DEEPU MAHBOOBANI Managing principal at Wimberly Interiors

Deepu Mahboobani has over 20 years of international hospitality design expertise at Wimberly Interiors, specialising in luxury hotels, resorts, F&B, gaming salons, spas, and high-end residential projects. As vice-president, she oversees the Singapore interiors studio, focusing on commercial strategy, design integrity, cross-discipline coordination, and project delivery. Deepu adeptly integrates creative aspirations with practical considerations, ensuring a harmonious balance in large, complex projects. Notable projects include St Regis Singapore, Four Seasons Hong Kong, Crown Towers in Perth and Manila, Marina Bay Sands, and the Capitol Theatre preservation in Singapore.

Have you encountered any specific challenges unique to being a woman in this field, and if so, how have you addressed them?

In my career, I’ve been fortunate to be part of environments where women are well-represented, even in industries traditionally dominated by men. I began in India in the 1990s, where my first job was with an architectural firm led by two inspiring sisters with over 12 years of experience. Witnessing their confidence in facing clients and managing employees was truly motivating.

During a visit to Australia a few years ago, I was struck by the presence of a female electrician at a project site. This further highlighted the progress being made in diversifying traditionally male-dominated fields.

Throughout my career, I’ve been surrounded by successful women leaders. While I’ve been fortunate not to face any gender-related challenges, I have encountered cultural hurdles during site visits in certain regions. Representing an American company as an Indian, I’ve had to navigate client expectations and perceptions. While changing others’ perceptions may be beyond my control, I focus on contributing value through my creativity and skills as an architect and interior designer.

What skills or qualities do you think are particularly valuable for women to cultivate in order to succeed in this field?

An innate ability to multitask, stay organised, and plan ahead is a significant advantage in any leadership role. However, it’s the qualities of empathy, emotional intelligence, and a nurturing demeanour that truly set compassionate women leaders apart. These qualities are invaluable in providing support to the team and fostering a positive work environment.

Achieving a harmonious balance between creativity and practicality is essential, especially in large, complex projects. It requires a combination of knowledge, dedication, and patience to set the right pace and tone for design progression from the project’s inception.

One example is our collaboration on the Yanbai Villa project with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Wang Shu. The unique gallery-style architecture presented numerous challenges in room configurations and design iterations. However, through patience and a steadfast commitment to our creative vision, we successfully achieved the envisioned outcome, a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise.

Can you share any experiences that highlight the unique dynamics of being a woman in the profession that you are in?

I often reflect on my travels to various sites, particularly a trip to Abu Dhabi years ago when I journeyed alone. Initially feeling a bit lost at the project site, I had the opportunity to meet with a Hawaiian artist commissioned for a custom mural on the restaurant’s dome. Our interaction over the refinement of the design, along with witnessing his creative skills and methodology, was truly unique.

Another unforgettable experience was in Sanya, where I spent a few weeks without knowing how to speak or read Mandarin. Despite the language barrier, I cherished every moment, embracing new experiences like enjoying street food with the project team or having a drink on the beach while red-lining drawings. My god-daughter had given me one of her Chinese dolls named Sarah to accompany me, and I kept her on my desk while working or at the table during meals.

As a woman, these chance encounters hold a special place in my heart, highlighting the power of connecting with a new place, discovering its culture, and having meaningful conversations with like-minded individuals.