Co-Founder & Principal Architect at Unorthodox Designs
Design is most powerful when it reflects people, their ideas, emotions, and stories. For Upneet Kaur, this belief forms the foundation of her work at Unorthodox Designs, where every project is shaped by meaningful dialogue between space, purpose, and identity.
As the Co-Founder and Principal Architect of Unorthodox Designs, Upneet redefines spatial storytelling by merging aesthetic bravery with functional precision. Her approach transcends trends delving instead into the soul of each project, whether it’s a bold commercial setting, a serene hospitality space, or a personalized residence that mirrors its owner’s journey.
Beyond being a designer, Upneet is a curator of experiences. From discovering innovative materials to fostering meaningful client relationships, she ensures that every collaboration evolves into something enduring. Her pursuit is clear to position Unorthodox Designs as a leading creative powerhouse in India, where design not only beautifies but transforms.
In this The Best Creators’ special feature, we will explore the inspiring journey of a creator who continues to shape spaces that speak, connect, and endure crafted by purpose, defined by passion.
In the world of entrepreneurship, few stories capture the essence of perseverance and partnership quite like that of Upneet Kaur. Her professional journey has been nothing short of a thrilling ride marked by relentless ambition, unshakable faith, and the courage to keep moving forward, no matter how uncertain the road ahead seemed.
What began humbly with a car doubling as their first workspace soon evolved into a small room, then an office, and today, into a thriving venture that stands as a testament to resilience and teamwork. For Upneet, the most rewarding part of this climb has been sharing it with her closest friends, companions who have turned into family and co-pilots in her entrepreneurial adventure.
Through every setback and success, Upneet discovered that no manual could ever teach what the real world of business does. The lessons often hard-earned come through trial, error, and experience. She believes challenges are not obstacles but essential markers of growth, shaping entrepreneurs into sharper, more grounded versions of themselves.
As she reflects on her path so far, her tone is one of gratitude and quiet determination. With her trusted partners beside her and a vision that only grows stronger with time, Upneet looks ahead with optimism ready to embrace the next chapter of this remarkable journey.
Upneet Kaur stands for creating spaces that feel right. For her, every project begins with a simple yet powerful belief: design is not just about what you see because it’s about what you experience.
She believes that true design begins by listening, understanding a client’s aspirations, emotions, and the purpose they wish to fulfill through their space. This empathy forms the foundation of her creative approach. Every material chosen, every corner planned, and every detail refined reflects the essence of the people who will inhabit it.
Upneet also champions the art of balance between functionality and aesthetics, between the contemporary and the timeless. She views homes as living stories that evolve with their occupants, needing both comfort and permanence. While commercial spaces may invite experimentation, residential design, in her philosophy, must hold a soul that endures beyond fleeting trends.
Her design philosophy weaves together emotion, utility, and elegance, crafting not just visually stunning spaces, but experiences that linger, inspire, and belong.
According to Upneet Kaur, success isn’t born out of chance, it’s a carefully designed process rooted in clarity, structure, and trust. Over the years, she has mastered the art of building relationships that last well beyond project timelines. Her approach is refreshingly practical yet deeply human: set the right expectations from day one, maintain transparency at every step, and let communication become the foundation of every partnership.
In her professional journey, Upneet realized that the true strength of any collaboration lies in how well both sides understand each other’s goals. She ensures that every project begins with crystal-clear timelines, budget clarity, and a shared vision. She reflected, “If the foundation isn’t strong, even the finest designs may falter.”
To bring that philosophy to life, she introduced structured systems for communication whether it’s detailed minutes of meetings, timely email updates, or transparent documentation. These small but powerful habits eliminate last-minute confusion and build trust that lasts.
Beyond systems, Upneet champions the use of digital tools to enhance workflow visibility and encourages open feedback loops. This ensures that clients remain informed, engaged, and confident at every phase of the journey. The outcome? Projects that run smoother, relationships that grow stronger, and a legacy of reliability that defines her professional ethos.
In Upneet’s world, efficiency isn’t just about speed as it’s about harmony, honesty, and the shared joy of seeing a vision come beautifully alive.
