The Guild of Designers & Artists (GDA) believes strongly in initiatives that encourage learning, collaboration, and professional growth within the design fraternity. Aligned with these values, Ms. Lipika Sud, President of the Guild of Designers & Artists, delivered a special session titled “10 Secrets of a Successful DesignPreneur.” at the Architecture & Interiors Awards in Ranchi organised by Glitz .

The objective of the talk was to guide future architects and interior designers toward building not just creative careers, but sustainable and successful design practices. The talk focused on an area often overlooked in traditional design education – the essential blend of creativity with entrepreneurial and leadership skills. It addressed what is commonly referred to as “The Gap in Design Education.” While design schools nurture artistic ability and technical knowledge, young professionals are seldom trained to think like business leaders.

Ms. Sud emphasised that today’s designers must learn to think beyond aesthetics and approach their practice with the mindset of a CEO. A central message of the session was clear: “You are not just designing spaces, you are building a business”. Creativity forms the foundation of a designer’s journey, but strong business sense becomes the superstructure that supports long-term success.

The session resonated strongly with the audience, which included senior architects, interior designers, and young professionals. Many participants engaged actively and expressed keen interest in understanding how to apply these principles to their own professional journeys. Talks such as these reinforce the need to prepare designers not only as creative thinkers but also as confident entrepreneurs and leaders. By bridging the gap between design and business, the next generation of professionals can build practices that are innovative, sustainable, and globally competitive.

Design competitions and awards programs not only celebrate creative excellence but also provide important opportunities for learning and professional growth. The Guild of Designers & Artists appreciates GLITZ Architecture & Interiors for organising such a well-curated event that brings together architects, interior designers, and industry experts on a common platform for knowledge sharing and inspiration.