Glass & Interiors: Blurring the Line Between Academia and Practice

The world of interior design is in the midst of a transformation—one where academic knowledge meets real-world experience and where innovative materials like glass redefine the way we shape spaces. 

In a recent webinar by Saint-Gobain’s Glass Academy, industry experts came together to explore the evolving role of glass in interior design. Prof. Er. Sejal Kothari, Head of the B.A. Interior Design Department at Hamstech, is a respected academic and mentor who has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of designers, seamlessly bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Ar. Anchal Lodha, Founder & Principal Designer of About Storeys, Chennai, brings a hands-on approach to design, pushing creative boundaries to craft immersive and functional spaces. Together, they shared insights on how glass serves as both an aesthetic and functional element, redefining modern interiors with innovation, sustainability, and practicality.

The Intersection of Theory and Practice

Interior design is a dynamic field that bridges artistic vision with technical expertise. As the industry evolves, designers must balance traditional principles with modern advancements. Prof. Sejal Kothari emphasised the importance of academic foundations in shaping young designers, ensuring they have a strong grasp of design fundamentals, material knowledge, and spatial planning. However, the real challenge lies in translating these theoretical concepts into tangible, real-world projects.

Bringing a practical perspective, Ar. Anchal Lodha highlighted the importance of adaptability, creativity, and continuous learning, proving that true expertise comes from applying knowledge in ever-changing design scenarios. By embracing creative solutions and versatile materials like glass, designers can create transformative spaces that elevate aesthetics and enhance functionality and beauty. 

The Transformative Role of Glass in Interiors

Glass has emerged as a key material in contemporary interior design, offering both functional and aesthetic advantages. No longer limited to windows and doors, glass now plays a pivotal role in enhancing spatial perception, optimising natural light, and promoting eco-conscious designs. 

From seamless partitions and wardrobe shutters to artistic wall panelling and decorative accents, glass brings a refined elegance to interiors. Various types of glass, such as fabric sandwich glass, textured glass, digitally printed glass, and etched glass, provide designers with limitless creative possibilities.

Each space requires a thoughtful approach—whether it’s high-performance clear glass for uninterrupted café and restaurant views or etched glass in offices to maintain privacy while allowing natural light to flow. Glass is a smart, low-maintenance solution that seamlessly integrates with other materials like wood, metal, and stone, enhancing any interior style. 

Beyond interiors, glass has also become a preferred choice for facades and glazing, with solar control and reflective glass helping regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heat gain, and making buildings more energy-efficient and comfortable.

Ar. Anchal shared insights on how she integrates glass in her projects, ensuring that it complements both form and function. Whether through toughened glass partitions, decorative panels, or energy-efficient glazing, the material has proven to be a pivotal element in modern interiors.

Sustainable Design: A Non-Negotiable Approach

One of the most critical aspects of today’s design discourse is sustainability. As climate consciousness grows, architects and designers are seeking ways to incorporate eco-friendly materials without compromising aesthetics. Both experts stressed that responsible material choices—such as low-emissivity glass, recycled elements, and energy-efficient glazing—are instrumental in reducing a building’s carbon footprint while maintaining visual appeal.

Adapting to Innovation: The Future of Interior Design

Technology is revolutionising the field of interiors, with smart materials, AI-driven design tools, and advanced fabrication techniques making a significant impact. Prof. Sejal noted that students must stay ahead of these trends by actively engaging in continuous education and real-world applications. Meanwhile, Ar. Anchal encouraged emerging designers to experiment with materials and embrace new-age solutions like digitally printed glass, interactive surfaces, and intelligent lighting to craft immersive environments.

Inspiring the Next Generation

A highlight of the session was the discussion on student thesis projects and their role in shaping young designers. Ar. Anchal reflected on her own thesis, which focused on co-working spaces, an emerging trend that redefines flexibility and collaboration in modern workplaces. She emphasised how the project helped her explore innovative spatial planning, adaptive design strategies, and the integration of glass to create open, dynamic environments that enhance productivity and interaction. This experience laid the foundation for her professional journey, reinforcing the importance of research-driven design in real-world applications.

Conclusion: A Harmonious Blend of Knowledge and Creativity

Lastly, the webinar highlighted that interior design goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about crafting spaces that are thoughtful, efficient, and future-ready. By blending strong theoretical foundations with practical experience, designers can explore new possibilities while maintaining practicality and environmental consciousness. As glass continues to evolve as a versatile material, it will play a crucial role in shaping interiors that seamlessly merge creativity with functionality, turning design visions into tangible realities.