MRIIRS Faridabad Alumni Interview: Pankaj Sheel - “ It's essential to have a strong portfolio”

Pankaj Sheel, an innovative interior designer, has recently graduated from MRIIRS. Mr Sheel is currently making waves at Sarmaya Homes, a design firm in Gurugram. Pankaj stands out for his eagerness to learn and bring fresh ideas. He excels in identifying client needs and using his expertise to create spaces that surpass their expectations. Careers360 brings you an interview with Pankaj Sheel, Alumni MRIIRS (Batch 2020-2023). Let’s explore his journey and insights into interior design.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself.

A. I’m Pankaj Sheel graduated from MRIIRS (Batch 2020-2023) as an Interior Designer. Currently working as an interior designer in a design firm based in Gurugram named Sarmaya Homes.

What excites me the most about being a new interior designer is the opportunity to learn, grow, and bring fresh perspectives to the table. I'm eager to collaborate with clients, understand their needs and desires, and then use my skills to craft spaces that not only meet their requirements but also exceed their expectations.

Careers360: Please describe your journey till date.

A. My journey into the world of interior design began with a profound interest in creating spaces that evoke emotions and functionality. I recently graduated with a degree in interior design, where I was able to cultivate my passion for aesthetics, space planning, and creating environments that harmonise with people's lifestyles.

During my academic journey, I had the opportunity to delve deep into the fundamental principles of design, understanding the psychology of space, the impact of color and light, and the importance of creating spaces that are not just visually appealing but also practical. Alongside my coursework, I engaged in practical projects of our college design cell that provided invaluable hands-on experience in the field. My friends and I participated in a national-level design competition(SIDCA 2023) which was one of the best experiences of my life. These experiences allowed me to collaborate with professionals, understand client needs, and execute design concepts.

My academic tenure equipped me with the essential tools and knowledge, but it's the real-world experiences and challenges that have further shaped my understanding of the industry. I'm motivated by the idea of constantly evolving in this dynamic field, and staying updated with emerging trends, technologies, and innovative design approaches.

Careers360: When did you decide to pursue designing as a career?

A. My interest in design sparked from an early age.

Careers360: What were the factors that made you choose your institution/university?

A. A major factor was that MRIIRS has a very renowned name among other universities in Delhi NCR. Some of my relatives and friends suggested that I take admission in this university because it has a good campus and provides some really good facilities to its students, Manav Rachna has its own national level Library, etc.

Careers360: What are the key learning points from your college days that have held you in good stead so far?

A. some of the key learning points are:

• Design Principles and Fundamentals

• Technical Skills and Software Proficiency

• Collaboration and Communication skills

• Problem-solving and Creativity

• Attention to Detail and Perseverance

Careers360: Are there any changes from your college days to the current design scenario? How best would you describe the changes?

A. Interior design has undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting evolving social, cultural, and technological influences. From bold and colorful designs to sustainable and natural aesthetics, interior design has adapted to meet the changing needs and preferences of people. On the other hand, if we talk about today’s trend which is of 2023 it is of warm and earthy tones... Hellenistic revival today’s trend is to focus on a particular design or we say on one uniqueness rather than old's sake of conceptualization.

Careers360: The portfolio is an important aspect for designers, especially at the start of their careers. What is your advice to them in this regard?

A. As a new designer, it's essential to have a strong portfolio to showcase your skills and abilities. The portfolio is essentially a collection of your best work and it’s a key tool for demonstrating your value to potential clients and employers.

Portfolio planning can be a useful tool. Portfolio planning is a process that helps executives assess their firms' prospects for success within each of their industries, offers suggestions about what to do within each industry, and provides ideas for how to allocate resources across industries.

Careers360: Technology now plays an important role in every career. What according to you should design students empower themselves with in this area?

A. Digital technology tools can increase a sense of progress and movement throughout the learning journey. Students feel more ownership of their learning when they can see where they are in the process. The advantage of digital platforms like these also help the design determine trends and demand in a somewhat real-time fashion, possible through the help of monitoring and analytics tools. Surveys help understand the popularity of products and designs, which designers and clients can use as the basis for judgement.

Careers360: What are the latest trends in the design world and how can students understand them to choose the best career path?

A. There are four types of career paths—knowledge-based, skill-based, entrepreneur-based, and freelance. Every kind of career path caters to a specific set of qualifications that help you perform your job. But the important thing is your interest and your way of doing things. On the other hand, if we talk about the latest trend... it is abstract 3d

This trend is inspired by sculptures and installations brought to life in digital form. In 2023, expect to see designers using abstract 3D elements to create designs that are eye-catching and engaging, whether it's through the use of 3D models, animations, or virtual reality.