India’s design landscape is transforming, uniting ancestral wisdom with contemporary vision and global aspirations. Indigenous identities are finding powerful expression on international design platforms. INDIE DESIGN 50 celebrates fifty product designers challenging conventions and redefining everyday experiences. They reimagine materials, explore possibilities, and push the boundaries of contemporary product design. Their practices extend beyond aesthetics, embracing sustainability, craftsmanship, cultural memory, and technological innovation. Together, they create meaningful, enduring designs that reflect India’s evolving creative identity.
Each designer brings a distinctive perspective, balancing deep-rooted traditions with fearless experimentation and heritage with reinvention. Together, they represent a generation redefining creative identity and expanding Indian design’s global influence. Beyond individual achievements, this editorial curation captures a cultural shift towards a confident, multifaceted Indian design identity. It celebrates those who challenge conventions, transform everyday experiences, and create meaningful solutions for an evolving world. Through this initiative, we honour the minds shaping the future of design while reaffirming the enduring relevance. Indian design is not merely evolving; it is defining what comes next.
“Meaningful objects possess an emotional permanence, revealing themselves slowly through material, form, and memory.” Conceived by designer Arunika Sarkar, Atelier Arunika is the natural evolution of nearly two decades of spatial storytelling through Arredatore Design Studio, founded in 2008. Extending its philosophy beyond interiors, the atelier explores the intersection of art, architecture, and collectible design, creating sculptural furniture and functional objects shaped by narrative, craftsmanship, and materiality.
Stone, timber, metal, and handcrafted finishes become expressive mediums, while thoughtful proportions and tactile details imbue each piece with a distinct emotional presence. Its inaugural Ramino Series establishes this language through limited-edition works that blur the boundaries between furniture and contemporary art. Atelier Arunika is recognised in IND50 for transforming furniture into enduring, collectible expressions of storytelling, craftsmanship, and human connection.
“Design becomes meaningful when material, maker and imagination speak the same language.” For Tabula Rasa, this dialogue begins with material and unfolds through the hands that shape it. Its tactile, enduring creations transcend trends, gathering meaning through time, use and memory Founded by principal designer Nithika Agarwal and her daughter, Annanya Agarwal, Tabula Rasa is a collectible design studio. The studio creates sculptural interior objects where craftsmanship, storytelling and contemporary design converge.
Its practice explores stone, wood, brass, ceramics and mixed media through distinctive material expressions. Traditional Indian techniques meet bold architectural forms, creating objects with distinctive sculptural identities. Research, dialogue and artisan collaborations shape its approach to material exploration and making. Processes of carving, casting, polishing and assembling preserve the authenticity of materials and human touch. Featured in IND50, Tabula Rasa represents an evolving expression of Indian collectible design.
“Every material carries a story; design begins by discovering what it is capable of becoming.” This philosophy resonates with Intent Made, founded in 2020 by architect Swetha Vegesana.A design-build furniture studio exploring materials through contemporary design and India’s rich artisanal traditions. Intent Made creates bespoke furniture and objects inspired by multidisciplinary design thinking. Its practice celebrates the inherent character of wood, metal, stone, and other natural materials. Swetha’s experimental approach explores unconventional materials and advanced making technologiesFor its thoughtful synthesis of material innovation, craftsmanship, and enduring design, Intent Made earns its place in IND50.
“Light far beyond just illumination. It is a medium to create, sculpt and transform experiences, and architecture and emotions.” This philosophy defines Rhea Mehta Design, a Mumbai-based luxury lighting and installation studio known for transforming light into immersive visual experiences. Specialising in light sculptures and large-scale installations, the studio creates showstopping works that merge artistry, craftsmanship, and spatial expression. With installations extending up to 100 feet, its practice explores light as a medium for storytelling, creating distinctive experiences and conversation-starting landmarks.
Rooted in a commitment to preserving time-honoured Indian crafts, the studio brings traditional making into dialogue with contemporary installation design. Among its notable achievements is an installation recognised as India’s second-largest for the Taj hotel chain, alongside international recognition and awards. For redefining lighting through art, scale, and craftsmanship, they earn their place in IND50.
“Great design is more than aesthetics; it is the fusion of light, craft and emotion that transforms spaces into experiences.” This philosophy defines Mumbai-based architect and designer Arjun Rathi, founder of Arjun Rathi Design, a multidisciplinary studio established in 2012. His practice explores the relationship between space and light through lighting fixtures and installations that bring imagination into everyday environments. In 2021, he co-founded Rural Modern Glass Studio, dedicated to hand-blown glass and the revival of glass craftsmanship in India, producing art, objects, accessories and tableware. Through an evolving practice spanning lighting, glass, curation and spatial experience, Arjun brings together material innovation, craftsmanship & cultural dialogue, earning his place in IND50.
“Design becomes meaningful when simplicity serves the way we live.” This philosophy finds expression in the practice of brothers Arnav and Anmol Mehra, who conceptualise and translate their designs through a shared vision of improving everyday human function. Their work is defined by a visual language that balances simplicity with intrigue, while drawing deeply from regional references, cultural narratives and history.
