The new vanguard of Indian design—10 people to look out for

Standing before a centuries-old monument, tracing the intricate jaali work or the delicate carvings left behind by master artisans, it’s impossible not to marvel at India’s design legacy. From Mughal symmetry and Rajputana frescoes, to the rich textiles of each state, design in India has always been a reflection of history, culture, and craftsmanship. Today, a new generation of visionaries is carrying this legacy forward—honouring tradition while redefining it with innovation, sustainability, and a fresh design perspective. 

Whether it’s Suchi Reddy, reimagining spaces with neuroaesthetics, Ayush Kasliwal preserving traditional crafts through contemporary furniture, or Anjali Mody bringing a fresh perspective to bespoke design, these trailblazers are reshaping how we experience the world around us. From architecture and interiors to furniture and lighting, they are pushing creative boundaries, merging function with artistry.  

With insights from industry leaders and innovators, this list highlights 10 names redefining the design industry today. 

Suchi Reddy 

Suchi Reddy, founder of NYC-based Reddymade, designs spaces that prioritise feeling over form. Her work spans architecture, interiors, and public art, all rooted in neuroaesthetics and sustainability. She collaborated with Delhi’s Ekaya for Nine.5, a furniture collection celebrating Indian craftsmanship, and reimagined space through light and reflection with her Look Here installation at the National Building Museum. She also designed Google’s first physical store, crafting an inviting, tactile space that makes technology feel more human. Beyond that, her sensory healing space—an experimental hospital room—uses light, sound, and touch to aid recovery for patients with consciousness disorders. With a unique take on tradition, technology, and thoughtful design, Reddy is redefining spaces in a way that feels both fresh and meaningful—someone to watch out for this year.

Ayush Kasliwal 

Ayush Kasliwal is a Jaipur-based designer known for his work in craftsmanship and sustainability. He runs AKFD Studio and Ayush Kasliwal Design Private Limited (AKDPL), a design company that’s been creating high-quality furniture since 1997. His focus is on keeping traditional Indian crafts alive while making them relevant today. He also founded Anantaya, a furniture brand inspired by Indian mythology. With global collaborations and award-winning designs, he’s making sure Indian design stays true to its roots while evolving for the future.

Sonali Rastogi

Sonali Rastogi is a renowned architect and co-founder of Morphogenesis, a firm known for its innovative and sustainable designs across commercial, residential, and institutional spaces. With a strong focus on climate-responsive architecture, her work balances functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. She has received numerous accolades, including the Singapore Institute of Architects SIA Getz Award and was recently honoured as ‘Woman Entrepreneur of the Year’ by The Economic Times. One of her firm’s most notable projects, the Surat Diamond Bourse, is now the world’s largest office building, designed to reduce energy consumption by 50 per cent through passive strategies.

Gautam Seth

Gautam Seth, co-founder of Klove Studio, has a way of making light feel almost alive. His work isn’t just about lighting—it’s about storytelling through hand-blown glass and intricate installations. From transforming a Gaurav Gupta runway into a futuristic dreamscape to crafting a Swarovski-studded mandap that looks like something out of a fairytale, Klove’s designs are bold, imaginative, and full of character. Beyond Klove, Seth is also the founder of Atomicc Code, a modern wellness brand rooted in Ayurveda. With over 20 years of experience, he keeps experimenting with craft and design, finding new ways to bring emotion and artistry into every project.

Varun Kaji 

Varun Kaji’s love for art started at the Venice Biennale, where he was completely taken in by the creativity around him. That experience led to his first art purchase, and over the years, he’s built strong relationships with collectors, artists, and institutions. Now, as a co-founder of VL Art Advisory, he helps collectors find and acquire standout pieces through a trusted global network. He’s also been part of Sotheby's panels at Casa Cipriani in New York and Art Dubai, shaping conversations on art and collecting.

Ritu Nanda 

Ritu Nanda, the force behind Ritu Nanda Design, creates spaces that feel both elegant and lived-in. With projects for Taj, Four Seasons, Lodha, and Piramal Reality, her style is rooted in Indo-Portuguese architecture, favouring natural materials over anything synthetic. She has a sharp eye for vintage finds, often sourcing from Goa’s hidden gems like Whalesong and Ranji’s. Sustainability is key in her work—she avoids plastic, repurposes trees, and believes in letting materials age beautifully.

Anupama Kundoo

Anupama Kundoo, now a teacher at the Potsdam School of Architecture in Germany, is redefining sustainable design with her innovative, low-impact architecture. Her Full Fill Homes offer a smart, space-saving solution to affordable housing, using prefabricated blocks that double as built-in storage. From the Wall House in Auroville to large-scale urban projects, her work prioritises efficiency, local materials, and minimal environmental impact. With a strong focus on sustainability and practical design, Kundoo is shaping the future of architecture—one thoughtful, resource-conscious project at a time. She’s definitely someone to watch in 2025.

Kunal Maniar 

For over 20 years, Kunal Maniar has been creating landscapes that feel natural yet thoughtfully designed. With a background in horticulture and a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Melbourne, he brings a deep understanding of nature to his work. His Mumbai-based practice has designed everything from private homes to resorts, with clients like Mukesh Ambani, Shah Rukh Khan, and MS Dhoni. Maniar describes his style as ‘studied negligence,’ letting nature take the lead to create spaces that grow and evolve beautifully over time. 

Samuel Barclay

Samuel Barclay, the co-founder of Case Design, is all about thoughtful, well-crafted spaces that feel both natural and intentional. After studying architecture in the US, he moved to India in 2006 and has been shaping homes, furniture, and exhibitions ever since. His recent work includes Villa Uma in Alibag, designed around old mango trees with locally sourced materials, and Otra Bombay, a restaurant that brings together cultural influences with a contemporary approach. Through his studio and furniture brand Casegoods, he keeps pushing the boundaries of material and sustainable design.

Anjali Mody

Anjali Mody is the founder of Josmo, a furniture brand that’s all about bold, custom-made pieces with a strong design identity. She recently worked on the Summer Haus in Mumbai, a Parisian-meets-Brooklyn-style home for filmmakers Gayatri and Siddharth Tewary, where she brought in her signature touch. With her growing studios and a solid presence in the design world, she’s definitely one to watch.
 

All images in the story are credited to their respective owners.

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