# DEspotlight // cover story
By ANIRUDH DATTA DESIGN ESSENTIA MAGAZINE // DEINDIA
Essentia Environments embodies global refinement and an indigenous design sense reflective of the contemporary & classic designs from the world of interiors . the creative calling of leading interior design duo Monica and Hardesh Chawla – Essentia Environments is India ’ s premier design and build company that also happens to be one of the most innovative .
The design duo founded Essentia Environments in 1999 with the object of carrying out the business of interior design , turnkey execution , manufacturing and supplying furniture and home decor accessories to their discerning clients .
AD : WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN DESIGN ?
HARDESH : For me it was purely a business decision . We had set up a business in Russia , mainly focusing on commercial buildings , we decided to move to India and pursue the same line . We built our firm here , growing it incrementally and gradually , starting with commercial projects , then moving on to office and residential projects , which expanded overseas . We also started designing and manufacturing furniture , doors , kitchens , and all the paraphernalia needed for our projects , which has also flourished . Our diverse range of products is now available for customization by architects and interior designers .
MONICA : For me it was more a creative call . I have enjoyed beautifying and decorating spaces from an early age . Having worked in creative areas like graphic designing and advertising , interior decoration and styling seemed like a natural progression .
AD : WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF A PERFECT “ HOME ”, NOT AS A DESIGNER BUT AS A CLIENT ?
HARDESH : Whether as a designer or a client , the definition of home would be the same . A perfect home is where your loved ones live . But most importantly , it should be functional , and suit your lifestyle perfectly . However beautiful it looks , if it doesn ’ t manage your daily requirements , it doesn ’ t fulfill the definition of a home . At the same time , in order to fulfill all attributes , it should not put you in financial stress . Then it is not perfect . A perfect home should be within your budget , offering maximum comfort , functionality and aesthetics .
MONICA : A perfect home should be a place you long to return to at the end of the day , and it should offer you the calm and peace you crave . It should also evoke a sense of novelty and beauty , so that you feel house proud , and want to invite friends over to flaunt it .
( on left ) Jain Residence , Gurgaon , Haryana by Essentia Environments Photographer : Atul Pratap Chauhan
28 | July - August 2021 Edition // Design Essentia // DE INDIA