Welcome to another episode of Your Neighbourhood Architect, the podcast where we dive into the world of design, community, and architecture. In this episode, host Janine Helen Sahd chats with the talented architect and designer, Nindya, about her creative journey, the role design plays in connecting people, and the importance of building a sense of community.

Janine and Nindya discuss how Nindya’s upbringing in Mauritius, with a deep-rooted connection to nature, continues to inspire her work today. They explore the influence design has on shaping both personal and professional spaces, with Nindya sharing how she crafts environments that ground, nurture, and inspire. They also touch on Nindya’s passion for local design and community, highlighting how working together, rather than competing, can create powerful outcomes for everyone involved.

Episode Highlights:

1. Meet Nindya: Nindya talks about her childhood in Mauritius, where she formed a strong bond with the natural world. She reflects on how these early experiences have shaped her design philosophy and creative approach. She also shares how her ritual of swimming in the ocean helps her stay centred, particularly during times of stress or emotional release.
2. The Importance of Home: Nindya explores how home should be a space that nurtures and grounds us, while reflecting who we truly are. She discusses how she designs her own home with intention, making choices that bring love, calm, and inspiration.
3. Creating Connection through Design: Nindya reveals how her design process is intimately tied to the natural world. She aims to create spaces that aren’t just functional but also comforting and harmonious. She also talks about her habit of carrying something familiar, like a scarf or blanket, when she travels to stay connected to her roots and feel grounded, no matter where she is.
4. Local Design and Collaboration: Nindya shares her enthusiasm for supporting local businesses and championing design that grows from within the community. She advocates for collaboration over competition, explaining how one person’s success can benefit everyone. She stresses the importance of supporting local creators and businesses to build a stronger, more connected design community.
5. The Power of Authenticity: Nindya reflects on how authenticity in design makes her work stand out. She talks about staying true to one’s values and how that contributes to creating meaningful impact. She has fully embraced the idea that collaboration strengthens the design community, helping everyone grow together.
6. Neighbourhood and Community: The conversation shifts to what "neighbourhood" means to Nindya, and how her own neighbourhood in Durban has shaped her outlook. She reflects on the challenges faced within her community, but also the ongoing efforts to improve and find beauty amid the chaos. Nindya also shares her thoughts on the broader community in South Africa, particularly within design and architecture, where support and collaboration have been crucial to her success.

 Tune in to explore Nindya’s creative process and learn how her upbringing in Mauritius, alongside her deep connection to nature, shapes her design philosophy. This episode offers valuable insights into the role of design in creating meaningful, grounding spaces and the power of collaboration within local communities. Whether you're interested in architecture or the intersection of design and culture, this conversation promises to be both informative and inspiring. 

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