Founder Magazine
In the vast and ever-evolving world of architecture and interior design, few names stand out for seamlessly blending tradition, innovation, and heart. 60 Degree Interior, co-founded by Mr. Jayesh Megnani and Mr. Nikhil Darji, is one such firm that has carved its unique space in the competitive design landscape. What began as a vision in 2006 has today grown into a powerhouse of creativity, delivering luxurious yet functional spaces across India and internationally.
A Story of Passion and Perseverance
The journey of 60 Degree Interior is deeply intertwined with the personal and professional evolution of its founder, Mr. Jayesh Megnani. Armed with a rare combination of artistic disciplines—an interior designer, Vastu expert, painter, and sculptor—Jayesh embarked on his design journey with a rich, multidimensional perspective. Early in his career, he honed his skills under the tutelage of renowned conservation architect Mr. Vikas Dilawari, an experience that deepened his understanding of architectural heritage and preservation.
But Jayesh’s true calling lay beyond the confines of employment. Driven by a profound desire for creative freedom and self-expression, he envisioned a design firm that would not merely create interiors but craft stories through spaces. In 2006, he founded 60 Degree Interior, embarking on an entrepreneurial journey with nothing but his passion, perseverance, and vision.
“I’ve always called myself a seeker of freedom,” says Jayesh. “Design, to me, is not just about aesthetics—it’s about liberating spaces from mundanity, infusing them with meaning, energy, and life.”
In 2018, the firm welcomed Mr. Nikhil Darji as a partner and principal designer. An accomplished designer in his own right, Nikhil brought with him expertise in managing large-scale luxury spaces, a keen sense of functionality, and the ability to handle complex on-site operations. His arrival infused the firm with renewed vitality, complementing Jayesh’s artistic instincts with his own brand of discipline, precision, and pragmatism.
Together, they have steered 60 Degree Interior towards new horizons, combining their strengths to expand both the scale and scope of their projects.
A Legacy of Design Across Borders
From its humble beginnings, 60 Degree Interior has grown into a formidable name, known for handling projects that span both residential and commercial spaces, while specializing in luxury-modern designs infused with ethnic elements. In 2013, the firm achieved a major milestone by completing its first international project in Qatar, a turning point that opened the doors to projects in Oman and Switzerland in subsequent years.
Today, the firm executes projects amounting to nearly 50,000 square feet annually, an impressive feat reflecting both its capacity and credibility. Its portfolio stands as a testament to versatility—ranging from sleek, modern corporate offices to grand, culturally-rooted villas.
At its core, the design philosophy of 60 Degree Interior revolves around a simple yet profound belief: timeless design is born from the fusion of tradition and modernity. While the firm draws inspiration from Gothic architecture, it tempers its love for historic grandeur with the clean lines and understated elegance of contemporary design.
“Every space we design should feel timeless,” shares Nikhil. “It should look relevant today, ten years later, or even fifty years down the line.”
Designing with Purpose: Beyond Aesthetics
While luxury and beauty are hallmarks of 60 Degree Interior’s work, what sets the firm apart is its commitment to purpose-driven design. A notable aspect of their offering is the integration of Vastu Shastra, India’s ancient architectural science, into modern interiors. For many clients, adhering to Vastu principles is not merely cultural but deeply personal—believed to influence well-being, prosperity, and harmony.
Unlike firms that might compromise design for superstition or vice versa, 60 Degree Interior takes pride in finding functional, aesthetic solutions that also honor Vastu principles.
“Many come to us with a desire to align their homes with Vastu,” explains Jayesh. “Our role is to balance these requirements without sacrificing beauty or functionality. We never let Vastu feel forced—it’s seamlessly woven into the design.”
But the firm’s commitment to positive impact extends beyond private clients. Jayesh has been actively involved in CSR initiatives, especially in regions like Mumbai, Srinagar, and Leh. Through collaborations with the Indian Army, he has contributed towards welfare projects aimed at improving the lives of communities in Kashmir, Leh, and Ladakh.
“Design is a privilege,” Jayesh reflects. “When you can extend its power to uplift communities, it becomes a responsibility.”
