At the intersection of architecture and electronics emerges a design partnership that defies conventional boundaries. Ipsita Rajak and Sangeeth K, the creative minds behind “Ipsita X Sangeeth,” blend their distinct backgrounds into a unified vision that’s reshaping our understanding of design.
Both New Media Design postgraduates from NID Gandhinagar, they approach creativity from complementary angles. Ipsita, with her architectural foundation, immerses herself in social innovation and community engagement. Her process begins with ordinary lives and transforms them into extraordinary design narratives that evolve organically through human connection.
Meanwhile, Sangeeth, an electronics engineer turned designer, lives by Paul Klee’s philosophy that “a line is a dot that went for a walk.” This transition from rigid engineering to fluid design reflects his journey exploring human emotion. His work creates experiences that resonate beyond the surface, born from a profound curiosity about people and their stories.
Operating between Delhi and Kannur, this partnership crafts solutions that transcend mere aesthetics. Together, they’re architecting experiences that imagine futures where design serves as a catalyst for social and ecological progress—proving that when diverse perspectives unite, the possibilities expand beyond what either could achieve alone.
Ipsita X Sangeeth “Whispers in the Void”
In this candid conversation as part of DTalks, Ipsita and Sangeeth opened up about their experience and philosophy of design.
Q. How would you describe your signature design aesthetic, and how has it evolved while working in India?
Ipsita and Sangeeth: We don’t believe in adhering to a signature design aesthetic. For us, the theme always takes precedence. Till now, we have worked from our perspectives, and with India as the context for our people, our work naturally represents India. We derive inspiration from the elements of the theme or subject we are focusing on, letting it shape both the process and the outcome.
Q. What influences and inspires your current work? Could you share some movements, designers, or elements of Indian culture that have shaped your practice?
Ipsita and Sangeeth: Our work is inspired by a diverse array of artists, designers, and architects, each contributing uniquely to how we think about design and its possibilities. For us, design is about creating experiences that spark meaningful conversations, allowing people to connect with ideas beyond just the visual. Aparna Rao’s kinetic installations explore the intersection of technology and human behaviour in playful yet thought-provoking ways. Her work reveals how interactive, emotionally engaging experiences can provoke curiosity and dialogue. Anab Jain’s speculative design projects challenge us to envision alternative futures and reflect on the consequences of present decisions. Her work, especially with Superflux, exemplifies how design can provoke thought about the interplay of technology, society, and ethics. Charles Correa inspires us with his emphasis on “Indianness” in architecture. His climate-responsive designs and ability to integrate cultural narratives with modern functionality demonstrate how architecture can honour heritage while embracing contemporary needs. Indian culture, with its rich heritage of storytelling, craftsmanship, and symbolism, provides an overarching influence on our practice.
Anish Kapoor’s mastery of materiality and perception, particularly his use of depth, voids, and reflective surfaces, creates profound, introspective experiences. His ability to merge abstraction with cultural symbolism inspires us to think beyond conventional design boundaries. Anupama Kundoo’s focus on materiality and context-driven design has profoundly influenced us. She demonstrates how locally sourced materials and sustainable practices can be combined with innovative techniques to create architecture that is both resource-efficient and deeply rooted in its environment. Finally, Neri Oxman’s pioneering work in material ecology has influenced us to think about design as a fusion of art, science, and nature. Her ability to create with biomaterials and computational design tools pushes the boundaries of what is possible, inspiring us to consider sustainability in innovative ways.
We are still taking baby steps in our journey, but we aspire to create work that blends the thoughtfulness of these inspirations, sparking meaningful conversations and offering experiences that are both contextual and conceptually engaging.
Q. Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you move from initial concept to final execution?
Ipsita and Sangeeth: Our creative process is deeply rooted in observation, questioning, and storytelling. For Whispers in the Void, the journey began with a lived experience—commuting along a road transformed by city beautification efforts. This transformation prompted questions about visibility, empathy, and sustainability. We started by writing a poem, letting the words encapsulate our thoughts and shape the narrative. From there, the form of the installation evolved organically, combining abstract urban textures and silhouettes. Prototyping and feedback loops were crucial, allowing us to refine the experience while engaging in meaningful conversations with our audience.
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?
Ipsita and Sangeeth: Collaboration is the heart of our design process. For Whispers in the Void, it all began with Sangeeth’s mom’s school projector, which became the base for our first prototype. We reached out to friends and seniors forming a network of contributors who brought diverse expertise to the project. Fabrication work was brought to life with the guidance of Atif Ji from Sharp X Interiors, whose craftsmanship elevated our vision. Our friend Panini contributed his talent to create the soundscapes that enriched the immersive experience. Ipsita’s mom and grandmother helped with the stitching, bringing a personal and emotional touch to the installation.