Materials and form become carriers of these influences, allowing each creation to embody a distinctly contextual identity. Their commitment to localising production further strengthens this connection, with every product crafted by skilled Indian artisans. By bringing together functional thinking, cultural sensitivity and an appreciation for material expression, the brothers create work that feels contemporary while remaining rooted in place. Their thoughtful synthesis of utility, heritage and craftsmanship earns them a place in IND50.
“True craftsmanship begins when every hand is given a voice.” This belief resonates through Kavita Chaudhary’s design practice, where Indian weaving traditions meet contemporary art, storytelling and material responsibility. A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Design Director at Jaipur Rugs, Chaudhary approaches the rug as both a functional object and a canvas for expression.
Through Manchaha, meaning “what the heart desires,” rural artisans are empowered to create from memory, imagination and lived experience, transforming colour, texture and leftover yarn into singular compositions. Her practice extends this philosophy through Freedom Manchaha, creating avenues for expression among incarcerated individuals in Rajasthan. By placing authorship and dignity at the heart of production, Chaudhary reimagines craft as a living, inclusive practice, earning her place in the IND50.
“Product design begins with the room rather than the object, considering how a piece is approached, touched, lived with, and experienced over time.” Led by Monica Chawla, Essentia Home draws on over two decades of interior design experience to explore how objects shape spatial experiences. What began as pieces for individual projects has evolved into a product design practice spanning furniture, lighting, objects, soft furnishings, and home accessories.
Each piece considers form and function, moving between sculptural expression and utility through materiality and upholstery. With closely informing design, the studio develops collections with a nuanced understanding of manufacturing and finish, while collaborating with designers globally. Essentia Home is recognised in IND50 for creating thoughtful, enduring objects that integrate into contemporary interiors and transcend seasonal design trends.
“Curiosity begins where certainty ends; it is the impulse that teaches us to look at the familiar anew.” For Huzefa and Jasem, curiosity has been the driving force behind MuseMART since its inception in 2015. The brand approaches product design as an exploration of materials, craft, function, and imagination, questioning conventions to create objects with character and narrative. Rather than pursuing novelty for its own sake, they embrace purposeful experimentation, allowing unexpected material behaviours, thoughtful details, and playful interventions to shape their work. Their contemporary objects balance functionality with whimsy, inviting users to pause, engage, and discover the story within each piece. Included in IND50, MuseMART reflects a spirited approach to Indian product design, one that values creative freedom, craftsmanship, and curiosity while transforming everyday objects into experiences that engage both the eye and the imagination.
“Furniture becomes truly timeless when craftsmanship honours both material and the world it comes from.” This philosophy lies at the heart of NDS Furniture, a practice dedicated to creating bespoke solid wood and metal furniture that brings character to contemporary spaces. Rooted in sustainability and craftsmanship, the studio works with reclaimed wood and responsibly sourced materials, allowing their inherent beauty to guide each design. Every piece is meticulously handcrafted and finished with 100% organic polishes, while metal elements introduce a refined, contemporary counterpoint.
For NDS Furniture, furniture extends beyond utility; it becomes a meaningful expression of material, making and responsible design. By bringing together traditional craftsmanship, modern detailing and an enduring commitment to environmental consciousness, the practice creates pieces that are distinctive, purposeful and lasting. This thoughtful synthesis earns NDS Furniture its place in IND50.
“True craftsmanship lies not only in what is made, but in the care with which it is made.” This philosophy defines Studio Works, a detail-driven furniture design practice established in 2012. Guided by a pursuit of distinctiveness, the studio brings skill, imagination, and process-led thinking together to create furniture that is functional, enduring, and thoughtfully resolved. Craftsmanship remains central to its practice, with every piece developed through close collaboration between designers and skilled artisans. From the carefulselection and preparation of wood to precise joinery, assembly, and finishing, each stage is approached with intention. Traditional techniques meet contemporary design sensibilities, resulting in pieces that balance material character, durability, and refined detailing. For its unwavering commitment to process, craftsmanship, and distinctive furniture design, StudioWorks earns its place in IND50, celebrating considered making in contemporary India while honouring the skilled hands and thoughtful material choices.
“An enduring object is one where material, craft and purpose become inseparable.” This philosophy defines Objects by Soch, the product design vertical of Soch Design Studio, Mumbai, founded by Principal Architect Romit Savla in 2017. Emerging from a desire to create furniture that is as considered in its construction as in its aesthetics, the brand explores the relationship between material, function, craftsmanship and everyday living. From dining tables and sofas to centre tables, each piece reflects a thoughtful balance between tactile expression and functional purpose.By approaching furniture as an intersection of material integrity, craftsmanship and contemporary living, they earn their place in IND50 for creating meaningful, enduring objects that invite both use and appreciation.
