The beauty of a design lies in its minimal details, affirming the same are two design evangelists Valay Gada and Divya Suri. A chat with them…
Divya Suri
Designing to you is…
The ability to visualise , and add value and beauty to anything. A good design is relevant to all fields. It is always the little details that add up to the right design aesthetics.
Your inspiration…
It comes from travelling, varied cultures and global market trends. We are always working on new things that mirror the conventional as well as international approach.
Design trends these days…
Nature is the driving trend for everything right from wall paper to decor. Nature has been brought indoors through the use of flowers and foliage. Textures and metallic continue to be a trend colour. One can see tons of gold, silver and bronze.
Your designs are a reflection of…
Our insights and aesthetics are based on the past, present and future. As for each design, it carries the essence of the past, should be relevant to the present and yet come out as a trend setter for the future.
Your experience so far…
My 11-year-old journey is filled with extensive learning and experiences that I treasure. I really look forward to this never ending journey.
Your most loved project/s till now…
They are all varied and each one is a new beginning and unique in its appeal. So, I would say all of them are my favourites.
Valay Gada
Designing to you is…
Creating a thing that is beautiful, fun, functional and makes life comfortable.
Your inspiration…
I draw heavily from nature, often at a cellular level as well as mundane everyday things. From the design fraternity Tord Boontje and Marcel Wanders
inspire me. Th e cutting edge music and projects of Bjork are also inspirational.
Design trends these days…
Quirky statement mirrors and a conscious shift towards natural materials like raffi a, cork, nettle is a trend catching up. Use of muted finishes, matt instead of polished, pastel colours, grandma tableware and floral prints is also in.
Your designs are a refl ection of…
Th e need of the moment (sometimes that moment might last for months). Th e work sometimes could be a critique, sometimes an ode and sometimes a coping strategy through laughter.
Your experience so far…
It has been quite a journey, from being an engineering college dropout to studying English literature and then fi nally pursuing design and art. Winning the Young Talent Award and getting a chance to showcase at Ambiente was where things started pacing up. Also, being representated by an art gallery (which is not easy) and showcased nationally and internationally is fulfilling. Some of my collectors include the Ambani’s, Jindal’s, Ruia’s, Baldota’s to name a few.
Your most loved project(s) till now…
It’s great to work with big budgets and be a part of luxurious projects. However, I believe it is essential to give back to the craft speople whose skill makes it all possible. I recently conducted two
workshops with a sikki grass craft cluster through Jiyo crafts funded by the World Bank in Raiyam village in Bihar. This has been the most soul nurturing project for me. It was not only a departure from
metal alloys as a material which is my forte, but also the fact that these products we are co-creating are going to help income generation. The products are gorgeous and will soon be in the market.
Leave a Reply