Founder Magazine Team
In the bustling city of New Delhi, Metricchant Design Attributes Pvt. Ltd. (MDAPL) stands as a beacon of innovative and sustainable design. Founded by Mrs. Apeksha Nagia and her partner, Rohit Surendra Nagia, this design firm has carved a niche for itself in the competitive world of interior and architectural design. With a present turnover of ₹85 lakhs, the firm has come a long way from its humble beginnings with a starting capital of just ₹10,000.
Apeksha Nagia, now 47, embarked on her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 24. She, along with Rohit, both alumni of the prestigious School of Architecture at CEPT, Ahmedabad, and the School of Interior Design at CEPT, Ahmedabad, brought their collective vision to life through MDAPL. Their design philosophy is deeply rooted in sustainability, energy efficiency, and creating spaces that foster human connections.
From the onset, the mission of MDAPL was clear: to design spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable. Rohit, a qualified GRIHA trainer and evaluator, ensures that their designs prioritize low maintenance and energy efficiency. Over the past two decades, MDAPL has successfully completed over 590 projects, ranging from high-end residences and farmhouses to commercial buildings and corporate offices. Their commitment to green design principles has earned them a loyal clientele and a reputation for excellence.
Rohit’s contributions to the field extend beyond design practice. He is the author of two insightful books available on Amazon: “Creating Urbane HQ’s – The 1st Step,” which educates clients on the nuances of clean green construction, and “Money Generating Building 2.0,” which emphasizes the importance of sustainability in today’s world. Apeksha, too, has shared her expertise through her book “Getting Them Started,” which provides guidance on corporate design for startups.
Apeksha’s design approach is inspired by Indian art and crafts, and she has a keen interest in incorporating various types of plants into her projects. She believes in interacting deeply with her clients to understand their aspirations and desires for their spaces. This personal touch is evident in every project she undertakes, as she strives to create environments that resonate with the users’ lifestyles and dreams.
The impact of MDAPL’s work on the market and society is profound. Their projects often lead to referrals, expanding their reach to new cities and regions. By focusing on the real needs and desires of their clients, they create designs that are not only liked but deeply cherished. For instance, in a recent project, they designed a sitar podium in a home to rekindle the owner’s lost passion for playing the instrument. Such thoughtful touches set MDAPL apart from other design firms.
The USP of MDAPL lies in its commitment to green design. Every project is meticulously analyzed for orientation, openings, oxygen content, ventilation, and views. The goal is to make each space more humane, fostering positive growth and nurturing relationships. This human-centric approach has been the cornerstone of their success.
Looking ahead, the future of MDAPL is even greener. The firm is constantly researching new sustainable practices and innovations to inspire productivity, creativity, and well-being in their clients. Their vision is to make India shine and the world ecstatic through thoughtful, sustainable design.
The journey of MDAPL began with the strong support of family and mentors. Apeksha’s fascination with interior design was sparked during her childhood when she observed the construction of her new home. The realization that a building is only half complete without proper interiors drove her to pursue a career in interior design. Rohit’s interest in mechanical drawing and sketching, nurtured by his father and school teacher, laid the foundation for his creative thinking.
Starting out was not without challenges. As fresh graduates, Apeksha and Rohit faced difficulties in securing projects due to their lack of experience and a limited portfolio. However, their ideals and dedication saw them through. Their first significant project, a 600 sq ft saree showroom in Jaipur, was a resounding success, leading to more opportunities and establishing their reputation.
The early days were marked by bold decisions and unwavering commitment to their principles. They refused to compromise on their ethics, even if it meant losing projects. This integrity has been a driving force behind their growth. Today, MDAPL’s culture is built on creating value for everyone involved in their projects, from clients to team members.
Essential to their success has been a combination of infrastructure and a clear vision. Modern office spaces, the latest software, and a talented team are crucial, but so are purpose, mission, and an open-minded approach. Collaboration and ethical practice are key elements that define their design philosophy.
Opportunities in the market were identified by listening to the unsaid words and adding value to clients’ lives. The aim was not just to secure projects but to create meaningful, sustainable spaces. This client-centric approach, combined with their technical expertise, has resulted in highly satisfied clients and long-term relationships.
Rohit and Apeksha’s unique backgrounds and personalities have significantly contributed to their professional success. Rohit’s transition to a healthy lifestyle has given him boundless energy and enthusiasm, while Apeksha’s diverse interests and skills have enabled her to manage various aspects of design and project execution effectively.
Their journey has been one of profound learning. Every project starts with a detailed analysis of the site and in-depth interviews with all future occupants. This comprehensive approach ensures that the final design meets the real needs and desires of the clients. Their meticulous process, supported by detailed checklists and systems, guarantees that nothing is missed and promises are delivered.
MDAPL’s team operates with clarity and purpose, each member aware of their responsibilities and tasks. This structured approach has created a productive and harmonious work environment, leading to high employee satisfaction and retention.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Apeksha’s advice is simple: identify the potential of the site and predict future challenges for the client. Be simple, effective, sustainable, and creative. Most importantly, design with the client in mind. By becoming the client and truly understanding their needs, designers can create spaces that are not only functional but also deeply meaningful.
Awards Won by Metricchant Design Attributes Pvt. Ltd.
| Award | Date |
|---|---|
| Eldrok India Architecture Awards 2021 (Metricchant Design Associate) | 19-Feb-2021 |
| Eldrok India Architecture Awards 2021 (Rohit Nagia as Speaker) | 19-Feb-2021 |
| Time2Leap National Awards-MSME 2020-21 (Commercial Project of the Year) | 22-Jun-2021 |
| Time2Leap National Awards-MSME 2020-21 (Best Retail Project of the Year) | 22-Jun-2021 |
| Global Business Reconnect Nexion – Apeksha Nagia as Speaker at Architect Reconnect Summit | 27-May-2022 |
| Architects WOW Awards 2022 for Best Residential Spaces | 27-May-2022 |
| Architects WOW Awards 2022 for Best in Designing Temples and Farmhouses | 27-May-2022 |
| Fempreneur 2023 – Fempreneur Award-Interior Designer (Apeksha Nagia) | 08-Mar-2023 |
| Fempreneur 2023 – Experience the Power of Women Entrepreneurs | 08-Mar-2023 |
| Startup Growth Show – Eminent Speaker (Apeksha Nagia) | 07-Jan-2023 |
| Fempreneur 2023 – In the Talk Show Fempreneur Saturday | 25-Feb-2023 |
| Eldrok-HTL Aircon – IAA 2023 MDAPL (for Excellence in Redesigning Residential Spaces) | 12-Apr-2023 |
| Eldrok-HTL Aircon – Rohit Nagia as Eminent Speaker | 12-Apr-2023 |
| Time2Leap Awards – Best Apartment of the Year | 17-Apr-2023 |
| Time2Leap Awards – Best Upcoming Innovative Project of the Year | 17-Apr-2023 |
| Architects WOW Awards – MDAPL for Excellence in Designing Luxury Farmhouses | 28-Apr-2023 |
| Master Training in Tobacco Cessation (MTTC) | 13-15 Aug-2024 |
| Architect’s WOW Awards | 10-May-2024 |
| Won the Cover Page of “The CEO Magazine” June 2024 Edition | 01-Jun-2024 |
