( The Continuation of 40Under40 )
The future of design belongs to those bold enough to challenge convention and courageous enough to redefine possibility. 35 Under 35 is a deliberately curated selection of emerging voices across diverse domains of design. Bound by creativity, these visionaries are redefining design through ideas that inspire meaningful change. Strengthened by conviction, they are shaping the future of design with purpose and innovation.Inspired by possibility, they create impactful narratives that transcend age and convention. Their ideas resonate beyond generations, influencing the future of design with lasting impact. Creative minds united by purpose are transforming design through vision, innovation, and enduring influence. They are crafting new design narratives that leave an impact far beyond the boundaries of age.
For Muhammed Sajid, the camera doesn’t need to travel far to find a story worth telling. Kerala-born, Bengaluru-based visual artist capturing the poetry of everyday South Indian life. Transforming ordinary moments into powerful visual narratives rooted in memory, culture, and lived experience. Exploring identity, belonging, and human connection through deeply personal yet universally resonant imagery. Finding extraordinary beauty in the everyday rhythms of South India.
Images shaped by local culture, personal memory, and authentic human experiences. Revealing universal stories hidden within familiar places and overlooked moments. Crafting visual narratives where authenticity and emotion take center stage. Celebrating community, identity, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. Turning lived experiences into evocative images that transcend place and culture. A visual language rooted in South India, resonating with audiences everywhere. Documenting everyday life with sensitivity, authenticity, and poetic precision. Finding meaning where most people simply pass by. Creating images that bridge personal memory with collective experience. A practice shaped by culture, memory, and the subtle poetry of ordinary moments.
Captures the essence of South India through intimate, human-centred visual storytelling. Works across editorial commissions, commercial assignments, and personal photographic projects. Balances conceptual thinking with a strong and intuitive visual sensibility. Seamlessly blends documentary realism with symbolic storytelling. Creates images that inspire reflection and reveal deeper narratives. Encourages viewers to look beyond the surface of every frame. Builds genuine emotional connections between viewers and the stories within each photograph. Maintains a consistent storytelling vision, regardless of the assignment or brief. Combines observation and imagination to craft compelling visual narratives. Creates photographs that are thoughtful, evocative, and deeply human.
Sajid’s independent practice reflects a deeply personal visual language shaped by his roots and curiosity. His evolving perspective continues to redefine and strengthen his distinctive creative identity. Independence has given Sajid the freedom to tell stories on his own terms. His work is guided by honesty, consistency, and an unwavering creative vision. Working independently has never been a limitation for Sajid. Creative freedom remains the foundation of his storytelling and artistic expression. His confidence and authenticity continue to define the character of his work. Every project reflects a thoughtful balance of personal experience and evolving perspective. Sajid’s practice is rooted in authenticity rather than convention. His independent journey demonstrates that creative freedom fosters meaningful and enduring visual narratives.
Concrete doesn’t have to stay grey, cold, and industrial. That’s the stereotype Siddhant Borade, a civil engineer by training, has spent his career working against. His journey began unexpectedly, building a BBQ table for himself, with concrete as the obvious material choice given his background. A challenge posed by an architect pushed him further, leading to a collaborative effort to develop a more durable, design-friendly concrete mix. That early experiment grew into Cretekala Studio, established in 2019 and based in Nashik, Maharashtra. What started as a solo project has, within four years, become a team of 40, shaping the landscape of decorative concrete design with innovation and creativity.
The studio specialises in bathware, outdoor furniture, and bespoke concrete pieces.Every piece is handcrafted using ultra high-performance concrete with premium German raw materials. Concrete is reimagined beyond construction, becoming a medium for colour, texture, and sculptural form. Each creation is approached as a sculpture rather than a functional fixture. Every design begins with imagination, balancing artistry with purposeful craftsmanship.Basins combine the visual weight of stone with the softness of hand-finished surfaces. Tubs are sculpted to feel crafted rather than merely installed. Every piece passes through skilled hands before reaching its final space. The studio’s philosophy is rooted in restraint, precision, and enduring craftsmanship.Strength and elegance are carefully balanced in every handcrafted creation. No two pieces are ever identical, making each work uniquely distinctive.
Art is most powerful when it makes people stop in places they’ve walked past a hundred times. Rahul Singh Yadav, known as Sage, is a Mumbai-based artist and creative director, and a self-taught one , who co-founded Floating Canvas Company and the streetwear brand OZO. He began his career as an art director at Ogilvy before building a multidisciplinary practice spanning public art, immersive installations, fashion, furniture, and collectibles, drawing on graffiti, hip-hop, architecture, mythology, and street culture along the way. As the lead for Creative Direction, Design, and Curation at Floating Canvas Company, Sage shapes projects that bring art and technology together across the city he calls home.
