The 50 Masters of Design 2026

An award-winning creative force and strategic leader with a global perspective, Pooja Shah-Mulani has been with LW Design since 2012 and today serves as the firm’s Creative Managing Partner. With over a decade of experience and an instinct for crafting spaces that resonate emotionally, Pooja has played a key role in LW’s transformation from a regional studio into a global hospitality design powerhouse.

Her strength lies in blending narrative, strategy, and authenticity, translating deep human insight into spaces that connect with guests and reflect the soul of their locations. “Design is like theatre,” she says, “every element must perform in harmony to create lasting emotion.” Her approach is immersive and intuitive, yet firmly grounded in commercial reality.

Pooja’s unique ability to bridge client aspirations with operational goals and guest expectations has made her a trusted partner to global brands like Marriott, Four Seasons, Hilton, and many more. She now leads LW’s strategic expansion across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, guiding the firm into new sectors and typologies.

In addition to her creative leadership, Pooja champions mentorship, culture, and cross-disciplinary collaboration within LW and the broader design community. Her work and influence have been widely recognized through numerous accolades and industry Honours:

Pooja’s design leadership is matched by a passion for place-making. Her ability to create layered, culturally grounded, and emotionally intelligent spaces has positioned her as a key voice in hospitality design. From solitude-driven safari lodges in Kenya to ultra-modern towers in Dubai and heritage restorations in Europe, her work reflects a sensitivity to context, culture, and craft.

As she continues to lead LW into its next chapter, Pooja remains focused on pushing boundaries, mentoring emerging talent, and building meaningful connections between people, places, and purpose.