“Light does more than reveal form; it gives space a feeling, a rhythm, and a presence.” Rooted in this philosophy, Bangalore-based contemporary artist and designer Amrita Nambiar founded Olie in 2019, an India-based sculptural design practice at the intersection of art, collectible design, and craft. Reimagining light as a medium rather than a utility, Olie creates immersive works that explore natural phenomena, material behaviour, and atmosphere. Developed through material experimentation and slow making, each series reflects a language of restraint, translucency, and emotional presence. Moving beyond conventional lighting, the studio creates sculptural objects that shape how a space is perceived and felt, occupying the space between functionality and collectible art. For this distinctive exploration of light, material, and atmosphere, Olie finds its place in IND50.
“Good design finds meaning when proportion, material and purpose exist in harmony.” Founded in 2015, Tectona Grandis Furniture (TGF) brings together furniture designer Dhruvkant Amin and Jalpa Amin. Their partnership combines design vision with strategic and operational expertise. Over two decades of cross-disciplinary experience inform its approach to furniture and spatial design. Its practice spans interiors, exhibitions and public environments, shaping a contextual understanding of design. TGF explores furniture through context, material sensitivity and craftsmanship.
Its design language balances restraint and expression through thoughtful engineering and tactile qualities. Teak anchors its material vocabulary, complemented by explorations of diverse materials and possibilities. A 50,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility and experiential gallery unite design and production in Ahmedabad. Collaborations, capsule collections and design-led explorations continually expand its creative vocabulary. TGF earns its place in IND50 through purposeful furniture rooted in craftsmanship, longevity and timeless appeal.
“Tradition finds new meaning when its stories are carried forward through contemporary forms, without losing the hands and histories that shaped them.” Founded by Ariane Ginwala, This and That is a furniture practice celebrating India’s traditional craftsmanship. The practice bridges indigenous craft traditions with contemporary design sensibilities. Working extensively with reclaimed tropical wood, it collaborates with craft communities across India. It reinterprets heirloom techniques through contemporary furniture and material explorations.
Collaborations span Gujarat’s Laakh, Odisha’s Bobei sabai grass and Dhokra, and Assam’s Eri silk. Each initiative creates new contexts, contemporary relevance, and wider audiences for regional crafts. The Niraba Aaram Chair exemplifies this approach, reimagining Bobei grass weaving through layered construction and thoughtful detailing. Grounded in sustainability and fair-trade practices, This and That is recognised in IND50 for creating furniture that preserves craft narratives while opening them to new possibilities.
“Nothing is truly discarded when we learn to see its possibilities.” For Ek Kalakaar Designs, this belief forms the foundation of a practice where material leads and design follows. Transforms overlooked and discarded materials into desirable, one-of-a-kind objects. Embraces imperfections, textures, histories and material limitations as catalysts for creative exploration. Blends design, craftsmanship and technology to create contemporary furniture and objects. Preserves the material’s original identity while giving it renewed value, purpose and relevance.
Sustainability is not an afterthought; it is the starting point of every design decision. It challenges perceptions of waste and reconsiders what deserves to be preserved. Featured in IND50, Ek Kalakaar Designs champions a thoughtful, material-conscious approach to design. It transforms existing materials into objects that are responsible, distinctive and desirable.
“The universe is made and unmade through acts of folding; within each crease lies a language of structural connection and possibility.” His interdisciplinary collaborations continually expand the possibilities of material exploration and creative expression. Trained as an architect, Ankon Mitra is a multidisciplinary artist exploring diverse creative disciplines. His practice spans landscape design, sculpture, product design, and installation art. Through Oritecture, he explores the intersection of Origami and Architecture through the language of folding. Folding becomes both a structural principle and an expressive creative language in his work. Working with diverse architectural materials, he brings geometry, craftsmanship, and experimentation into dialogue.
His internationally exhibited sculptures and installations explore the transformative potential of folds across materials and scales. Featured in IND50, Mitra bridges art, architecture, mathematics, and material through the universal language of folding. He received the All-India Gold Medal for Sculpture and the Lexus Design Award for Craft Design.
“Tradition finds new life when the hands that inherit it are given the freedom to reimagine.” At Kirti Jalan Design Studio, this philosophy unfolds through a contemporary practice rooted in India’s rich craft heritage. The studio bridges traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design through innovative applications of rattan. It seamlessly integrates hands-on craftsmanship with digital design processes to create thoughtful, contemporary expressions. Sustainability, human-centricity, and community empowerment remain integral to its approach, allowing each creation to carry both memory and relevance.
Included in IND50, the studio represents a compelling bridge between craft and technology, demonstrating how India’s artisanal traditions can inspire functional and distinctly contemporary design. Its creations include lampshades, furniture, mannequins, and bespoke interior installations for residential and commercial spaces. Collaborating with regional artisans, designers, and architects, the studio reinterprets traditional techniques through contemporary perspectives.
“Every thread holds a memory; when woven together, they become a language of place, culture and identity.”At Cocoon Fine Rugs, Ayush and Smriti Choudhary blend global design sensibilities with Indian craftsmanship. Based in Mumbai, the studio reinterprets familiar design references through a contemporary lens. Its distinctive rugs draw inspiration from classic Persian and Oriental traditions. Each creation employs natural materials, including wool and silk.Drawing from their travels and collaborating with designers across disciplines, Cocoon creates collections where material, craftsmanship and cultural memory converge.