Mumbai’s landmarks have become Sage’s canvas for immersive public art experiences. He created projection mapping at Rajabai Clock Tower, David Sassoon Library, and CSMVS. Sage consulted on the digital art programme for Navi Mumbai International Airport. He helped establish the Mumbai Light Festival as a distinct cultural property. His personal works extend the same vision into public spaces. It Never Goes Away explores memory, emotion, and human experience. Sole Food transforms an everyday object into a compelling artistic narrative. Tetrapods reflects the intersection of people, mythology, culture, and the city. His works are designed for public engagement rather than gallery settings. Every project invites audiences to pause, observe, and connect emotionally. Heritage buildings become immersive storytelling mediums through his artistic interventions. Even sculptural objects challenge familiar perspectives and spark meaningful conversations
Industrial design succeeds when innovation can be realised without losing its original intent. Ayush Singh Patel sees design as the point where creativity, engineering, and practicality come together. Through Dotform, his New Delhi-based industrial design practice, he works with startups and global brands across consumer electronics, wearables, smart devices, and emerging technologies, helping transform ideas into products built for everyday use. A significant part of his work focuses on supporting early-stage ventures. Collaborating closely with founders, engineers, and product teams, Ayush helps businesses validate ideas, understand market demand, attract investment, and prepare products for launch. By combining industrial design, prototyping, visualization, and product development, he ensures that every stage of the process rem- -ains aligned with the original vision.
For Ayush, successful products are shaped as much by the people who use them as by the technology behind them. Every design decision balances innovation with usability, engineering requirements, and commercial viability, creating products that are intuitive, purposeful, and practical. His approach reflects a belief that thoughtful design should simplify everyday experiences rather than simply attract attention. Recipient of the internationally recognised Red Dot Design Award. Recognised globally for creative and disciplined industrial design. Leads Dotform with a commitment to thoughtful product innovation. Contributes to India’s growing generation of globally recognised product designers. Demonstrates how thoughtful design creates lasting value across industries. Extends Indian design excellence beyond national boundaries. Combines creativity, precision, and functionality in every design. Continues to shape globally relevant product design through Dotform.
A product is only as good as the experience it creates, long before anyone touches it. That’s the thinking behind Shail Iyer’s decade-long career in industrial design, where he specialises in turning complex concepts into refined, market-ready products. Based in Gurugram, Haryana, he currently leads the Industrial Design division at Boult Audio, with a practice spanning consumer electronics, contemporary lighting, and soft leather goods. Shail oversees end-to-end New Product Development, with a deep focus on colour, material, and finish strategy alongside rigorous ‘design for manufacturing’.
High-end product visualisation is a defining pillar of his multidisciplinary design practice. His commitment to realism and precise material mapping distinguishes every visualisation. His work has been featured by KeyShot, Yanko Design, and DesignWanted. The Monolith Lamp exemplifies his meticulous attention to form, detail, and functionality. His designs seamlessly evolve from conceptual ideas into tangible, user-ready products. He believes exceptional products emerge through disciplined design and thoughtful execution. As a design leader, he champions healthy competition to inspire excellence. He cultivates high-performing teams driven by innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. His leadership philosophy encourages creativity while maintaining uncompromising design standards. Every project reflects precision, craftsmanship, and a commitment to meaningful product innovation.
It is this balance, of craft and leadership, that continues to shape his growing presence in industrial design.
Architecture is most meaningful when it creates a strong connection between people, place, and everyday life, says Chidambaram. As the founder of Thidam Works, a Chennai-based architecture and interior design practice, he sees architecture and interiors as one continuous craft rather than two separate disciplines. The studio’s work is rooted in a deep understanding of context, climate, and the everyday needs of the people who inhabit a space. Every project begins with a careful study of its site and purpose, letting the design grow naturally out of its surroundings rather than follow a fixed visual style. The result is work that feels modern without losing its sense of place, comfortable to live in, and built to last.
Over the years, Chidambaram has built a body of work defined by a clear and consistent design philosophy. Good design goes beyond aesthetics to enrich everyday life. Design should simplify living while enhancing spatial experiences. Every space should balance functionality with emotional warmth. Thoughtful planning creates spaces that are intuitive and enduring. Material choices shape both comfort and character. Practicality should never compromise warmth or elegance. Living and working spaces deserve equal design sensitivity. Meaningful design enhances daily experiences through simplicity. Functional spaces can also feel welcoming and timeless. Every project is guided by purpose, practicality, and warmth.
His portfolio spans residences, apartments, and commercial and interior projects, reflecting its ease across different scales and briefs. Driven by a thoughtful approach to design, he creates spaces that respond to context. What sets Thidam Works apart is how naturally it brings architecture and interiors together, so every detail feels part of one larger idea rather than an afterthought.
Architecture has the greatest impact when it grows naturally from the place it inhabits. This idea lies at the heart of Fictive Architects, the practice founded in 2020 by Gopi Elangannan and Ramkumar Ravisankar, whose work is shaped by a careful understanding of climate, culture, and context. Working across residential, hospitality, institutional, and interior design projects, the studio approaches each commission as a response to its surroundings rather than a predetermined style. Their philosophy of contextual modernism seeks to create spaces that feel rooted in their environment while meeting the needs of contemporary living. Every project begins with a close reading of the site, allow- -ing the design to evolve from the conditions already present.
A defining aspect of the practice is its exploration of natural light, spatial experience, and passive design strategies. Careful site analysis informs every design decision from concept to completion. Client collaboration remains central throughout every stage of the design process. Attention to detail ensures spaces reflect users’ aspirations and everyday needs. Every project responds thoughtfully to its environmental and cultural context. Established in 2020, the practice champions meaningful, context-driven architecture. Gopi and Ramkumar prioritise sustainability through thoughtful, purposeful design. Their design philosophy values restraint, functionality, and long-term environmental responsibility. Every space balances user aspirations with contextual sensitivity and sustainable principles. Their work reflects a belief that architecture should evolve with its surroundings, creating spaces that remain relevant and adaptable.
