Meet Anoushka Darlene Braganza | Experiential Space & Object Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anoushka Darlene Braganza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anoushka Darlene, what inspires you?
I am inspired by the every day—the seen, yes, but what truly drives me is the unseen. I believe true inspiration goes beyond what the eyes perceive; it exists in emotions, in the way air patterns shift, in the formation of a droplet, in words, in sound, and the unknown beyond our understanding. I believe that creativity should not be confined to societal norms. The idea of “thinking outside the box” often still adheres to what is deemed acceptable, creating a paradox—one box within another. Instead, I believe we must push beyond these constraints, exploring perspectives that challenge the ordinary. I do not advocate for breaking rules, but I believe in looking beyond the expected and discovering possibilities that others may overlook. Inspiration is everywhere, but only for those who seek it. Life is a cycle—just as we find inspiration, we, in turn, inspire others in ways we may never fully realize. My goal as a designer is to spark curiosity and engagement. I strive to create furniture that defies convention, prompting people to question and interact with my work in unexpected ways. When someone asks, “What is this?” I find it deeply fulfilling because the answer is subjective—it is defined by the individual’s interpretation and interaction. My designs blend artistic exploration with technical precision, understanding that functionality and craftsmanship are essential in design. Yet, there are always uncharted territories to explore. My approach aligns with surrealist thought—allowing the subconscious to guide creativity, embracing the unexpected, and letting new discoveries emerge organically. Ultimately, my passion lies in pushing boundaries, fostering new ways of thinking, and inspiring people—no matter how small the impact—by encouraging them to look beyond the ordinary and question what lies beyond.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is grounded in an exploration of the unexpected and the unseen. I aim to create pieces that challenge conventional thinking and encourage people to engage with design in a way that feels both fresh and thought-provoking. What sets me apart is my desire to blend the organic and the geometric, pushing boundaries while maintaining a sense of practicality. I view design not just as an aesthetic endeavor, but as a medium for creating experiences and evoking emotions. Each piece I create, whether furniture or a space, tells a story—something more than an object, but a part of a larger dialogue between form, function, and feeling. One of my proudest achievements is how my work encourages people to pause, question, and reflect. I’m always excited by the idea of creating functional furniture that also sparks curiosity. Whether it’s the way a piece interacts with a space or the materials I use, I want people to feel something when they encounter my work.

My journey to this point was not without its challenges. It was a path of self-discovery, beginning with my initial studies in zoology and ultimately leading me to design. Along the way, I learned the importance of resilience and realized that design has the power to heal, communicate, and inspire change. Listening to my true calling was a transformative experience that reshaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to creating meaningful work.
Overcoming challenges meant embracing discomfort and trusting the process. I was fortunate to have mentors, especially at SCAD, who pushed me to think beyond my comfort zone. Every failure became an opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve. Through this journey, I’ve learned that perseverance, collaboration, and staying true to one’s vision are essential. Success isn’t linear, and the journey itself is just as important as the destination. Challenges are inevitable, but it’s how we respond to them that defines our growth.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that my work is not just about design—it’s about shifting perspectives. My brand ‘Not So Square’ is about embracing the unconventional, looking beyond the ordinary, and celebrating the beauty in things that may not be immediately understood. My work invites others to think beyond the boxes they are confined to, whether physical, mental, or societal. My story is one of transformation, and I hope it encourages others to discover who they truly are, no matter where they are in life or what they do.

One of my most noticeable works is my MFA thesis collection at SCAD, called Pause (,). It was designed to make you pause, question, and reflect. The pieces invited viewers to take a moment to let go, feel, and engage. Pause examines the intersection of surrealist poetry—specifically the works of André Breton—and furniture design. By analyzing three of Breton’s poems, I explored surreal themes, vivid imagery, and unique storytelling techniques to inspire designs that evoke emotional responses. These pieces were a collection of something I like to call functional art, working outside the ordinary to challenge perceptions. They questioned the very idea of what furniture is, turning it into a conversation piece, an emotional experience. Every detail—line, color, form—was thoughtfully designed to evoke feelings. The result was furniture that was not just sculptural, but also ergonomic and functional. The pieces were meant to interact with their surroundings, with people engaging with them and finding inspiration in unconventional ways. I exhibited this work at Cedar House Gallery in Savannah, GA, where it was fascinating to observe how the pieces interacted with the viewers.

