5 questions with Sachin Gupta of Beyond Designs

Looking back over two decades of practice, how has your definition of maximalism evolved?

In the early years, maximalism was often understood through abundance, like layers, detail, ornamentation and visual richness. Over time, my understanding has become far more nuanced. Today, I see maximalism as a personal and emotional form of storytelling. It is not about adding more, but about creating spaces that hold meaning, memory and individuality. The richness comes from intention rather than excess. Every object, material, artwork, or detail should contribute to a larger narrative. What has evolved is the understanding that maximalism is not measured by how much a space contains, but by how meaningfully every element contributes to the whole.

‘Maximalist’ is a label often associated with Beyond Designs. Is that an accurate reflection of your practice, or do you think it simplifies what the studio is really about?

Maximalism is certainly a part of our vocabulary, but it doesn’t fully define our work. What we practice is what I often call ‘Meaningful Maximalism’, a design philosophy rooted in storytelling, craftsmanship and emotional depth. The visual richness people associate with our projects is only the surface expression of something much deeper. We are interested in creating spaces that reflect the personalities, histories and passions of the people who inhabit them. If maximalism means celebrating individuality and layered narratives, then yes, the label fits. But if it implies excess for its own sake, then it misses the essence of what we do.

When every project starts with the same four walls, how do you ensure the finished space feels like a true reflection of your clients rather than your own signature?

The most important part of our process happens before we begin designing. We spend a great deal of time understanding our clients: their lifestyles, memories, collections, routines, aspirations and even the things they may not consciously articulate. Design, for us, begins with listening. Rather than arriving with our own point of view, we approach every project as a bespoke journey, where every detail is crafted to reflect the individuality of the people who will inhabit the space. Our role is not to impose a signature style but to interpret and elevate a client’s story. When a completed project feels unmistakably personal to its owner, then we have succeeded. The common thread across our work is not a visual style, but a commitment to authenticity and individuality.

Design trends have come and gone, yet Beyond Designs has remained remarkably consistent in its point of view. Has relevance ever been something you’ve consciously pursued, or has conviction always mattered more?

I’ve always believed that relevance is a by-product of authenticity rather than a goal in itself. Trends are valuable indicators of cultural shifts, but they are inherently temporary. Conviction, on the other hand, has longevity. Our work has consistently been guided by a belief in craftsmanship, storytelling, artisanal excellence, and the creation of spaces with emotional resonance. While we remain aware of evolving tastes and technologies, we don’t chase trends. The objective is to create environments that feel timeless and meaningful years after completion. In that sense, conviction has always mattered more than relevance.

After more than two decades in practice, what part of designing still feels unresolved, and what question are you still trying to answer through your work?

What continues to fascinate me is the relationship between space and emotion. Design can influence how people feel, interact, remember, and connect, yet there is still so much we don’t fully understand about that relationship. The question I find myself returning to is: How can a space become more than a physical environment and evolve into a vessel for memory, identity, and human connection? Every project offers a different answer, and perhaps that’s why the question remains endlessly compelling.

What has Delhi taught you that continues to surface in your work, even on projects far beyond the capital?

Delhi is a city of extraordinary contrasts. It effortlessly brings together history and modernity, grandeur and intimacy, heritage and reinvention. Growing up and practising here has taught me to embrace complexity rather than simplify it. The city celebrates layers—through its architecture, culture, food and people and that sensibility naturally finds its way into our work. Whether we are designing in Delhi or around the world, there is always an appreciation for craftsmanship, narrative, and the coexistence of diverse influences.

Read More: A home in Delhi that possesses the luxury of time and taste by Beyond Designs