Featured in IND50, Cocoon Fine Rugs reimagines Indian rug-making through heritage, material exploration and individual expression. The Market Collection, developed with Pinakin Design, reinterprets everyday Indian market bags as contemporary handcrafted rugs. Inspired by market bags, the collection translates their colours, geometry and woven textures into distinctive rug designs.
“Tradition finds new meaning when making becomes a part of design.” This philosophy resonates with Dastkari, founded by architect, sculptor, painter, and academician Nawazish Kirmani. With over a decade of experience, Kirmani brings together design expertise and manufacturing knowledge. The workshop bridges architects and craftsmen, translating ideas through the realities of making. Dastkari combines material understanding, structural knowledge, proportion, and process to create thoughtfully resolved works.
Its practice brings time-honoured techniques into dialogue with innovative methods, transforming fine materials into objects and expressions that carry narratives of ingenuity. Kirmani’s hands-on engagement with craftsmen further strengthens this exchange, ensuring design decisions remain rooted in manufacturing knowledge. For seamlessly connecting craftsmanship, contemporary design, and making, Dastkari earns its place in IND50.
“True vision lies not merely in seeing what exists, but in imagining what it could become.” This philosophy resonates with Darsh Designs, a Mumbai-based bespoke furniture studio founded by Manan and later joined by Alpa. They earn their place in INDIE DESIGN 50 by reimagining the possibilities of Indian furniture. Named after the Sanskrit word Darsh, meaning vision, the studio transforms thoughtful ideas into enduring forms.
Its designs balance contemporary aesthetics with India’s rich craft heritage. With in-house manufacturing, the studio explores modern silhouettes, sustainable materials, refined joinery and hand-finished details. Its collections span multifunctional sofas, beds, tailored storage solutions and accent chairs. Every piece prioritises comfort, functionality and considered craftsmanship.
“Design is not what we see, but what remains with us.” This sensibility defines Rishi Bathla’s approach to World of Outdoors, the Noida-based furniture studio reimagining open-air living through restraint, clarity, and enduring form. Founded by Bathla, the studio creates refined exterior environments where furniture, architecture, and landscape converge into a cohesive visual language. Its practice distills forms to their essential lines, allowing proportion, ergonomics, material honesty, and thoughtful detailing to shape each piece.
With design, engineering, and craftsmanship integrated under one roof, World of Outdoors maintains meticulous control from conception to execution. Working across residential terraces, private courtyards, luxury villas, and hospitality landscapes, the studio balances structural precision with elegance, using teak, aluminium, and performance textiles. For this commitment to timeless outdoor design, World of Outdoors earns its place in IND50.
“Timeless design is not made to be admired for a moment, but to be lived with for years.” This philosophy resonates with Studio Indigene, a furniture and object design studio exploring wood’s expressive potential. Each piece possesses a distinct yet understated identity through its considered design language. Its practice is rooted in close collaboration with skilled woodworkers. Meticulous finishing preserves the natural grain and character of every piece, making each object inherently unique.
Crafted with patience, precision and care, Studio Indigene’s work is intended to become a lasting companion rather than a temporary possession. For its sensitive materiality, enduring design language and reverence for craft, Studio Indigene earns its place in IND50. The studio works across furniture, lighting, and objects, exploring the relationship between form, function, and material. Its creations feature clean lines, sculptural volumes, and thoughtful proportions.
“Timeless design finds meaning where simplicity meets function, transforming material honesty into an everyday language of quiet luxury.” Founded by designer Swati Gupta, Mumbai-based Bluedot Design is a contemporary furniture studio rooted in functionality and thoughtful restraint. The practice creates understated pieces that elevate everyday living through considered proportions and an appreciation for materiality. The studio works closely with skilled local artisans to preserve traditional craftsmanship. Furthermore, it reinterprets time-honoured Indian woodworking traditions through contemporary design sensibilities.
Consequently, each creation celebrates honest materials, tactile detailing, and thoughtful craftsmanship. From the teakwood Ritsu Desk to its broader collection, each piece reflects an emphasis on longevity rather than fleeting trends. Bluedot Design is distinguished within IND50 for translating traditional craftsmanship into contemporary furniture with clarity and restraint, creating enduring objects that bring warmth and character to everyday spaces.
“Good design does not conceal the passage of time; it gives material the freedom to tell its own story.” Founded in 2019 by Apurva and Pawan, Vivaarta is a design studio based in Gandhinagar. Consequently, their practice reflects a nuanced understanding of scale, spatial relationships and craftsmanship. Vivaarta places wood at the centre, exploring seven species while preserving their natural colour, grain, texture and imperfections. Each piece balances clean architectural forms with the warmth of honest material.
Included in IND50, Vivaarta embodies a distinctive approach to contemporary Indian design where craftsmanship, material integrity and timeless aesthetics converge. Rooted in material, making and experience, the studio explores the dialogue between these interconnected elements. Furthermore, the founders bring diverse perspectives through their academic backgrounds in architecture and design at CEPT and NID.
