Listen to this articleBelow is our recent interview with Vas Nair from Vas Nair Design:
Q: Could you provide our readers with a brief introduction to Vas Nair Design?
A: Based in Jersey City, New Jersey, Vas Nair Design offers interior design and home staging creative services. Recent projects include homes in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Sydney, Australia. The creation of a ‘signature space’ may come from one specific style or a blend – such as contemporary comfort or eclectic vibes to chic or rustic elegance. I enjoy bringing the diversity of thought to every project and presenting the client with design ideas they may not have considered. Essentially, people are looking for a trusted partner.
Q: Vas, let’s start with your background. How did you get to where you are today?
A: I’ve spent 30 years in the corporate arena, mainly in global Human Resources roles – during which time my experience spanned assignments worldwide. I’ve lived and worked in Asia, Australia and the United States and led talent strategies, corporate restructuring initiatives, leadership development and culture programs across a variety of industries. I’ve always had a passion for art, décor, style and fashion. During my travels, I’ve been inspired by the different cultures, lifestyles, materials, colors and unique décor. So, when the opportunity to do more in the interior design world presented itself, I decided to expand my career path and further explore this ever-evolving creative space.
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Q: What excites you about the interior design profession?
A: For me, interior design has such a broad definition which encompasses beautifying a space to enhance the lifestyle of those who live in it. It touches everything from furniture, lighting, décor, appliances, paint colors, structural modifications, cabinetry and so much more. This is an emotional process because people are making personal choices about their home and how they live and work in it. My background in Human Resources is a solid platform for this. I’ve learned how to coach people to problem solve and I understand how diverse thoughts and personalities must collaborate well to create success. I find this exciting because of the many hats I have to wear – facilitator, creative designer, researcher and project manager.
Q: What kinds of services do you provide to your clients?
A: It’s important to take a tailored approach to any home project while infusing personal instincts and lessons learned. Each project is unique and therefore the solution needs to be treated that way. The services I provide include interior design, artistic consultancy, space planning, custom decoration, project management and home staging. The aesthetics and functionality of interior design solutions must synchronize well to meet the client’s needs.
Q: What makes your company stand out from the competition?
A: My passion for design and decorating is embellished by my joy for travelling the globe. I am therefore able to bring global inspirations to projects. I enjoy combining ideas and styles that allow my clients to consider ‘fresh perspectives’ before making decisions. Blending imagination and artistry! Also having been in ‘C-suite’ roles and led global projects, I understand how to balance priorities, lead teams and manage stakeholders to achieve the desired end result. In a nutshell, I bring to the table the strengths of planning, execution and successful collaboration…together with creativity and design. I guess you can call it the ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang’ for a successful home project!
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I’m keen to explore the design of homes and lifestyle solutions for the sixty plus clients – who as we know live longer healthier lives. This group is often thinking about different lifestyle challenges and opportunities compared to what it had decades ago. As life expectancy increases, the proportion of adults in their retirement years is expected to grow in all regions of the world. I’m looking forward to creating ‘home project’ strategies that will enhance these new lifestyle choices.
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Q: As a woman moving from a successful corporate platform to establishing a small business later in her ‘career life’, what advice would you give others?
A: Changing an important aspect of one’s life can be exciting and yet daunting, especially when it occurs later in life. Moving from a comfort zone to a new ‘space’ however can also open new adventures, networks and successes. The confidence one builds along the way can be a powerful platform to emerge from. Having spent time establishing a plan for my business and (just as important) looking introspectively about this new ‘adventure’…here’s how I would put it. I simply bring it down to the 6 Cs…..
Use your CONFIDENCE and know your strengths; and the areas where you need help
Establish CLARITY on why and what you want to achieve; and how you’ll do it
Be CONSCIOUS not to waste resources on non-rewarding tasks
COMMUNICATE super effectively with stakeholders and lean on your trusted network
Most important…have COURAGE and CONVICTION to win!
