NIF Global mentor and renowned interior designer Gauri Khan visited the Andheri Platinum Centre, marking her first interaction at an academic design campus. The visit brought together students from Andheri, Bandra, and Thane campuses for a focused and engaging experience that went beyond a typical guest session.
Gauri Khan spent time interacting closely with students, understanding their work, and sharing her perspective on design as both a creative and professional discipline. The event was hosted in the presence of Director Vivek Gautam and Centre Head Mamta Gautam, along with Ms. Tisha Khosla from the NIF Global corporate team, who were part of the interaction and engagement throughout the session.
During her visit, she toured the campus, viewed student installations and studio work, and interacted with students across different specialisations. She also reviewed selected portfolios and engaged in conversations around design thinking, execution, and the evolving expectations of the industry.
The highlight of the visit was an interactive session where students had the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into the realities of working in the design space. The session also included lighter segments that encouraged open dialogue and participation, making the interaction both informative and engaging.
During this exchange, Gauri Khan emphasised that luxury today is deeply personal and rooted in comfort, while also highlighting the importance of designing with the end user in mind. She further shared that her design process always begins with understanding client requirements, with a strong inclination towards neutral palettes and timeless aesthetics that endure beyond fleeting trends.
The event also recognised student achievements, including winners from Lakmé Fashion Week and top-performing students across departments, based on their overall performance and consistency. Speaking about her experience, Gauri Khan said, “It was wonderful to see the level of creativity and thought that students are bringing into their work.
What stood out to me was their openness to experiment and their willingness to learn. Platforms like this are important because they give young designers the confidence to express their ideas and understand how design works in the real world.” She also appreciated the students’ work during her interaction, adding, “I think it’s so creative.
It’s looking so nice, and I think you’ve put in all your hard work; it’s clearly visible. Seeing so many creative people in one room and their work, I think you’re all doing a fantastic job.” Sharing her thoughts, Mamta Gautam, Centre Head, said, “At our centre, we strongly believe that real learning comes from exposure and real-world interaction.
Having Gauri Khan engage directly with our students has been a truly special moment, as it allows them to experience design beyond the classroom and builds their confidence to think and present independently.” Adding to this, Vivek Gautam, Director, said, “Our vision has always been to create an environment where students are not only trained in design but are also prepared to lead in the industry.
Interactions like these bridge the gap between education and the professional world, giving students the clarity and exposure they need at the right stage of their journey.” Her visit reflected the importance of exposure and real-world interaction in design education.
For many students, it was a rare opportunity to engage directly with a leading name in the industry and understand how design translates from concept to practice. The Andheri Platinum Centre continues to position itself as a space where students are not only taught design, but are encouraged to think, create, and grow through meaningful industry engagement.