Creativity is a God’s gift. Pouring this gifted skill into functional and aesthetically alluring spaces, interior designers give birth to elegant creations without disturbing the emotional connection individuals have with that space. In this process of beauteous transformation, innovation plays a crucial role. A passionate designer with a classy approach to ‘Innovation in Ideas,’ Payal Kapoor brings her interior design expertise to renovate spaces and construct luxurious places.
As the Director of a leading Interior Design company, Visions, Payal has enjoyed decades of success with her skills and innovative approach. A creative and passionate leader like Payal believes that a good business leader must break conventional monogamy and revive innovation with individual thought processes.
A Creative Journey
Hailing from a middle-class military family, with a father serving as a senior officer in the Indian Navy and a homemaker mother, the Payal grew up with two sisters. She subsequently married a qualified man from the corporate sector, holding a prominent position at the Tata Group.
Upon graduating in 1987, she was selected by Manasara’s Executive Director and subsequently secured a role as a senior advisor at the design firm Craftsmen, promoters of Dream City. This experience provided valuable insights into grassroots craftsmanship, labour dynamics, and budget management. Despite her complete dedication, the company’s turnkey model seemed to stifle her creative potential.
Driven by a desire to express her creativity, she established ‘Visions’ in 1991. With a passion for design and architecture, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, specializing in innovative designs for large-scale projects.
Transforming Landmarks Worldwide
With over three decades dedicated to crafting exceptional spaces, Payal boasts a portfolio adorned with prestigious projects, including VIP residences, chairperson offices, luxury villas, and heritage hotels. Notably, her contribution to the Palace of Wheels stands as a testament to her ability to enhance India’s cultural legacy.
Following a design degree, she was part of major renovation of the iconic Umaid Bhavan Palace (1991-2004), including all rooms, suits, restaurant, and bar. With her expertise, she transformed palace rooms into luxurious suites. Her expertise was further recognized through involvement in the refurbishment of parts of Rashtrapati Bhavan in collaboration with the Manasara group. Moreover, she worked on the projects such as Imperial Hotel, Delhi, G D Goenka School and World School, etc. Payal’s philosophy centres on revitalizing historical sites while infusing them with contemporary elements to amplify their grandeur. Catering to this, she transformed many heritage palace properties in Rajasthan and India.
Headed by Payal, Visions has a diverse portfolio that encompasses heritage properties, hotels, hospitals, shopping complexes, private residences, and even unconventional spaces like planes, bars, and nightclubs. The firm focuses on architectural projects of varying scales and offers comprehensive consulting services.
Comprising a team of dedicated professionals committed to personal and professional growth, Visions is at the forefront of industry trends, consistently pushing boundaries to redefine architectural excellence.
The Extraordinary Life of a Visionary
Payal has had an incredible and commendable journey as a female entrepreneur. She was able to burst through the mould and smash through the barriers. Being a woman and carving out a place for herself in the industry required a journey filled with blemishes and flaws, as well as qualities like bravery, honesty and a fierce attitude.
When Payal started her journey in 1991, there were numerous mental barriers preventing women from advancing in the corporate world. However, being raised in an extremely independent household instilled confidence in her abilities. Moreover, there were several obstacles in the design profession because she didn’t have a godmother or godfather with expertise in design.
However, Payal didn’t give up. Through her work as a solo entrepreneur, she turned these obstacles into opportunities by overcoming the fears associated with the male-dominated industry. Even though there were various challenges, such as a lot of travelling, problems with client payments, and early criticism for certain losses, she never lost hope and worked relentlessly.
Overcoming Challenges
‘Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.’ Such a strong thought, and Payal shares an exemplary leadership journey where her cheering work spirit conquered the challenges she came across. She had to deal with some of the unprofessional clients and weird mindsets when she first launched her business. Delayed payments and unpleasant interactions with clients frequently hindered her line of work.
Moreover, in her personal space, she faced lots of criticism— “In fact, I was also taunted for being ambitious, but it has rather driven me to excel and keep going with my goals,” adds Payal and furthers that from an early age, she fostered her growth and made the most of any chance that presented itself. Because of her perseverance and interpersonal abilities, Payal was able to remain strong and patient in any situation. She saw it as a blessing in disguise since it reinforced her resolve and allowed her to deal with the situation more skillfully and effectively. “While the lioness walks fiercely, the wolves howl, and I always let them howl! That doesn’t bother me,” says Payal proudly.
Cluster of Success
The ‘Visions’ group specializes in creating well-ventilated buildings that embrace the grandeur of construction and all facets of the surrounding environment. At every stage of a project, the company views professionalism, openness and complete customer satisfaction as fundamental principles. It has completed more than 500 projects worldwide in the leisure, housing, institutions, lounges, spas, trains, and restaurant industries while operating as a well-coordinated team of professionals. “Even after completing over 800 projects to date, I feel there’s a lot yet to explore,” adds Payal.
The company is compelled by its commitment to the client budget and the Total Quality Management (TQM) program to pursue ISO certification as soon as possible, further validating its quality. Some of the masterpieces include:
- Heritage Trains like Palace on Wheels.
- Luxury Ship like Mint Casino.
- Aircraft simulator for Boeing, airbus or Dreamliners.
- President of India’s Building.
Advice for Tomorrow’s Aspirants
Payal empowers young women in business with her priceless advice, urging them to follow their goals with steadfast determination in the face of hardship. She highlights the value of courage and resilience in conquering challenges and accomplishing both personal and professional goals by drawing on her own experience. Born into a middle-class family, Payal emphasizes the value of humility as well as staying connected to roots amidst success.
Moreover, Payal emphasizes the need for working women to strike a balance between their personal and professional lives, emphasizing the significance of efficient time management and delegation. She advocates living by the tenets of kindness and karma, contending that deeds have consequences and the importance of having a pure conscience. According to Payal, maintaining motivation, cultivating self-belief and establishing high standards are necessary for success.
She also advises that women can thrive in a field dominated by men if they have high expectations for themselves and continue to be self-motivated by having faith in their abilities. “Fetch some time to enjoy with friends, laugh, and never compromise on your dignity or self-respect. Above all, celebrate yourself and stay fierce yet content and happy,” says Payal.
Recognition by Who’s Who and ADEX
Payal Kapoor stands as a singular luminary in the realm of Indian design. A distinction of unparalleled stature, Kapoor is the sole Indian designer to be bestowed with the prestigious Who’s Who in the World award. This esteemed recognition, conferred by the Barons USA Who’s Who, is a testament to her extraordinary contributions to the field. Furthermore, her name is included among the 4000 Most Influential Professionals of the World by Barons Who’s Who. This accolade features leading figures who have excelled in their respective domains such as honorable Ratan Tata, Bill gates, etc. Payal has also received the ADEX International Award for excellence in design.
*The Most Memorable Monument*
Payal says, “The most memorable monument in my career is the ‘Palace on Wheels.’ This project marked a significant turning point, where I competed against top designers nationwide and emerged victorious, surpassing even the Royal Scotsman train to secure the top position for the ‘Palace on Wheels.’ It is a testament to my dedication, creativity, and ability to deliver unparalleled luxury and innovation in design.”