“I always wanted to be an architect,” says Prachi Gawand. “Advertising happened by chance. But it gave me a distinct way to bring branding, communication, and layout thinking into the spaces we design.” That distinct way of thinking is exactly what she has built into Parking, the Mumbai-based studio she co-founded with creative director Uday Parkar, India’s only creative agency that brings the power of advertising into architecture. Both Prachi and Uday come from advertising backgrounds, united by a shared love for architecture, and together they are the only two individuals in India merging these two disciplines, with Prachi the only female design- -er doing so.
Architecture begins with the logo, ensuring every space becomes a walkable expression of the brand. Every project functions as a live advertisement, seamlessly translating brand identity into spatial experience. With offices in Mumbai and Alibaug, Parking delivers projects across India and Dubai. Parking builds brands from scratch, integrating logo design, interiors, and architecture. Their portfolio includes Privy Stays, Café School, Spa Me, We All, and Langoti Yaar. They have designed corporate offices for ZEE Entertainment, Network18, YES Securities, Redbrick Offices, Tailorz, and Coverfox Insurance. This way of working has reshaped India’s architectural landscape, earning the studio both national and international recognition.
A brand is remembered not just for how it looks, but for how it makes people feel. Mehek Malhotra brings this perspective to Giggling Monkey Studio, the multidisciplinary design practice she founded in 2017, working across brand identity, packaging, installations, and experiential design. The studio creates complete brand worlds, shaping identities with their own character, voice, and presence. Its work is defined by a bold, pattern-rich aesthetic that draws from Indian culture, everyday life, and traditional craft, transforming familiar references into contemporary design experiences. For Mehek, inspiration often begins with the ordinary. A neighbourhood sweet shop, hand-painted truck typography, or a matchbox picked up during a journey can all become the starting point for a project.
Familiar details shape the studio’s visual language, rooted in everyday Indian textures and memories. The studio transforms ordinary Indian experiences into contemporary and culturally resonant design. Eat With Your Mouth Open was created with IKEA for Milan Design Week. The studio has crafted identities for hospitality brands, including Punchline. Its portfolio spans branding, packaging, and experiential design across diverse Indian businesses. Every project is designed to feel deeply rooted in its cultural context.The studio creates work that could belong nowhere else. A simple manifesto guides every project: creating good work for good people. Mehek celebrates everyday culture through inventive and authentic visual identities. Her work balances originality, cultural relevance, and meaningful storytelling.
Every project deserves its own voice, not a designer’s signature. For Oormi Rohra, that principle is less a design philosophy than a way of approaching every commission. Through Studio of Dawn and Dusk, her Pune based interior and furniture design practice, she treats every brief as a fresh exploration, allowing context, people, and purpose to shape the design direction. The result is a body of work that is diverse in expression yet united by a deep sensitivity to how spaces are lived in and remembered. Established in 2021 with the design of its own café, Baimudan, the studio built a strong foundation in hospitality before expanding into cafés, restaurants, bars, residences, and retail environments.
Every project reflects an understanding of how design can enrich everyday life. Listening remains central to Oormi’s process, with materiality, light, circulation, and spatial planning carefully orchestrated to create environments that feel intuitive and authentic. Rather than imposing a recognisable aesthetic, each project evolves from its users and surroundings. Driven by curiosity and collaboration, Studio of Dawn and Dusk continues to create immersive interiors that balance creativity, function, and lasting relevance.
A home is not something we wait to build one day, it is something we shape slowly, lovingly, and with what we already have. It’s an idea Purva Agrawal has built an entire practice around. She founded Attirail, a styling-led interior design studio in Mumbai, in 2020. Rather than reinvention, the practice centres on revelation, drawing out the lived-in beauty and quiet intention already present in a home. The studio takes its name from the French word attirail, meaning paraphernalia or personal belongings, and celebrates the invisible threads that turn a house into a home, the rituals people return to, the textures they love, the objects that hold their memories.
Attirail blends Indian craftsmanship with European elegance to create layered, deeply personal living environments. Every Attirail space tells an evolving story shaped by memory, aspiration, and individual identity. Design at Attirail celebrates harmony between nostalgia, contemporary living, and personal expression. The Soul Affair transforms newly built or reimagined homes into deeply personal, timeless living spaces. The Identity Affair refreshes existing homes through thoughtful aesthetic and emotional transformation without structural alterations. The Mood Affair revitalises interiors using art, upholstery, wallpaper, and carefully curated decorative layers. Attirail’s philosophy prioritises identity, emotion, and storytelling over fleeting design trends. Every offering reflects a unique balance of craftsmanship, comfort, and personal character. Attirail creates homes that evolve naturally with their owners’ lifestyles and aspirations. Each interior is curated to express authenticity through thoughtful materials, textures, and meaningful details.
