Ar. Rituparna Mandal: Creating Spaces that Reflect Individuality
- May 24, 2023
- Brandz Editor Team
- 0
Ar. Rituparna Mandal is the talented architect behind Leafnest Design. Currently based in Mumbai, she has established her own practice and describes herself as a lifelong learner. Rituparna’s journey began in Calcutta, where she grew up surrounded by the beauty of nature. From a young age, she was captivated by nature’s creativity and its ability to harmoniously combine numerous elements into a symphony of beauty.
Inspired by her admiration for nature and encouraged by her supportive family, Rituparna pursued a career in architecture. She earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture (B.Arch.) from Piloo Mody College of Architecture in Orissa and completed her internship in Delhi. Eventually, she moved to Mumbai, where she worked for over eight years in a reputable architectural firm, gradually taking on independent project management responsibilities as an associate.
After gaining valuable experience and knowledge from esteemed companies and working on diverse projects in different cities, Rituparna felt compelled to chart her own path and establish her firm. She realized that building a house is not merely about bricks, sand, and cement—it is about creating a space that clients can truly call home. Understanding the needs and emotions of clients and translating them into tangible spaces by analytically solving problems and effectively communicating with all parties involved became her passion. Rituparna is a self-motivated and disciplined individual, always eager to upskill herself and embrace new opportunities for learning.
Rituparna’s strengths lie in her analytical approach and her ability to add a human touch to every situation—an aspect that sets her apart. She firmly believes in being realistic and recognizes that designing and creating spaces in which we live or work is a reflection of our way of thinking about life.
In 2019, Rituparna founded Leafnest Design, and since then, the company has successfully completed more than seven projects. She believes that society is a collective creation of individuals, each with their unique individuality, and her projects are a testament to this philosophy.
For individuals, a home is a place of belonging and self-connection, so creating a space where individuals or families feel comfortable and happy is of utmost importance to Rituparna. Her projects showcase the uniqueness and individuality of each person.
With her architectural qualification and experience spanning over a decade, Rituparna has worked on various commercial and residential projects. Along the way, she discovered her knack for connecting with people and fulfilling their dream of owning a house. This led her to delve deeper into interior design projects, and she now specializes in them.
As an architect, Rituparna is brimming with design ideas, but she believes that her unique selling proposition (USP) lies in showcasing her clients’ individuality—a trait that she believes is often overlooked by others. She adds a human touch to each site, ensuring that it becomes more than just another house in the making. Humans will always need a place to call home, and Rituparna’s vision is to be a part of creating that special space for them. She envisions that her firm’s projects will triple within the next five years.
Rituparna’s curiosity and creativity have been apparent since childhood. Growing up in a family where her father was also in the same profession laid the foundation for her aspirations. She wanted to leave her mark on projects and express her unique creativity. These factors propelled her on a unique path, leading to the birth of Leafnest Design.
Her father serves as both her inspiration and idol. As a daughter, she adores him, but professionally, she aspires to emulate his success. Witnessing his dedication and hard work in building his own reputation in the market fueled her interest and love for the profession. Rituparna aims to develop the same
skill set and client service that enabled her father to flourish in his business.
As an entrepreneur, Rituparna acknowledges the inherent unpredictability of running a business compared to having a steady job. Starting her firm in 2019 presented its own challenges, especially with the global pandemic impacting projects and finances. Meeting ends became a primary concern. While she could have returned to her previous firm for a stable income, Rituparna recognized that venturing out on her own involved risks.
She saw this period as an opportunity to expand her horizons. With patience and a day-by-day approach, her firm started receiving projects as COVID-19 cases decreased. Now, when working on a project, Rituparna actively seeks out at least three additional opportunities to pitch simultaneously.
As an individual, Rituparna possesses the ability to see things from various perspectives. This quality has cultivated her patience and appreciation for the fact that waiting for the perfect situation is often unrealistic. She firmly believes that hard work is the key to success, regardless of the circumstances. Client satisfaction, in her opinion, is one of the most important pillars of project success.
When a client hires an architect, they are not simply seeking a professional service to construct four walls. They want their dreams and ideas to be materialized in the best possible way. As a designer, Rituparna considers it her duty to co-create their dream home.
Her advice to aspiring individuals is to choose this profession if they have a passion for creating something extraordinary. Architecture is not a run-of-the-mill job; it requires individuals who dream big and help others transform their dreams into reality. Rituparna encourages budding architects to remain curious, observant, and to welcome the world of fantasy that can be made into reality through their work.
Ar. Rituparna Mandal and Leafnest Design are on a mission to create spaces that reflect the individuality of their clients. With her dedication, creativity, and commitment to client satisfaction, Rituparna is poised to leave an indelible mark on the architectural and interior design landscape.