Every space has a story; we simply give it life. More than a statement, this line defines the ethos of Neev Design Studio that has been transforming interiors into living narratives. For founder Jayesh Mistry, design is not just about arranging furniture or choosing finishes; it is about orchestrating a rhythm where architecture, interiors, and furnishings converge seamlessly.
What makes NDS remarkable is not simply its aesthetic finesse but its ability to embed originality, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity into every project. At a time when imported designs dominate Indian homes, NDS insists on crafting stories that are both deeply personal and proudly local.
This feature is part of Abir Pothi’s DTalks series which showcases the designers and firms who are transforming Indian Design landscape
Foundations of a Designer
Jayesh Mistry’s creative journey began in the 1980s, when he earned a diploma in graphic design from C. N. College of Fine Arts, Ahmedabad. Even then, his fascination with interiors and furniture was quietly taking root. After eight years in advertising, he founded Radiant Advertising Agency, managing a 45-member team and designing large-scale exhibitions across India and abroad. These projects demanded not only creativity but also technical precision and spatial problem-solving – skills that would become invaluable in his later career.
Clients, noticing his flair for interiors, began urging him to design their office and residential spaces. Jayesh felt an inner pull toward this field, encouraged by his early exposure to construction drawings with his father. Over time, advertising gave way to interiors, and a new path unfolded.
From Radiant to NDS Furniture
By 2010, Jayesh had shifted his focus fully to interior and furniture design. He then established Neev Design Studio in 2023 – a name that literally means ‘foundation’. NDS became his platform to consolidate years of multidisciplinary expertise into a holistic design practice.
Unlike many firms that outsource or rely on ready-made pieces, NDS integrates architecture, interiors, and bespoke furniture. This one-stop approach sets them apart in India’s design landscape, where specialisation often fragments the process. “Furniture was never an afterthought for us,” Jayesh Mistry explains. “It was always a part of the story.”
The Role of Furniture
For NDS, furniture is integral to design identity. Instead of filling rooms with catalogue imports, the studio designs custom pieces crafted in Ahmedabad that respond to context, client needs, and architectural language. This insistence on originality is also an act of resistance against the culture of replication. “Clients may ask us to reproduce what they see online,” Jayesh notes, “but we never copy. We may create in the same language, but each design is unique.”
To strengthen this philosophy, NDS launched a separate vertical, NDS Furniture, allowing even external architects and designers to purchase their creations. The decision reflects both pragmatism and humility, acknowledging the professional sensitivities that sometimes discourage direct collaboration.
A Family of Designers
What makes NDS even more compelling is its evolution into a family-led studio. Jayesh is now joined by his son Samip, a product design expert, and daughter Jahnavi, an architect. Together, the trio embodies continuity and renewal, blending Jayesh’s wisdom with the younger generation’s futuristic thinking.
“Working with Dad is like therapy to me”, says Jahnavi Mistry, adding, “his wisdom and patience rubs off on me”. “When young, I used to observe him designing things”, says Samip Mistry, adding, “and that passion made me choose product designing”. For the Mistry family, creativity and designing is genetic.
A Philosophy of Originality and Responsibility
Every project at NDS begins with a conversation. The team carefully studies client preferences like colors, materials, lifestyles, but sometimes receives complete creative freedom. One CEO, for example, gave them an empty apartment in Ahmedabad as a “blank canvas,” resulting in a highly personal, story-driven design.
The studio’s presentations are meticulous: starting with briefings, then 2D plans, followed by hyper-realistic 3D renders that mirror the final execution. Variations may occur in fabrics or tapestries, but the essence remains intact. “What you see is what you get,” Jayesh Mistry says.
Sustainable by Design
Sustainability is not a trend for NDS, it is a core value. The studio champions the use of 100% reclaimed teak wood from Burma, Ghana, and Valsad, ensuring durability while reducing ecological impact. Their finishes are derived from natural tree resins, free from harmful chemical fumes, allowing wood to retain its authentic texture.
While clients sometimes demand modern finishes like melamine, the team advises on long-term material integrity. This balance of education and adaptation reflects NDS’s commitment to responsible design – one that respects both the environment and the client’s investment.
Beyond Aesthetics: The Responsibility of Design
For Jayesh Mistry, design is not just about aesthetics; it is about livability and longevity. He cautions against blindly following trends like fluted glass wardrobes that may be impractical for daily Indian households. Instead, he advocates for timeless solutions that balance style with ease of maintenance.
This sense of responsibility extends to guiding clients gently away from choices that may dazzle at first but deteriorate over time. “Discipline in design,” he insists, “is what preserves a home’s identity.”
Identity in Every Detail
Step into an NDS-designed space, and nothing feels transplanted. Each element, right from suspended brass lights to handpicked artefacts, belongs to a cohesive story. Even hidden details matter: hardware fittings are customised, ceiling fans are engineered to run clockwise and anti-clockwise for seasonal airflow, and breathable lime plaster paints ensure walls remain fresh for years.
These details reveal a philosophy where craftsmanship and care shape not just the visible but also the invisible layers of design.
Inspiration and Craft
Where does this creativity stem from? Jayesh Mistry credits genetics, his fine arts training, and an insatiable curiosity about global design. His graphic design background also proved invaluable. He still prefers CorelDRAW for sketching interiors, bypassing traditional architectural tools in favour of intuitive visualisation.
With over 30 years of practice, Jayesh Mistry has never doubted his path. His confidence comes from a deep belief that design is both vocation and destiny. “I never felt I chose the wrong field,” he reflects. “Everything happened as if divinely planned.”
A Peek into the Future
As India embraces professional design even in modest homes, Jayesh Mistry sees immense opportunity for firms like NDS. Yet he remains clear about one principle: homes must feel like homes, not hotels. Personal warmth, comfort, and cultural grounding will always outweigh flashy trends.
With Samip and Jahnavi bringing new energy and ideas, the future of NDS promises a balance of tradition and innovation. Their focus on sustainable furniture, original interiors, and integrated design positions the studio as a thoughtful leader in India’s evolving market.
Neev Design Studio is not just building interiors; it is shaping legacies. Rooted in Jayesh Mistry’s decades-long journey, enriched by a new generation of designers, and anchored in originality and sustainability, NDS has carved out a unique identity. Every project is a story crafted with humility, responsibility, and a touch of magic.
In a world of fleeting trends and imported replicas, NDS stands as a reminder that true design begins with a foundation, a neev, strong enough to carry both beauty and meaning.
All Image copyrights belong to NDS
Feature by Urvashi Tulsiyan
Contributor
