A Day In The Life & Career Of Kadambari Uppal

NAME: Kadambari Uppal

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: https://www.instagram.com/kaddesignss/

JOB TITLE: Founder and Creative Director of KAD Designs

MOVED TO THE UAE IN: 2015

A professional pilot and visionary designer, Kadambari Uppal embodies the spirit of KAD Designs: detail-driven, design-led, and uncompromising in craft. With more than 20 years in aviation, her journey into interiors was shaped by a lifelong sensitivity to spaces, materials, and the power of design to express individuality.

Since founding the studio in 2017, Kadambari has guided KAD Designs from a boutique practice into a fully integrated luxury atelier. Her philosophy positions furniture as art and interiors as deeply personal sanctuaries, ensuring each project resonates with the identity of its owners. With a portfolio that includes residences at The Royal Atlantis, Emirates Hills, Palm Jumeirah, and Jumeirah Islands, her work has become synonymous with interiors that are at once timeless and bespoke.

For Kadambari, Dubai is more than a base of operations. It is the city that gave her the canvas to pursue not one but two passions, aviation and design, allowing her to live both dreams fully. Her vision continues to define KAD Designs, shaping homes that move beyond decoration to become living expressions of character, beauty, and meaning.

Let's discover a day in the life and career of Kadambari:

7 AM:

My mornings usually begin with a ritual of slow starts—coffee in hand and a quiet review of the day ahead. I go through client messages, site updates, and design briefs. Since Dubai mornings can get hectic quickly, this is my time to align priorities. As both a business owner and a creative director, I need to balance design vision with project timelines, and mornings are when I set that balance.

8 AM: 

Quick workout on the treadmill or a short meditation, followed by a shower and breakfast to set the right tone for the day.

9.30 AM: 

This is typically when my team check-ins take place. We gather around design boards, samples, and 3D renders—reviewing everything from veneer finishes to marble slabs. I love this part of the day because it’s collaborative. My role is to ensure the team’s ideas align with our clients’ vision while also pushing boundaries. Creativity thrives when everyone feels heard, and I see myself as much a mentor as a designer.

12 PM: 

By midday, I’m often on project sites. This is where design truly comes alive—watching a concept transform into a tangible space. Whether it’s a hidden door being installed, a bespoke dining table being assembled, or fine detailing on a veneer wall, I make it a point to be present. It reinforces my belief that luxury isn’t defined by expensive finishes alone; it’s about execution, precision, and the story behind every detail.

2 PM:

Afternoons are reserved for client meetings and presentations. We gather around mood boards, renders, and mock-ups as I walk clients through how their home will look and feel. For me, design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how a space resonates emotionally. I often say, “A well-designed home is one where you feel your best self every single day.”

4 PM:

Around this time, I switch into my entrepreneurial role. Running an interior design company isn’t only about creating beautiful spaces—it’s also about managing finances, marketing, collaborations, and business development. I could be negotiating with a supplier, exploring a new real estate tie-up, or planning PR features. My pilot mindset serves me well here: stay focused, stay calm, and always anticipate the next move.

6 PM:

This is when I return to design detailing. I often spend evenings sketching, refining material palettes, or reviewing furniture prototypes from our joinery. Our in-house manufacturing is one of the aspects I’m most proud of—it allows us to push creative boundaries and ensure uncompromising quality. Designing furniture feels like creating functional art, and I love that clients trust us to craft pieces that will live in their homes for years.

8 PM:

Evenings are usually dedicated to industry networking or events—whether it’s a design exhibition, a real estate launch, or catching up with collaborators. I believe relationships are at the core of what we do. Many of our projects come through word of mouth, and nurturing those connections is as important as nurturing creativity.

10 PM:

By the end of the day, I reflect and reset. Some nights I’m still sketching ideas; other nights I’m catching up on aviation journals (flying will always be my parallel passion). It’s a reminder that while my days are demanding, I thrive in this duality of precision and imagination. I go to bed with the satisfaction of knowing I’m building not just spaces, but a legacy of design that’s deeply personal and authentic.