As the driving force behind Sneha Divias Atelier, an acclaimed boutique interior architecture studio, Sneha Divias has carved a niche for herself in the realm of commercial, hospitality, and residential design. Her portfolio boasts a diverse range of projects, but it’s her innovative, child-centric designs that truly stand out. Take, for instance, OliOli, Dubai’s pioneering two-storey interactive children’s play museum, a vibrant space brimming with engaging installations, labs, and galleries tailored specifically for children.
But every success story has its roots, and Sneha’s journey began long before the glitz and glamour of Dubai. It started with a young girl, curious and detail-oriented, gazing up at the picturesque skyline of Porto, Portugal—a moment that ignited her passion for design and set her on a path to create spaces that inspire and delight.
Embracing the Fast-Paced World of Design
Growing up in a family deeply entrenched in the construction industry, Sneha was immersed in the world of buildings and design from an early age. This upbringing, coupled with her determination to craft inspiring and innovative spaces, fueled her inherent drive to pursue a career in architecture and design.
Yet, the profession’s fast-paced nature initially caught her off guard. “I was quite laid back and found it hard to keep up with the demanding architecture projects and workload, but I really enjoyed the learning process,” recalls Sneha. Guided by her thirst for knowledge, and bolstered by a supportive network of mentors and peers, she quickly adapted, embracing the challenges head-on.
“Once I realised the immense potential in enhancing interior details of spaces, I naturally gravitated towards the art.”
– Sneha Divias
With the wheels set in motion, Sneha’s path forward began to crystallise. “After obtaining my Master’s degree in Architecture from Lusiada University of Porto, I continued to refine my skills through courses at Delft University of Technology and Istanbul Technical University,” she recounts.
In her quest for a holistic design understanding, Sneha expanded her horizons by pursuing an Interior Design course at New York University. This transition towards interior design was quite organic. “Once I realised the immense potential in enhancing interior details of spaces, I naturally gravitated towards the art,” she explains. Armed with a strong architectural foundation and newfound interior knowledge, Sneha curated her signature concept-driven design style, placing thoughtful process and technical acumen at its core.
The Dubai Pivot: A Leap to New Horizons
Stepping into the professional world was the logical next step. Reflecting on her tenure with Atelier Nini Andrade Silva in Lisbon, Sneha credits Nini for shaping her design sensibilities. “Her innovative approach to boutique hotel and residential design deeply resonated with me. Her ability to seamlessly blend luxury with functionality has greatly influenced my own design philosophy.” Sneha’s admiration doesn’t stop there; she also looks up to Lina Bo Bardi, the Brazilian architect celebrated for her seamless integration of architecture with its environment.
While her professional journey was thriving, Portugal faced a slowdown. As the country grappled with a recession in 2013, Sneha found herself at a crossroads, leading to the Dubai Pivot. “I came to Dubai for a weekend trip by chance and was instantly captivated by the city’s dynamic energy and opportunities,” she reminisces. Before long, she made the move to the Middle East, marking the beginning of an exhilarating decade.
Detailing Design: The Highs, The Lows, and The Workspace Glow
Establishing her design practice in Dubai posed its challenges, but the studio’s mission remained steadfast: to create transformative experiences through their distinctive, forward-thinking approach.
For Sneha, design is not just about fulfilling client briefs; it’s about forging a deep emotional connection with the occupants. “I aim to evoke a deep sense of comfort and resonance, designing spaces that embrace diversity, cater to individual needs, and foster a lasting impact,” she reveals.
“Amidst the towers of technical drawings, sketches, and material samples, my workspace is a harmonious blend of creativity and efficiency, enveloped in the soothing aroma of candles and room spray, with the soft crescendo of a violin in the background.”
– Sneha Divias
When asked about the most demanding aspect of her craft, Sneha highlights the intense scrutiny during the design development phase. It’s a meticulous process, ensuring every detail aligns perfectly with the overarching vision. Yet, her eyes light up when talking about the conceptual stage, a phase that offers boundless creative freedom.
Describing her workspace, Sneha conjures an image that’s both imaginative and poetic. “Amidst the towers of technical drawings, sketches, and material samples, my workspace is a harmonious blend of creativity and efficiency, enveloped in the soothing aroma of candles and room spray, with the soft crescendo of a violin in the background,” she describes. The ambience mirrors her commitment to exceeding expectations with imaginative, thoughtful, and honest design elements.
Culture and Clientele: The Global Design Journey
Sneha’s design ethos is a captivating blend of cosmopolitan taste and originality, rooted deeply in her Portuguese heritage. Born to Indian and Mozambican parents and having studied and worked across continents, Sneha’s global perspective is deeply woven into her designs. Her creations effortlessly reflect urban influences, social elements, and aesthetic values, adding a layer of unique harmony that defines her personal design philosophy.
“I’ve been fortunate to work on diverse projects across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and America, collaborating with clients ranging from CEOs to royal families. These diverse experiences have significantly shaped my design journey,” Sneha shares.
“Amidst the towers of technical drawings, sketches, and material samples, my workspace is a harmonious blend of creativity and efficiency, enveloped in the soothing aroma of candles and room spray, with the soft crescendo of a violin in the background.”
– Sneha Divias
On Dubai’s Evolving Design Landscape and Sustainability
As Dubai’s skyline continues to evolve, so does its interior design scene. Sneha dives deep into the transformational journey of interior design over the past decade, offering her insights on the shifting landscape of residential projects.
“While restaurant owners strive to stay on-trend to attract clientele, Dubai’s homeowners are equally keen on updating their residences,” Sneha observes. The city’s pulsating energy and love for luxury drive this continuous quest to keep homes in sync with the latest design trends.
However, amidst these changing trends, Sneha pinpoints a genuine yearning for spaces that echo their personal narratives. “There’s a notable shift towards more personalised and distinctive designs, emphasising on emotional connections and individual needs. The focus is on creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging and cater to diverse lifestyles,” she explains.
Highlighting the studio’s commitment to sustainability, Sneha says, “From design strategies to material selection, we prioritise eco-conscious practices. For instance, we integrate energy-efficient solutions, use renewable resources, and focus on waste reduction.” This commitment to sustainability not only contributes to a greener future but also ensures the designs promote well-being.
Sketches to Screens and The Art of Saying No
In an era where the design world is abuzz with cutting-edge technologies like AI and MidJourney, a glance at Sneha’s Instagram feed offers a refreshing contrast: her first impulse is to sketch. Delving into this intriguing intersection of traditional and contemporary, Sneha shares, “While my initial instinct is to sketch, I do embrace technology in my design process. It allows for enhanced creativity, visualisation, efficiency and technical precision.”
As the conversation draws to a close, Sneha emphasises the importance of trusting one’s instincts. “Stay resilient, and embrace challenges as learning opportunities. Every experience, whether positive or challenging, contributes to your growth as a designer,” she affirms.
Drawing from her own mentor’s wisdom, she highlights the importance of prioritising quality over quantity in work. “Learn to say no when needed. Focus on quality, not quantity. Overcommitting can compromise both the quality of work and your mental well-being,” she advises.