Upneet Kaur reminds us of the silent forces that truly sustain a successful practice structure, consistency, and people. She believes that while creativity breathes life into architecture, it’s the backbone of strong systems and well-defined processes that keeps a firm thriving.
Her reflections stem from a place of deep understanding that design may drive nearly half of a company’s success, but the other half is built on effective management, nurturing teams, and honoring every commitment made along the way. To her, long-term growth isn’t just about doing remarkable work; it’s about doing it reliably.
She champions the art of finding equilibrium where creativity and management coexist, empowering architects not just to design spaces, but to design enduring legacies.
Upneet Kaur has learned to turn challenges into stepping stones. Her journey in design execution hasn’t been free from hurdles, tight timelines, complex client expectations, and the constant tug-of-war between quality and speed have all tested her resilience.
Early in her career, she found herself caught in the whirlwind of unrealistic project deadlines, a common reality in the commercial segment. Clients had their own pressures: rental commitments, handover dates, and launch schedules. But instead of resisting the pace, Upneet mastered the art of navigating timelines with precision and adaptability, learning how to keep creativity intact while meeting the ticking clock.
Another One of the key lessons learned was the need for greater clarity in project documentation and payment processes. The importance of well-structured contracts, transparent agreements, and meticulous paperwork elements often overlooked in the early years became pivotal tools in her growth as a professional.
Today, Upneet stands as a symbol of balance harmonizing design excellence with delivery efficiency. While her projects often run on fast-track schedules, she ensures every stage reflects diligence, involvement, and uncompromised quality. Her story is not just about meeting deadlines; it’s about reshaping them with discipline, empathy, and design integrity.
Upneet Kaur stated that design is more than a process, it’s a personal journey woven with trust, collaboration, and human connection. Over the years, she has discovered that what clients value most is not just creative excellence, but genuine involvement. They seek her and her partners’ personal touch, someone who listens, understands, and walks beside them through every decision.
At her firm, accessibility is not a buzzword; it’s a promise. Clients know they can reach out, share their aspirations, and openly discuss their evolving needs. This close-knit approach has transformed many first-time collaborations into long-standing relationships. Upneet’s design philosophy centers around comfort, trust, and reliability values that have become the foundation of her firm’s enduring credibility with a supportive team that translates ideas into tangible spaces.
Upneet Kaur shared that staying ahead in the world of design is not about following trends, it’s about discovering them before they arrive. Her creative journey thrives on curiosity and connection. She believes the pulse of global design beats across digital screens, where social media acts as a limitless canvas revealing what’s next in style and innovation.
But her exploration doesn’t stop there. Upneet finds equal inspiration walking through bustling exhibitions and design events, where fresh ideas and conversations spark new possibilities. Each interaction with industry peers becomes a window into what’s shaping tomorrow’s spaces.
And when she travels, inspiration takes on a whole new dimension. Every culture, texture, and architectural rhythm she encounters expands her design vocabulary, infusing her work with depth and diversity. For her, learning never pauses, it simply takes on new forms wherever she goes.
When challenges knock, leaders rise and Upneet Kaur’s story is a perfect reflection of that. Before the world hit pause during COVID, her design practice revolved around intimate spaces spanning 5,000 to 10,000 sq. ft. But as the world changed, so did the scale of opportunities.
Almost overnight, those numbers multiplied and projects began spanning over a lakh square foot, transforming not just the scale of work but the very essence of how she approached design and leadership. This defining phase wasn’t just about managing bigger spaces as it was about mastering coordination, building resilient teams, and navigating uncharted territory with confidence.
Through this evolution, Upneet didn’t just witness growth in square footage, she experienced growth in vision, collaboration, and the power of leadership under pressure and that was the defining moment for her.
In an industry as dynamic and diverse as design, transformation often begins with awareness and a call for structure. Upneet Kaur sheds light on the silent gaps that shape the way we build, source, and design today.
She emphasizes that while creativity fuels the design world, the backbone of progress lies in transparency and systemization. The sourcing landscape, still fragmented and decentralized, often leaves professionals navigating a maze of options without a unified, transparent platform. She believes that a more centralized sourcing system could bridge this gap bringing accountability, efficiency, and trust to the forefront.
