1. What is the inspiration behind your design firm’s name?
Nivas + Art: We took these two beautiful words and combined them to form NIVASA. Nivasa in Sanskrit means a place of dwelling and Art is of course Art! Nivasa is art for your home. In an inner secret it also happens to be the combination of my sister and my names. NI-kita v Sa-ba
2. What is that one design book/movie you found inspiring?
You will often find me putting my TV on pause to take inspiration from movies. Be it embroidery from movies like The Devil Wears Prada or architecture from period dramas such as Downtown Abbey.
3. In what ways does your personality reflect in your designs?
In almost everything, my personal philosophy is to design products, I would love to have in my own home. In fact, the way I dress too often matches my aesthetics when it comes to places or products. I enjoy going tone-on-tone with some accent pieces. And sometimes I truly enjoy going super dramatic- depending on the mood of a space. Just as in fashion one chooses the outfit depending upon the occasion, I enjoy choosing the aesthetics depending upon the practical use value of the room.
4. What inspires you in your day-to-day design practice?
Everything inspires me. It would be unfair to give one thing credit. From a practical perspective I always think about how can I make something better. Be it something as small as adding an in-built charge on one’s bedside table or bigger hardware-based designs such as a rotating TV unit or a standing desk. When it comes to aesthetics, I truly take inspiration from everything around me. Fashion is definitely a big source of my inspiration!
5. Who is your favourite architect?
I don’t really have a favourite. I enjoy the work of different architects and designers from different reasons. I love all that redArchitects are doing- they are super innovative and have immense attention to detail and I love that.
6. Do you have a signature style?
I think it would definitely be tone-on-tone.
7. The one design philosophy you swear by?
Design to improve moods and lives. A space can truly have an emotional effect of people. I love dancing! It’s truly my happy space.
8. A message to those few young practicing Architects out there?
Beauty is nothing without practicality.
9. Which design blog/page/handle do you follow avidly?
Among the Indian designers I love Sarah Sham for just how open and refreshing she is, Vinita Chaitanya for her insane ability to play with materials and put them together so aesthetically. Internationally I love Kelly Wearstler and just how edgy she is.