Young Women Disruptors of Retail Design 2026: Sinjinee Jana

Sinjinee Jana’s journey into design stems from her willingness to learn. After completing her Advanced Diploma in Interior Design from YMCA, New Delhi, she began her career as an intern at an interior design and architecture firm, where she understood not just how spaces are built but how they function in real life.

As a Senior Interior Designer at Sync Design Studio today, Sinjinee focuses on gaining experience and expanding her knowledge in the field. Her interest in retail design comes from its blend of spatial design and brand storytelling, where spaces are designed to influence customer behaviour and enhance brand identity.

She has worked on various retail projects across premium brands, legacy retailers and more. At RAWLS - Salon Redefined, she created a space that feels premium yet comfortable. Whereas in Pall Mall, she focused on building a calm space that blends classic elements with a modern touch. The idea was to create an environment that feels sophisticated yet easy to connect with. With Sri Ram and Son Store, her approach was completely different, where the focus was on retaining the store’s old charm while making it more functional for today’s customers.

Her team shares that Sinjinee shows a natural inclination to take initiative. During projects with changing requirements, she makes an effort to keep communication clear and teams aligned. They add that she also passes on her learnings with peers and supports those around her.

Sinjinee approaches her role with a sense of responsibility, often demonstrating ownership by stepping into operational gaps, balancing empathy with decisiveness, and framing challenges as learning opportunities. She values listening to different perspectives and works towards keeping projects on track.

What is the best part of being a retail designer?

I believe that the best part of being a retail designer is crafting spaces that boost customer experience and reflect a brand's identity. It's like storytelling through design.

What’s the biggest advantage of being a woman in retail design?

It’s empathy and understanding user behaviour that help create intuitive spaces, but I believe this comes from being a designer, not just being a woman.

Where do you derive your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from everyday observations—street retail, human behaviour, cultural trends, and nature. Even simple, well-designed objects can spark ideas. For me, it’s about connecting these insights to create spaces that tell a story and evoke emotions.

Dream project

My dream project is to design a landmark concept store for a global luxury brand. It would seamlessly blend Indian heritage and craftsmanship with cutting-edge design and sustainable practices, using innovative ideas to tell the brand’s story and create a truly memorable experience.

Advice to fellow & upcoming women in the field of retail design?

Trust your instincts, keep learning, and network fearlessly. Believe in your own decisions, continue building your knowledge with every experience, and connect with people without hesitation.

What can help you unwind and reset during hectic workdays or when approaching a project deadline?

Music or a quick walk & revisiting the design with fresh eyes helps me a lot.