DesignAsia
Nestled in the bustling city of Mumbai, Cristina Interiors has become a name synonymous with affordable luxury in the interior design world. At the heart of this flourishing enterprise stands Ar. Ashwini Gole, the head designer whose journey from a curious, creative mind to a celebrated professional is as inspiring as the spaces she designs.
The Beginning of a Beautiful Journey
Ashwini Gole joined Cristina Interiors in 2017, stepping into the world of interiors with dreams in her eyes and resilience in her soul. Born with an innate sense of creativity and aesthetics, Ashwini always gravitated toward art and design. “I’ve always had an interest in creativity,” she recalls. “Designing was more than a profession—it was a passion that came to me naturally.”
Cristina Interiors, founded by Aftab Mohammad in 2010, had already started making waves in Mumbai’s design scene. But it was the synergy between Aftab’s vision and Ashwini’s design instincts that truly catapulted the firm into new heights of excellence.
Defining a Niche: Luxury with a Conscience
Cristina Interiors specializes in luxury residential projects, creating aesthetically stunning yet deeply functional spaces. Ashwini’s role as head designer goes beyond choosing color palettes and furniture layouts. She is deeply involved in redefining how luxury can be experienced within a “budget-friendly” scope.
“I don’t believe that luxury has to come with an enormous price tag,” Ashwini states. “My aim is to create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and accessible. I strongly believe in sustainable design, and I try to make my projects as eco-conscious as possible.”
Her projects are marked by a distinct signature: sustainability without compromising on elegance. Using locally sourced materials, recyclable elements, and eco-conscious techniques, she proves that green architecture can be both chic and smart.
The First Big Step: From Confidence to Credibility
Every professional has a moment that defines their career. For Ashwini, it was her very first project. With a total budget of just ₹15 lakhs, the project seemed modest by industry standards. But for her, it was a golden opportunity.
“I still remember the excitement and nervousness I felt. But the confidence I got after completing that project was something that stayed with me forever. That was the moment I knew—nothing can stop me.”
That project was not just about interior design; it was about personal validation, about proving to herself that she had the grit, talent, and vision to lead.
Challenges that Build Character
Ashwini’s success did not come easy. Like many entrepreneurs, she faced a series of emotional and professional challenges. Among the most heartbreaking was the loss of her father, a personal tragedy that deeply affected her.
“Losing my papa shook me,” she shares candidly. “It impacted my ability to concentrate and made me feel lost. But I realized one very harsh truth—life goes on. That realization became my turning point. I stood back up, stronger than before.”
Through her struggles, Ashwini became her own inspiration. “The struggles I’ve faced have made me who I am. Today, when I look back, I am proud. If I could make it here despite everything, then I truly believe nothing can ever stop me.”
The Cristina Interiors Philosophy
Cristina Interiors, under Aftab’s direction and Ashwini’s creative leadership, has maintained a steady path of growth. Currently positioned as a luxury interior design brand in Mumbai, the firm has developed a loyal clientele that spans urban residential developers to high-net-worth individuals seeking personal design solutions.
But what makes Cristina Interiors stand apart isn’t just its aesthetic finesse—it’s its design philosophy.
“We believe in designing spaces for people, not just for pictures,” says Ashwini. “Understanding client psychology is key. It’s not about enforcing my vision on them, but aligning with their dreams and giving them something even better than they imagined.”
She emphasizes the importance of communication, empathy, and listening. “At the end of the day, it’s their home, not mine. Our job as designers is to respect that and enhance their lifestyle through thoughtful design.”
Standing Out in a Competitive Market
In a saturated market teeming with interior designers, Ashwini has carved out a niche for herself by constantly evolving.
“There are tons of designers out there,” she says. “If I don’t keep upgrading my designs and material choices, I won’t get the work I desire. I make it a point to stay ahead of trends and innovate with sustainable materials that are also environmentally friendly.”
Her willingness to adapt, evolve, and experiment has made her one of the most trusted designers in her category. Ashwini doesn’t just follow trends—she sets them.
Sustainability and the Road Ahead
As the world shifts its focus toward green architecture and sustainable living, Ashwini too has started aligning her practice with these values. While she humbly admits she hasn’t worked extensively in sustainability yet, she is passionate about beginning that journey soon.
“I really feel sustainability is the need of the hour,” she says. “We all know the damage caused by global warming. As designers, we can either contribute to the problem or be part of the solution. I promise to take this seriously in all my upcoming projects.”
Lessons from the Journey
From a passionate girl with a dream to the head designer of a successful interior firm, Ashwini’s journey is filled with lessons for aspiring architects and designers. One of the key takeaways from her journey is the importance of resilience and positivity.
“I had only positive vibes when I started. I knew the road wouldn’t be easy, but my mindset carried me forward. I believe my strength and attitude have helped me grow.”
Another major lesson is the importance of understanding clients. “Knowledge and skill are essential, but they mean nothing if you can’t understand your clients. Their happiness is the ultimate goal.”
Message to Aspiring Designers
Ashwini is keen on mentoring and inspiring the next generation of designers. Her message to budding architects and designers is powerful:
“To all the future designers—this is the most amazing field in the world. It’s so full of creativity that you can literally shape a different world with your work. Don’t be afraid of hard work. Put your soul into your projects, and you will see the difference. This industry will challenge you, but if you’re passionate, it will also reward you beyond your imagination.”
The Future of Cristina Interiors
With Ashwini at the creative helm and Aftab Mohammad providing strategic leadership, the future of Cristina Interiors looks promising. The goal? To keep growing—not just in size, but in creativity, sustainability, and client impact.
Ashwini sees herself working on larger, greener projects in the future. “I want to make a difference—not just by creating beautiful homes, but by contributing positively to the environment and society.”
