the project on track.

She admits, “despite these efforts, payment delays still occur, but by managing our cash flow and maintaining flexibility, we prevent any major disruptions to project delivery.”

To be continued>>>