Anything created by hand carries a story, a soul, and an emotional permanence that cannot be replicated. From this perspective emerges Saachi Rana Design Studio, a New Delhi based interdisciplinary practice where architecture, interiors, bespoke furniture, and collectible design come together as a unified creative language. Every commission is approached with the sensibility of a curator, carefully composing materials, objects, and proportions into spaces with depth and character. Led by founder and creative director Saachi Rana, the studio draws inspiration from contemporary art, global hospitality, fashion, sculpture, and artisanal traditions. Rather than following tren- -ds, each project evolves from its context and the people it serves, resulting in environments that feel layered and distinctly personal.
The practice integrates architecture, interiors, furniture, lighting, and styling into cohesive compositions where every detail contributes to a larger narrative. The studio’s portfolio spans luxury residences, hospitality, retail, and commercial spaces. Its clientele includes Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, and Falguni Shane Peacock. Saachi Rana Design Studio represents a new generation of Indian design. The studio creates contemporary luxury through thoughtfully crafted, timeless spaces. Every project balances architectural precision with artistic expression.Handcrafted detailing remains central to the studio’s design philosophy.
Brand identity begins long before a logo, it starts with the experience of space. This belief shapes the work of Kavya Bagga, founder of Kavya Bagga Design (KBD), a New Delhi-based brand strategy and identity studio. What began as freelance design work grew, over time, into the realisation that branding is not just a logo or a tagline but a mix of strategy, content, illustration, and design working together. That idea became the foundation on which KBD built its work. The studio follows a minimalist approach, choosing a few carefully selected elements over excess so that every design stays true to its core idea and reaches its intended audience. Or, if you want to keep “people” instead of “audience”:
Kavya’s process begins with research to understand audience behaviour and brand context. Strategy defines each brand’s purpose before the design process begins. Design transforms strategic thinking into distinctive and meaningful brand identities. She has created naming, branding, and packaging for Anaar, Anayam, and Noho. Kavya designed the brand identity for Casa Oma, a luxury home décor label. She created the identity for Lair, India’s top-ranked and Asia’s eighth-ranked cocktail bar. Her clientele includes The Leela and the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art. Her work spans hospitality, retail, luxury, culture, and the arts. Every project balances strategy, storytelling, and timeless visual expression. Her brands feel instinctively authentic, as though they were always meant to exist. Kavya’s consistent design language reflects clarity, purpose, and enduring appeal.
A story should strike people at their emotional core, not just catch their eye. This belief shapes the work of Sonal Vasave, co-founder and co-creative director of BOOMRANNG Studio LLP, a Mumbai-based illustration and design studio she describes as cosmicpunk, with a deep penchant for hope. The studio’s art is rooted in a love for Indian folklore, which it weaves into storytelling through a design philosophy the studio calls retrofuturism, exploring parallel futures through visions of the past. Raised in Mumbai on a steady diet of mythology and contemporary media, Sonal studied illustration at the prestigious J.J. Institute of Applied Arts, where her practice first began to take shape. Over the years, she has expanded into sculpture and jewellery design, skills she picked up in Florence, Italy, adding new dimensions to a practice already rooted in storytelling.
Through BOOMRANNG, Sonal has collaborated with globally renowned brands and cultural platforms. Her clients include Apple, Coldplay, Nike, Starbucks, Google, YouTube India, and KFC. She also contributed to campaigns for the Paralympics Paris 2024. Her retrofuturist aesthetic is deeply rooted in Indian folklore and contemporary culture. Her work spans illustration, brand identity, campaign design, and immersive world-building. Vibrant colour and compelling characters define her distinctive visual language. She seamlessly blends Indian identity with a global design sensibility. Her art reflects an ongoing exploration of humanity and personal expression. Every project balances cultural authenticity with contemporary visual storytelling. Her visual world feels deeply rooted while remaining undeniably forward-looking. Sonal creates immersive narratives that resonate across cultures and audiences. BOOMRANNG’s work transforms brands through imaginative, culturally rich visual experiences.
Design should blur the threshold between people, place, and the objects that shape everyday life. This philosophy underpins the work of BILLBOARDS®, a Chennai based architecture and design practice founded by Arun Prabhu N G. Every commission begins with a process of observation and inquiry, allowing research, experimentation, and material exploration to guide the design journey. Whether working across architecture, interiors, or spatial design, the studio investigates how people perceive and interact with the built environment, developing responses that are rooted in context rather than a predetermined visual language.
Rather than pursuing a recognisable visual language, the st–udio develops responses that emerge from observation, research, and a careful understanding of context, allowing each project to evolve with its own distinct identity. Beyond architecture, BILLBOARDS® operates an in-house foundry dedicated to developing and incubating design led products and brands. This extension of the practice reflects an ongoing curiosity for making, craftsmanship, and experimentation, allowing ideas to move fluidly between objects, products, and built spaces. Research remains central to every stage of the studio’s process, informing design decisions from concept to execution. By continually exploring new materials, processes, and sensory experiences, they create architecture that is immersive, and, contextual.
Design, at its core, is a form of service. This belief shapes the work of Rishab Manghwani, founder of Pill Design Studio, a Mumbai-based architecture and interior design practice. Every project is approached with deep empathy and thoughtfulness, with the aim of creating spaces that are intuitively functional, emotionally comfortable, and built to support everyday life. Rishab keeps his designs people-centric, tailoring each space so that clients can grow into it with ease rather than discomfort. The studio works with a deliberately limited and hands-on approach, taking on fewer projects at a time so that personal involvement and care can be maintained at every stage.
