In the heart of Vadodara, independent designer Dev Desai is carving a unique path that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. With a background in interior design from Navrachana University, Desai has cultivated a practice beyond aesthetics— deeply rooted in storytelling, material exploration, and social impact.
Dev Desai sustainable design projects
His journey has been shaped by collaborations with artisans, allowing him to bridge the gap between heritage techniques and modern functionality. Desai approaches each design endeavor with a keen sensitivity to cultural narratives. He sees India not just as a marketplace for design but as a rich tapestry of histories and ideologies that shape the way people interact with their spaces and belongings.
Each piece he creates carries a dialogue between past and present—an attempt to honor craftsmanship while making it relevant for contemporary lifestyles. By doing so, Desai is pushing the boundaries of what modern Indian design can be.
In an insightful conversation as part of D-Talks, Dev delves into the inspirations and motivations behind his space optimization design solutions.
Q. How would you describe your signature design aesthetic, and how has it evolved while working in India?
Dev Desai: Exploration and curiosity have always been at the heart of my creative journey, shaping the way I approach design and view the world around me. Over time, I’ve learned to value every material, regardless of its condition, because I believe that each piece holds its own unique potential and story. This mindset has been essential in creating work that feels genuine and meaningful.
Building my design practice in India has been a transformative experience, deeply enriching my perspective. The cultural diversity and the profound storytelling tradition in India have played a significant role in shaping my designs. The way stories, myths, and ideologies intertwine with everyday life here has encouraged me to always look beyond the surface and understand the context behind the materials and spaces I work with. It’s a constant reminder to design not just with aesthetics in mind, but with an understanding of the deeper cultural narratives and histories that inform the environment.
Q. What influences and inspires your current work? Could you share some movements, designers, or elements of Indian culture that have shaped your practice?
Dev Desai: My work is inspired by a blend of traditional Indian craftsmanship and modern design. India’s rich cultural heritage, with its intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and resourceful approach to design, deeply influences my practice.
Q. Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you move from initial concept to final execution?
Dev Desai: Every design begins with a spark of inspiration and a drive to create something new. Finding inspiration is the easy part—it’s everywhere, all around us. For me, the concept and ideation phase is where the real fun begins, but only once I have a clear understanding of the narrative and context behind the design.
I start by sketching out my ideas—sometimes they come to me late at night, and I’ll quickly jot them down in a small notebook or sketch roughly on my phone to make sure I don’t forget. Once I begin designing, the idea consumes me. I think about it constantly, sketching out variations throughout the day. The process feels natural, and the design evolves organically.
I also believe in taking breaks from the project. Sometimes I’ll put it aside for a few days or weeks and come back to it with a fresh perspective. This helps me see whether the idea still resonates with me, and whether it still sparks the excitement to move forward with it.
Q. Your work often involves collaborations with artisans and other creatives. What draws you to these partnerships, and how do these collaborations enrich your design practice?
Dev Desai: Collaboration is key to my design process because it brings new depth and authenticity to my work. Working with artisans and other creatives allows me to blend traditional techniques with my own vision, resulting in richer, more meaningful designs. These partnerships inspire me, challenge my creativity, and offer fresh perspectives that help me honor craftsmanship while pushing boundaries.
Q. Looking back at your portfolio, which project represents a significant turning point in your career, and among your recent works, what project are you most proud of and why?
Dev Desai: Looking back, I’d say the turning point in my career was during my college days, particularly the small workshops we had on product design. I truly enjoyed those hands-on sessions, and they sparked something in me. It was in those workshops that I discovered my passion for creating products, and that excitement stayed with me long after graduation. I believe those experiences gave me the push I needed to dive deeper into the design world and continue pursuing product creation after college.
My most recent product, a chair I created from scratch, was showcased at Raw Collaborative 2024, and it’s one of my proudest moments. What makes it so exciting is that I sculpted it entirely with my own hands, going all in on the process. Designing this chair has been a journey of discovery—learning about ergonomics, materials, and the technical aspects behind every curve. It turned out to be surprisingly therapeutic, providing me with mental clarity and helping me solve problems I didn’t even know existed. The process taught me the immense patience and precision needed to balance functionality with aesthetics. It also deepened my respect for artisans—their craftsmanship is truly remarkable, and if their work were measured by Western standards, they would undoubtedly receive the recognition they deserve.
