DESIGNING WITH SOUL, LEADING WITH GRACE

Interior designer, entrepreneur, traveller, fitness enthusiast and committed advocate for animal welfare, Ratna Kalluri stands out as a woman who designs not just spaces, but lives—thoughtfully, consciously, and with enduring purpose

 

A belief rooted in meaning

With over a decade in interior design, Ratna’s journey has been shaped by an inner belief that goes beyond trends or timelines. For her, design has always been deeply personal.

"My anchoring belief has always been that design is a service to the soul. Over the last fifteen years, through every market shift or complex project, I’ve held onto the idea that a space isn’t just a collection of beautiful objects, it’s a sanctuary. When things get challenging, I remind myself that I’m not just 'decorating'; I’m building the backdrop for someone’s life. That sense of responsibility keeps me grounded. I believe that if you approach every project with integrity and a genuine desire to improve a client’s quality of life, the resilience to overcome obstacles follows naturally."

This philosophy has remained her compass—steady, reflective, and quietly powerful.

Rad Studio: where design whispers

At the heart of Ratna’s professional journey is Rad Studio, a space that reflects her belief in restraint, individuality, and thoughtful luxury. Her approach resists imposition; instead, it listens.

"I like to think of myself as an 'invisible curator.' My job isn’t to impose my style on a client, but to translate their personality into a functional reality. We call it 'Designs that Whisper’. The balance comes from listening—really listening—to how they live. If a room is breathtaking but doesn't function for a family's daily rhythm, then I haven't done my job. We use 'Quiet Luxury' as our compass; we choose materials and layouts that feel high-end and artistic, but are fundamentally built to be lived in. The individuality comes from those small, bespoke details that make a client say, 'This feels exactly like me.'"

Her work spans residential, hospitality and commercial spaces, each defined by subtle elegance rather than loud statement.

Leadership shaped by resilience

Leading a design studio in a competitive, often traditional industry came with early challenges—moments that tested her resolve and sharpened her leadership.

"In the early days, the biggest challenge was often being taken seriously on construction sites or in boardrooms dominated by traditional mindsets. I had to learn very quickly that expertise is the best response to skepticism. Those experiences taught me the value of being 'meticulously prepared.' Today, my leadership style is defined by that same attention to detail and a culture of mutual respect. At Rad Studio, I lead with empathy because I know what it’s like to fight for your voice. I want my team to feel empowered to speak up, because the best design solutions often come from collaborative, inclusive thinking."

Her leadership today mirrors her design sensibility—calm, intentional, and inclusive.

Emotional intelligence as a design tool

For Ratna, emotional intelligence is not a soft skill—it is foundational.

"Emotional intelligence is everything. You can have all the technical skill in the world, but if you can’t read the 'unsaid' needs of a client, the project will lack heart. Design is an incredibly personal journey; people are letting you into their private lives and dreams. I’ve found that many of my clients return to me for their second or third homes because of the trust we built. They know I’m not just looking at the floor plan; I’m looking at their aspirations. Being able to navigate those emotions with grace and patience is what transforms a one-time transaction into a lifelong professional bond."

This sensitivity has helped her build relationships that last well beyond project handovers.

Redefining success

Awards may validate, but Ratna measures success differently—through longevity and lived experience.

"To me, success is the 'long-term resonance' of a project. Awards are wonderful, of course, but the real reward is walking back into a space I designed five or ten years ago and seeing that it still feels timeless, elegant, and—most importantly—well-loved. Whether it's a home where a family is thriving or a restaurant where people are making memories, success is knowing that I’ve added value to the world through beauty and functionality. If the space continues to inspire the people inside it long after I’ve handed over the keys, that’s a win."

Choosing confidence over doubt

Entrepreneurship demanded a mindset shift—one rooted in self-trust.

"I had to shift from asking 'Am I ready?' to realizing 'I am the only one who can bring my specific vision to life.' Fear often stems from a desire for perfection, but entrepreneurship is about progress, not perfection. When I started Rad Studio in 2010, I decided to focus on my unique 'why'—my passion for sophisticated, understated design—rather than comparing myself to established firms. Once you realize that your unique perspective is your greatest asset, the self-doubt starts to fade. You don't need to know everything on day one; you just need to trust your taste and your work ethic."

Designing for wellness and the future

Sustainability and well-being are no longer add-ons—they are essentials.

"We are moving into an era where wellness is the ultimate luxury. As designers, we are no longer just 'arranging' spaces; we are 'engineering' environments for health. This means prioritizing natural light, air quality, and sustainable materials that don't just look good but feel good to the touch and the spirit. At Rad Studio, we truly believe that interior design has the power to transform lives. Being in a healthy and environmentally friendly space promotes well-being and inspires us to be our best selves."

Words to women building their own path

Looking back, Ratna’s advice is both poetic and powerful.

"Never dim your light to fit into a room; instead, design the room to fit your light. Authenticity is your superpower in this industry. There will always be trends and external pressures to conform, but your 'signature'—that unique blend of your personality and your values—is what will make your work stand out. Stay curious, keep learning, and always lead with grace. If you stay true to your own sense of elegance and integrity, you won’t just build a career; you’ll build a legacy that you can be truly proud of."

Grounded by travel, strengthened by fitness, guided by compassion for animals, and driven by purpose, Ratna Kalluri exemplifies what it means to be a woman of substance—creating spaces that whisper elegance, and a life that speaks of intention.