Consequently, the process remains clear, consistent, and closely connected to every space being thoughtfully built. Moreover, design serves as a thoughtful remedy, responding meaningfully to every unique need. Therefore, every project begins with purpose, empathy, and thoughtful problem-solving. Likewise, collaboration ensures clients and craftspeople feel equally valued throughout the entire design journey. Furthermore, the studio fosters a warm, inclusive, and highly collaborative design process. Meanwhile, its design language embraces warm, lived-in, and timeless aesthetics. As a result, every space feels deeply personal, comforting, and enduring. Above all, consistency in care and craftsmanship defines the studio’s enduring design philosophy. Consequently, thoughtful design and meticulous execution have strengthened Pill Design Studio’s growing reputation. In turn, the studio has earned recognition through its unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity.Ultimately, a people-centric approach remains at the heart of every project.
Every space has a story to tell, and great design is about revealing that story with sensitivity and intention. For Aayushi Malik, interiors are more than carefully composed environments; they are experiences shaped by context, materiality, and human connection. Through her New Delhi based boutique practice, she creates hospitality, commercial, and bespoke residential spaces that balance refined aesthetics with lasting functionality. With over a decade of experience, Aayushi approaches every commission through collaboration, developing spaces that evolve from a clear understanding of their purpose rather than a predetermined style.
Material palettes, lighting, proportions, textures, and circulation are thoughtfully orchestrated to create intuitive interiors. Consequently, every space feels cohesive, functional, and enduring. Moreover, hospitality design remains a defining strength of the practice. Accordingly, cafés, restaurants, boutique hotels, and commercial spaces encourage meaningful interactions and seamless operations. Furthermore, every hospitality project balances exceptional user experiences with operational efficiency. Additionally, the practice offers comprehensive services from concept to execution. As a result, each project reflects timeless design, craftsmanship, and meticulous detailing. Likewise, functionality and aesthetics are seamlessly integrated into every interior. Therefore, every space delivers comfort, purpose, and visual harmony. Ultimately, every interior is designed to leave a lasting impression. Above all, Aayushi Malik Designs creates interiors that are refined, purposeful, and enduring.
Great design begins with understanding a material’s true nature. This philosophy defines Intent Made, a Hyderabad-based design-build furniture studio founded in 2020 by architect Swetha Vegesana. Rooted in material exploration and craftsmanship, the studio creates handcrafted furniture and objects that unite contemporary design thinking with India’s rich artisanal traditions, resulting in pieces that are both functional and expressive. The foundation of the studio’s practice can be traced to Swetha’s master’s programme at AA London, where, in collaboration with ARUP engineers, she explored transforming naturally occurring tree forks into structural trusses using advanced 3D scanning and robotic mi–lling technologies.
By reimagining waste, the studio uncovered extraordinary potential within overlooked materials. Consequently, curiosity and innovation continue shaping the foundation of its evolving design philosophy. Moreover, every project embraces experimentation through thoughtful architectural exploration. Furthermore, bespoke furniture celebrates the authentic beauty of wood, metal, stone, and natural materials. Additionally, every piece undergoes careful prototyping with exceptional precision and attention to detail.
Thereafter, skilled artisans meticulously handcraft every creation for enduring quality and distinctive identity. Likewise, material authenticity guides every stage of the design and making process. Beyond fabrication, craftsmanship preserves invaluable cultural knowledge and timeless artisanal traditions. As a result, every design seamlessly integrates innovation, materiality, and exceptional craftsmanship. Ultimately, Intent Made transforms materials into timeless pieces through continuous experimentation and masterful craftsmanship.
A piece of furniture should do more than fill a room; it should belong to it. This is the standard that Ar. Priyank Vaghasia and Ar. Rishika Bowen hold their work to at ERP Design Studio, an Ahmedabad-based contemporary furniture and design practice they founded together as architects. Their background in architecture shapes the way they approach even the smallest object, with the same rigour and spatial awareness they would bring to a building. The studio specialises in bespoke furniture, collectible objects, and home décor accessories, working closely with clients, architects, and interior designers to create pieces tailored to the character, purpose, and requirements of each space.
What makes this possible is the studio’s fully in-house process, from concept development and design detailing, with every stage handled by a team of architects and skilled designers working under the same roof. This level of control keeps quality consistent and ensures nothing is lost between the drawing board and the finished piece. Priyank and Rishika’s design language is built around simplicity, elegance, and material integrity, creating pieces that feel distinctive without trying too hard. Every commission is shaped around the specific needs of the client and the space it is destined for, while a curated collection of contemporary furniture and décor runs alongside, reflecting the same values through thoughtful, timeless, and functional design.
The most compelling objects are those that carry the memory of tradition while embracing the possibilities of the present. This is the idea at the centre of Dhruv Agarwwal’s work as a collectible designer whose studio carries his own name. His practice transforms Indian craft traditions into contemporary works of lighting, furniture, and sculptural objects, rooted in memory, colour, and material experimentation. Working across collectible design, interior objects, installations, and limited-edition pieces, the studio embraces a multidisciplinary approach where craftsmanship, storytelling, and cultural narratives remain inseparable. Every object is conceived as more than a functional piece, becoming a medium through which tradition is interpreted through a contemporary design language. Dhruv’s work reimagines familiar references from childhood, domestic life, architecture, ritual, and folklore into objects that feel both playful and monumental.
