CEO Insights Magazine

Interior design is not just about the looks of the indoors instead, it also plays a key role in the functionality of a building. Because, even the largest space can look abysmal with a poor interior, while a tiny indoors can be transformed into a comfortable space if the interior decoration is done right. Speaking of workspaces, the concept of a free work environment has been running in the international corporate world for years, however, now being aware of this, the Indian employees are also demanding a similar work environment. Catering to such rising demands, the corporate sector has come out to invest in constructing lucrative and efficient offices which have lawns outdoor and lounges within. From bright colors and patterns on the wall to fancy meeting rooms and easy-to-access cafeterias, today's corporate is leaving no stone unturned to build an extra ordinary working environment for its employees. IDI Designs (I Dream Ideas) is a brand well equipped in creating efficient, elegant, comfortable, and beautiful spaces for its customers.

Under the headship of Faheem Mirza, CEO, IDI thrives as a full-service interior design company that works to create an infrastructure that translates the corporate vision into reality, which shall aid the clients to motivate people to enhance their productivity and perfor mance. With an eagle’s eye to integrate technology, reduce capital cost, and follow green norms, he is steering the company’s growth and increasing niche clients in India and the Middle East.

CEO Insights engages an exclusive conversation with Faheem to know more about his journey and leadership strategies.

Give us a brief detail about your educational background and professional background

I completed B.Tech in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum. My professional career began in the field of electrical designing and move into project management & design execution. Before IDI Designs,my career stint was with companies such as G R Electrical Consultants, Busi ness Park Town Planners, JLL India, The 3C Company, Cinepolis India, Space Matrix, and Currie & Brown. I have been associated with IDI for the past three years.

What were the initial challenges that taught you the basic lessons of managing diversified functions of organizations?
Coming from an engineering background and venturing into the construction domain was challenging. Evolving, adapting, and learning new things were herculean, yet worthwhile. It gave me a steep learning curve. I enjoyed the adventures and rewarding journey. I have been able to explore more and take care of things that are completely new to me.

What different roles have you been undertaking at IDI Designs?
IDI is driven by the dynamic combination of interior designing and its execution with perfect design construction. My responsibilities here are far and wide - from strategy to project management, design execution paired with innovation. Fund management and business development, analysis, operations, and employee retention are few others things part of my professional hat.

Highlight the key drivers that you deploy to ensure that the company’s opera tions are used appropriately to meet its short/longterm needs?
Our focus on achieving maximum value has led to global invitations to design,build and create highly prestigious projects. The philosophy

of practice and spirit of enquiry not only guides the firm but enables it to maintain its position as definitive leader in a highly competitive and fast changing industry.

One of the key drivers to promote growth was deploying a check & balance mechanism of a middle level team consisting of managers who take key responsibilities of delivery. We have formed a core team for this and it has benefited to reduce the gap between the management team and employees.

What are your strategies to take the business to the next level and satisfy customers by meeting their requirements?
IDI has a global footprint with projects in 6 countries. We have a clear under standing of design in Asia and how to deliver interior projects in diverse markets. With our global presence, we have understood the requirements of clients that cater to different cultures, traditions and tastes.

Considering the pandemic, we have built a one stop solution for the customers by enhancing the inhouse competency in end-to-end designing. This truncates out sourcing and gives effective coordination between us, clients and other stake holders.

What plans do you have in place for IDI Designs?
We aspire to venture into other verticals besides interior designing. We are looking forward to taking up industrial and government infrastructure projects.

Our registered and corporate offices are based in New Delhi and we launched our regional office in Kolkata last year. IDI will be establishing our branch offices in Mumbai, Bangalore, and other metro cities as well.

Faheem Mirza, CEO, IDI Designs
Electrical engineer with around 14 years of experience in Project Management, Contract Management, and Commercial Operations. Faheem is responsible for growing niche clients in India and the Middle East.