Diligent, Daring and Focused
Apoorva Shroff is the founder and principal designer for the boutique architecture, interior design and product design firm lyth Design. Shroff's vision is to unite the world through design, believing that the power of imagination knows no bounds. Shroff firmly believes in starting every design with a compelling story and making conscious choices throughout the process. In an exclusive interview with Corporate Citizen, she talks about her work philosophy and how she maintains work-life balance
Corporate Citizen: How do you set out your priorities to keep your work and personal life balanced?
Apoorva Shroff: I set clear goals and schedule tasks wisely. Allocating quality time for family and friends is essential too. It’s all about setting boundaries, and nurturing relationships while staying focused on your goals.
CC: While on the move, what helps you the most in maintaining calm and peace?
I immerse myself in soothing music or take a stroll to connect with nature. Seeking inspiration from my surroundings and practising visualisation techniques are also of great help.
CC: What keeps you fit and healthy?
It is a combination of regular exercise, a balanced diet, prioritising mental well-being, and striving for a healthy work-life balance. It’s about taking care of my body and mind holistically.
CC: How do you like to rejuvenate, recharge and de-stress?
I retreat to Airavat. My serene getaway in the Sahyadris, where nature’s tranquillity restores my energy. Exploring new cultures through travel also invigorates my senses and inspires fresh ideas, leaving me ready for new challenges.
CC: Five tips that work the best for you to maintain work-life balance.
- Setting clear boundaries and allocating dedicated time for work and personal activities.
- Scheduling and effectively managing my time to ensure productivity.
- Delegating tasks and trusting my competent team to share the workload.
- Setting goals and working towards it.
- Reassessing goals every few years.
CC: Do you play any game which helps you in your work?
While I may not be throwing dice or playing Monopoly, my hobbies, like dancing and skiing, are my secret game-changers. They boost my creativity, improve my focus, and teach me valuable life lessons.
CC: What is the secret of your success?
The secret of my success lies in my unwavering focus, hard work, and attention to detail. I believe in creating deliberate and thoughtful designs, driven by a strong vision and a deep understanding of my clients’ needs. Balancing form and function, along with a passion for storytelling through design, sets me apart. Additionally, my commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends contributes to my success.
CC: How has your journey been?
My early years were fairly simple, harmonious and full of happy memories. Through my years at Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institiute For Architecture And Environmental Studies (KRVIA), Mumbai and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), I explored the dynamic world of design and grew out of the warmth of my cocoon and found my aspirations stretching. Along the way, I faced challenges that only strengthened my determination. This journey has shaped me as a designer, teaching me the importance of pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities.
CC: What is your philosophy of work?
“The magic is in the details.” This philosophy is central to the workings of my studio. I believe that if design is in your veins, you don’t struggle to bring that on to the drawing board. “Details” aren’t just restricted to execution but span over various aspects of design such as a detailed interaction with a client, a detailed understanding of their design aspirations, meticulous articulation in planning and so on.
CC: What message would you like to give to youngsters on time management?
Get your time management game on point so that you still have plenty of space for hobbies that light up your creative fire. Remember, passion and playfulness go hand in hand on this design journey.
CC: Can you define yourself in one sentence?
I’m a design fanatic who’s all about creating thoughtful spaces that captivate and leave a lasting impact.
CC: What dreams remain to be fulfilled?
I dream every day. Why restrict your goals to just one? I dream of building an airport one day, and a museum on another. Hotels, schools and so much more—all on the wish list. So yes, many dreams remain to be fulfilled.