Bhumika Chauhan
In the dynamic world of design, where trends come and go, one name stands out for her ability to create interiors that feel timeless, deeply personal, and soulful — Jumana Kanchwala, the Founder and Creative Head of JK Atelier. Based in Nagpur, Jumana has been steadily shaping her niche in the realm of luxury interiors since founding her studio in 2019. Her work embodies the idea that design is not just about how a space looks, but about how it makes people feel.
The Beginning of a Vision
Jumana’s journey into design was fueled by a lifelong fascination with the way spaces influence emotions and behaviors. She recalls how, even as a young observer, she would notice how thoughtfully designed environments could uplift moods, encourage interaction, and bring a sense of calm. This curiosity grew into passion, and eventually into a profession. In 2019, armed with courage, clarity, and a deep desire to build something of her own, she founded JK Atelier.
What began as a small design practice has now flourished into a studio that has delivered multiple luxury residential projects and is gradually making its mark in high-end commercial interiors. Today, JK Atelier is synonymous with personalized design experiences, detail-driven execution, and interiors that balance aesthetics with function seamlessly.
The Design Philosophy: Personalization Above All
At the core of JK Atelier lies a philosophy that every space should feel like an extension of its inhabitant. Jumana specializes in luxury residential interiors with a contemporary edge, weaving understated elegance with functional design solutions. Her guiding principle is simple: no two spaces should ever look alike.
Her process begins with understanding — listening closely to her clients’ aspirations, observing their lifestyle patterns, and decoding even the subtlest preferences. “I believe my empathy and patience make me unique as a designer,” Jumana says. “I listen more than I speak, and often help clients articulate what they didn’t even know they wanted.”
Her USP is personalization — every element, from custom-made furniture to curated art pieces, is chosen with meticulous attention to detail. The outcome is spaces that tell stories, reflect personalities, and stand the test of time.
Beyond Beauty: Designing for Impact
For Jumana, design is never just surface-level. She believes in crafting interiors that enhance everyday living. A well-designed home, in her view, is a sanctuary — a space where people recharge, connect, and express themselves freely. Similarly, well-planned commercial interiors can encourage creativity, collaboration, and comfort.
“Good design has the power to influence well-being,” she shares. “That is what motivates me every single day.”
This purpose-driven approach also extends to her thoughts on sustainability. Jumana insists that sustainability is not a choice anymore, but a responsibility. By integrating local materials, collaborating with artisans, and designing for longevity rather than fleeting trends, she ensures her projects are as responsible as they are refined.
The Entrepreneurial Journey: Challenges and Growth
Like every entrepreneur, Jumana’s path has been marked with challenges. In the early days, her biggest hurdle was building trust as a young designer. Convincing clients to place their confidence in her vision and process was not easy. She also had to juggle the dual responsibilities of being a creative and a business leader — ensuring smooth operations, handling contractors, and maintaining budgets while safeguarding her creative integrity.
Her learnings came through perseverance. Clear communication, consistent delivery, and letting her work speak for itself gradually won over clients. Over time, she discovered that calm leadership and empathy were her greatest strengths, helping her foster strong relationships with clients, vendors, craftsmen, and her growing team.
Inspirations That Fuel Creativity
Jumana’s work is inspired by the legendary Kelly Wearstler, whose fearless creativity and daring aesthetics have redefined the design industry. Wearstler’s ability to merge art, fashion, and interiors into spaces that feel alive resonates deeply with Jumana’s own philosophy. “Her work reminds me that design should always evoke emotion — it should be unapologetically bold and unique,” she says.
This inspiration pushes Jumana to constantly evolve, experiment with materials, and keep her work fresh. She also emphasizes continuous learning — drawing insights not just from the design industry, but also from travel, art, culture, and human interactions.
Projects Close to the Heart
Every designer has projects that leave an indelible mark, and for Jumana, one such project was a luxury residence designed for a young couple. Granted complete creative freedom, she was able to pour her vision fully into the project. From bespoke furniture to the smallest accessories, every detail reflected both the couple’s personality and her design ethos. “It was the perfect collaboration of trust and creativity,” she recalls with pride.
This project stands as a reminder of why she chose this path — to create spaces that resonate deeply with those who inhabit them.
The Road Ahead: Expanding Horizons
Looking to the future, Jumana envisions JK Atelier expanding into large-scale luxury projects across India, positioning itself among the most respected design studios in the country. She aspires to work on premium residential developments and boutique commercial spaces, bringing her brand of detail-oriented luxury to a larger audience.
Equally important to her is the vision of creating a collaborative studio culture. She wants to nurture young designers, providing them with a platform to grow, experiment, and learn — just as she once aspired to do. By building a strong studio ecosystem, she hopes to make JK Atelier not just a design firm, but a creative community.
Lessons & Advice for the Next Generation
Jumana’s journey has been filled with invaluable lessons. Her biggest takeaway from entrepreneurship has been the importance of adaptability. “Nothing ever goes exactly as planned,” she says. “The key is to troubleshoot calmly, think creatively, and always look for solutions instead of problems.”
She also underscores the value of relationships — with clients, vendors, artisans, and the team. In her experience, successful design is as much about people as it is about spaces.
To budding designers and architects, her message is heartfelt: “Stay curious. Don’t rush to fit in — find your own voice. Keep learning from people, books, travel, and even your mistakes. And above all, remember that design is about improving lives. If you keep that at the center of your work, your designs will always stand out.”
Redefining Luxury, One Space at a Time
With her empathetic approach, sharp eye for detail, and unwavering commitment to personalization, Jumana Kanchwala is redefining what luxury interiors mean in India today. Through JK Atelier, she is proving that design is not just about creating beautiful spaces, but about weaving experiences, stories, and emotions into the very fabric of interiors.
As she continues her journey, one thing is clear — for Jumana, design is not just a profession, but a way of life. And for her clients, that translates into spaces that feel less like designed products and more like extensions of their own soul.
Website : https://www.jkatelier.in/
