It was one of the biggest days of her life when Payal Kapoor walked up onto the stage, where she had been invited as the Chief Guest Speaker for the International Women’s Day Celebration.
When Payal was waiting to be called on stage, her mind was happy playing the flashback of her entire life till that moment. It was as vivid as watching a film where Payal was all: the protagonist, the narrator, and the audience.
A Journey of Realizing a Thousand Dreams
The soft hum of the wind brushed against the windowsill as Payal sat by the fireplace, her eyes reflecting a journey of passion, challenges, and triumphs. She took a deep breath, and her mind began to tell her story, her voice carrying the weight of experience and the warmth of inspiration.
She hails from an upper-middle-class family, with her father having served as a senior Indian navy officer and her mother, as well as a housewife, from an extremely wealthy family from Punjab Ludhiana. Her two sisters are also well-placed and qualified.
She began, “My life took a traditional path at first—graduation in 1987, followed by marriage to a wonderful man from the Tata Group.” Her fingers traced the arm of her chair as if drawing the blueprint of her journey. “Destiny, however, had different plans for me. Fresh out of college, I was selected by Manasara’s Executive Director, which led to my role at ‘Craftsmen,’ the design firm under ‘Dream City.’ It was here that I learned the essence of craftsmanship, labour management, and budget execution. But something felt amiss—my creativity felt boxed, my potential unseen. That was when I decided to launch my own firm, ‘Visions,’ in 1991.”
Her eyes sparkled with pride. “Visions isn’t just a company; it’s a reflection of my soul. Over the years, we’ve adorned VIP homes, luxury villas, and heritage sites. Renovating parts of Umaid Bhavan Palace and contributing to the iconic ‘Palace on Wheels’ remain milestones that define my journey.”
Her voice softened as she reflected on the uniqueness of Visions. “We believe in clarity and customization. Each design is tailored to client needs and respects nature and sustainability. Be it using glass for natural light or crafting heat-resistant spaces, we balance aesthetics with practicality. Transparency remains our hallmark—from budgets to timelines.”
Rising Through the Challenges
A shadow of past battles crossed her face. “As a woman entrepreneur, challenges were plenty. From dealing with unprofessional clients to confronting biases in a male-dominated field, I faced them all. But I learned to let the wolves howl while I walked fiercely ahead.”
Pausing briefly, she smiled warmly. “Work-life balance? It’s an art women master. Yes, I’ve had moments of tears and self-doubt. But my family, my ‘me-time’ in nature, and my unwavering belief in myself kept me anchored.”
Her eyes softened as she spoke of mentorship. “Though I never had a formal mentor, I drew inspiration from my experiences with Maharaja Gaj Singhji and Mr Ratan Tata’s humility. For me, an inspirational leader is one who nurtures innovation and leads with empathy.”
A glint of nostalgia touched her voice. “Winning the ‘Palace on Wheels’ project was a career-defining moment—beating top designers to claim the No. 1 spot was surreal.”
An Advice to the Aspirants
Her advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs was resolute. “Be a lioness. Own your journey with courage. Balance your life with grace, but never let your dreams bow to societal norms. Stay grounded, believe in karma, and above all, celebrate yourself.”
As the warmth of the fire flickered, she outlined her vision for the future. “Visions will continue designing dreams with professionalism, transparency, and client satisfaction at its core. With over 800 projects behind us—from the Palace on Wheels to Mint Casino—we aim for ISO certification and new heights.”
With that, Payal Kapoor, the Founder and Chief Architect of Visions, smiled—a smile not of the past achievement but of a future full of dreams. For her story, much like her designs, was timeless, inspiring women to build their own legacies, brick by brick, dream by dream.
Forging a Path to the Future Full of Awe-inspiring Visions
“The road to success is always under construction,” and Payal Kapoor, through her architectural marvels, continues to build a legacy that bridges creativity and excellence. With her organization, “Visions,” she has crafted spaces that inspire, delight, and elevate experiences worldwide.
