A Visit to Essentia Environments – Studio of Mr. Hardesh Chawla
Event Date: 16th May, 2025
Brief description –
A group of 29 students from the B.Des – Interior Design course at the School of Design, Galgotias University, visited Essentia Environments, a renowned interior design firm in Gurgaon. Led by Mr. Hardesh Chawla and Mrs. Monica Chawla, the firm is known for its luxurious and culturally resonant interior solutions. The visit offered an in-depth look into the firm’s in-house production facility, including divisions such as upholstery, polish, stone, metal, and more.
Detailed Description –
An insightful studio visit to Essentia Environments, an esteemed interior design firm located in Gurgaon, was organised by the School of Design at Galgotias University on May 16th. Ar. Ruchi, Head of Department and Professor, and Ar. Anushka, Assistant Professor, School of Design, accompanied 29 designated students from the first to fourth years of the B.Des – Interior Design program, who attended the visit.
The studio visit to Essentia Environments was a dynamic learning experience that placed academic theory in a real-world context. The firm's cutting-edge in-house production unit, which encompassed divisions for upholstery, polish, stone, metallurgy, and wood pressing, was toured by students. The workflow, machinery, and craftsmanship involved in the production of custom interior design elements were expertly explained by Mr. Khushpreet and Mr. Ravineet, who conducted the tour.
The experience gave students a more profound understanding of the processes that are involved in the delivery of high-end, personalised design solutions. Students gained critical insights into the significance of quality control, design execution, and material knowledge by observing the seamless integration of creativity and production.
After the production unit tour, students participated in an interactive Q&A session with Mr. Hardesh Chawla, the co-founder of Essentia Environments. The conversation focused on critical industry topics, including:
- The evolving definition of luxury in contemporary design
- The integration of cultural ethos into interior spaces
- The balance between creativity and functionality and practicality
Mr. Chawla's candid reflections and thoughtful responses offered an invaluable perspective, motivating students to engage in critical thinking regarding their future duties as designers. Also, his responses emphasised the importance of cultural sensitivity and storytelling in design, and they provided clarity on the balance between client expectations and design integrity. Mr. Chawla received a memento as a gesture of gratitude at the conclusion of the visit. In general, the experience considerably enhanced the students' comprehension of interior design by connecting academic learning with real-world industry practice.
Event Outcome –
Studio visit to Essentia Environments connected design education and professional practice. Students learnt about interior design's intricacies and advances from specialists and in-house production methods. Design thinking values sustainability, innovation, and cultural sensitivity, which the event stressed. This visit inspired students to contribute to a more sustainable and aesthetically driven interior design future in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The connection with industry specialists boosted confidence, extended perspectives, and increased knowledge, making it a transformative learning experience.
Related Goal