Elegant. Cultured. Imaginative. Focused. Pearl Contractor, discerning interior designer and stylist, is an ace at transforming spaces into functional yet delightful treasure troves!

By Andrea CostaBir

Interior designer and stylist Pearl Contractor’s calling card is the glorious ability to create exceptional environments that enrapture her clients and keep her happy too! Her designs are a blend of chic comfort, practicality and splendour, making the spaces she creates sparkle with timeless elegance. Thanks to her deep passion for design and her commitment to perfection, she is the definitive diva of interior styling. Pearl is also Head of Operations at Architect Hafeez Contractor, now over 650 people strong! The post oversees HR Administration, Accounts, IT, PR, Social Media and more…

Excerpts from the interview…

What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture, interior styling and realty?

As designers, we are the creators of spaces where we humans spend our lives, from work spaces to our homes and everything else that comes between these. These spaces can make you feel differently depending on how they have been designed. Early on, this realisation was my inspiration to create spaces where my clients would feel comfortable, joyful and safe. Creativity has always been my passion. It excites me and the joy I get from my satisfied clients fuels me.

How has your approach to design evolved over the years?

Design is the best, most suitable and most aesthetic solution to a client’s/ situation’s need at the time. While technologies and materials have evolved, human needs have stayed quite consistent. As a designer, I’ve kept the basic ethic of providing the most appropriate solutions of the time for client’s requirements. I’ve never been a follower of trends, but a believer in quality and comfort.

Can you share a project or milestone that holds special significance in your career?

I’ve had the privilege to create for a number of exceptional people. The one that has left a significant lasting impression is one where the design still brings comfort post 25+ years to not only the client, but also the next two generations who have lived in and enjoyed the spaces. Good design is timeless.

What challenges did you face as a woman in the design and real estate industries, and how did you overcome them?

Challenges are a way that situations are seen. I never considered any situation as different because I am a woman. Coming from a design and creative mindset, we are solution finders. Over the years, I feel that this has helped me through the hurdles/ challenges that come in our professional or personal paths.

What is it like to collaborate or share creative discussions with your world renowned architect husband, Hafeez Contractor?

I assist Hafeez in the office in areas that do not connect in any way to his architectural creativity. He is a master at architectural design! I keep his mind free to design while managing the many other areas of administration and finance of the extremely large office we have.

How do you balance having two strong creative voices under one roof?

We both have respect for each other’s area of responsibility and expertise. I’ve learnt to use my creative brain to find solutions for a different type of requirement/ need in AHC (Architect Hafeez Contractor). He uses his at what he does best. We are an organisation of creatives and each one does their best!

Are there lessons from family life that you apply to your career?

We are a family of four successful creators! I love this and I feel that our different approaches, abilities and knowledge add so much value to each other. Design solutions are always going to be different, but acknowledging the best solutions and taking it forward as a collaboration will be in the best interest of the client and situation. As seniors in the design world, we need to hear the views of our next generation and incorporate this with the experience we bring with our years, with respect and learning from the past.

What do you bring to the table as an interior designer and stylist?

The years invested in visiting inspiring venues across the world, be they historical locations, palaces, museums, art galleries, design fairs, exclusive hotels, elaborate events, natural beauty, gardens et al, have given me an exclusive, impeccable resource library. I have and use this in my interior design and styling which now comes as a natural, easy, effortless flow. My designs come from a place of confidence, knowledge, respect of materials and our environment, and a work ethic of quality in every aspect. For me, styling is a quick renewal of spaces which has become popular now with the instant quick fix/ desire gratification requirement.

Please share your advice for young interior stylists looking to make a mark in the industry. Look, learn and absorb in totality, feel the spaces.

Filter what looks and feels good. Recall these mental downloads to use when designing, rather than limiting your creative references to Pinterest and other social media. Listen to your clients’ needs and our environment, and do what is best for both. Do not get caught in trends. Enjoy the creative process.

What legacy do you hope to create in the fields of interior designing and styling?

Happy, satisfied clients inhabiting spaces I’ve created that they do not feel the need to change, as the design and aesthetic are functional and pleasing forever. A respect for the use of natural, eco-friendly and biodegradable materials which add beauty and comfort.