Meet Shubham Rajpal

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shubham Rajpal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shubham, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me, risk-taking has been the backbone of my journey—both personally and professionally. I started my career studying architecture, a field I devoted five years to during my undergraduate studies. But midway through, I realized my true passion lay elsewhere. So, I made the tough and risky decision to step away from architecture and dive headfirst into set design for film and television—a field I was deeply drawn to.

The decision wasn’t without its challenges. I faced a lot of questions from my family and peers—was it wise to abandon something I’d worked so hard for? But I knew in my heart that pursuing what I loved would make me happier in the long run. Looking back, it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I feel more fulfilled and connected to my work than I ever thought possible.

My journey didn’t stop there, though. After working in Bollywood back in India—a space where I was starting to find my footing—I took an even bigger leap: moving to an entirely new country to start from scratch. Leaving behind the familiarity of home and my budding career to begin again in the U.S. came with its own set of risks. Would I find my place in this competitive industry? Could I rebuild my life from the ground up? These were daunting questions, but I took the leap anyway.

This transition has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It’s not just about professional growth—though I’ve already seen so much of that—but also about how much I’ve grown as a person. Taking this risk has allowed me to expand my horizons, meet incredible collaborators, and challenge myself in ways I never imagined.

In the world of production design, risk-taking is part of the job. Whether it’s experimenting with unconventional materials, following my gut against traditional choices, or pitching a bold idea to a director, risks are what keep this work exciting and constantly evolving. Each challenge is a chance to learn and grow, which is what I love most about this field.

Ultimately, every big step I’ve taken—whether it was pivoting from architecture, transitioning from Bollywood to the U.S., or navigating the creative risks of daily work—has shaped who I am today. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that taking risks, even when they seem scary, is how you create a life that truly feels your own.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an architect turned production designer, my approach to designing spaces for storytelling is deeply influenced by the principles and ethos I learned while studying architecture. That said, transitioning from designing buildings to crafting spaces for narratives required both learning and unlearning. When you’re designing for a story, the poetics of space take on an entirely different dimension. It’s not just about form and function anymore—it’s about tapping into the human experience and translating a narrative into a physical space.

What sets my work apart is my obsession with layering metaphorical and human-centric concepts into my designs. I dive deep into script analysis, always looking for ways to elevate the story beyond its physical setting. I strive to create spaces that evoke emotion and resonate with the characters and audience alike.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is that there’s no single “right” way to approach production design. It’s a constantly evolving, collaborative process that challenges the ego and forces you to embrace input from others. Ultimately, the magic lies in collaboration—it’s what turns good ideas into exceptional creations.

Personally, I thrive on designing abstract, conceptual spaces rather than hyper-realistic ones. Those projects force me to dig into the very core of a story, stripping it down to its essence and finding innovative ways to make it timeless yet contemporary. I have a particular affinity for monochromatic palettes and creative lighting techniques, and I’ve recently started integrating projections and video design into my concepts. I’m excited by the possibilities this medium offers—it feels like the future of storytelling in design.

My roots in a small town in India shaped my creative foundation, and growing up, moving to bigger cities, and traveling the world exposed me to diverse cultures and aesthetics. These experiences have deeply informed my sensibilities and continue to influence my work. I carry those moments of inspiration into every project, weaving them into my designs.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m passionate about exploring every avenue of production design. Whether it’s film, theatre, or themed entertainment, I approach every project with the same curiosity and drive to create something extraordinary. The journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has been a stepping stone toward a broader perspective and a richer understanding of my craft. For me, this field is all about constant growth, pushing boundaries, and creating designs that tell a story worth remembering.

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?
When I look back at my journey, the first people who come to mind are my parents and family. They’ve been my biggest cheerleaders, supporting me in making unconventional and often difficult career choices—choices that aren’t always easily accepted in traditional Indian families. But they stood by me, guided me, and encouraged me every step of the way, especially during moments when the challenges felt overwhelming.

I also owe so much to the incredible women mentors who’ve shaped my path and taught me what it means to pursue my passions wholeheartedly. From Didi Contractor, whose work inspired me to think deeply and creatively, to my former boss and production designer, Khyaatee Kanchan, who showed me the ropes of the industry, to Lisa Ryan, the chair of my graduate program, whose guidance has been instrumental in helping me push my limits. These women have not only shaped my craft but also instilled in me the belief that excellence is always worth striving for.

My time working in Bollywood’s art departments also deserves a huge shoutout. The fast-paced, high-pressure environment of the industry challenged me in ways I never expected, but it also made me incredibly resilient. Every day brought new challenges, and every project taught me something valuable, leading to immense growth both personally and professionally. I’m so grateful for the incredible teams and creative minds I got to collaborate with in that space.

Lastly, my time at SCAD has been transformative in ways I never imagined. Working alongside people from all over the world has broadened my perspective and helped me level up my understanding of production design on a global scale. Collaborating on such diverse projects has been invaluable. Plus, getting hands-on experience in the scene shop—building sets, problem-solving on the fly, and quite literally getting my hands dirty—has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It’s made me feel ready to take on any challenge and approach it holistically, with both creativity and practicality.

So, to my family, my mentors, Bollywood, and SCAD—I wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you for shaping my journey and inspiring me to keep reaching for new heights.

Website: shubhamrajpal.com

Instagram: shubhamrajpal

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubhamrajpalart/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtrX1toz5T7MuuGAJAIU7WnYQi5vxSuNj&si=EvR04IhbUPL98HvH