His core expertise lies in craft-led innovation, collectible furniture, and large-scale lighting design. Moreover, he develops contemporary forms through traditional craft processes. Additionally, he collaborates closely with artisan communities and specialist workshops across India. Furthermore, he explores traditional techniques, including Channapatna lacquer and Meena enamel. Simultaneously, he experiments with scale, colour, texture, and innovative material combinations. Consequently, he reimagines Indian craftsmanship through contemporary design exploration.
Likewise, he investigates how materials can evoke memory, emotion, and cultural connection. Notably, he draws inspiration from toys, bangles, temple ceilings, and traditional board games. Thereafter, he transforms familiar cultural references into immersive, inhabitable design experiences. Similarly, he abstracts childhood memories into meaningful spatial and material expressions. As a result, he celebrates India’s craft traditions through innovative design interventions. Meanwhile, he ensures traditional knowledge evolves while preserving its cultural essence. In doing so, he bridges heritage craftsmanship with contemporary creative practices. Ultimately, he expands the possibilities of Indian craft through experimentation and innovation.
Interior design is far more than aesthetics, it has the power to enhance well-being, inspire creativity, and improve the way people live and work. This belief sits at the centre of RN DEESIGN, a Mumbai-based interior design studio founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife duo Rohit Gupta and Puja Gupta. Combining expertise in interior design and architecture, the studio is built on a shared vision of creating thoughtful, timeless, and purposeful spaces. Every project at RN DEESIGN begins with a deep understanding of the client’s lifestyle, aspirations, and functional needs, resulting in spaces that feel both meaningful and built to last.
Rohit and Puja’s portfolio spans residential and commercial interiors across diverse scales with exceptional versatility. Moreover, every project reflects meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful spatial planning. Consequently, each space fosters harmony, functionality, and enduring visual appeal. Furthermore, their philosophy embraces timeless principles of balance, proportion, rhythm, scale, and emphasis. As a result, every element contributes to a cohesive and meaningful composition.Ultimately, these principles create interiors that feel elegant, expressive, and distinctly memorable.
Whether transforming an ageing property into a contemporary space or bringing a client’s dream home to life from the ground up, the duo treats every project as an opportunity to unlock its full potential, guiding clients through the complexities of planning, coordination, and execution with a seamless, end-to-end approach.
For Maneesha, every space should tell a unique story. As the founder of Studio RPD (Rock Paper Design), a Bangalore-based architecture and interior design firm, she brings this philosophy to every project. The studio’s designs reflect the personality, lifestyle, and cultural roots of the people who use them, blending contemporary aesthetics with ethnic and contextual influences to create spaces that are both functional and deeply meaningful. At Studio RPD, every project is approached with a strong focus on detail, craftsmanship, and an understanding of each client’s aspirations.
Whether designing a home, workspace, hospitality venue, or commercial space, Maneesha and her team work closely with clients to translate their vision into something elegant, practical, and built to last. The studio offers a full range of services, from interior and architectural design to project execution, and end-to-end project management. By combining creativity with technical expertise and a client-first approach, the firm delivers residential spaces that are crafted to stand the test of time.
Drawing is not just a tool, it is a way of thinking. It’s the starting point for everything Ar. Jay Shah does at DR&W – Design, Research & Workshop, his Mumbai-based studio. For Jay, the act of drawing is less about the finished result and more about the process itself, a rigorous, hands-on way of exploring the relationship between body, space, object, and memory. DR&W’s practice moves easily across architecture, interiors, landscape, furniture, and research, treating each discipline as part of the same way of thinking rather than separate skills.
The studio designs not just for how a space looks, but for how it feels, aiming to create spaces that feel both familiar and slightly unexpected, places that comfort as much as they challenge. Behind this practice is a young, multidisciplinary team with backgrounds spanning fashion, product design, philanthropy, and academic research. These varied interests feed directly into the studio’s design language, giving its spaces a richness of detail and a level of thought that goes beyond the obvious. For Jay and his team, every project is an invitation to experiment rather than a fixed brief to follow, and that openness is what keeps pushing them.
Good design should be both beautiful and deeply functional. That’s the standard Liz Tomy set for herself when she founded Forge and Furnish in late 2024, a young, design-driven architecture practice based in Kerala. Though still in its early years, the studio has already established a clear vision, to create refined residential environments that are responsive to their context and crafted with care. Liz specialises in residential architecture and interior design, bringing together spatial clarity, natural materials, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Every project is guided by the belief that a home should be intuitive to live in, balancing elegance with practicality. Her design philosophy is rooted in simplicity, authenticity, and meticulous attention to detail, carefully considering light, proportion, texture, and the way people en- Good design should be both beautiful and deeply functional.
That’s the standard Liz Tomy set for herself when she founded Forge and Furnish in late 2024, a young, design-driven architecture practice based in Kerala. Though still in its early years, the studio has already established a clear vision, to create refined residential environments that are responsive to their context and crafted with care. Liz specialises in residential architecture and interior design, bringing together spatial clarity, natural materials, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape. Every project is guided by the belief that a home should be intuitive to live in, balancing elegance with practicality.
