Devika Khosla is Creative Director at The Works Interiors (TWI), an award-winning bespoke interior and furniture design practice based in NCR. Established in 1998 with Managing Director Raj Khosla, TWI has since been a pioneer in visionary interior design, blending rich craftsmanship and functionality to create timeless designs. With over 25 years of experience in interior design, Devika’s discerning eye for detail and collaborative work process has led to the creation of spaces that reflect the narratives of people who inhabit them. Innovative, yet experimental, her design sensibility seeks to push the boundary beyond conventional design and notions of luxury, towards sustainable design that stands the test of time. She believes that “Design is not always about doing something different, it’s about doing the mundane things differently.”
Devika’s ingenious mind and curious eye extend beyond the realm of design and translate into her passion for travel and appreciation of myriad cultures. Today with us, she shares her key insights on furniture designs for the hospitality segment, her design inspirations, sustainable practices and more.
Q1. What does furniture in a theoretical aspect mean to you? How did you start your journey by designing the same?
For me, a furniture piece should be designed with longevity, practicality, durability, aesthetics, sustainability and craftsmanship in mind.
When I started as a space planner, I had the opportunity to work with NID Designers. They were designing the head office for NID at the India Habitat Centre. Working closely with them, I understood the nuances of furniture design and fabrication, learning the art of space planning with furniture in mind.
Q2. Can you give us a context on your ideology behind designing hospitality furniture? How different is it from the rest of the projects?
Hospitality furniture is foremost about luxury and comfort. The goal is to make the guest feel important and at ease. The scale of a hospitality project is much larger. There are stricter compliances and constrained timelines. Additionally, these pieces have to withstand more significant wear and tear; hence, materials play a crucial role.
Furniture in hospitality differs in scale from other typologies like residential and commercial. Added to that, residences are more about personal choices and stories. However, quality control is imperative in both.
Q3. Post covid, what are the furniture trends followed in the hospitality industry which inspired you?
Due to the global slowdown in travel, the hospitality industry has been among the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic and hence has had to reinvent itself. They attempted this by making them feel safe and cared for and reconnecting people with spaces and places.
- Sustainability, which is the need of the hour, has been trending through the past years. ‘Going local’ is one of my favourite trends that has become increasingly popular, and material selection is an intrinsic part of our design process, which is increasingly important to design soulful spaces and furniture.
- Another one is flexibility which is very important as a guest bedroom in a hotel is a hybrid space, offering rest, relaxation and space to work.
- Biophilic is the other major trend that interests me; this brings nature into spaces.
Q4. What are the sustainable practices followed by you while designing and executing these pieces?
We source plantation timber for furniture production. Additionally, most of our materials are locally sourced and handcrafted by adept craftspeople, thereby contributing to the local economy.
Q5. What material palette and colour schemes do you generally opt for?
The furniture industry is one where one can play with colour, texture and materials. People want the warmth and comfort of a home but don’t mind the whimsical, theatrical style. Depending on the theme, location and expanse, we decide on the look, varying from a serene spa-like aesthetic or a bold and playful space that exudes grandeur.
Q6.Have you incorporated technology and design in your projects?
These days one finds technology in every design sphere, whether it is lighting, furniture, bathrooms or kitchen gadgets. One has to embrace this and use them to their advantage.
At TWI, we have integrated lighting with apps, motorised furniture like recliners, have our side tables built with Bluetooth speakers, and use solar power for our kitchen appliances, among many others.
Q7. If you had to describe your design style in two to three words, what would it be?
Detailed, reliable and timeless.
