The Soul Traveller Podcast ft. Shiva Rajvanshi

Hosted by: Bhupendra Pratap Singh

Series: The Soul Traveller Podcast

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Soul Traveller, we sit down in Mumbai with Shiva Rajvanshi—a creative powerhouse who seamlessly bridges the structured world of architecture with the fluid art of visual storytelling. An architect by training and a celebrated photographer by passion, Shiva’s life is a masterclass in how spatial thinking and aesthetics can merge to create a truly holistic creative vision.

From her formative years at the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal, to founding her own practice, Shiva has maintained a career rooted in cultural sensitivity. This conversation explores the intersection of design and documentation, revealing how an architect’s eye for composition informs a photographer’s lens, and how the soul of a traveller enriches the walls of a built space.

About the Guest — Shiva Rajvanshi

Shiva Rajvanshi is the Founder and Principal Architect of Aaranyak Design Studio, based in Panvel, Mumbai. Since graduating from SPA Bhopal (Batch of 2013), she has dedicated her professional practice to creating thoughtful, human-centric interiors and architectural projects that respect their context.

Parallel to her design practice, Shiva is an nationally recognized landscape and travel photographer. Her ability to capture the essence of a location has earned her prestigious accolades, including being a two-time winner of the Rajasthan Tourism Photography Event and a winner of the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Photography Event. Her explorations across Bhutan, Nepal, and the diverse landscapes of India serve as the primary fuel for her creative evolution.

The Interdisciplinary Lens: Design & Discovery

Shiva discusses the symbiotic relationship between her two vocations. She reflects on how "The Soul Tripping" (her photography journey) isn't just a hobby, but a vital research tool for her architectural projects. By immersing herself in different cultures and topographies, she brings a unique depth to her design firm, ensuring that her architectural work is as much about storytelling as it is about structure.

Key Themes Discussed in This Episode

• The SPA Bhopal Foundation: How academic discipline at a premier design school shapes long-term creative philosophy.

• The Transition: Navigating the journey from documenting landscapes to leading a professional interior and architectural practice.

• Award-Winning Perspectives: The stories, techniques, and patience behind winning state tourism photography awards.

• Cultural Immersion: How travelling through South Asia influences spatial design and material choices in her Mumbai-based projects.

• The Entrepreneurial Balance: The challenges of running a design studio while staying true to one's artistic instincts.

• Complementary Visions: Why architecture and photography are essentially two different ways of "seeing" the same world.

Campaigns & Impact

• Aaranyak Design Studio: Leading contextual and aesthetic transformations in the Mumbai and Panvel regions through sustainable interior and architectural design.

• The Soul Tripping: A visual archive of South Asian heritage and natural beauty, promoting cultural awareness through high-level travel photography.

Why This Episode Matters

Shiva Rajvanshi’s journey is a blueprint for the modern "slashie" professional—those who refuse to be defined by a single label. Her story offers clarity to students and professionals alike on how to integrate diverse interests into a cohesive career. Whether you are interested in the technicalities of design or the grit of travel photography, this episode provides practical insights into building a life driven by curiosity and discipline.

About The Soul Traveller Podcast

The Soul Traveller Podcast documents conversations with changemakers, survivors, educators, travellers, and activists whose lives reflect resilience, purpose, and social responsibility. Hosted by Bhupendra Pratap Singh, the podcast captures stories that inspire reflection, action, and collective healing.