A Commitment to Excellence and Innovation
“The ‘Visions’ group thrives on designing well-ventilated structures, nurturing every aspect of landscape and grandeur of construction in its architecture,” says Payal. With professionalism, transparency, and a promise of 100% consumer satisfaction, Visions sets the gold standard in architectural design. Their dedication to Total Quality Management (TQM) and commitment to client budgets drive them to pursue ISO certification, further solidifying their promise of excellence.
A Legacy of Iconic Creations
With over 800 projects completed, Payal and her team continue to redefine the boundaries of architecture. “Even after successfully completing over 800 projects to date, I feel there’s a lot yet to explore,” she shares with passion. Among their masterpieces are marvels like:
- The iconic Heritage Train – Palace on Wheels.
- The luxurious Mint Casino Ship.
- The prestigious President of India’s Building.
Each of these projects reflects innovation and grandeur, setting benchmarks in their respective industries.
A Roadmap Built on Values and Vision
“We consider professionalism, transparency, and 100% consumer satisfaction to be the prima facia in our organization at all stages of projects,” states Payal. Working with a coordinated team of experts, Visions has left its mark globally, completing projects in leisure, housing, institutes, lounges, spas, trains, and restaurants. Their future roadmap is built on sustainability, client-centric approaches, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Payal’s journey is not just about building structures but also about building dreams. Her path stands as an inspiration for aspiring architects and entrepreneurs. With a blend of passion, perseverance, and commitment, she continues to create spaces that leave a lasting impact on the world.
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Coming back to the Women’s Day Celebration, standing behind the podium, Payal looked at the audience waiting for her speech. She adjusted the mike and began…
A Speech from the Heart Stirred with Emotions
“Good day everyone,
I’m Payal Kapoor, an interior architect, proud daughter of a senior Indian naval officer, wife to a supportive Tata family member, and mother to two wonderful daughters. I am also a passionate pet and nature lover.
It’s truly an honour to be your chief guest on this International Women’s Day—a day to celebrate, reflect, and honour those who inspire us.
Each of us here has travelled a unique path, overcoming challenges and chasing dreams. Unlike women from past generations, we are fortunate to have opportunities and resources they could only imagine. Yet, the greatest barriers often come from within. Empowerment starts by breaking free from limiting beliefs.
When I launched my business at 22, my father warned me: “It’s a male-dominated world—you’ll be devoured!” But he also believed his daughters should be assets in life, not liabilities. He taught me the value of education, independence, and courage.
I never set out to break glass ceilings—I chased my dreams. The ceilings shattered along the way. I’ve learned that setbacks are part of growth. Each failure taught me to rise stronger, dust off my crown, and soar higher. Passion fuels my work, and resilience drives my success.
Women excel at multitasking and prioritizing. We can achieve anything when we balance ambition with compassion. I’ve never competed with others—my only competition is the person I was yesterday. Self-respect has always mattered more than success.
My journey—from designing luxury trains like the Palace on Wheels to the President of India’s residence—has been a learning experience. Risks brought both failure and triumph, but I never compromised my integrity.
To thrive, stay away from negativity. As they say: The lioness doesn’t lose sleep over the howling of wolves. Focus on self-love and joy—because happiness begins within.
I balance work, family, and social commitments through clear priorities, not rocket science! Life is a roller coaster—difficult days don’t mean a difficult life. Hold on, for tough times will pass.
Lastly, I believe in karma. Be kind, help others, and support fellow women. Life is a full circle—what we sow, we reap.
To every woman here: You are strong, independent, and capable. Be fearless and flawed, fierce yet content. When my time is up, I hope to be remembered not for enduring life but for truly living it.
Celebrate life—laugh, love, and never stop learning.
Happy Women’s Day, and God bless you all!”
***
The journey of Visions, under Payal Kapoor’s leadership, is a testament to the fact that with dedication, integrity, and a dream-driven approach, the future is bound to be awe-inspiring.
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