18th July 2025 | IN EXPERT INSIGHT | BY SBID Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn The SBID UK Interior Design Icons were selected to recognise leading design practices throughout the UK who have consistently displayed exceptional standards within our esteemed industry network. This week’s instalment of the SBID Icon Insights series features Shalini Misra. The design studio, with offices in London, Milan, New York, Delhi and Dubai, is dedicated to creating elegant, timeless and finely crafted interiors. Shalini Misra Shalini Misra What steps do you take to stay at the forefront of the design industry? The practice has a culture of research and inspiration sharing and an ‘always learning’ approach to new technology and the ever evolving industry as a whole. The studio has CPDs and attends trade shows, art and industry fairs. Suppliers visit regularly to present their latest collections. The team visits suppliers’ showrooms and workshops and enjoys learning about the techniques and methods used by diverse makers and businesses. SMD’s brand pillars involve innovating and not repeating. Shalini often speaks at panels and events, and enjoys information and education sharing both in terms of sharing with others and hearing from industry peers. Shalini Misra How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs? In every project a client’s collection of furniture is reviewed first to see what can still be used, relocated, repurposed or reimagine. Clients are encouraged to consider the lifecycle of their objects and supported in understanding how existing pieces can work in the context of a new space. Sustainability through longevity of design is a focus for the practice. This means buying well with a focus on quality, purchasing things that will last a lifetime and beyond. Focusing on the footprint of an object is a core studio value, so local production is important. Alternative materials are always considered, and the studio is currently building its knowledge base in this area with research into materials such as banana leaf, aloe vera and agave as well as the impact of overall supply chains. Shalini Misra Shalini Misra Do you have a signature style or hallmark design approach? Every project is unique, however layering of textures and use of many finishes throughout characterises a lot of the studio’s work – playing with surface finishes on walls, floors, joinery and addressing the ceiling in unusual ways. Art and design curation is something that runs through many of SMD’s projects and client briefs. Shalini Misra What advice would you give to emerging designers? Learning is never finished, and inspiration is everywhere. However far you progress and however many years you have behind you, always look at the world through fresh eyes. Remaining open to new ideas, technologies, techniques and processes is one of the most important things a designer can do as they progress. Design for feeling as well as style, trust your instinct and listen to your client. Shalini Misra What sets your work apart in the industry? A strong emphasis on art and a razor-sharp understanding of how it transforms a space. An understanding of the wide spectrum of health and wellness and its relationship to interior spaces, and an unwavering dedication to exceptional craftsmanship. Shalini Misra Can you highlight one or two of your most iconic projects? The Farmhouse in Delhi epitomises what the studio stands for. The design in its entirety – interior, architecture and landscape architecture all being designed around core principles that sum up the working philosophies the practice is built on. The farmhouse was intentionally built in the vernacular of the region, so had many suppliers and craftspeople working on building furniture and specialist finishes. Its focus on reviving heritage crafts meant extra support in bringing artisanal skills back to the surface, which meant intricate management yet ultimately is what makes this project so special. To offer this support an on-site ‘crafts village’ was created, meaning many artisans in one place. Lots of extra project management and coordination of all the different trades. Shalini Misra Shalini Misra Do you have key partnerships with suppliers, manufacturers, or brands? The practice works with certain brands, galleries, craftspeople and makers regularly. Several collaborations and collections are in progress in 2025 and the studio released a collection with CC Tapis last year. Sister company, Curio, is an excellent resource of distinct suppliers. The team at Curio conducts global research to uncover and support makers and brands whose work is standout. About Shalini Misra Shalini Misra, an internationally celebrated interior architect, designer and property developer, has shaped exceptional spaces for over two decades. Often collaborating with artists and galleries to curate bespoke collections, in 2022 Shalini launched Curio, the global platform for extraordinary art, craft and design. In 2024, she announced the inaugural Shakti Design Residency, a first-of-its-kind initiative that builds bridges between Indian artisanship and the global design world. Shalini earned her architecture degree from the Delhi School of Architecture and Planning in India and further honed her expertise in Urban Planning at the University of Columbia in New York. Her enthusiasm for new technology led her to explore Virtual Reality in Architecture at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, London. The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Shalini is an active contributor to her field. She serves on the advisory board at KLC School of Design and plays an integral role on Tate’s South Asian Acquisition Committee. Committed to philanthropy, Shalini is a trustee and mentor for the Vahani Scholarship Trust. Visit Profile If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.