This experience reinforced my belief that design should question, provoke, and inspire through interaction. And it’s that drive to inspire and spark questions that keeps me moving forward as a designer.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Savannah, Georgia, I’d curate a week-long itinerary that blends the city’s rich history, charming culture, and vibrant modern life. We’d start with a leisurely breakfast at The Collins Quarter before strolling through Forsyth Park and exploring River Street’s cobblestone streets. Each day would be packed with diverse activities: from savoring Southern comfort food a the Grey to diving into Savannah’s history with a ghost tour and a visit to Bonaventure Cemetery. We’d take a scenic riverboat cruise, bike through historic squares, and enjoy fresh seafood at Savannah Seafood Shack. A day trip to Tybee Island would offer the chance to relax by the beach, while evenings would be spent enjoying rooftop cocktails or catching a show at the Savannah Theatre. We’d explore the SCAD Museum of Art, relax there and immerse in my fellow artist’s work, and end our trip with ice cream at Leopold’s and a sunset stroll through the historic district. This itinerary captures Savannah’s essence—where Southern tradition meets modern creativity—and would offer an unforgettable, diverse experience filled with food, art, history, and stunning outdoor spaces.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Many people have profoundly shaped my journey and deserve to be recognized. Every person I’ve met along the way has been a source of inspiration in some way—there is always something new to learn from those we cross paths with. However, a few individuals and experiences have been particularly pivotal in shaping who I am today.

First and foremost, my family has been my strongest foundation. My parents’ unwavering trust in me, their belief that I know what I am doing, and their constant support have been a protective shield, allowing me to explore my path with confidence. My mother and father have been my greatest inspirations—teaching me humility, resilience, and the importance of staying grounded and grateful no matter where life takes me.

One of my biggest design influences was my first job at Studio Osmosis in Mumbai, India, where I had the privilege of working with an incredible team. Every colleague I met and worked with there played a role in shaping my perspective, teaching me to have a keen eye and a deep appreciation for detail—lessons I carry with me to this day.

My time at SCAD was a defining chapter in my journey—one that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Leaving behind my family, friends, and the familiarity of home was both daunting and exhilarating. Yet, what I discovered at SCAD was more than just new connections; I found a community that felt like family. Being immersed in a diverse network of designers from various disciplines expanded my perspective and reshaped my understanding of design in ways I never anticipated. SCAD provided an environment that encouraged exploration and innovation, offering access to cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art workshops, and a creative space where I could take risks and refine my craft. It was here that I truly experienced being a designer. I am immensely grateful to my professors, who guided me without judgment, allowing my creativity to flow freely. They were my mentors and stepping stones, shaping my growth with patience and wisdom. I owe a great deal to Frederick Spector, Aaron Heisler, Sheila Edwards, George Perez, and Michael Walsh—each of them has left a lasting imprint on me, and I will forever cherish their influence. Because of their guidance, I now stand capable of things I once thought impossible.

Beyond my personal and academic influences, I have always drawn inspiration from history—particularly the surrealists. Their philosophy of breaking away from the ordinary and embracing the unexpected has deeply influenced my approach to design.

My journey has been deeply influenced by the guidance, support, and shared experiences of countless remarkable individuals. Their encouragement and wisdom have played a vital role in shaping who I am today, and for that, I am profoundly thankful.

Website: https://issuu.com/anoushkadbraganza

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_notsosquare_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anoushka-braganza27/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@anoushkabraganza27?si=LBM9V2buxetd1E-Z