Divya Patel | દિવ્યા
Architect and Interior Designer
Gro-unded
A Story of Space, Identity, and Resilience
Designed by Sudeepti Tammana
Location: IIT Chicago
Divya’s journey And Insights:
Can you tell me about your journey into architecture and design?
“We came here with nothing. My family was poor, and it was really about survival. No safety net, no guarantees, just a lot of hard work and resourcefulness. Everyone would say, ‘Be an engineer, go into structural engineering’ They’d warn that you won’t make much money with design. Those voices get in your head, and you start questioning everything: “Does this even make sense? Will I be able to feed my family?” The anxiety around these questions affects everything – your performance, how you problem-solve, your whole approach to work. But, deep down, I knew design was my passion. At the time, I didn’t know how I’d make it, but I had to try.
I studied architecture at IIT Chicago, pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture. It’s a comprehensive five-year program where we delved into everything from interior design to furniture design, though our primary focus was on buildings and spaces. The program is accredited, which is crucial in architecture. You need that accredited degree to practice professionally.
Q: You’ve spoken about the pressures immigrants face when pursuing a non-traditional career. What advice do you have for others navigating these challenges?
“Being an immigrant in a field like design comes with a lot of presure. Back home, I was told repeatedly that design wasn’t a practical choice. It’s too risky, not lucrative. But I’ve seen first-hand how design can be both a passion and a profitable career. I worked with interior designers who were absolutely killing it financially, and that really opened my eyes. Sure, there were moments of doubt, wondering if I’d make enough to support my family or if I was making a mistake. But I’ve learned that if you have enough passion and persistence, you can make it. And it’s not about money— well, it’s partly about money—but it’s more about creating something that people will connect with on a personal level, something that reflects who they are and what they value.”
Q: How has your immigrant background influenced your design philosophy and career?
“My immigrant experience shaped everything about how I approach design, how I work with clients, and even how I see the world. Growing up, there was a lot of discrimination, a lot of being told that we didn’t belong. I really connected with stories of struggle, like the one in The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, which talks about the hardships of immigrants. The challenges I faced have been pivotal in shaping the way I approach both architecture and life. It’s easy to feel like you’re not good enough, especially when you’re from a marginalized group. But I’ve learned that adversity gives you the strength and perspective to create something truly unique. Architecture and design, to me, are about telling a story—your story, your client’s story—and making something beautiful out of what others might see as chaos. I firmly believe that good design shouldn’t be exclusive to the wealthy. Design isn’t about big dollars – it’s about creating thoughtful, beautifully curated spaces that bring joy to the people who use them. You can achieve this on any budget. It’s about how you lay out spaces, consider colors and finishes, and pre-plan everything. When I say anyone can have access to good design, I mean it. You don’t need to be Kim Kardashian to have a welldesigned space. There’s this saying from Tony Bennett that really captures it: “If you use adversity right, it will buy you a ticket to a place you couldn’t have gone any other way!” That hunger, that do-or-die attitude – it shapes you in ways that comfort never could. I see it in my own kids now; they have a different perspective because they haven’t faced the same struggles. But those challenges gave me a unique viewpoint that influences me every day.
Q: What advice do you have for design students from your experience?
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. A winner is a is a loser who tries one more time. Don’t let cultural pressures derail your passion. The design field can be incredibly rewarding, both creatively and financially, if you’re dedicated to excellence. I remember as a student thinking I wasn’t good enough, that I wasn’t going to make it. But sometimes, the greatest achievements come from the deepest struggles. The most important thing is persistence—keep pushing, keep learning, and, above all, be actionoriented rather than over-analytical. My biggest regret was rushing into work immediately after gradution. I’d strongly encourage taking time to travel, maybe do a gap year. You’ll never have that kind of flexibility again, and those experiences become invaluable sources of inspiration. As Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” Read widely, especially “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand – it’s a must for any design student. And remember, in this field, practical experience often teaches more than theory.
Divya with family before moving to The States
Q: What is your design process like when approaching a new project?
“I start by asking questions. I need to understand what my clients want, what matters most to them. It’s not just about making things look beautiful—it’s about functionality, about creating spaces that are both meaningful and practical. I make vision boards, whether physically or digitally. I collect images, categorize them, and start to build a story. Every design has a narrative. One of the most important elements for me is being in an urban, cosmopolitan environment. You can draw inspiration from everyday life—walking through a city, visiting a museum, even having dinner at a new restaurant. These small moments often spark huge ideas.”
Q: What experiences during your education had the most profound impact on your design perspective?
A: Without question, my study abroad experience in Italy was transformative. I had this profound moment in the Sistine Chapel – and this is interesting because I’m not Christian, and to be completely honest, I’m not even the best Hindu. But standing there, looking up at that ceiling, something changed in me. I didn’t understand all the biblical stories of Adam and Eve, but the sheer mastery of the work spoke to me on a fundamental level. It was a launching point for truly understanding the value of architectural excellence. We all grow up learning about these masterpieces, but experiencing them firsthand is entirely different. That experience taught me that great design transcends cultural and religious boundaries – it speaks a universal language.
Q: What does design mean to you personally?
“Design, for me, is about curating a life. It’s about bringing beauty, order, and functionality into the spaces we inhabit. I still remember what it was like to live in a one-bedroom apartment with cockroaches, I came from nothing, but now I’m able to work on some of the most incredible spaces in the world. But it’s not just about the prestige—it’s about creating spaces that make people feel something. Whether it’s a house or a museum or a private space for someone to unwind, it’s about curating an experience that brings joy and peace. At the end of the day, I don’t take any of these opportunities for granted, and I never forget where I came from.”
“Design, for me, is about curating a life. It’s about bringing beauty, order, and functionality into the spaces we inhabit.”
Divya as truly inspired by the Sistine Chapel during her study abroad in Italy.
Divya’s Moodboard for Mall Development + Architecture Sketches
Glimpses of Divya’s Work
Divya Patel’s journey from immigrant beginnings to becoming a prominent force in architecture and interior design is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the belief that design is not just about creating spaces, but shaping identities. Rooted in her rich cultural heritage and driven by a commitment to innovation, she continues to challenge boundaries and craft environments that are as meaningful as they are transformative. For Divya, design is a reflection of life’s journey—where every space tells a story, and every detail speaks to the essence of who we are.
