Meet Armaan Pujani | Production Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Armaan Pujani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Armaan, how do you think about risk?
It is always the most crucial part of the industry. You are trusting your instincts and taking these blind decisions that you do not know the result for. It is a big part of my life too. In my journey in the filmmaking business – I started my work in India – in Bollywood about 5 years ago. It was a risk of moving out of my architecture firm and trying something new that was totally foreign to me. Moving from Indian industry to coming to American Film Institute to pursue my Masters, while I already was working in art department for the past two years. It was almost close to getting a strong footing in the industry. I was working in the art department for shows that I always dreamt for. All these decisions have been a risk and I am always hoping that it is for the better.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

As a Production Designer, my role is crucial in shaping the visual identity of a film, television show, production, or any other form of entertainment. What sets me apart from others in my field is my ability to translate the director’s vision into tangible sets, color theory and props that enhance the storytelling experience. I take pride in my attention to detail and my ability to create immersive worlds that transport audiences into the story.

My journey to where I am today professionally has been one of dedication, hard work, and continual learning. I knew right away that this is what I want to do for all the years. There were challenges for sure, it is not easy to start up a creative career leaving a full time job, and explaining to the Indian Family why I do what I do.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of collaboration. As a Production Designer, I work closely with directors, cinematographers, and producers to bring their vision to life. By fostering open communication and teamwork, we’re able to achieve greater results than any of us could alone.

I’m passionate about storytelling and creating experiences for audiences. My work isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about helping to tell a compelling story and evoke emotions in viewers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Sure, here’s a little itenary for Los Angeles:

Day 1: Downtown LA

There is so much to do here. It would start with breakfast at Grand Central Market. Then walk through the streets visit The Broad Museum, The Last Bookstore, Arts District, Walt Disney Concert Hall and end the day with a rooftop dinner at Perch.

Day 2: Beach Day

Venice Beach boardwalk, rent bikes at Santa Monica Pier, spend a day around shopping or being lazy at the beach. A bunch of cafes and restaurants around for food.

Day 3: Hollywood and Griffith Park

Hike to the Hollywood Sign, spend time at the Griffith Observatory. Take a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and explore the shops at Hollywood & Highland. And enjoy dinner at Musso & Frank Grill

Day 4: Randoms Day

Visit the Getty Center to admire its art collection and gardens. There is also the Warner Bros Studio Tour that could be added onto this day.

Day 5: Malibu Day Trip

Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu and stop at Malibu Pier for breakfast. Relax on Zuma Beach or go for a hike in Solstice Canyon, while end the day with sunset at the El Matador Beach, – beautiful.

Day 6: Cultural Exploration

Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to see its extensive art collection, including the iconic Urban Light installation. Take a stroll through the Melrose Avenue shopping district, Visit the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant around Walk of Fame.

Day 7: Relaxation

Start with a leisurely breakfast at HomeState in Los Feliz. Spend the time at cafe’s in Los Feliz, evening sunset at the Barnsdall Art Park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would start with thanking my parents to have supported me on every decision I have taken – it is not an easy step to take in an Indian family to switch careers and move to the states. It has been easy navigating and taking those steps just because of the support.

Then comes my mentors in India- two Production Designers that highly encouraged me and pushed me through this journey in the art department. I began as a clueless person – who had just his design background but no idea of what Production Design was all about. It was thanks to the first designer, Anjana Rai, that she literally held me through my learning stages and built in the confidence in me to go for it. it was after a year of working under her that I took a step of moving out and learning from others. I came across Sally White – the Production Designer for bigger art departments and she had so much to offer too. Just the boss lady that she is – and the way she runs close to 40 people under her with the confidence and a clear vision – I was in awe of her, I still am. I think I would thank everybody who was a part of this journey to help me find my voice and direction.

Website: https://armaan-pujani.com

Instagram: armaan.pujani