In the vibrant city of Bangalore, a compelling narrative unfolds, led by the visionary Rupraj Lagnajeet Mohanty. Rupraj, an IT Engineer with a decade of experience in IT Infrastructure, found himself unexpectedly immersed in the world of interior design.
The story begins when Rupraj purchased his flat in Bengaluru and explored various home interior companies. To his surprise, he discovered two distinct categories – one offering excellent but expensive work, and the other providing economical solutions with subpar finishing. Faced with this dilemma and constrained by a tight budget, he chose the latter, only to endure a nightmarish experience. The project encountered delays, low-quality materials were used, and constant supervision was needed. This ordeal became the catalyst for Rupraj’s venture into interior design.
Motivated to offer budget-friendly yet high-quality interior solutions, Rupraj established Design-O-Dwells in 2019. His own flat became the first canvas for this new venture, with his wife being the initial client. This marked the beginning of a journey focused on creating good and modern interiors without breaking the bank.
Design-O-Dwells, headquartered in Bangalore East, Varthur, Whitefield, swiftly evolved into a team of 30 dedicated and passionate home decor professionals. Specializing in turnkey projects, the firm boasts over 250 successfully completed projects in Bangalore and nearly 200 in Sobha Dream Acres, Panathur. Not content with just interiors, Rupraj introduced a novel concept – “Apna Balcony” – focusing on designing balconies to enhance outdoor spaces. An application is also in the works, allowing clients to design their balcony with user-friendly drag-and-drop options.
The impact on society is at the core of Design-O-Dwells’ mission. The firm aspires to be the one-stop solution for middle-class families, offering them the best interior services within their budget. The goal is to cater to people from all walks of life, ensuring that quality interiors don’t come at an exorbitant price. Transparency, integrity, and a commitment to delivering a world-class experience define the principles of Design-O-Dwells.
Specializing in residential home interiors, the firm provides customized solutions based on the client’s budget, avoiding unnecessary additions and focusing on essential design elements. With the onset of the WFH culture, Design-O-Dwells introduced Apna Balcony, aiming to transform and customize this often-overlooked space.
Rupraj’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without challenges. Setting up a business oriented towards customer service comes with its share of obstacles, including managing client expectations and handling tough customers. However, his experiences, coupled with the support of his family, have been crucial in overcoming these hurdles.
Learning from the struggles, Rupraj emphasizes the importance of business understanding, having the right people in the right places, offering the best to get the best from the team, transparency, and having contingency plans for unforeseen events.
As Design-O-Dwells sets its sights on the future, Rupraj envisions expanding operations to Odisha, his home state, by establishing a factory around Bhubaneswar. The firm aims to bring innovative design solutions and high-quality interiors to a region currently underserved in this regard. The journey is not just about monetary success for Rupraj; it’s about creating a brand that delivers the best interior services across the country.
Design-O-Dwells, under the leadership of Rupraj Lagnajeet Mohanty, is not just transforming spaces; it’s creating a legacy of affordable, high-quality interior design that resonates with people’s dreams and aspirations.