Tarun Jangid is the visionary founder of Aravali Design, a studio dedicated to transforming stone into contemporary furniture and lighting that speaks to both tradition and modernity. With formal training from CEPT University, Jangid operates from Aburoad at the foothills of Mount Abu, where the majestic Guru Shikhar peak of the Aravali range stands as a constant source of inspiration.
Aravali Design’s signature aesthetic marries universal organic forms with refined luxury, celebrating stone’s natural beauty through thoughtfully crafted pieces. Each creation honors the inherent textures and patterns of the material while shaping it into timeless, emotionally resonant forms.
Deeply rooted in India’s rich heritage yet informed by contemporary design principles, Jangid’s work draws from both the rugged landscapes of the ancient Aravali mountains and Rajasthan’s storied artisanal traditions. His practice exists at the intersection of honoring traditional craftsmanship and embracing modern minimalist sensibilities.
This balanced approach ensures Aravali Design’s creations resonate authentically on both local and global stages. Through his work, Jangid crafts pieces that are enduring expressions of place, tradition, and innovation—stone poetry that speaks to the past while looking confidently toward the future.
Tarun Jangid Design Philosophy
As Part of DTalks, Tarun Jangid opens up about his fascination with stone and design journey.
Q. How would you describe your signature design aesthetic, and how has it evolved while working in India?
Tarun Jangid: Our design aesthetic is a harmonious blend of universal organic forms and refined luxury. Our pieces celebrate the natural beauty of stone, embracing its textures and patterns while sculpting it into timeless forms. Rooted in India’s heritage yet elevated by contemporary design principles, our work is deeply inspired by the landscapes of the Aravalis and the artisanal traditions of Rajasthan. Our aesthetic sense aims to reflect a balance between honoring traditional craftsmanship and introducing modern minimalism, ensuring our designs resonate both locally and globally.
Q. What influences and inspires your current work? Could you share some movements, designers, or elements of Indian culture that have shaped your practice?
Tarun Jangid: Our inspiration stems from the rugged beauty of the Aravali mountain ranges and the rich history embedded in the stone craft of Rajasthan. We are inspired by the human ingenuity of utilizing accessible material for our needs. The Wabi-Sabi philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection greatly influences us, as do modern design pioneers like Le Corbusier and local craftsmen who have perfected their craft over generations. Natural materials and the interplay of light and shadow are another constant muse in our work.
Q. What is the thought process behind taking inspiration from the Aravali range for your designs?
Tarun Jangid: The Aravalis, as one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, embody resilience, permanence, and natural elegance—qualities we aim to reflect in every creation. By only using locally sourced stone and that too offcuts of larger blocks, we not only pay homage to this ancient landscape but also draw from its textures, hues, and forms to inform our designs. This connection ensures our pieces carry the essence of the Aravalis, making them both a tribute to and a fragment of this extraordinary region. We are quite new to such bold statements, but we hope to bring in some amount of awareness regarding the exploitation of natural resources.
Q. Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you move from initial concept to final execution?
Tarun Jangid: Our process begins with observation and inspiration, often rooted in the natural world or cultural narratives. Once a concept emerges, we sketch ideas that explore form, function, and material. Collaborating closely with our artisans, we experiment with prototypes to find the perfect balance between the stone’s character and the desired design. Every stage—from sourcing stone to the final polish—is guided by a commitment to quality and the belief that each piece should tell a story.
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?
Tarun Jangid: Artisans bring an irreplaceable depth of knowledge and skill to our work, transforming raw stone into art. Collaborating with them allows us to preserve traditional techniques while reimagining them in innovative ways. These partnerships are symbiotic—while we gain from their expertise, we also introduce them to contemporary design approaches, ensuring the craft evolves sustainably. Working with other creatives—be it architects, designers, or photographers—further enriches our narrative, offering fresh perspectives and broadening our creative horizons.
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?
Tarun Jangid: We are very new as a brand and the Orb collection is our very first one. Inspired by the universal form of a sphere and associations of this form with rolling boulders from the mountains. We have explored the raw strength of stone with clean and bold, modern forms.
We were part of a recreational space design by an Architect colleague for an esteemed client. The Orb pendant light was one of our first products to be installed as the main lighting element. I am very proud of it.
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?
Tarun Jangid: One of the challenges is navigating the logistical complexities of sourcing and transporting heavy materials like stone while educating users on the natural characteristics of the material and acknowledging its natural properties. On the other hand, India offers unparalleled opportunities—a rich artisanal heritage, a vast array of natural materials, and a growing appreciation for sustainable luxury. Balancing these elements allows us to craft designs that are deeply rooted in tradition yet globally relevant.
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the balance between craftsmanship and scalability. Since we work with natural materials, each piece is unique, making it difficult to mass-produce while maintaining quality. Additionally, educating clients about the value of handcrafted stonework versus mass-market alternatives has been an ongoing effort. We are addressing this by telling compelling stories through our designs, showcasing the hands behind the work, and gradually building a community that appreciates slow, mindful design.
Q. How do you approach sustainability and eco-friendly practices in your designs, particularly considering India’s traditional wisdom and contemporary environmental challenges?
Tarun Jangid: Sustainability is integral to design philosophy. We prioritize responsible sourcing, often using offcuts and repurposing discarded stone to minimize waste. Drawing from India’s traditional wisdom, which values resourcefulness and respect for nature, we ensure our designs honor both the environment and the craft.
Q. What’s your most exciting recent design or art discovery that’s influencing your current thinking?
Tarun Jangid: Lately, I’ve been deeply inspired by the intersection of nature and craftsmanship—particularly the way traditional Indian stonework can be reinterpreted in contemporary ways. A recent discovery that has shaped my perspective is the work of Italian sculptor Giuseppe Penone, whose organic forms remind me of the raw, untouched beauty of stone. His approach to materiality aligns with my belief that imperfections in stone are not flaws, but rather narratives waiting to be celebrated in design.
Q. How do you build visibility and reach out to potential clients – what platforms and strategies have worked best for you?
Tarun Jangid: Instagram has been instrumental in showcasing our work to a wider audience. Additionally, participating in design exhibitions. Word-of-mouth remains one of the strongest tools—ensuring a great experience for every client leads to organic growth and referrals.
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?
Tarun Jangid: Dos:
Stay curious—visit workshops, understand materials, and learn from craftsmen.
Build strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and artisans—they are invaluable to your growth.
Document your process and work—consistent storytelling will set you apart.
Don’ts:
Don’t chase quick success—sustainable growth takes time.
Avoid underpricing your work; value your time and expertise.
Don’t be afraid to say no to projects that don’t align with your creative vision.
Communities & Forums:
India Design ID (great for networking and insights into the industry)
Instagram (essential for digital presence and client outreach)
Raw collaborative(For emerging designers showcasing craftsmanship driven work)
Q. As you look ahead, what kind of projects or directions would you like to explore?
Tarun Jangid: Going forward, I am keen to explore a deeper integration of sustainable practices in natural materials. This includes working with offcuts, experimenting with new binding materials, and developing lighting and furniture pieces that embrace a balance between minimalism and organic fluidity.
Q. For aspiring designers looking to make their mark in India’s design landscape, what wisdom would you share from your journey?
Tarun Jangid: Find your unique voice, and don’t rush to fit into trends. The Indian design landscape is evolving rapidly, but authenticity will always stand out. Invest time in understanding materials deeply—our country has a rich history of craftsmanship, and learning from artisans can provide insights that no design software can replicate. Lastly, patience is key. Building a strong design identity takes time, so trust the process.
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