DesignAsia
Every city has its own rhythm, a language that unfolds through the spaces we live in and the corners we decorate with pieces of our soul. In the vibrant and culturally rich landscape of Guwahati, Assam, one name has steadily grown to become synonymous with elegant interiors and thoughtful design—Mridul Konwar, the visionary founder of Urban Designers.
Humble Beginnings: A Seed of Creativity
Born and raised in Guwahati, Mridul Konwar always had a keen eye for detail and an instinct for creativity. What started as a curiosity in colors, textures, and spatial harmony gradually evolved into a burning passion for interior design. Despite hailing from a family with no prior background in business, Mridul harbored an entrepreneurial dream that took shape over time.
“I have always been a creative person,” he says with a smile. “Interior design felt like the perfect medium through which I could express myself while also transforming lives.”
This love for design translated into action on 7th February 2018, when Mridul officially founded Urban Designers in Guwahati. What started as a solo venture has today grown into a reputable design firm with a solid presence across Northeast India.
The Vision Behind Urban Designers
Urban Designers was not merely envisioned as a design firm. It was born with a purpose: to redefine interior spaces by integrating innovation, sustainability, and client-centric design philosophies. Over the past six years, the company has successfully executed a wide range of residential and commercial projects that reflect this very ethos.
The firm specializes in interior design, with a strong command over carpentry and modular works. “Our core strength lies in understanding the pulse of the client,” Mridul notes. “We don’t just build structures; we build dreams. Every project is an emotional investment for us, and we take immense pride in offering transparent communication and free consultations.”
What sets Urban Designers apart is not just the aesthetic value of their designs, but the human touch they bring to the table. They are deeply rooted in the local context, employing local artisans and promoting indigenous materials. This not only fosters local economic growth but also infuses their projects with a distinct regional flavor.
Making a Difference: Social and Environmental Responsibility
Beyond design, Mridul believes in creating a lasting impact on society. Urban Designers has consistently focused on job creation within the region, collaborating with local suppliers and providing employment opportunities to young professionals.
Moreover, the firm has made sustainability a part of its design DNA. In an era where ecological consciousness is more important than ever, Mridul’s team makes a conscious effort to incorporate eco-friendly practices—whether it’s by optimizing natural lighting and ventilation or advocating the use of renewable energy and sustainable materials.
“Architecture has a huge environmental footprint,” Mridul says thoughtfully. “It’s our responsibility to make sure that footprint is as light as possible.”
The Journey of Challenges and Triumphs
The road to success was far from smooth. As a first-generation entrepreneur, Mridul faced numerous hurdles—from lack of initial capital and manpower to navigating cash flow issues. More importantly, he had to cultivate a business mindset from scratch. “Coming from a non-business family, it took time to develop the vision and take those first few bold steps,” he admits.
However, what kept him going was an unwavering sense of patience, willpower, and dedication. He immersed himself in learning—about people, markets, and management. Over time, his perseverance bore fruit. Today, Urban Designers enjoys a robust clientele and a reputation for reliability and creativity.
“My biggest learning,” he reflects, “has been that no amount of skill or knowledge can replace patience. The journey will test you, but staying true to your vision and values makes it all worth it.”
Understanding the Market Pulse
One of the cornerstones of Mridul’s success lies in his ability to read the market. He continuously evaluates trends, listens to customer feedback, and adjusts the firm’s strategies accordingly. This foresight has helped Urban Designers stay ahead of the curve.
For example, recognizing the rise in demand for modular kitchens and space-saving designs, the firm tailored its offerings to cater to nuclear families and urban apartments—striking a balance between utility and elegance.
He notes, “Understanding client psychology is just as important as having design skills. A project only succeeds when the client sees their personality reflected in the design. We aim to achieve that delicate synergy in every project.”
Personal Values Shaping Professional Success
At the heart of Urban Designers is Mridul’s own personality—creative, empathetic, and daring. His ability to connect deeply with clients, combined with his willingness to take risks and innovate, has played a crucial role in building the firm’s identity.
From his school days, Mridul often found himself in leadership roles—organizing events, guiding teams, and mediating conflicts. These early life experiences laid the foundation for the entrepreneur he would become. “Confidence doesn’t come overnight,” he says. “But once you believe in your work, others begin to believe in it too.”
A Project Close to the Heart
Of all the projects undertaken by Urban Designers, Mridul holds his first solo project closest to his heart. “There’s something magical about doing something for the first time,” he recalls fondly. “It taught me to trust my instincts, stay humble, and celebrate small victories.”
This project, though modest in scale, set the benchmark for everything that followed. It instilled in him the importance of planning, execution, and—most importantly—client satisfaction. To this day, the lessons from that project influence his approach to every new assignment.
Looking Ahead: A Pan-India Vision
As the market for interior design continues to grow across India, Mridul envisions a future where Urban Designers expands its footprint beyond the Northeast. “The demand for thoughtful interiors is no longer limited to metro cities,” he points out. “People everywhere want beautiful, functional spaces—and we’re here to deliver that.”
With plans to expand operations pan-India, Urban Designers is also exploring collaborations with architects and product designers from across the country. Their goal is not just to grow in size, but to scale with purpose, without compromising on the firm’s original ethos of creativity, sustainability, and client connection.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Designers
To those aspiring to make their mark in the world of design and architecture, Mridul offers sage advice: “Be patient. Be sincere. This field can be incredibly rewarding, but it demands your full heart and attention. Don’t lose yourself in the process. Stay grounded, and keep evolving.”
He also stresses the importance of learning from challenges. “Your failures are not setbacks; they are signposts guiding you toward better decisions.”
A Story Still Unfolding
Mridul Konwar’s story is a testament to what vision, resilience, and hard work can achieve. From a lone entrepreneur with a dream to a successful designer with a growing firm, his journey is inspiring for anyone who believes in following their passion.
Urban Designers continues to transform spaces—and lives—across Northeast India. And with plans to venture into new geographies and ideas, the journey has only just begun.
