TURNING VISIONS INTO REALITIES

interview

Behind every sensational event that leaves you in awe, there’s a mastermind, a wizard of organisation, a creative genius - enter the event planner! Picture a symphony conductor waving their baton, orchestrating an intricate dance of logistics and emotions. From the grandest galas to the most intimate soirées, an event planner is the maestro who conducts an unforgettable symphony of experiences. They transform dreams into reality, turning mere ideas into immersive wonderlands that captivate your senses.

And that is what Nireen Shehzad envisions to do with her business. Having a degree in interdisciplinary studies and law, she chose a career in the more artistic fields and joined her mother’s furniture and interiors business. From transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary realms to orchestrating unforgettable experiences, Nireen Shehzad is an upcoming event planner and an interior designer. Taking after her mother, she delved into the world of interior designing with ease and joined Ainee Shehzad Furniture and Interior. She then decided to embark on her own journey after venturing her own business, Kallos Events - inspired by the Greek word for beauty - she aims to create unique, breath-taking and magical spaces for your most special moments. “To me, the two businesses go hand in hand and really lend themselves to each other,” shares Nireen.

Let’s get to know more about her journey, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped her career…

You! What determined your passion for design? Tell us about the moment when you decided this is the way to go.

Nireen Shehzad: Being able to channel my inner creativity and work with various people has really fuelled my passion. Seeing a vision come to life and transform not only people’s spaces but their lives as well, has been very rewarding and fulfilling. The moment that really cemented my passion and commitment was when the pandemic hit and I had to curate my entire wedding myself, from start to finish. From choosing each piece of furniture to each flower. I knew in that moment that despite all the stresses in the world, I could find peace and purpose in both fields.

You! Can you remember your first design project? Describe it a bit, whether it was a gizmo you worked at as a little kid or something that was at a large scale.

NS: My first design project was when I was about 14 years old, and I designed a whole range of pieces from planters to candle stands and mirrors for an exhibition. It sold out on the first day and it was such an incredible rush to see my creations find loving homes.

You! What field of design are you most interested in?

NS: I’m most interested in interior design and designing event spaces. Whether I design a single room or the entire home - I give it my all. The same goes for events; celebrating people’s milestone moments in their lives, takes the utmost care and diligence.

You! Can you tell us about some architectural and designing trends popular this year?

NS: Trends are often so fleeting - I encourage people to invest in pieces that are evergreen and everlasting. I don’t believe in trends. Instead, choose whatever makes you happy, whatever is the most functional for you - that is what is trending.

You! What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

NS: It is hands down the moment when my client sees their space for the first time and they’re taking it all in.

You! What is the most frustrating aspect of your job?

NS: There honestly isn’t anything that I can say really frustrates me. Sometimes you create for yourself and sometimes you create for others, if you can find a good balance between the two, you are golden.

You! From your point of view, is design an art or a science?

NS: It is a good mix of both, you need the art to think of and conceptualise your ideas while also needing science to bring it to life. Ideas, materials, measurements, colour, it all goes hand in hand.

You! What are your inspirations behind your design decisions?

NS: Nature is my biggest inspiration, bringing the outdoors inside. Having a feeling of indoor-outdoor living, especially in a city like Karachi where there are buildings, cars, people and noises everywhere. Just bringing that sense of calm into someone’s space is important to me.

You! If you had no limits (money, resources), what would you create?

NS: I would create an oasis in the middle of Karachi, where people can come and experience the city and nature. They can feel the pulse of the city without being a part of the madness that is Karachi.

You! Imagine your client asks you to design a room in a way that is visually pleasing but not practical. How would you react?

NS: I would ask the client if they were okay with having a space that is a work of art more than a functional space and if that weas their vision then, I would run with it. If, however, they want a more functional space I would guide them and find the right balance of aesthetics and functionality.

You! Do you consider aestheticism or functionality to be more important?

NS: There needs to be balance of both, the spaces I create serve a purpose, but they should also be pleasurable to look at. They should fulfil the needs and desires of my clients.

You! If a client kept rejecting all your designs, what would you do?

NS: I would ask them to show me references of what they want their space to look like and then try to pull design elements from those.

You! Your most challenging project:

NS: During the pandemic, when I had to host a 30 person wedding in my backyard, I had to exercise a lot of technical thinking to make the space work aesthetically but to also ensure that covid protocols were being followed to a T.

You! What do you need to keep in mind when you think about designing?

NS: Firstly, comes the client’s vision and what they would like to have. Then, we add some interest and dimension to their ideas, flesh them out and bring them to life.

You! Is there any interior design style you favour/dislike?

NS: Personally, I prefer sleeker more straight-lined designs, however, I am more than happy to work in my clients preferred design style.

You! How do you keep up with industry changes?

NS: When it comes to trends and new designers coming into the space, I don’t really follow the changes. However, I do stay up-to-date with the newest technology, machinery and techniques that enhance my work.

You! Do you prefer functionality or appeal?

NS: It must be a good mix of the two unless the space is strictly designed for either of the two.

You! Were you artistic as a child?

NS: I was always artistic, for as long as I can remember. I’ve been painting and reading and rearranging the furniture and paintings in my home.

You! What is your artistic outlook on life?

NS: If something speaks to your soul, if it invokes an emotion, buy the piece and give it a good home.

You! Do you travel in order to gain knowledge or get inspired for your work?

NS: I don’t travel with the purpose of inspiration but it somehow always finds me.

You! What advice do you have for young designers or architects?

NS: Follow your passion, follow your bliss and always stand up for what you believe in. You won’t always get to create the things you want to, but hold out for the moments when you are able to fully bring your vision to life.

You! What’s next for you?

NS: I am currently working on a couple of homes and ramping up for wedding season.