Raseel Gujral Ansal is a designer renowned for her expertise in architecture, interiors, and product design. In the early 1990s, she established her own architecture and design studio, Raseel Gujral Ansal Design, laying the foundation for her illustrious career. Building on this success, she ventured into the retail sector, founding the popular brands Casa Paradox in 1994 and Casa Pop in 2013. Through these ventures, Raseel introduced multiple stores and collaborated on shop-in-shop arrangements, offering a diverse range of products including furniture, furnishings, décor, fashion, and fashion accessories. Operating from Delhi, Raseel steadily gained recognition as one of the country's foremost designers, known for her glamorous signature style characterized by artful displays, the use of luxe materials, bold colours, and diverse influences. Her clientele includes high-net-worth individuals, drawn to her distinctive aesthetic and innovative designs. Raseel's work has been prominently featured in major publications, and she has been honoured with numerous awards for her significant contributions to the design industry.
Raseel Gujral Ansal's story is one of constant evolution and unwavering dedication to her craft. She is a true innovator who has redefined luxury design in the Indian context. Her work continues to inspire aspiring designers and homeowners alike, proving that exceptional design can be both culturally rooted and globally relevant.
Early Life
Raseel Gujral Ansal was born on January 6, 1965, in Delhi, India, into a family renowned for its contributions to art and politics. Her father, Satish Gujral, was a celebrated painter, sculptor, and muralist, while her mother, Kiran Gujral, is recognized for her work in ceramics. Additionally, she is the niece of Inder Kumar Gujral, a former Prime Minister of India. Raseel is the youngest among her siblings, with her sister Alpana Gujral being a prominent jewellery designer, and her brother Mohit Gujral having served as the former Chairman and Co-CEO of DLF Ltd.
Raseel Gujral Ansal resides in Delhi with her husband, businessman Navin Ansal, and her two sons, Aakarsh and Imaan. Beyond her professional commitments, she leads a private life with her family in Delhi, India. Additionally, she remains actively involved in philanthropic activities, striving to contribute to society whenever possible.
Growing up in an environment imbued with creativity and intellectual discourse, Raseel was immersed in the world of art from a young age. She actively participated in her parents' art exhibitions, absorbing their work ethic and artistic influences. Raseel received her early education at Modern School, Delhi, and later continued her studies at Welham Girls School in Dehradun, where she continued to nurture her passion for the arts. This formative period instilled in her a deep appreciation for creativity and innovation, laying the foundation for her future endeavours in design and entrepreneurship.
Design Career
Raseel's design philosophy is a unique blend of the contemporary and the traditional. She draws inspiration from her Indian heritage, incorporating cultural elements into her work while maintaining a global appeal. Her aim is to create spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also deeply personal and reflective of the client's individual style. Raseel Gujral Ansal's illustrious journey in design encompasses her founding of Raseel Gujral Ansal Design, the establishment of Casa Paradox and Casa Pop, and her current practice, reflecting her commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and a distinctive aesthetic.
Early Work
At the age of 20, Raseel Gujral Ansal joined the architectural practice run by her father and brother. She trained on the job, taking after her father on big ideas, while, from her brother, learnt the day-to-day practical aspects of running an architectural practice such as drafting, space planning et al. She worked at the studio for six years, gaining invaluable experience and honing her skills.
Retail Stores with Home and Fashion Lines
In 1994, Raseel set up her own Architecture and Design studio, Raseel Gujral Ansal Design (RGA Design). Her office at the time had two floors of product display, and her interior clients started to demand that these products be available for purchase. Giving in to their demand, she opened doors to Casa Paradox, a company that designs and manufactures furniture and interior decor products. Casa Paradox was informally established in 1993 and officially registered in 1994, marking the formal inception of Raseel Gujral Ansal's venture into the design and retail industry.
In 1995, Casa Paradox opened its flagship store at Delhi’s MG Road. Spread across 10,000 sq ft, the store soon became a go-to with Delhi’s swish set, for furniture & interior décor products. Encouraged by the success of their flagship store, she and her husband and business partner, Navin Ansal, set up Paradox Pink, a retail store in Mumbai’s decor hub, Raghuvanshi Mills, followed by another retail store under the name Paradox Black in Bengaluru. Soon after, Casa Paradox got another outpost in Delhi’s DLF Emporio mall.
