Rising Stars: Meet Anita Bhattacharya, NCIDQ of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Bhattacharya, NCIDQ.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Otrada Design LLC started in January 2008.

After completing my 2 design degrees in Interior Design at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, I practiced commerical, educational, and healthcare design in several states. I wanted to share my creativity, utilize my design skills, and make people’s lives more beautiful. Eventually after a stint in Marketing & Sales for Mannington Commercial and Armstrong World Industries, I decided to try Residential Design here in Raleigh. This is the market segment I have wanted to pursue since the age of 12.

Otrada is known for a global, edited, and stylish aesthestic. A beautiful home is for everyone and good for the soul.

Here’s a bit about my Interior Design background:
NCIDQ (National Council For Interior Design Qualifications) certified
Registered Interior Designer in the state of Florida
Registered Interior Designer in the State of NC
30 years of experience in the realm of both residential and commercial design
Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston in 1991
Practiced with architecture firms in Boston, Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL, and Raleigh (please see my detailed resume on LinkedIn.)
Specializes in high-end Residential design and has a National clientele base.
Houzz.com named Otrada LLC ‘The Best of Houzz’ in 2013-2018, 2020 and again in 2025! Otrada has numerous awards for Historic Preservation, Design, and Customer service.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Design in general is a bumpy ride because it’s not the average profession with a certain guarantee. We in the industry are affected by economic downturns, supply chain changes, labor changes, and vendor availability. It’s a wonderful and creative field, but you must be flexible and keep a positive outlook. Growth and emotional intelligence is also key to success in this profession.

Here were a few of my challenges.
1991 graduated during a recession and no architectural/design firms were hiring

Working in architecture in my twenties as a female was a huge challenge as it was completely male dominated.

Geographical location is key to opportunities. I lived in the mid West at one point and it was a challenge just to find a design center or vendors like I had in Boston or Tampa.

Starting a company as a sole proprietor was the best challenge and teacher. This was the single best decision ever made in my career.

Jumping from architecture to mangement in Marketing/Sales for a major manufacturer was a huge leap. There were many corporate challenges within this decision alone.

Switching from commercial to residential design was like moving to the Wild West. There was very little documentation (drawings, speciifcations, finish plans, lighting plans, etc.)

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in residential interior design that has a tailored, global aesthetic.

My passions are art/design (including painting & pottery), animals, and travel. I’m very interested in global views and how people live in other countries. What makes a place interesting and unique? How can I use this aesthetic in my designs? I’m not interested in copying any trend and I really don’t care what every conractor is using in a bathroom. I’m just confident in making the space I design special for my client. Plus, each client is different and their spaces should reflect this unique experience we call LIFE.

I’m also an avid equestrian and dog owner. My spaces are pet friendly, child friendly, and livable. I want the WOW factor, but it must be comfortable too.

I’m most proud of living out my dream as a small child to work in the design profession. Very few people end up in design from beginning to end. I’m glad that my education, training, degrees, certifications, work experience, and awards all align to say I married my career at an early age. I knew this fabulous world of creatives was for me!

Ha, what sets me apart? I think the combo of an elevated design aesthetic (starting from my painter Father) and an appreciation of cultural intelligence and beautification (from my Mother). Plus, I’m not afraid to try. That alone holds many people back.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Yes, the best sources for any young person in design are the local manufacturers’ representatives. They are in every design office, architectural firm, hospital chain, and owner/builder office. Get to know these people and ask them who is hiring, looking, or has a need for an intern.

Also, branch out of your field to challenge yourself to find a mentor. Sometimes an industry has a fixed mindset that actually isn’t productive. Therefore, finding a fresh perspective is a great way to see your next career move.
For example, I switched to manufacturing and had the Nation in a marketing position because I knew my salary was going to be capped until I became a Design Director. ( I actually never saw myself as a Design Director because it felt limiting)
So, I left architecture to train a National Sales Force how to “sell” to the Healthcare market segment. No Commerical Interior Designer would probably give me the advice to leave a top firm, but I doubled my salary by knowing my skill set was valuable to the right people. It was a bold move in my twenties.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.otradadesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otradadesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otradadesign/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-bhattacharya-6416b31a2