Q: Tell us about Pasanga Abeywardena Designs (PA Designs) and how it came about…

A: After graduating from the Academy of Design (AoD) in 2011, I obtained valuable practical experience in interior design and project management at several reputed organisations. However, a persistent desire to start something on my own always existed.

The turning point came in 2017 when I undertook a freelance project that later led to me working with Double XL. Despite reservations about managing a business with two children, I gradually built on my freelance work.

My skills, honed with years of experience, were instrumental in navigating the challenges of freelancing, where I handled everything from technical drawings to costing and project management.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 while most were closing shop, I was determined to expand. With the support of my family, I officially established PA Designs in 2021. While the journey hasn’t been easy, the business continued to grow and our portfolio expanded.

While we were initially focussed on corporate design projects, with the economic downturn, we ventured into more residential projects, focussing on transforming spaces that go beyond aesthetics – spaces that are human-centric, and focus on functionality, health and comfort, to enhance the user’s quality of life.

This journey has reflected a constant hunger for growth and commitment to conscious design.

Q: What philosophy guides the design process – especially in capturing the essence of each project?

A: Our philosophy centres on understanding the customer and being empathetic towards their needs. We prioritise listening during the initial stages of a project, engaging in conversations to deeply grasp the client’s preferences, culture and brand identity.

Recognising the uniqueness of each client, whether commercial or residential, is crucial in tailoring our approach. In considering this aspect, PA Designs is able to bring distinction to our clients and we reflect their story through the spaces we create for them.

We encourage a collaborative approach, ensuring a give-and-take dialogue between our team and the client, where integrity, transparency and clear-cut communication are key. This ensures that the client is always informed and involved in the decision-making process.

Throughout the process, our design consciousness remains a guiding principle. Thoughtfully curated designs ensure the longevity of a space, optimised functionality, and the health and comfort of the users within.

Additionally, our empowered and dynamic team is committed to cultivating critical thinking skills, and they actively engage in collaborative efforts to streamline and optimise processes.

Q: How do you incorporate sustainable practices into interior design projects?

A: When taking on a project, we consider factors such as energy efficiency by optimising natural lighting and managing artificial lighting through energy saving solutions. We also consider ergonomics, thermal comfort and ventilation. Our move towards sustainability is further reflected in material choices favouring locally manufactured products.

Balancing the given budget, quality and time is crucial in our approach to building designs. We take pride in our ability to ensure that the project is completed on time, delivered within the budget and built with uncompromising quality, while fulfilling the client’s requirements and vision.

Being an Associate member of the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka, I also look forward to implementing green building practices in the near future.

Q: How does PA Designs help uplift the community and in turn serve a greater purpose?

A: When it comes to community engagement, I strongly advocate for nurturing and supporting local talent and industries. In terms of our supplier base, all our products are manufactured by local artisans and professionals. Encouraging growth, innovation and investment in our local industries will ultimately move our community forward.

I believe in making a positive impact on the environment and initiated a tree planting project on my birthday with plans to expand this. Collaborating with Thuru, a social enterprise that works towards accelerating reforestation, we planted 60 trees bordering the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

As part of our community service projects, we have a brand called Arinbuwa specialising in local hand-crafted products like handwoven Dumbara homeware. This cottage industry involves providing local women with a valuable source of income.

Q: What does the future hold for PA Designs especially in pushing the boundaries of interior design?

A: We recently secured our first overseas project in the Maldives, working on a yacht. The focus is now expanding beyond Sri Lanka with a keen interest in sustainable projects and conscious design. In future, I hope to continue our local expansion by diving into diverse projects and educating clients on the significance of sustainable design.

PA Designs is active on Instagram where we share informative videos. I also hope to launch a podcast that will serve as a creative space, inviting professionals from various fields, not only design.

The goal is to elevate design discussions to an educational level where design thinking can be utilised to create solutions for socioeconomic challenges.

– Compiled by Tamara Rebeira

Telephone: 0777 810136/0768 247032 | Email: info@padesigns.lk | Website: www.padesigns.lk