In 2013, Raseel Gujral Ansal launched Casa Pop, a prêt diffusion line to Casa Paradox, with which she extended the scope of her design to include product categories like clothing and fashion accessories. In 2013, Casa Paradox became the only Indian brand to participate in Maison et Objet, the globally renowned interior design fair in Paris, showcasing alongside prestigious brands such as Fendi, Kenzo, Baxter, and Cavalli. Following in its footsteps, Casa Pop also made its debut at the fair in 2017.
Current Practice
In the last 10 years, architectural design has become a big part of RGA's offering and Raseel Gujral Ansal’s own repertoire, while her aesthetic sensibility has grown to become more sure-footed and quieter. Her studio work now spans high-end residences, showrooms, restaurants, corporate offices, hotels & resorts, all for her varied clientele ranging from politicians and diplomats to industrialists, and tech company CEOs. In recent years, she and her husband have worked to consolidate their retail businesses, choosing to focus on the flagship store on MG road in Delhi, carrying forward its legacy through its diversified ventures:
RGA Design LLP: Embodying ‘The Spirit of Space’ in Architecture & Interiors since its establishment in 1986 under the mentorship of Maestro Satish Gujral. The philosophy of RGA Design revolves around transforming spaces by capturing both functionality and engagement essence, exemplifying architectural mastery in luxurious homes to expansive commercial projects worldwide.
Casa Paradox Luxe: Raseel co-founded Casa Paradox in 1994 with her husband Navin Ansal. Casa Paradox is known for its innovative and luxurious designs that transform living spaces. The company has garnered a reputation for its ability to seamlessly blend the familiar with the novel, ensuring a space that feels both luxurious and timeless. Capturing ‘The Spirit of Alchemy’ in Bespoke Furniture & Lifestyle since its inception in 1993 by Raseel and Navin Ansal. Casa Paradox Luxe offers a fusion of global refinement with indigenous design, providing a modern yet timeless aesthetic tailored for discerning clientele. Notably, it was the first Indian brand showcased at Maison et Objet Paris in 2013, garnering recognition on the international stage. Raseel's influence extends beyond Casa Paradox. She is a thought leader in the Indian design scene, and her work has been featured in numerous publications and exhibitions. She is also active on social media, sharing her design insights and inspirations with a wide audience [YouTube channel Raseel Gujral Ansal].
Raseel at CASA POP: Celebrating ‘The Spirit of Art’ in Artistic Living & Design since 2013. Casa Pop reflects vibrant and bold design ethos, transitioning into an Artistic Living brand that explores the dance of art and design. With distinctiveness in graphic illustrations across various mediums, Casa Pop epitomizes "Born in India, Made in India, For the World."
Style and Influence: Raseel Gujral Ansal's design style is recognized for its maximalist approach, featuring bold colours, eclectic patterns, and a harmonious blend of traditional Indian motifs with contemporary elements. She is celebrated for championing the concept of "Indigenous Luxury," which highlights India's rich cultural heritage through her opulent and lavish creations.
Legacy and Influence: Raseel Gujral Ansal's pioneering contributions to the design industry have earned her widespread recognition, marked by numerous awards and accolades. Her innovative design approach, coupled with the seamless fusion of diverse influences, positions her as a trailblazer in Indian design. As a role model for creativity and excellence, Raseel continues to inspire aspiring designers and entrepreneurs, leaving an enduring legacy in the field.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Raseel Gujral Ansal has received numerous awards and honours for her contributions to design and entrepreneurship. These accolades include:
2002: American Biographical Institute - Woman of the Year
2007: Builder Information Bureau - Building Industry Leadership Award
2011: Elle Deco International Design Awards India - Designer of the Year
2012: Magpie Curates Indian Home Awards - Luxury Home Retailer
2014: Architectural Digest - AD 50: Most Influential Names in Indian Architecture and Design
2014: FICCI Ladies Organisation, Jaipur Chapter & Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry - Outstanding Woman Achiever
2014: WCRC Leaders Excellence Award Asia - Excellence in Women's Empowerment
2017: Elite Magazine - Influential Entrepreneurs
2018: Hello! Magazine - Timeless Icon
2022: WEF Leadership & Innovation Awards - Women of the Year in Cultural Promotion - Fine Art Preservation Category
