In a world where design often feels cookie-cutter and impersonal, Kyrah Design Studio stands out as a beacon of creativity and personalization, all while embodying a powerful message of women’s empowerment. Founded by two visionary women, Kanishka Mishra and Rishika Miranda, the studio was born from the desire to offer not only exceptional design solutions but also to create a space that celebrates the transformative power of thoughtful, meaningful design.
From its inception, Kyrah Design Studio was more than just an architecture and interior design firm—it was a platform to champion innovation, nurture young talent, and contribute positively to the design community. Their mission is clear: to provide an enriching, personalized experience for every client, ensuring that the process of building or renovating a home is as joyful and fulfilling as the end result.
Empowering Through Design The concept for Kyrah Design Studio emerged when Kanishka and Rishika realized that the design industry often fails to take into account the emotional and personal significance of a home. The Founders wanted to change that, to create spaces that didn’t just serve a functional purpose but also connected deeply with the people who inhabited them.
A home is not merely walls and furniture; it’s a reflection of its owners, their tastes, their personalities, and their lifestyles—so they aimed to create an environment where the clients could enjoy the journey of designing their new home, rather than feeling stressed or overwhelmed by it.
Through their work, Kanishka and Rishika are also passionate about empowering new talents, especially women, to thrive in the field of design. They also fight gender norms when dealing with the execution teams, the entirety of which come from small towns and have old school ideas of whether a woman can be a leader.
As female leaders, they often challenge those notions. The studio is built on the foundation of collaboration and mentorship, nurturing the next generation of designers—helping them build careers where creativity is celebrated and growth is encouraged. By offering a supportive, inclusive workspace, Kyrah Design Studio aims to be a place where women can flourish, not only as designers but as leaders in their own right.
The Kyrah Approach to Design
Kyrah Design Studio offers a comprehensive suite of services that range from interior and architectural planning to furniture and art design. The Cofounders’ background in architecture allows them to offer valuable insights into civil and structural matters, extending their expertise beyond interiors to encompass areas such as renovations and facade design. They work on both residential and commercial projects, with a special focus on luxury design.
One of the defining features of Kyrah’s approach is the commitment to delivering fully customized, client-centric solutions. While overarching themes such as modern or traditional design may influence the aesthetic direction, the heart of their work lies in ensuring that each home is a reflection of the people who live in it. Every detail is carefully considered and executed with precision, so that the clients can truly see themselves in the space the team creates for them.
This attention to detail goes hand in hand with their belief in collaboration. The team works closely with skilled artisans and artists who specialize in their craft, ensuring that the elements incorporated into the designs—whether it’s bespoke furniture, locally sourced materials, or custom artwork—are of the highest quality. Kyrah is committed to supporting regional artisans, especially those Artists who are truly unique and hard to come by, and thus she curates and commissions artwork that speaks to the personal tastes of the clients.
A Labor of Love
Building Kyrah Design Studio has been nothing short of a labor of love. Since its launch in January 2021, Kanishka and Rishika have worked tirelessly to create a studio that reflects their passion for design, their dedication to excellence, and their commitment to fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment for everyone involved.
“Being recognized for our hard work and perseverance gives us the motivation to keep pushing forward, not just for the success of the business, but for the greater impact we hope to have on the design industry as a whole. The road has not always been easy, but as women entrepreneurs, we’ve learned to embrace resilience and empathy—traits that are crucial when navigating the inevitable challenges that come with running a business. We don’t shy away from failure; instead, we use it as an opportunity to learn and grow, always staying true to the passion that brought us here.”
Leadership and Legacy: Empowering Future Generations
In the context of women-led businesses, empathy and resilience are crucial. These values form the backbone of Kyrah Design Studio, and they are the lens through which the two leaders approach every decision, every client, and every project.
Kanishka and Rishika both bring unique perspectives to a field that has traditionally been maledominated, and it’s within this framework of collaboration, empathy, and innovation that they’ve been able to carve out a space for themselves in the design world. By staying true to their values and purpose, they built a studio that not only delivers exceptional design but also fosters an environment where creativity can thrive, and new talent can flourish.
Rishika and Kanishka had a shared vision: to create design solutions that reflect the integrity, creativity, and uniqueness of each client. This vision serves as the guiding principle of Kyrah, ensuring that every decision they make aligns with their passion for quality and design excellence.
As a woman leader in the design industry, Rishika hopes to leave behind a legacy of empowerment: to inspire other women to pursue careers in design, showing them that it’s possible to lead with compassion and thoughtfulness while also achieving great success. One of the greatest joys for them is mentoring young women designers, helping them grow both personally and professionally within the industry.
The team at Kyrah is all-women staff, and they take immense pride in the opportunities they have been able to provide for women to grow and succeed in the world of design. By continuing to push the boundaries of interior design and holding themselves to the highest standards, they aim to set a benchmark for future generations of women in the industry.
Advice for Women in Male-Dominated Industries From Rishika Miranda:
To the women who aspire to excel in industries that have traditionally been dominated by men, my advice is simple: stay true to who you are. Embrace your femininity and let it be your strength. Don’t let the mindset of others define your worth. Seize every opportunity for growth, even if they seem intimidating. It is only by pushing past your fears, knocking on doors, and refusing to take “no” for an answer that you can make an indelible mark.
Networking is another invaluable tool. Surround yourself with other women entrepreneurs and leaders. There is immense power in those networks, and women naturally support and encourage one another, which is incredibly motivating, especially during the tough times. Seek mentors—whether within your field or outside of it—who can guide you, inspire you, and help you grow. The rest is up to you. Go forth and conquer.
At Kyrah Design Studio, we are not just designing homes; we are building a legacy of empowerment, creativity, and excellence. As we continue on this journey, we remain committed to uplifting other women and inspiring the next generation of leaders in the design world.
