THE NEW FACES OF Design: AARTI AGGARWAL & MALAVIKA SINGH GUPTA

The definition of Indian design is evolving. From being synonymous with craftsmanship and handicrafts to now having a distinct identity: an amalgamation of the richness of traditional craftsmanship and an experimental approach to materials and techniques. In this feature, we interact with two designers who have been instrumental in defining India's design identity and shaping its narrative. Through their designs, Aarti Aggarwal, Founder, Knock on Wood celebrates the versatility of wood; and Malavika Singh Gupta, Co-Founder, Gomaads transforms the ubiquitous concrete into objects of desire.

- SEEMA SREEDHARAN

MALAVIKA SINGH GUPTA: Concrete as her Muse

Seema Sreedharan (SS): You are an interior designer and a photographer. Tell us about your journey through design, your passion for photography, your education.

Malavika Singh Gupta (MSG): I was always fascinated with objects and spaces, thanks to my father’s camera collection, photography became a very passionate hobby. More than paintings I enjoyed photographs. The combination of the two led me to pursue a career in interior design. But of course, no classroom education prepares you for an actual site. Therefore, the biggest learning came from my first job as an interior designer, where I had found myself surrounded with very interesting design opportunities, a great mentor and my partner in crime and concrete– Gopendra Pratap Singh.

Thereafter in 2013, after our stint with architecture, we initiated Gomaads, a design studio based on the core desire to explore the infinite possibilities of concrete as a medium.

The journey so far has been incredibly enriching. Along the way, we have realized our strengths and vision for a studio that proudly makes in India.

SS: Concrete is viewed as a construction material. What made you think of using concrete to design decor products?

MSG: In most people’s opinion, concrete is just an ordinary construction material, but for us, it is one with a lot of integrity, depth and character. And we want to bring this out to the world, to break concrete out of its traditional image and celebrate its delightful versatility.

SS: Why concrete?