We also had invaluable design critiques from our peers Nithin and Aditi, while Raw and Godrej’s event and construction teams provided the logistical and structural support we needed to bring the installation to fruition. These collaborations not only added layers to the project but also highlighted the value of collective effort, making the final outcome a true celebration of teamwork and shared vision.
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?
Ipsita and Sangeeth: Whispers in the Void is a defining project for us. It marked a starting point in our journey, as it was our first step into designing interactive installations. The Open Call by Raw Collaborative and Godrej’s Conscious Collective allowed us to delve into the theme of “developing cities,” exploring the often-overlooked stories of individuals who work at the grassroots level whom we often see as the workforce, shaping our urban environments – but are forgotten.
We are privileged to get the chance to showcase our project: Whispers in the Void as it resonated deeply with audiences, sparking meaningful conversations about the visible and invisible forces behind city-making. It demonstrated the power of design to challenge perceptions and provoke empathy, affirming our belief in creating work that connects people to pressing societal questions through thoughtful and immersive experiences.
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?
Ipsita and Sangeeth: As newcomers to the industry, one of the biggest challenges we face is securing funding to create impactful and immersive experiences. While there is a growing interest in luxurious artworks, there is limited enthusiasm for alternate, experimental designs that challenge conventions or focus on social impact. Additionally, the infrastructure for showcasing immersive and interactive art is still evolving, making it harder to realize ambitious projects.
That said, India’s rich cultural context and its dynamic urban transformations offer unparalleled opportunities for storytelling. By engaging with local communities, crafting context-driven narratives, and partnering with organizations that share our vision, we aim to overcome these obstacles. Our focus remains on creating work that sparks meaningful dialogue and inspires change, even within these constraints.
Q. How do you approach sustainability and eco-friendly practices in your designs, particularly considering India’s traditional wisdom and contemporary environmental challenges?
Ipsita and Sangeeth: Sustainability is one of the most misused and over-marketed terms today, often reduced to a buzzword. For us, it’s about thinking beyond materials to embrace durability, the afterlife, and real-world impact. In Whispers in the Void, we used textures from repurposed fabrics and sourced used scaffolding pipes that were cleaned and could be assembled by the workers themselves—the very subjects of our installation. The steel framework was designed with resale in mind, ensuring that it wouldn’t end up in a landfill. Drawing from India’s traditional wisdom, we see sustainability as a holistic mindset centred on empathy, resourcefulness, and a commitment to creating value that lasts.
Q. What’s your most exciting recent design or art discovery that’s influencing your current thinking?
Ipsita and Sangeeth: We learn and discover something new every day, whether it’s about design, human behaviour, or broader themes like food and water. Our current research in these areas has revealed how interconnected everything feels, even as distinct nuances emerge. Each exploration, whether about people’s perceptions of water or the role of food in shaping society, adds depth to our understanding. This constant learning keeps us inspired and reminds us that our journey is about asking questions and embracing the unknown rather than settling on definitive answers.
Q. How do you build visibility and reach out to potential clients – what platforms and strategies have worked best for you?
Ipsita and Sangeeth: We’re still discovering the best ways to connect with audiences and collaborators. Showcasing our work at events like Raw Collaborative and Godrej Design Lab’s Conscious Collective has been a great starting point for visibility. Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn help us share our process and engage with the community. More than anything, we believe in the power of meaningful collaborations and authentic storytelling to build connections.
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?
Ipsita and Sangeeth: We’re still figuring things out ourselves, so instead of offering dos and don’ts, we can share what one of our faculty- Dr. Jignesh Khakhar says – It’s important to stay open to experimenting and iterating quickly. Every designer’s journey is unique, and we’re excited to continue finding our way. Collaborating with peers and experts often brings fresh perspectives.
Q. As you look ahead, what kind of projects or directions would you like to explore?
Ipsita and Sangeeth: We’re currently exploring themes of water and food through the lens of speculative and critical design. We want to create a mix of installations, exhibitions, and research projects that challenge perceptions and spark conversations. Our goal is to keep learning, experimenting, and engaging with varied mediums and audiences.
Q. For aspiring designers looking to make their mark in India’s design landscape, what wisdom would you share from your journey?
Ipsita and Sangeeth: We don’t feel ready to offer that wisdom yet, as we’re still exploring and finding our path. However, we’ve learned the value of staying curious, prototyping iteratively, not being married to our designs and taking time for reflection. Design ethics and empathy guide our process, and we believe these principles can help any designer create meaningful work.
Still of the installation, Whispers in the Void. Courtesy: Ipsita X Sangeeth
Contributor