Mr. Jayesh & Nikhil receiving India Design Awards 2025 for Most Stylish & Elegant Luxury Interiors — 60 Degree Interior by Bollywood Actress Bipasha Basu
A Project Close to the Heart
Of the many projects completed over nearly two decades, one stands out as a personal favorite for the duo—a 2000 sq. ft home for a three-generation joint family in Mumbai. The challenge was to create a cohesive space that addressed the unique needs of children, working adults, and elderly members alike, without compromising comfort or safety.
“It was a delicate balance,” recalls Nikhil. “We had to think of everything—elderly-friendly fixtures, child-safe materials, functional zoning, and yet ensure it felt like a unified, warm home.”
The project culminated in a deeply satisfying moment when Mr. Manu Kumar R. Shah, the 96-year-old patriarch, personally called Jayesh to express his heartfelt gratitude, praising the home’s balance of beauty and function.
“Moments like these make all the late nights, site challenges, and design revisions worthwhile,” smiles Jayesh. “It’s why we do what we do.”
Sustainability: Designing for the Future
As the global conversation around sustainability grows louder, 60 Degree Interior has embraced eco-conscious design as an integral part of its ethos. The team advocates for minimalism with elegance, focusing on resource sensitivity, waste reduction, and optimal utilization of materials.
“Sustainability is no longer optional,” says Nikhil. “Designers must be sensitive to nature. Every decision—from materials to lighting to waste management—must consider environmental impact.”
But sustainability, as Jayesh notes, is not just about materials; it’s about mindset. “It’s about designing spaces that endure—not just physically, but emotionally and culturally.”
The Business of Design: Challenges and Learnings
Running a design firm comes with its unique challenges. For Jayesh and Nikhil, the most persistent hurdle has been balancing creative ambition with budgetary constraints—a reality every designer faces when translating dreams into practical deliverables.
“The challenge isn’t lack of ideas,” says Jayesh. “It’s realizing them within a client’s budget, timeline, and site limitations. That’s where true skill lies.”
Over the years, the firm has built a robust system of processes, covering everything from estimating and scheduling to workforce management and client communication. This structured approach ensures that creativity doesn’t clash with practicality.
The duo credits their success to four guiding pillars—Passion, Perseverance, Creativity, and Communication (PPCC). It’s a philosophy that has helped them grow from a small team to handling projects across India and internationally.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Growth
With a clear goal of achieving a ₹60 crore turnover by 2027, 60 Degree Interior is poised for its next chapter of expansion. But for Jayesh and Nikhil, growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about bringing the indigenous taste of Indian luxury to more people.
“We want every Indian home to experience luxury in a way that feels rooted in culture yet aspirational,” affirms Nikhil.
As part of this vision, the firm is exploring collaborations, larger public projects, and even forays into hospitality and wellness design.
A Word to the Next Generation
For budding architects and designers, Jayesh and Nikhil offer heartfelt advice: embrace technology, but never lose the human touch.
“AI tools, rendering software, and social media platforms are incredible,” acknowledges Jayesh. “But design is not just what you see—it’s what you feel. Never underestimate your own memory, imagination, and intuition.”
They caution against over-reliance on machines: “Let technology assist, not replace, your creative soul.”
Inspired by Giants, Driven by Values
Jayesh counts Sunita Kohli and Sanjay Puri among his inspirations—architects known for their indigenous thinking and self-made success. But beyond role models, it is his philosophy of freedom and Nikhil’s relentless curiosity that continue to fuel the firm’s journey.
“Design, like life, is about movement,” Jayesh reflects. “You’re constantly growing, learning, adapting. And in that movement, you find meaning.”
The Art of Detailing
Quoting Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Jayesh sums up the essence of his practice: “God is in the details.” It’s a principle that echoes in every corner of a 60 Degree Interior project, from the curvature of a wall to the placement of a light fixture.
As they continue to build spaces that delight, comfort, and inspire, one thing remains clear: 60 Degree Interior is not just designing homes—it’s shaping experiences, fostering connections, and leaving behind a legacy of beauty with purpose.
In a world obsessed with trends, they remind us of the timeless: that true design transcends the moment, and great design touches the soul.
