Bhumika Chauhan
Interior design today is no longer confined to surface-level aesthetics or fleeting trends. It has evolved into a discipline that shapes how people live, interact, and feel within a space. Himanshu Shiwangi, Founder and Principal Designer of Arcane Designs, belongs to a new wave of designers who see interiors as emotional environments rather than decorative shells. His journey reflects a deep understanding of how thoughtful design can influence comfort, productivity, and personal identity, making every space an extension of the people who inhabit it.
From the early stages of his career, Himanshu was drawn to the idea of creating meaning through design. Rather than following conventional paths, he explored how form, colour, material, and light could come together to tell a story. For him, design has always been about intention—why a space exists, how it is used, and what emotions it evokes. This philosophy became the foundation of Arcane Designs, a studio he established in 2021 with the vision of crafting interiors that balance creativity, functionality, and emotional resonance.
Operating from Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, Arcane Designs works across residential and commercial projects, delivering bespoke solutions that respond to both spatial constraints and lifestyle needs. Himanshu believes that no two clients are alike, and therefore no two spaces should feel the same. Each project begins with listening—understanding habits, routines, aspirations, and challenges. Only when these elements are understood does the design process truly begin. This client-centric approach has become one of the studio’s defining strengths.
Urban living today presents a unique set of challenges, particularly in cities where space is limited and demands are high. Himanshu views these challenges as opportunities to innovate rather than limitations to endure. Through intelligent layouts, strategic lighting, and multifunctional elements, he transforms compact spaces into environments that feel expansive and balanced. His designs often achieve a sense of openness without sacrificing warmth or usability, demonstrating how thoughtful planning can redefine spatial experience.
The social impact of interior design is often underestimated, yet Himanshu places it at the centre of his practice. He believes that well-designed spaces have the power to improve quality of life by reducing stress, enhancing focus, and fostering connection. Whether designing a home that encourages family interaction or a workplace that supports productivity and collaboration, his work reflects a deep awareness of human behaviour. For Himanshu, design is not just about how a space looks, but how it supports the people within it.
Creativity at Arcane Designs is driven by collaboration. Himanshu approaches each project as a partnership with his clients, blending their personal narratives with contemporary design language. Rather than imposing a signature style, he adapts his approach to reflect individual preferences and functional requirements. This flexibility allows the studio to deliver interiors that feel authentic rather than generic. His curiosity and openness to learning fuel constant exploration of new materials, textures, and techniques, ensuring that each project brings something fresh to the table.
Looking toward the future, sustainability plays an increasingly important role in Himanshu’s design philosophy. With a background in polymer technology, he brings a technical understanding of materials, durability, and performance to his work. He believes that sustainable design is not limited to eco-friendly finishes but encompasses energy efficiency, natural lighting, indoor air quality, and responsible material selection. His approach integrates sustainability seamlessly into design, ensuring that environmental responsibility does not compromise aesthetics or functionality.
Himanshu acknowledges that adopting sustainable practices comes with challenges, including higher initial costs and limited awareness among clients. However, he views these as transitional barriers rather than long-term obstacles. As awareness grows and technology advances, he believes sustainable interiors will become the norm rather than the exception. Through education and thoughtful recommendations, he encourages clients to make choices that benefit both their living environment and the planet.
Entrepreneurship in the design industry requires balancing creativity with practicality, and Himanshu’s journey reflects this delicate balance. Early challenges included building a client base, managing budgets, coordinating with vendors, and aligning creative vision with real-world constraints. Managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality demanded discipline and adaptability. Over time, these experiences strengthened his ability to navigate complexities with clarity and confidence.
One of the qualities that sets Himanshu apart is his ability to merge technical expertise with creative intuition. His knowledge of materials and construction enables him to propose solutions that are not only visually appealing but also structurally sound and durable. This combination allows him to address practical challenges without compromising design integrity. Clients often appreciate this balanced approach, as it results in interiors that perform well over time rather than merely impress at first glance.
Among the projects undertaken by Arcane Designs, the renovation of a four-decade-old residence stands out as particularly meaningful. The project involved preserving the emotional value of the home while updating it to meet modern functional requirements. By blending traditional architectural elements with contemporary materials, Himanshu was able to honour the home’s legacy while enhancing its longevity. The thoughtful use of polymer-based materials ensured durability, while the design retained the warmth and character cherished by its occupants. For Himanshu, this project symbolised his belief in respectful innovation.
Inspiration plays a vital role in shaping a designer’s outlook, and Himanshu draws influence from global visionaries such as Zaha Hadid and Karim Rashid. Their fearless exploration of form and material reinforces his belief that design should challenge conventions while remaining deeply human. However, his own work remains grounded in empathy and practicality. He believes that understanding client psychology is just as important as mastering design techniques. This emotional intelligence allows him to create spaces that feel intuitive and comfortable rather than imposing.
Understanding human behaviour enables designers to anticipate needs and create environments that support well-being. Himanshu places great importance on this aspect of design, believing that trust is built when clients feel understood. This trust translates into collaborative relationships and spaces that genuinely reflect the people who inhabit them. For him, successful design is measured not by visual impact alone, but by how naturally a space integrates into everyday life.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Himanshu recognises that growth is shaped by adaptability, patience, and continuous learning. Each challenge reinforced the importance of resilience and staying aligned with one’s values. Building Arcane Designs has been a journey of evolution—both personal and professional—guided by the belief that meaningful design emerges when creativity is rooted in purpose.
To aspiring interior designers and architects, Himanshu offers practical advice—remain curious, observe how people interact with spaces, and never stop experimenting. He encourages young professionals to develop both technical skills and emotional awareness, as both are essential for long-term success. Design, he believes, should always come from a place of authenticity.
Himanshu Shiwangi’s journey through Arcane Designs represents a thoughtful approach to contemporary interior design—one that values human experience as much as visual expression. As the studio continues to grow, its foundation remains anchored in meaningful, sustainable, and people-centric design. Through his work, Himanshu demonstrates that when interiors are crafted with intention, they have the power to transform not only spaces, but the lives lived within them.
Website – https://arcanedesignstudios.com/
