Bhumika Chauhan
Interior design, at its most meaningful, is not about decoration or trend-following—it is about shaping experiences that quietly influence how people live, think, and feel. In an era where spaces are expected to be both functional and emotionally responsive, designers carry a responsibility that goes far beyond aesthetics. Himanshu Shiwangi, Founder and Principal Designer of Arcane Designs, has built his journey around this understanding. His work reflects a thoughtful blend of creativity, technical knowledge, and human empathy, resulting in interiors that remain relevant long after trends fade.
Himanshu’s relationship with design developed organically through observation rather than instruction. He was drawn to the subtle ways in which environments influence mood, productivity, and behaviour. Light, material, proportion, and movement fascinated him—not as isolated elements, but as components of a larger experience. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a design philosophy rooted in intention. For Himanshu, every space has a purpose, and every design decision must serve that purpose. This belief became the foundation of Arcane Designs, a studio he established in 2021 with the vision of creating spaces that are personal, practical, and enduring.
Based in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, Arcane Designs undertakes residential and commercial interior projects across diverse scales and typologies. The studio’s approach begins with listening. Himanshu believes that design cannot be imposed; it must be discovered through understanding the people who will inhabit the space. Daily routines, personal habits, emotional preferences, and future aspirations all inform the design process. This deep engagement ensures that every project reflects the individuality of its occupants rather than following a predefined aesthetic formula.
Modern urban living presents unique challenges—limited space, evolving functions, and the constant need for flexibility. Himanshu approaches these challenges with clarity and creativity. Instead of viewing constraints as restrictions, he treats them as opportunities for thoughtful innovation. Through intelligent space planning, multi-functional furniture, and efficient zoning, he transforms compact or complex layouts into environments that feel open and balanced. His designs often achieve a sense of calm and order, even within spatial limitations, proving that good design is not defined by size but by strategy.
At the core of Himanshu’s work lies a strong belief in the emotional impact of interior spaces. He understands that environments shape experiences—homes influence comfort and connection, workplaces affect focus and collaboration, and commercial spaces define brand perception. This awareness guides every design decision at Arcane Designs. Spaces are crafted to support the emotional and functional needs of their users, ensuring that aesthetics enhance, rather than overpower, everyday life.
Collaboration is central to Himanshu’s creative process. Rather than positioning himself as an authority dictating design choices, he works alongside clients as a partner in creation. This collaborative approach builds trust and allows for open dialogue, resulting in interiors that feel authentic and meaningful. Himanshu’s openness to feedback and experimentation keeps his work dynamic, allowing each project to evolve naturally rather than follow rigid templates.
Sustainability has become an increasingly important dimension of Himanshu’s design philosophy. With an academic background in polymer technology, he brings a technical understanding of materials, durability, and lifecycle performance to his projects. He believes sustainable design is not defined by labels, but by long-term thinking. Energy-efficient layouts, responsible material sourcing, natural lighting optimisation, and improved indoor air quality are integrated seamlessly into his designs. Sustainability, in his view, should enhance comfort and longevity without compromising visual appeal.
While sustainable interiors often involve higher upfront investment or limited material availability, Himanshu views these challenges as part of a larger transition. Through education and transparent conversations, he helps clients understand the long-term value of sustainable choices. As awareness grows and innovation advances, he believes sustainability will become a natural expectation rather than a specialised option in interior design.
Entrepreneurship in the design industry demands resilience and adaptability, and Himanshu’s journey reflects both. Early challenges included establishing credibility, managing budgets, coordinating vendors, and balancing creative ambition with practical constraints. Navigating these challenges required patience, clear communication, and disciplined execution. Over time, these experiences strengthened his leadership and refined his ability to manage complexity without compromising design integrity.
What distinguishes Himanshu is his ability to merge technical expertise with creative intuition. His understanding of materials allows him to propose solutions that are visually refined, structurally sound, and built for longevity. This balance ensures that interiors not only create immediate impact but also continue to perform effectively over time. Clients value this approach, as it delivers spaces that retain relevance and comfort well beyond completion.
Among the many projects completed by Arcane Designs, the renovation of an ageing residence remains particularly significant. The project involved preserving the emotional essence of a home while adapting it to modern living requirements. By blending traditional architectural elements with contemporary materials, Himanshu honoured the home’s history while enhancing its functionality. The thoughtful use of polymer-based materials ensured durability, demonstrating how technical knowledge can support sensitive design interventions. For Himanshu, this project embodied his belief in respectful innovation.
Inspiration plays a vital role in shaping his creative outlook. Himanshu draws influence from global design visionaries such as Zaha Hadid and Karim Rashid, whose work encourages experimentation and boundary-pushing. At the same time, his own approach remains grounded in empathy and realism. Understanding client psychology allows him to anticipate needs and create spaces that feel intuitive rather than imposed. This emotional intelligence is central to building trust and delivering satisfaction.
Himanshu believes that successful interior design requires understanding how people interact with their environments. Observing movement, routine, and behaviour allows designers to create spaces that support natural flow and comfort. This perspective transforms interiors into lived experiences rather than static settings. For Himanshu, design success is measured by how seamlessly a space integrates into everyday life.
Reflecting on his journey, Himanshu recognises the importance of continuous learning and evolution. Each project brings new insights, reinforcing the value of curiosity and adaptability. Building Arcane Designs has been a process of refinement—shaping not only a studio, but also a philosophy rooted in purpose and responsibility.
To aspiring architects and interior designers, Himanshu offers grounded advice—observe deeply, listen carefully, and never stop experimenting. Develop technical expertise, but also cultivate empathy and communication skills. Design should always be driven by intention, because authenticity creates lasting impact.
Himanshu Shiwangi’s journey through Arcane Designs reflects a contemporary approach to interior design—one that values experience over excess, meaning over trend, and responsibility over spectacle. As the studio continues to grow, its foundation remains anchored in creating spaces that endure emotionally and functionally. Through thoughtful design and purposeful execution, Himanshu demonstrates that when interiors are crafted with understanding, they transcend time and become environments that truly support life.
Website – https://arcanedesignstudios.com/