She pointed out the need for standardization in industry processes is equally crucial. The lack of consistent benchmarks not only slows down collaboration but also clouds the quality and intent behind great design. Establishing clear standards could create a shared language between designers, suppliers, and clients elevating the industry as a whole.
Yet, Upneet highlights the need for awareness beyond structure. Many clients still underestimate the true value architects and interior designers bring to a project. The art of design is not merely about aesthetics; it’s about understanding how space shapes experience, emotion, and functionality. As awareness grows, so does appreciation for thoughtful design that transforms everyday life.
Upneet Kaur’s reflections come as a guiding compass for those just setting foot in the industry. Her suggestion rests on a simple yet powerful foundation that never stops learning. She believes the architectural landscape changes faster than most realize, and to stay relevant, one must continuously adapt. Growth begins with curiosity and upskilling whether it’s exploring new tools, embracing AI-driven design methods, or understanding shifting aesthetic sensibilities.
Equally, she emphasizes the untapped potential of social media not merely as a promotional platform but as an extension of one’s professional identity. She instead once credibility is earned in the real world, it must be mirrored online. In today’s interconnected ecosystem, visibility amplifies opportunity and an authentic digital presence can open doors collaboration alone cannot.
Yet, in a time where instant gratification often overshadows patience, Upneet reminds young architects the strength of consistency. She noted that success is never an overnight story. Behind every reputable firm lies years of persistence, client trust, and the delivery of meaningful design outcomes. It’s this balance of passion, patience, and performance that shapes a sustainable architectural journey.
Her message resonates that keep learning, stay visible, and build trust brick by brick. Because in architecture, the strongest foundations are the ones you nurture over time.
Upneet Kaur emphasizes a fresh perspective for building material vendors aiming to truly serve the design and construction industry. According to her insights, architects are increasingly seeking curated platforms for material discovery, rather than relying solely on traditional exhibitions, which can often feel overwhelming and chaotic.
She notes that while options for high-quality material sourcing remain limited, the focus should be on reliability, standardization, and genuine value rather than aggressive sales tactics. Vendors who continuously push the same products risk being overlooked, whereas introducing innovative solutions and unique materials captures attention and earns trust.
For architects, the opportunity to explore new ideas and integrate novel materials into projects is far more appealing than repetitive offerings. Upneet’s observations underscore a critical shift: the industry thrives when quality, creativity, and thoughtful curation take center stage, rather than volume and overselling.
In the world of turnkey projects, the journey from concept to completion can make or break the client experience. Upneet Kaur highlights that while a strong design sets the vision, it is flawless execution on site that truly brings it to life.
She concluded that successful projects rely heavily on clear communication and transparency with clients. Attention to detail is equally critical. Meticulous craftsmanship ensures that the final outcome reflects the design’s intent, rather than falling short of expectations.
Flexibility and collaboration with architects and designers also stand out as essential. Rather than dwelling on setbacks or pointing fingers, teams that embrace adaptability and a problem-solving mindset elevate projects from good to exceptional. In essence, a project’s success is not just in the plans on paper, but in the collective effort to translate that vision into reality.
Upneet Kaur has discovered that true effectiveness lies not in doing everything alone, but in fostering a team where every individual feels empowered. She believes that surrounding yourself with people who share your values, vision, and dedication forms the foundation of a successful team.
Early on, the temptation to micromanage or handle everything personally can feel strong. But experience teaches that delegating responsibly and trusting your team to take ownership is far more impactful. By giving team members space to grow and the autonomy to manage their own responsibilities, leaders can cultivate a sense of ownership and pride in their work while transforming tasks into personal projects rather than mere assignments.
For Upneet, creating more leaders within a team is essential. Each member should be encouraged to step up, take on responsibility and develop their leadership skills. This not only strengthens the team but also ensures sustainable growth for the organization.
She emphasized on leading by example. A leader’s work ethic, commitment, and integrity set the tone for the entire team. Open communication, consistent support, and being present for one another are non-negotiable elements of a thriving team culture. When a leader invests in people, not just processes, the entire organization flourishes.