Design is not about filling spaces, but about shaping experiences. At studio-a, this philosophy forms the foundation of every project, guiding a design approach that values clarity, restraint, and emotional depth. Founded by Akanksha Gupta, studio-a is a New Delhi based interior design practice creating refined spaces rooted in thoughtful design and enduring craftsmanship. The studio approaches interiors as lived environments where function, emotion, and detail come together to shape meaningful spatial experiences rather than purely visual compositions.
With over 11 years of professional experience, Akanksha Gupta leads the practice with a design sensibility shap- -ed by understated luxury, contextual awareness, and narrative depth, ensuring each project responds carefully to its architectural setting and the aspirations of its users. Rather than imposing a fixed style, studio-a allows material, proportion, and light to naturally define the identity of each space, resulting in interiors that feel calm, balanced, and intuitive. The studio’s portfolio spans luxury residences, experiential retail environments, farmhouses, and boutique workplaces, each distinguished by restraint, precision, and a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. From concept development to execution, studio-a follows a collaborative & detail driven process.
Time is not a constraint but a collaborator in the making of art. That distinction defines the practice of Rutva Joshi Designs, an Ahmedabad-based art studio, where every commission is conceived as an integral part of architecture rather than an object placed within it. Working across paintings, murals, sculptures, and large-scale installations, the studio creates site-responsive works that enrich the identity and atmosphere of the spaces they inhabit. The process begins with observation rather than assumption. Scale, movement, light, craftsmanship, and the rhythm of everyday life are carefully studied before an artistic direction emerges. Instead of repeating a recognisable style, each work develops its own visual language, shaped by the architecture, the people, and the story unique to that project. For Rutva Joshi, art is not an embellishment but an experience, one that unfolds gradually with time, inviting discovery, reflection, and emotional connection.
Architecture is strongest when it respects tradition while embracing new ideas. This approach defines the work of Arjun Govind, founder of Koodu Architecture, a Coimbatore-based design practice working across architecture, interiors, landscapes, products, and digital design. Named after the Tamil word for “nest,” Koodu views design as a connected practice, where every scale and medium offers an opportunity to create meaningful experiences. The studio brings together two ways of making architecture. One is rooted in traditional craftsmanship, using materials such as earth and stone while drawing from the knowledge of skilled artisans. The other explores computational design, digital tools, and fabrication technologies to develop new possibilities for design and construction. At Koodu, these approaches work together, combining the value of handcraft with the precision of technology.
Every project at RSAA Studio begins with curiosity. Before ideas are translated into drawings, Ar. Rohit Sikri invests time in understanding the people, routines, and aspirations that will ultimately shape the space. For him, design grows from conversation, not assumption. Based in Gurugram, RSAA Studio practices across architecture, interiors, and landscape, delivering residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Rather than following a fixed visual language, the studio responds to the unique conditions of every commission, allowing context, function, and lifestyle to guide the design process.
Material honesty, natural light, refined proportions, and thoughtful detailing remain constant threads throughout the work. Rohit believes enduring architecture is measured by how naturally it becomes part of everyday life. Spaces should support routines, encourage interaction, and remain relevant as needs evolve instead of relying on short-lived trends or visual excess. This philosophy results in environments that feel calm, intuitive, and effortlessly lived in. Each project is developed with careful attention to craftsmanship, and performance.
A space should feel both enduring and deeply personal, never one at the cost of the other. For Ar. Pooja Chaudhari, founder of The Monochrome Studio, this principle guides every project with purpose. Consequently, the Nagpur-based practice crafts refined, contextually responsive architecture and interior environments. Moreover, the studio embraces timeless design principles while balancing contemporary aesthetics with enduring spatial experiences.
Furthermore, every environment reflects functionality, elegance, and meaningful connections with its inhabitants. Additionally, the practice specialises in residential, hospitality, and adaptive reuse projects across diverse contexts. Likewise, the studio delivers comprehensive services from concept development through execution. Specifically, its expertise includes architectural planning, interior design, material specification, detailing, and project execution. Meanwhile, every project follows a meticulous and thoughtfully structured design process. Consequently, the process prioritises spatial efficiency, exceptional craftsmanship, and authentic material expression. Ultimately, every intervention responds meaningfully to its context while enriching the overall user experience.
Great spaces are not merely seen; instead, they are deeply felt. Throughout his career, Shlok Gagrani has consistently demonstrated this philosophy. As Director of Design & Build at Blue Pebble Limited, he bridges design and execution seamlessly. Based in Mumbai, the firm transforms bare-shell spaces into purposeful, brand-driven environments. Moreover, its expertise spans corporate, retail, and experiential sectors. Consequently, every project balances strategic thinking with meticulous on-ground execution. Over time, Shlok has discovered that leadership begins with responsibility.
Equally importantly, leadership thrives on curiosity and unwavering follow-through. For him, every environment translates a brand’s purpose into a tangible experience. Therefore, spatial design must function as one interconnected system. Accordingly, layouts, materials, lighting, and movement work together with intention. Rather than existing independently, every element contributes to a unified spatial narrative. Ultimately, these thoughtful interactions create environments that resonate emotionally, not merely visually. While much of the industry fixates on the final look, what holds his attention is everything that happens before it, the coordination, the material decisions, and the discipline it takes to turn a paper concept into an exact physical reality.