“Transformation begins when we turn inward.” This philosophy resonates through the textile practice of Hansika Sharma, where indigo becomes both material and metaphor. A textile artist, Sharma explores embroidered surfaces, self-reflection and the shifting landscapes of human psychology through a deeply personal practice. Cotton threads, zaris and cords accumulate through meticulous stitches, creating maximalist compositions that move between abstraction, fluidity and restraint.
Rooted in ancestral memory, her works transform textile into a space for contemplation, healing and spiritual inquiry. The alchemical journey of indigo from green leaf to deep blue, mirrors her explorations of melancholy, renewal and transcendence, while flashes of madder red and yellow introduce moments of expansion. Her ability to translate inner transformation into richly layered textile narratives earns her a place in the IND50.
“True luxury is not defined by excess, but by the meaning embedded within every detail.” . This philosophy comes alive at Yellow Brick Road Designs, where interiors become deeply personal expressions of thoughtful living. These include Windmills Craftworks at BIAL and experiential homes such as Pursuit of a Radical Rhapsody and In That Quiet Earth. Founded in 2021 by architect Nidhi Vaish, the Bengaluru-based studio draws inspiration from memory and materiality. A graduate of Delhi’s School of Planning and Architecture, Nidhi brings nearly two decades of professional experience. Furthermore, her international exposure has shaped a distinctive design sensibility rooted in thoughtful exploration. Earlier, at Total Environment, Bangalore, she refined her approach while contributing to several notable projects.
Operating across Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Vijayawada, Rajasthan, and Mysuru, the practice creates culturally rich contemporary homes. By bringing craftsmanship, personal narratives, and timeless sensibilities together, the practice redefines luxury as an experience rooted in meaning. Through contextual sensitivity, material integrity, and handcrafted details, each space reflects a distinctive design sensibility. Furthermore, art, textiles, and thoughtfully curated objects bring warmth, individuality, and emotional depth to interiors. Each project balances functionality with personal expression, ensuring spaces resonate with their inhabitants’ aspirations and experiences. Consequently, authenticity takes precedence over ornamentation, allowing individual narratives to shape every design decision. Recognised by Elle Decor in 2024, Vaish continues exploring meaningful connections between people, spaces, and place. Ultimately, Yellow Brick Road Designs earns its place in IND50 through its thoughtful approach to contemporary Indian interiors.
“Art breathes differently when it isn’t squeezed in.” Za Works embraces this fluidity, building a multidisciplinary practice that resists a singular artistic vocabulary. The studio explores hyper-realism, abstraction, illustration, mixed media, murals, sculpture, and spatial interventions. Through collaboration, artists, designers, and project managers combine their expertise to create a cohesive vision.This philosophy finds expression in projects such as GONG-Restaurant. They are recognised in IND50 for its fearless experimentation, collaborative spirit, and ability to redefine how art inhabits, interacts with. Accordingly, each space determines the medium, allowing ideas and context to shape creative expression. Furthermore, every project thrives on collective contribution, bringing together diverse creative disciplines and perspectives.
“Every line begins as a thought, but it is through making that thought finds a world.” At DR&W, drawing becomes both an act of inquiry and a language through which ideas take form. and add maximum transition words. Through rigorous exploration, they combine conceptual depth with a deeply sensory understanding of human experience. Based in Mumbai, the studio is led by a young team of multidisciplinary design professionals. Their diverse interests span fashion, product design, philanthropy, and academic research.
Together, they approach design as an intimate dialogue between body, space, objects, and memory. Furthermore, their multidisciplinary practice encompasses architecture, interiors, landscape, furniture, and research. Each project seeks to balance the familiar with the unexpected, creating spaces and objects that invite contemplation, discourse and experimentation. Included in the IND50, DR&W represents a thoughtful, research-driven approach to contemporary Indian design, where process is valued as deeply as the worlds it ultimately creates.
“Materials gain meaning when they are shaped with intention.” This philosophy defines Pietra Ware, an Indian design and manufacturing studio founded by Rooman Shah and Abhishek Patel. Based in Gujarat, the studio explores concrete and terrazzo as expressive mediums for contemporary bathware and sculptural objects. Through its in-house manufacturing process, experimentation, prototyping, and craftsmanship seamlessly converge. Consequently, each creation balances permanence, tactility, and individuality through a distinctive material expression.
From monolithic pedestal and vessel basins to integrated basins and freestanding bathtubs, the collection embraces restrained geometry. Furthermore, nuanced surfaces, solid hues, terrazzo compositions, custom palettes, and varied finishes enrich its material vocabulary. Ultimately, by transforming an elemental architectural material into refined everyday objects, Pietra Ware brings a distinctive perspective to contemporary design. Thus, its inclusion in IND50 celebrates a practice where material exploration meets functional innovation.
“Good design does not occupy a space; it brings its stories together.” Founded in Jaipur by textile designers Ankita Bihani and Anjali Kumawat, Paashè brings spaces and stories together. Graduates of NIFT and NID, the founders approach rugs through a deeply collaborative design philosophy. True to its name, meaning ‘to bring together’, Paashè places the room before the object. Each project begins with conversations exploring spatial character, furniture, movement, and the stories within.
