I am an accomplished designer with a passion for creating impactful experiences through interior, urban, and industrial design. I am currently pursuing my MFA II post-professional in Interior Design at the New York School of Interior Design and I'm pleased to have been recognized with a Gold and Silver award at the MUSE Design Awards for the Student Interior Design Category.
As the President of the IIDA NYSID Student Chapter and a member of the IIDA NY chapter, I am deeply involved in fostering design excellence and leadership. Design, to me, is not just a profession but a journey of continuous learning and exploration, shaping my path towards meaningful contributions in the design industry.
Becoming a designer/artist has been a natural evolution for me, driven by a deep fascination with how design can profoundly impact human experiences and interactions. The blend of creativity and functionality in design allows me to craft spaces and solutions that elevate people's lives.
My explorative and curious nature led me through various creative fields before finding my passion in interior design. It wasn't an easy path, but a journey of self-discovery that ultimately shaped my profession.
I've had the privilege of collaborating with renowned design firms, gaining diverse experience as an Interior Design and urban Design Intern, and through leadership roles in student organizations.
My journey is fueled by a passion for human-centered design innovations and sustainability. This inclination drives me to seek projects that not only push creative boundaries but also make a positive impact on people's lives and the environment.
To me, good design transcends mere aesthetics; it seamlessly integrates form and function while addressing user needs and enhancing the environment and society. It's about creating something that blends into everyday life, enriching experiences without overpowering them.
Understanding what constitutes a bad design is equally crucial; it's about recognizing when a design fails to meet its intended purpose, lacks usability, or disregards its impact on people and the world around us.
My design style harmonizes modern aesthetics with a strong emphasis on sustainability, functionality, and user-centric experiences.
Inspired by minimalism, Japanese architecture, and the California Light and Space art movements, my work reflects a balance of simplicity, functionality, and spatial harmony. This influence is vividly showcased in my award-winning Yohji Yamamoto retail design project.
My design process is characterized by meticulous research, creative ideation, collaborative efforts, prototyping, and iterative refinement to achieve the pinnacle of design excellence. I embrace experimentation and challenge conventional norms to craft unique and innovative solutions.
Originality is paramount in my approach, and I invest time in comprehensively understanding the problems I aim to solve, ensuring that each design solution is purposeful and impactful.
Yes, my country's cultural heritage profoundly influences my design process. It shapes not just the tangible elements like color palettes, patterns, and materials but also the deeper storytelling and symbolism embedded in my designs.
Drawing from a rich cultural tapestry, I integrate philosophies and understandings of the universe into my work, transcending mere aesthetics to convey meaning and educate about human civilization's depth and complexity. This heritage imbues my designs with a unique depth and resonance, adding layers of significance that resonate with audiences on a profound level.
Winning the MUSE Design Awards is an incredible honor that validates my dedication, creativity, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of design excellence. It serves as a motivational milestone, inspiring me to continue innovating and delivering exceptional design solutions.
This recognition not only celebrates my past achievements but also propels me forward as I transition from a student to a professional, providing a platform to showcase my skills and contribute meaningfully to the design industry.
The winning project I entered into the 2024 MUSE Design Awards is a culmination of my academic studio work, focusing on innovative retail design and hospitality design to foster brand identity, user experiences, and more.
I chose the Yohji Yamamoto and Serenova Montreal projects because they represent my passion for creating commercial design solutions that resonate within the realm of brand identities and complexity.
The unique cultural heritage and diversity of my country bring a rich tapestry of influences and inspirations to the design industry. This fusion of traditions, artistry, and modern perspectives creates a vibrant and dynamic landscape for creative expression and innovation.
Additionally, the international exposure to both Western and Eastern influences further enriches the design discourse and fosters a globally relevant design approach.
Over the next 5-10 years, I anticipate the design industry evolving towards a greater emphasis on sustainability, human-centered design, and digital integration. Additionally, I believe the industry will become more conscious of collaborative dynamics and adapt principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) into the workplace culture and design processes.
These shifts align with the growing recognition of design's impact on society and the environment, driving the industry towards more responsible and inclusive practices.
As a student already in the industry, I aspire to embrace every learning opportunity available, stay adaptable to new technologies and design trends, and never stop exploring and experimenting with my creativity.
Most importantly, I aspire to stay persistent, resilient, and passionate about my craft, as these qualities will pave the way for a fulfilling career in design.
My biggest inspiration is my father, who has always been a guiding light in my life. He taught me the values of resilience, courage, and the importance of hard work. His unwavering support and belief in my abilities have been instrumental in shaping my journey as a designer.
Additionally, I deeply appreciate my mother's encouragement to pursue my creative talents and the lessons she imparted on being a strong, independent woman. Their influence has instilled in me a sense of determination and passion for my craft.
Sonal Aggarwal is an accomplished designer with a passion for creating impactful experiences through interior, urban, and industrial design. She is currently pursuing her MFA II post-professional in Interior Design at the New York School of Interior Design.
Read more about this interview with Tao Chen of TAO Design Studio, the Gold Winner of the 2024 MUSE Design Awards.