Bhumika Chauhan
In the realm of architecture and interior design, where aesthetics often overshadow meaning, Jumana Kanchwala stands out as a designer who believes that spaces should do more than look beautiful — they should feel alive, personal, and deeply resonant. As the founder of JK Atelier, a Nagpur-based design studio established in 2019, she has been steadily shaping her mark in the world of luxury interiors. Her work is characterized by understated elegance, meticulous detailing, and above all, personalization. For Jumana, design is not just about crafting physical environments but about creating experiences that improve the quality of everyday life.
The Beginnings of a Journey
Jumana’s fascination with design was sparked by her keen observation of how spaces impact human emotions and behavior. She recalls being drawn to environments that carried a sense of warmth and identity, where every detail contributed to an atmosphere of comfort and belonging. This intuitive connection to spaces eventually became her profession. The decision to establish JK Atelier in 2019 was born out of a desire to create meaningful, client-centered designs and the ambition to work on her own terms. What started as a small practice soon evolved into a studio that now commands recognition for luxury residential interiors and is expanding into high-end commercial projects.
A Philosophy Rooted in Personalization
At the heart of Jumana’s design ethos lies one word: personalization. She rejects cookie-cutter approaches, instead building each project around her client’s story, lifestyle, and aspirations. Her work is often described as luxury with a contemporary aesthetic — blending clean lines and modern sensibilities with bespoke detailing that makes every project unique. Jumana believes her strength lies in listening more than speaking. Patience and empathy, she explains, are her most important tools. Many times, clients are unsure how to articulate what they want, and by observing and interpreting, she translates their vision into a reality that feels both beautiful and practical. For her, the greatest success lies in creating spaces that are timeless, functional, and deeply personal.
Beyond Beauty: The Purpose of Design
Design, in Jumana’s view, is not limited to appearances. It has the power to shape how people live. A thoughtfully designed home can become a sanctuary, while a carefully planned commercial space can inspire productivity, connection, and collaboration. Her projects always aim to uplift daily living, making environments not just stylish but also emotionally and functionally fulfilling. Jumana is also deeply committed to sustainability. She insists that designers today have a responsibility to consider the environment in every decision. From using local materials to collaborating with artisans and designing for durability over fleeting trends, she ensures her work contributes to a more mindful and sustainable future. In her words, “Small choices add up, and as designers, we must lead by example.”
Challenges on the Entrepreneurial Path
Like many young entrepreneurs, Jumana’s initial years in business came with challenges. Convincing clients to trust her as a relatively new designer was one of the biggest hurdles. Balancing the dual roles of a creative professional and a business leader was another. She had to ensure her artistic vision remained uncompromised while also managing budgets, vendors, and contractors. Over time, she learned that clear communication, consistency in delivery, and letting her work speak for itself were the keys to building trust. Just as important was learning to lead with calmness and empathy. These qualities not only helped her overcome obstacles but also enabled her to build lasting relationships with clients, craftsmen, and her team.
Inspiration and Creative Influence
Jumana finds her greatest professional inspiration in the celebrated American designer Kelly Wearstler, known for her fearless creativity and bold, eclectic style. Wearstler’s ability to seamlessly blend art, fashion, and interiors resonates deeply with Jumana’s own philosophy of design. She admires how Wearstler’s work feels alive, daring, and unapologetically unique, serving as a reminder that design should always evoke emotion. This influence fuels Jumana’s own desire to experiment with materials, push creative boundaries, and continuously evolve her style while remaining true to her clients’ identities.
Projects That Speak from the Heart
Among the many projects that JK Atelier has completed, one stands out as particularly close to Jumana’s heart — a luxury home designed for a young couple. What made this project special was the complete creative freedom entrusted to her by the clients. With their full trust, Jumana was able to experiment and express her vision in its purest form. Every element, from custom-designed furniture to carefully curated accessories, reflected both the personality of the homeowners and her design ethos. For her, it was the perfect collaboration — a harmonious balance of client trust and designer creativity, resulting in a space that continues to bring her immense pride.
Lessons from the Entrepreneurial Journey
Through her experiences, Jumana has come to value adaptability above all else. In the world of design, where execution rarely goes exactly as planned, she has learned to troubleshoot calmly, think creatively, and find solutions rather than dwell on problems. Another core learning has been the importance of relationships. She believes that design is as much about people as it is about spaces. Strong partnerships with clients, vendors, artisans, and team members have consistently proven to be the foundation of successful outcomes. These lessons, she says, have not only shaped her career but also her approach to life.
The Future of JK Atelier
Looking ahead, Jumana envisions JK Atelier expanding into larger-scale luxury projects across India. Her ambition is to position the studio among the most trusted design firms in the country, known for delivering premium residential interiors and boutique commercial spaces. But her vision goes beyond projects. She hopes to cultivate a collaborative studio culture where young designers are nurtured, inspired, and encouraged to grow. By building an ecosystem that values creativity and innovation, she aims to make JK Atelier not just a design practice but a hub of talent and fresh thinking.
A Message to the Next Generation
For budding architects and designers, Jumana’s advice is thoughtful and grounded in her own journey. She encourages young professionals to stay curious, to keep learning from books, travels, people, and mistakes, and to resist the urge to conform too quickly. “Find your own voice,” she says. “And remember, design is not just about creating something beautiful; it is about improving lives. If you keep that at the heart of your work, your designs will always stand out.”
Redefining Luxury Through Empathy
Today, Jumana Kanchwala continues to redefine what luxury design means in India. Her work with JK Atelier goes beyond the visual to touch the emotional, creating spaces that feel authentic and timeless. With a foundation built on empathy, patience, and meticulous detailing, she is steadily building a legacy that proves design is not simply about structures or styles but about the people who inhabit them. Her projects reflect a rare balance of creativity and practicality, vision and empathy, elegance and warmth. As her studio expands and evolves, one thing remains constant — her unwavering belief that design is a powerful force to enrich lives.
In a world that often prioritizes trends over meaning, Jumana Kanchwala stands as a reminder that true design is deeply personal. Through JK Atelier, she continues to create homes that feel like sanctuaries, commercial spaces that encourage connection, and interiors that tell unique stories. Her journey is not just about building a successful studio but about reshaping how we think of the spaces we live in — not as backdrops to life, but as integral parts of our everyday experience.
Website : https://www.jkatelier.in/