Consequently, consultancy, styling, and planning become integral to creating deeply personal textile expressions. Whether hand-knotted, tufted, or flatwoven, every rug is exclusively crafted for its intended setting. Ultimately, Paashè earns its place in IND50 by transforming textile design into an intimate expression of place, memory, and collaboration.
“True simplicity is not the absence of complexity, but the art of distilling it into something timeless.” This philosophy shapes Studio Mara, founded in 2019 with a vision to reimagine furniture as expressive objects that engage dynamically with their surroundings. Their practice treats materials as a canvas for experimentation, exploring their textures, strengths, vulnerabilities, and possibilities. While their early language drew from the restraint of Scandinavian design, the studio has since evolved through an engagement with vernacular crafts and local making traditions, bridging diverse design sensibilities.
Each piece emerges from a process of observation, experimentation, and refinement, translating complex ideas into intuitive and enduring forms. For this thoughtful synthesis of material exploration, craft, and contemporary design, Studio Mara earns its place in IND50, celebrating practices that continually redefine the language of Indian design.
“Stillness is found when form, material and space exist in quiet harmony.” This philosophy resonates with KOA Living, a design-forward brand exploring the enduring beauty of marble through home décor, lighting and furniture. Founded by Sriyansh Maheshwari in Agra, India, KOA Living is a design-led furniture and lifestyle brand that explores the relationship between material, form, and everyday living. Working primarily with marble and its combinations with other materials, the brand creates furniture and objects that balance sculptural form with everyday functionality. Drawing from the simplicity of Scandinavian design, KOA Living approaches each piece with an appreciation for natural textures.
Guided by an in-house design team, the brand brings a consistent design perspective to its collections, exploring new forms, material combinations and functional possibilities while staying true to its core identity. This considered approach allows KOA Living to create pieces that feel connected through a shared design language rather than driven by fleeting trends. At the heart of the brand is the belief that design is not simply about how an object looks, but how it exists within a space. Its collections bring together understated elegance, thoughtful functionality and a sense of permanence, creating objects that can become part of a home over time.
“Heritage survives not by remaining unchanged, but by finding new forms to live through.” This philosophy lies at the heart of House of Edwā, a Jaipur-based contemporary design studio rooted in India’s material heritage. Working across collectible furniture, lighting and objects, the studio reinterprets traditional craftsmanship through a refined, contemporary design language. Central to its practice is Marodi, the rare art of hand-engraving metal, which the founders collaborate with master craftsmen to explore in unprecedented forms and scales. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted and made to order, with some creations demanding over 1,000 hours of skilled labour. House of Edwā creates objects that bridge cultural memory and contemporary expression. Its distinctive Indian perspective earns it a place in IND50.
Based in Mumbai and led by Siddhant Dhariwal, the studio explores the rich intersection of Indian cultural heritage, materiality, and contemporary collectible design. Specializing in bespoke lighting, sculptural home objects, and statement ornamental pieces, the practice draws deep inspiration from India’s vibrant traditions, translating culturally rooted narratives into distinctive modern heirlooms.
Hand-blown glass, cast brass, alabaster, marble, wood, ceramic, resin, and semi-precious stones come together in compositions defined by contrasting textures, considered finishes, and intricate detailing. Each piece is crafted entirely in India in collaboration with generational artisans, fostering a seamless dialogue between contemporary design sensibilities and traditional making techniques. Through a thoughtful exploration of form, material, and Indian cultural identity, Siddhant Dhariwal creates striking, ornamental collectible objects that honor their origins while establishing a distinct contemporary language earning the studio its place in IND50.
“Originality begins when familiar materials are seen through unfamiliar possibilities.” This philosophy finds expression in Veyari, an art form developed by engineer-turned-artist Saumya Kashyap, founder and chief artist of Vystrit, a Bengaluru-based design house. Described as painting with threads, the practice involves hand-placing textile yarns onto natural cane, allowing colour, depth, and narratives to emerge through an intuitive, freehand process. Extending across wall art, furniture, and lighting, Veyari brings together material exploration, functional design, and sustainable craftsmanship. By nurturing women artisans and collaborating with cane weavers and carpenters, the studio builds skills while keeping the practice open to collective evolution. Saumya’s distinctive approach earns Veyari its place in IND50, celebrating India’s evolving creative language.
“Perhaps the true character of a material lies not in what it is, but in what it allows us to make of it.” For DesignMint, metal becomes a medium for curiosity, experimentation and expression. The Bangalore-based studio has developed a distinctive language by bringing traditional handcraft into dialogue with contemporary processes, exploring the material through hammering, bending, welding and evolving technologies. Its practice spans sculptural lighting, bespoke installations, mirrors, shelving and partitions, where function is continually enriched by form and emotion.
Raw yet refined, familiar yet unexpected, each creation reflects the studio’s belief in making as an act of discovery. Included in the IND50, DesignMint stands apart for its ability to transform a familiar industrial material into objects and experiences that are tactile, expressive and enduring, while keeping curiosity and experimentation at the heart of its practice.
