ASHWIN RAMAN
PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO
"Creativity is intelligence having fun." - Albert Einstein
Ashwin Raman is a Canadian Design Strategist specializing in transforming brands and spaces into immersive, memorable experiences. With over 23+ years of expertise, Ashwin seamlessly blends strategy, aesthetics, and functionality to craft user-centric environments that captivate and perform.
From Retail Design & Strategy to Branding, Corporate Interiors, and Luxury Residential, Ashwin has helped global brands and clients elevate their presence, enhance customer engagement, and optimize operational flow. Each project is a fusion of creativity and precision—where storytelling meets design to leave a lasting impression.
This brief, curated portfolio showcases select projects that reflect Ashwin’s commitment to design as a powerful tool for communication and cultural storytelling. Each project demonstrates a thoughtful integration of space, brand, and user experience, underscoring his ability to guide design thinking across disciplines and audiences.
Scroll down to explore the diversity and scope of his professional work including behind-the-scenes insights, concept sketches, and design ideation.
Registered Interior Designer(ARIDO)
Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario
NCIDQ Certified
National Council of Interior Design Qualifications
IDC Full Member
Interior Designers of Canada
ASID Pro. Member
American Society of Interior Designers
IIID Asso. Member(India)
Institute of Indian Interior Designers
Architect(COA India)
Council Of Architecture,India
ISLE Life Member
International Society of Lighting Engineers
AB InBev
The Eagle's Nest Showcase Bar | Commercial Interiors+Branding+XGD
What was once an underutilized storage space at AB InBev’s Corporate HQ was reimagined as a branded showcase and gathering space for staff and guests. Drawing inspiration from taverns and branded bars, the design integrates signature elements—oversized beer cans, pinewood textures, craft leather, and bespoke industrial furniture—to create a warm, immersive atmosphere.
At the heart of the space sits a fully functional bar counter, custom-built with Corian and wet-service capabilities. A larger-than-life brand story unfolds through dramatic visual merchandising, including VM props and an FRP “Eagle’s Nest” installation—symbolic of the company’s brand legacy—nestled with actual beer bottles and flanked by cliffside-inspired graphics. Designed as both a promotional zone and social hub, this space celebrates the AB InBev portfolio in an elevated, experiential format.
Planet Popcorn
Flagship Retail Experience | Retail Design+Branding+XGD+Millwork
Designed as a fit-out, Planet Popcorn’s flagship store is a bold expression of brand storytelling in a compact footprint. From identity development to interior execution, every detail reflects the brand’s gourmet personality—playful, premium, and irresistibly memorable.
The store maximizes visibility and flow through custom millwork, vertical display integration, and high-contrast brand colors (black, yellow, and white). Strategic lighting, textural graphics, and a semi-transparent vinyl façade draw attention while offering a peek into the curated space. Every element—from packaging alignment to counter placement—was designed for visual symmetry, enhancing customer experience and reinforcing brand impact.
Sikkim Supreme
Brand & Packaging Transformation | Branding+Packaging+Graphics
Tasked with modernizing a legacy regional brand, this project involved a complete design intervention for Sikkim Supreme, from refining its brand identity to crafting new product packaging for a government-backed launch under the Sikkim Government and CFTRI.
The logo was updated with more legible typography and a refined monogram featuring an orange—bridging its heritage with a cleaner, more modern visual language. A deep-dive brand audit informed the strategy, captured in a hand-sketched mind-map exploring the brand’s origins, competitor landscape, and growth potential.
One of the key highlights was the design of a Chia & Quinoa Energy Bar, inspired by the silhouette of Mount Kanchenjunga. The packaging featured a rich dark chocolate wrapper with minimal white typography and a mountain graphic—striking a balance between ruggedness and purity. The rebrand and packaging received press coverage in local newspapers and positioned Sikkim Supreme for a fresh new chapter in its market presence.
AB InBev GAC
Terrace Patio Cafe | Architecture+Art+Furniture+Kitchen
A quiet corporate terrace was reimagined as a vibrant café and breakout zone for AB InBev staff. Designed and executed as a full-scope design + build project, the space supports informal meetings, team lunches, and branded social events—bringing new life to an underused rooftop.
The design balances function with storytelling. Locally manufactured ethnic motif tiles and bespoke furniture crafted by regional artisans celebrate cultural heritage, while custom epoxy inlay artwork by local artists adds a layer of material richness. Industrial finishes, brand-inspired signage, and layered lighting harmonize with natural textures to create a warm, engaging open-air setting.
Navigating existing site constraints—like HVAC equipment and split levels—the café integrates zoned seating, a compact pantry, and adaptable circulation, transforming a challenging layout into a flexible and inviting destination for everyday use.
What was once an underutilized storage space at AB InBev’s Corporate HQ was reimagined as a branded showcase and gathering space for staff and guests. Drawing inspiration from taverns and branded bars, the design integrates signature elements—oversized beer cans, pinewood textures, craft leather, and bespoke industrial furniture—to create a warm, immersive atmosphere.
At the heart of the space sits a fully functional bar counter, custom-built with Corian and wet-service capabilities. A larger-than-life brand story unfolds through dramatic visual merchandising, including VM props and an FRP “Eagle’s Nest” installation—symbolic of the company’s brand legacy—nestled with actual beer bottles and flanked by cliffside-inspired graphics. Designed as both a promotional zone and social hub, this space celebrates the AB InBev portfolio in an elevated, experiential format.
“From retail design to brand strategy and creative direction, here are some of the corporate brands I had the opportunity to contribute to during my time with leading design firms and while employed by them directly.”
“Several of these projects were undertaken through my earlier independent design studio – Unoara Design Hub, which I managed as a sole proprietorship before establishing Ramans Design Services Inc.”
