Aesthetics & Design: Partha Chowdhury narrates the ‘Inside Story’ of Interior Designing

Sept. 7: The language of interior designing has remained cryptic in the Barak Valley for a very long time.Mr Partha Chowdhury, the founder of Inside Story, a marvellous creative venture demystifies the myths surrounding the discipline in this free-flowing conversation with way2barak.

Partha Chowdhury did his schooling from Holy Cross in 1997. He did his Bachelors of Business Management in 2002 from Garden City College in Bangalore. This was followed by a shift in interests and he then went on to do Diploma in Interior Design from Exterior Interiors, Kolkata in 2003. He then did one year of field training in Kolkata before starting his successful venture in his hometown Silchar in 2005. In a candid conversation with Dr. Himabrata Das, Partha Chowdhury highlighted the various aspects of the trade of interior decoration.

H.D. What is the difference between an Interior Designer and an Interior Decorator?

P.C. An Interior Designer is a trained professional who creates, designs & manages the Interior Space and Environments, which are aesthetically attractive, modern, functional and space saving. An Interior decorator, on the other hand, views interior design with a mainly decorative approach using ornamental elements to simply rearrange and decorate the space.

H.D. Please tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur. What challenges have you had to face along the way?

P.C. We started designing interiors and exteriors in the year 2005. Initially, it was very difficult to explain our clients the concept of Interior Design. At that time, many people used to think that Interior Designing is just beautification of a space. Few people knew the concept and skill behind this. Making a place look beautiful is just one thing among, many other important aspects that a designer looks into. Thankfully, in today’s time, the concept of interior designing is becoming more and more clear to everyone. People are getting to know how important it is to have a proper space plan, well managed space and a design that matches the entire space.

H.D. When and how did you start the journey of Inside Story?

P.C. After designing for so many years and for so many clients, I realized that for certain exclusive items, we have to run to atleast Guwahati or Kolkata to purchase those materials. So on 27 May, 2016, I started the showroom, where I can display and show some exclusive materials that we can use for designing interiors and exteriors.

H.D. What services do you provide in Interior and Exterior Design?

P.C. Once our client gives us his requirements, we prepare the space plan or layout. This plan is changed and modified till the client is 100 percent satisfied with it. Based on the final approved layout, we prepare all the required designs and drawings, such as electrical designs, false ceiling designs, furniture designs, etc. We provide 3D Designs by which our clients can easily visualize the complete project even before the actual work takes place. We provide complete site supervision, meetings with contractors and vendors till the completion of the project. All the designs we provide are fresh and unique for every client. We never repeat our designs. All our clients get a modern and exclusive design made only for them.

H.D. There is a popular belief that interior designing is associated with the elite and the aristocrats. Can interior designing be a viable option for middle class households and businesses?

P.C. This is a total misconception that only the elite class can afford an Interior Designer. Actually by hiring an experienced interior designer, the client can easily get his property designed well within the budget. Our design charges are on per square feet basis. So, whatever the budget of the client is, our design charges remain same on per square feet area.

Let me try to explain this. Let’s take an example. A person is building a house. Whether he hires a designer or not, he will still go with the work. Such as false ceiling, electrical, flooring, furniture, etc. By hiring an experienced Interior Designer, the client is getting much more within his budget. An expert designer can guide the client on the variety of designs, space plans, materials to be used, the work schedule, supervising the work and explaining the work to all workers. If there are no specific designs or drawings, then the workers will work according to their wish and plan. And later, the house owner will realize that the designs do not match with each other. And if there is no proper space plan made then after the completion of the project, that person may have to compromise on a lot of factors.

An experienced designer prepares space plan and accommodates all requirements that the client asks for, prepares all designs of false ceiling, electrical, furniture, etc. that complements each other. A designer prepares the design concept and color scheme that is as per the taste of the client. A designer makes sure to complete the work within the budget of the client.

H.D. Your words of advice for youngsters who wish to take up interior designing as a profession.

P.C. First, have a creative and open mind. Your first priority while designing any space should be the utmost comfort and budget of the client. How the client will use his space will depend upon how well you manage and design the space. A person, who is entrusting you with his project, will have a lot of faith and trust on you. It’s their hard earned money by which they are planning to build their project. Have respect towards their trust.

Secondly, it takes a lot of patience, to design any project. The client will refuse your designs numerous times. Initially, it will be very hard to explain the clients, the designs you are planning. Be patient, have faith on your work, and eventually the client will like your designs.

Lastly, you have to keep learning every time. It’s a never ending process. Learn, design, execute, repeat. Always keep upgrading your knowledge. There is always a new design concept you can learn. Be new, be different & be unique.

*Copyright of all photographs assigned to @Partha Chowdhury, Inside Story

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**Dr. Himabrata Das, Registrar, Department of Psychiatry, Tezpur Medical College & Hospital (TMCH). Apart from this, he is a vivid lover of sports, an eloquent commentator and a columnist.