“Design begins when the familiar becomes strange enough to inspire wonder.” This philosophy finds expression in Objects In Space, a Delhi-based design studio founded in 2023 by Abeer Husain and Shanvi Rastogi. Blending surrealism with bespoke craftsmanship, the studio creates objects that inhabit the space between sculpture and function, ornament and utility, the physical and the imagined. Its practice draws from indigenous craft traditions, experimental material processes, and immersive digital rendering to develop sculptural lighting, textured furniture, and whimsical collectible décor.
Distortion, exaggeration, and ornamentation transform familiar forms into tactile narratives, while customization allows each piece to respond intimately to its setting. With an instinct for curiosity and a distinctive design language that turns interiors into emotional, sensorial experiences, they earn their place in IND50 for redefining the possibilities of contemporary collectible design.
“Art does not merely occupy space; it gives space a story, an emotion, and a memory.” This philosophy resonates through the practice of contemporary sculptor Radha Patel, founder of Radha Patel’s Studio in Anand. Rooted in traditional craftsmanship yet shaped by a contemporary sensibility, her practice explores metal sculpture and handcrafted ceramics to create works that celebrate culture and evoke meaningful narratives. Working across galleries, public art installations, and collaborative environments, Radha engages with architects, designers, and public spaces to create sculptural interventions that lend character and distinction to their surroundings. Her work reflects a belief in art’s ability to connect people, preserve stories, and create lasting impressions. For this distinctive dialogue between craftsmanship, culture, and contemporary expression, Radha Patel is featured in IND50.
“What drives me is seeing the happiness people feel when they connect with their gods through art. It is a deeply humbling feeling, and the thought behind ‘Make Your Home a Temple.’” This philosophy guides Ridhima Singla, founder and curator of CLAOME India, an art house dedicated to taking Indian art to the world. Her journey began with Pichwai, drawn by the profound connection between people, sacred imagery and the stories embedded within each work. Today, they encompass Pichwai, Jain art, Ramayana works, Deccan paintings and other traditional Indian subjects. By creating deeper connections between traditional Indian art and contemporary audiences, they earn their place in IND50 for carrying India’s artistic heritage into new spaces and conversations.
“Great design begins where imagination challenges the familiar.” This philosophy defines Falcon Cloak, a Mumbai-based product design practice founded by industrial designer Vijit Bagh, exploring the space between furniture, sculpture and functional art. Driven by experimentation in form and making, the studio draws from science fiction, mythology, architecture and Indian cultural narratives to transform familiar references into unexpected contemporary objects. Materials and manufacturing are integral to this process, with FRP fabrication, mould making, metalwork and hand-finishing enabling the creation of complex sculptural forms rooted in craft.
Each object begins with a story and evolves through experimentation rather than a fixed visual language. Works such as Cosmic Chariot embody this approach, bringing cultural memory into futuristic expression. For its bold synthesis of storytelling, material exploration and contemporary Indian identity, Falcon Cloak earns its place in IND50.
“Wood remembers the hands that shape it.” This philosophy resonates through Vincent Roy’s enduring relationship with the material, where craft becomes a dialogue between nature, time, and human touch. A French-born furniture maker based in Pondicherry, Roy has built a distinctive practice rooted in the possibilities of wood and the precision of traditional carpentry. His journey began in India in 2008, assisting cabinetmaker Patrick Laffourcade with the restoration of Notre Dame des Anges, before experiences across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia further shaped his craft. Roy creates bespoke furniture for architects, interior designers, cafés, boutiques, and consulates, bringing material sensitivity and considered craftsmanship to every commission. For his dedication to woodworking and bespoke furniture-making, Vincent Roy earns his place in IND50.
“Good design begins where function meets feeling.” Rooted in this belief, Clearte explores nature-inspired lighting through sculptural forms, handcrafted materials, and thoughtful detailing. Working across bespoke and handcrafted processes, the studio creates lighting objects that balance artistic expression with everyday usability, bringing together contemporary sensibility and time honoured craf-tsmanship. Metal, blown glass, wood, and semi-precious elements become mediums for exploring proportion, material character, atmosphere, and the transformative quality of light. Through this dialogue between material, craft, and light, the practice creates objects that feel personal. For its approach to contemporary lighting, the practice earns its place in IND50 (Indie Design 50).
“The future of Indian craft lies not in abandoning its roots, but in allowing them to evolve.” Founder and creative force behind Yaahvi, Nikita Bansal brings over two decades of experience across product design, manufacturing, and global exports to a practice rooted in Indian craft. Through contemporary lighting and sculptural objects, Yaahvi reinterprets traditional techniques including repoussé, metal weaving, embossing, sand casting, glass mosaic, engraving, and hand-hammering. Drawing from nature, memory, landscapes, architecture, and India’s cultural narratives, collections such as Reva, Narmada, and Kaveri translate heritage into forms that feel both rooted and contemporary. With sensitivity towards material, process, people, and place, Yaahvi celebrates the possibilities of handmade design. Yaahvi earns its place in IND50 for reimagining Indian craft through a distinctive contemporary vocabulary while preserving its authenticity, cultural heritage, and enduring relevance in modern design.