“Space is a prism that reflects the soul,” says Vidushi Agarwal Singhania. This philosophy resonates deeply with HENGE Architects, the Salem-based architecture and interior design studio founded by Darshan Singhania in 2019. In 2021, following their marriage, Vidushi joined the practice, bringing a shared design vision that has since shaped the firm’s evolving identity. Together, they are committed to crafting spaces that are both experiential and personal.
Working in a field where design is often reduced to functional execution, they consciously challenge conventional expectations. Instead, they consistently strive to redefine how people experience and perceive every space. Moreover, the studio’s philosophy is firmly rooted in building meaningful and lasting client relationships. Rather than simply following the brief, they seek to understand each client’s aspirations. Consequently, every design solution feels intuitive, personalised, and thoughtfully tailored. Furthermore, their work seamlessly integrates natural elements into every project. Additionally, they prioritise maximising daylight to create brighter and healthier interiors. Likewise, they carefully enhance natural ventilation to improve comfort and environmental performance.
Ultimately, every project balances functionality, human experience, and a deep connection with nature.
Architecture shows its real value not in the first impression, but in how it continues to make everyday life better over time. This belief sits at the heart of Echo Earth Designs, founded in 2022 by Akshita Sabarwal Shah, a Surat-based studio that treats every project as an ongoing conversation between people, place, and time. With a portfolio spanning bespoke residences, commercial spaces, and industrial facilities, the practice moves comfortably across different scales while holding on to the same core values, clarity, context, and longevity. Working across both architecture and interiors, Akshita begins every project by understanding the rhythms of everyday living, so that a space feels like one connected whole rather than separate pieces stitched together. She believes refinement comes from restraint and craftsmanship rather than excess, choosing materials built to endure.
Architecture, clarity, craft. These three words sum up the approach of Ammaar Aziz Chowdry, co-founder of MAARS, a Chennai-based architecture studio working with developers, institutions, and private clients. The studio’s goal is to create buildings that are clear in intent, strong in form, and built to stand the test of time, regardless of scale or nature. At the heart of MAARS’s design philosophy is a balance between disciplined planning and a deep sensitivity to material, light, and narrative. Ammaar treats these as connected ideas rather than separate concerns, shaping environments that perform with purpose and resonate with real meaning.
Every project begins by being rooted in its context and function. From there, it evolves through close collaboration, clarity of thought, and technical precision. Moreover, every stage reflects a disciplined and carefully considered design process. As a practice, MAARS balances the experience of a legacy firm with contemporary curiosity.
Consequently, tradition and innovation coexist to shape thoughtful, enduring architecture. While its base remains in Chennai, its outlook reaches wider, spanning institutional, residential, public, and mixed-use developments across different contexts and scales. Across this range, the studio’s goal stays constant: to deliver architecture that genuinely meets real-world needs while holding on to a distinct sense of identity and impact. For Ammaar, architecture is never just about form-making. It is an evolving system of ideas, materials, and relationships, one that grows and adapts with every project taken on.
Every project at SSB Architects begins with a single defining idea. This idea emerges from the brief and guides every design decision thereafter. Consequently, this philosophy shapes the firm’s distinctive approach to architecture. Leading this vision is Ar. Tanishq Bhatia, heading the Hospitality and Wayside Amenities division. He brings a fresh perspective to hospitality and infrastructure design across India. At just 26, Tanishq represents a new generation of architects.
Moreover, he explores infrastructure as experiential, sustainable, and deeply people-centric.Working across hospitality projects, hotels, and integrated wayside amenities, he believes architecture should create meaningful experiences while responding to context, movement, and the evolving needs of travellers. His work reflects a balance between operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and contemporary design, ensuring that each project serves both its users and its surroundings.
Good design should excite, provoke curiosity, and age gracefully. Consequently, this philosophy defines Aravind Balaaji Mathivanan’s creative practice. At Studio Atom, every project reflects this enduring design standard. Based in Chennai, the studio specialises in visual design across diverse disciplines. Specifically, its expertise spans brand strategy, identity, publication, and packaging design. Moreover, Studio Atom crafts visual systems that are distinctive, purposeful, and enduring. As a result, every design communicates effortlessly while creating a lasting impression. Furthermore, the studio prioritises clarity, relevance, and meaningful visual experiences. Meanwhile, every collaboration strengthens its multidisciplinary design approach. Ultimately, Studio Atom was founded from Aravind’s aspiration to collaborate across disciplines and geographies. Therefore, the studio continues building work that remains meaningful, relevant, and timeless.
On a larger level, he hopes the studio can contribute to a stronger creative ecosystem in India, supporting meaningful work as it emerges rather than chasing trends. His process begins by understanding the problem at hand, its business context, the people it serves, and the space it exists in. This grounding allows him to explore visual possibilities with clarity and intent, refining each idea until it strikes the right chord.
Brutalism is an architectural style from the 50s and 60s that began in the United Kingdom. Brutalist Architecture can be elaborated as raw with no ornamentation and exposed building materials used in a monolithic way. Majorly showcasing the concrete in its raw beauty employed in various geometric shapes. Since the beginning of the revolutionary composite […]