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Interview with Manish Maheshwari |
Home > Designer Interviews > Manish Maheshwari |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Manish Maheshwari (MM) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Manish Maheshwari by clicking here.
FS: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
MM: After completing my bachelor's in engineering, I developed a keen interest in design. So I did a brief design course to understand my curious interest in designing, which helped me choose designing as my career option. And my destiny is guiding me.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
MM: In 1999 I established my company RACHAITA CREATIVE SOLUTIONS; in Hindu mythology ‘rachaita’ means the creator of the universe (Lord Brahma) which is fondly known as RCS, presently RCS is an umbrella company for SITE art space (an art gallery) MODULAR SWING (acknowledges the rich presence of the swing in the Indian culture and explores its evaluation through time). And the latest endeavor of RCS is 99Chronicles, which will celebrate the idea of collaboration with various designers.
FS: What is "design" for you?
MM: For me, design is answers to one or several requirements/questions.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
MM: I enjoy designing anything to my capabilities.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
MM: Swan tissue paper holder. Swan is made of metal using the technique of origami partially. What I enjoy most in this design is the tissue paper themselves become the feathers for the swan.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
MM: Corporate souvenirs, tabletop souvenirs with usability was made from a scrap of the same industry.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
MM: My favorite material is metal, and I combine it with various other materials to enhance its aesthetics.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
MM: When I am super relaxed with no distractions and disturbance.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
MM: Technical aspects i.e. Ease of making the product and achieve the best outcomes without compromises. Technical Aspects of production. Choosing the right approach to achieve the best outcome, wherein the technical aspect incorporated in the design is seen as an important part of the design may be sharing a 50:50 ratio with the aesthetics.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
MM: While designing, I feel the rise in my energy level as I find answers to my questions that come to my mind. And the peak in energy level wants to complete the prototyping as soon as possible.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
MM: Once the design is realized, there is happiness and excitement; simultaneously, I engage with the product to check for aspects that I had considered while sketching to see the possibility of enhancing the development from the energy that I get from the outcome.
FS: What makes a design successful?
MM: If my design can connect itself with the youngest and the eldest of the age group, it's the most successful.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
MM: I look for wow factor, overall aesthetics, soft edges, functionality, ergonomics, modularity, and most importantly sustainable materials.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
MM: A design should fulfill the requirements of the present by taking testimonials from the past and bearing in mind the design's (product's) sustainable role in the future when it will become debris.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
MM: For most, it is a fashion; for some, it is a responsibility. It is our responsibility to carve the path for the future and take it towards a sustainable model.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
MM: In 2019 at RAW COLLABORATIVE (Ahmedabad, India). Whenever I get a good platform for better visibility.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
MM: Nature, nature, and nature. It plays a significant role for me may it be for design or structural stability.
FS: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
MM: Solid surfaces with thin connecting lines. Solid surfaces hold the color well, and lines play a significant role in highlighting the product at times. It also makes the design looks light.
FS: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
MM: India. Yes, to a reasonable extent. I enjoy the rich heritage of our country. It is best to design, keeping in mind the materials and process in one's vicinity.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
MM: Keep raising why's and keep finding answers to them.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
MM: The inlay on the floor ( Parchin Kari), a large mirror frame, brass dining table, the house's elevation facade, and the swing.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
MM: I start my day watering the plants, make masala tea, be a small help in the kitchen, freshen up, do a little prayer to focus on my concentration, take breakfast and leave for the studio by 9:30 – 10:00 AM. In no time, the clock turns 6:00 PM which is our standard closing time.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
MM: Be true to your design and pursue an ethical practice.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
MM: Use wood as a highlighting element, and you can never go wrong.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
MM: To be able to think and see the design through sections thoroughly. In and out with an honest approach.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
MM: Grid pad, pencil eraser, sharpener, and color pencil.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
MM: If there is proper planning and clarity in mind, designing doesn't take time.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
MM: A couple of hours to conclude on its feasibility.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
MM: What's new that you have created recently.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
MM: Architects, artists, designers, corporates, and individuals.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
MM: Converting a scrap of any industry into souvenirs and art for them, which as an outcome and is more relatable for them.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
MM: Either make my company very big or join a big company, I can target more enormous design challenges.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
MM: To date, I design myself; soon, we will have many collaborations to work as a team.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
MM: Yes, we collaborated with two other designers to make a series of furniture using terrazzo terracotta/metal and wood.
FS: How can people contact you?
MM: Email: 778gidc@gmail.com Instagram: @manishmaheshwari779
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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