“Luxury is achieved when design, craftsmanship and technology work as one.” This philosophy defines Amathyst, founded by Varun Diwan as an Indian luxury furniture brand shaped by over three decades of manufacturing expertise. With a 300,000-square-foot facility in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, the brand brings advanced technology, specialised metal fabrication, skilled craftsmanship, and design-led thinking into the creation of statement furniture. Drawing inspiration from art, architecture, and nature, Amathyst pushes the possibilities of contemporary manufacturing while maintaining precision, functionality, and refined detailing. Its practice is further enriched through collaborations with designers, artists, and craftsmen, resulting in distinctive pieces conceived as defining elements within their surroundings. With a vision to establish a globally recognised luxury furniture identity from India, Amathyst earns its place in IND50 for its progressive synthesis of innovation, craftsmanship, and contemporary design.
“Design reveals who we are through what we choose to create.” This philosophy resonates with Project Fuse, a New Delhi-based product design studio founded by Aniruddh Ghosh in 2020. Guided by a minimalist aesthetic and an enduring commitment to detail, the studio creates sophisticated, contemporary furniture and objects where elegance meets functionality. Its practice is rooted in a deep exploration of materials, bringing together wood, acrylic, concrete, resin, terrazzo and cane with skilled artisan techniques to form distinctive, modern products. Each creation reflects a dialogue between material, process and form. With an ongoing curiosity to understand and reinterpret materials, Project Fuse approaches every piece as a labour of love. Its refined material language and commitment to locally crafted, timeless design earn it a place in IND50.
“Furniture becomes meaningful when it belongs not only to a space, but to the story that unfolds within it.” This philosophy defines Indeva, a design-led, founder-forward furniture practice rooted in craftsmanship, material exploration and an understanding of how spaces are lived in. Working across bespoke residential, hospitality and white-label manufacturing, the studio creates furniture that balances character, functionality and permanence. With wood at the heart of its practice, Indeva explores proportion, texture, finishes and detail, collaborating closely with architects, interior designers and brands to translate ideas and spatial requirements into resolved pieces.
Backed by over 15 years of manufacturing expertise, the practice combines traditional woodworking with contemporary design thinking and evolving technology. From statement pieces to complete collections, Indeva’s thoughtful approach earns it a place in IND50 for creating furniture that becomes an integral part of a space’s narrative.
“When one perceives the world as their own, boundaries dissolve, and seams vanish.” Rooted in this philosophy, Valay Shende’s practice examines humanity, culture, and our intricate relationship with the world around us. Through sculpture and multidisciplinary works, the artist explores socio-political, economic, environmental, and religious concerns, placing human behaviour at the centre of the narrative. Stainless steel discs emerge as a recurring material, their reflective surfaces evoking atoms and molecules while drawing viewers into the work as active participants. This interplay between reflection and perception transforms each artwork into a dialogue between the individual and society, questioning the boundaries that shape collective existence. Driven by an aspiration to preserve the spirit of contemporary times, the practice embodies awareness, empathy, and collective consciousness. His thoughtful approach earns a place in IND50, celebrating voices shaping contemporary Indian art and culture.
“Every creation begins somewhere with a memory, a place, a material, or simply the desire to imagine differently.” For Design Origin Studios, founded by Anusha Anchuri and Aakash Deegutla, design begins with understanding its origins. The multidisciplinary studio approaches each project as a journey of problem-solving, creativity and spatial storytelling, allowing the story behind a brief to shape its response. Detail-driven thinking and an emphasis on meaningful experiences inform the studio’s work, where creativity is balanced with purpose and context. Included in the IND50, they represent an emerging approach to contemporary Indian design curious, & versatile, with a commitment to transforming stories and ideas into considered spatial and visual experiences.
For Samip Velani, light is not just about illumination. It is about exploring materials, functionality, and user experience, and how they shape the way we see and interact with a space. He works with 25+ materials, including wood, alabaster, terrazzo. He also explores newer materials and is experimenting with ceramic, glass, foam, and carbon fiber. Understanding the possibilities and limitations of each material is integral to developing every design he works on.
His design ethos roots in minimalism and precision, focusing on function rather than ornamentation. From the first idea to the final product, he and his team of product designers work closely with artisans and fabricators to bring their designs to life. This approach is evident in SATUDI, a totem floor lamp developed in collaboration with The Company of Design, where material, craftsmanship, and engineering converge to create a distinctive lighting experience.”
Ultimately, INDIE DESIGN 50 is a tribute to the minds that dare to imagine differently and the hands that transform imagination into impact. It recognises that the future of Indian design lies not in choosing between heritage and innovation, but in allowing the two to inform and strengthen one another. As these fifty practices continue to question, experiment and create, they contribute to a design language that is diverse, confident and distinctly Indian. Their work reminds us that meaningful design does more than respond to the present; it shapes the possibilities of tomorrow. This is the spirit of a new Indian design movement.
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 […]