Q. What unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered as an emerging designer in the Indian design industry, and how are you working to overcome these obstacles?
Dev Desai: Designing in the Indian context presents both unique challenges and opportunities. One of the biggest challenges is navigating the complexity and diversity of the culture, materials, and regional variations. Each part of India has its own set of traditions, techniques, and preferences, which means designing for a broad audience requires a deep understanding of local contexts and sensitivities. Though it does feel like we’re at a crossroads, caught between the rich traditions of master artisans and the rapid shift toward Western manufacturing processes. While embracing modern techniques and machinery has brought efficiency and innovation, there’s a certain loss in the artistry and intimacy of hand-crafted work. The mastery of artisans—who have honed their craft over generations—often gets overlooked in the rush to adopt mass production methods. It feels like we’re in a space where we’re trying to hold onto these valuable skills while also adapting to the demands of modern industry.
One of my biggest challenges is balancing tradition with modernity. India’s rich craftsmanship often competes with global design trends, and finding a middle ground can be difficult. Access to sustainable materials and affordable manufacturing techniques is also a hurdle. To overcome this, I experiment with new materials and collaborate with artisans to incorporate traditional methods. Additionally, the design community is still growing, but I focus on building relationships and participating in exhibitions to gain exposure and connect with others in the field.
Q. How do you approach sustainability and eco-friendly practices in your designs, particularly considering India’s traditional wisdom and contemporary environmental challenges?
Dev Desai: Sustainability is central to my design philosophy, and I draw a lot from India’s traditional wisdom, such as using locally sourced materials and eco-friendly techniques. However, I also acknowledge the contemporary environmental challenges we face, which require adapting those practices to modern needs. That said, sometimes I feel that the term “sustainability” is used half-heartedly. Often, designs aren’t fully sustainable from start to finish, but we continue with them for various reasons. I wish we could pause and reconsider if the process or materials aren’t truly sustainable before moving forward. It’s about finding a balance between honoring tradition and being mindful of the planet, even if it’s not always perfect.
Q. How do you build visibility and reach out to potential clients – what platforms and strategies have worked best for you?
Dev Desai: To build visibility, I use social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to showcase my work and engage with potential clients. Participating in design exhibitions and collaborative projects also helps me network and gain exposure. Word-of-mouth and referrals have been key, so I focus on building strong, lasting relationships with clients.
Q. From your experience, what are the crucial dos and don’ts for young designers trying to establish themselves in India, and what professional forums or communities would you recommend they join?
Dev Desai: If you’re a young designer, start by exploring India’s rich culture and understanding true sustainability—it’s more than just a trend; it’s essential, and design has a huge impact. I believe your design journey should begin with eco-friendly practices.
Then, get out there and network early! Attend events like Raw Collaborative, India Design Week, and Godrej Design Lab. Big designers are more approachable than you’d think, and connections are key.
Q. As you look ahead, what kind of projects or directions would you like to explore?
Dev Desai: Looking ahead, I’m passionate about creating products that address social issues, particularly for those in need. One direction I’d like to explore is designing a collapsible home or shelter for the underprivileged in India—a portable, affordable solution that provides them with a safe space.
In terms of furniture and lifestyle products, I’m excited to explore new materials and innovative collaborations. I want to push the boundaries of design, experimenting with sustainable and unconventional materials
Q. For aspiring designers looking to make their mark in India’s design landscape, what wisdom would you share from your journey
Dev Desai: To aspiring designers in India, embrace the rich cultural heritage around you and blend tradition with modernity. Don’t just follow trends—dig deep into stories and local crafts for true inspiration. I urge you to roll up your sleeves and create something from scratch—build it with your hands, pour your soul into it, and don’t fear failure. The thrill of bringing something new to life is worth every misstep. I’m hooked, and I’m not stopping anytime soon!
Also, be patient and persistent. Design is about problem-solving and context. And remember, collaboration is key—working with artisans and other creatives enriches your journey and opens you to new possibilities.
Image Courtesy: Dev Desai
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