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The 'Welcome Chair'

An “industrial designer by profession” Abhijeet Kumar, based in Ahmedabad, says he was initially inspired by his family: “It was quite natural since my uncle was an artist and I saw him draw all the time”. However, it wasn’t until he discovered the work of industrial designer Raymond Leowy that he decided to make his creative passion into a career.



Kumar studied at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad but claims that ultimately, all students at the institute were self taught. “The institute prescribes to the idea of learning by doing, so almost everybody is a self taught designer here, influenced by the institute”.

Of course, Kumar’s interests extend beyond design. Lately he says he has been trying to figure out classical music, “‘fiddling’ around with a violin”, but Kumar is now also striving to manufacture his own products, embodying his individual creative vision.

 Kumar says that “it’s the most banal things around us” that inspire him and his work. “Daily life [fascinates me]“, he says, “the system in general, how people are connected to each other by strange means, how things around us start influencing a behaviour, how products are altered by people using them”. He is currently working on a rocking chair which he insists “is not rocking in the conventional sense, but is enjoyable nevertheless”… stay tuned!

"A paper prototype of a chandelier i'm planning to make in mirror polished stainless steel; lit with LEDs."

Though he believes it is too early in his life to advise people, Kumar maintains that the most important thing for young designers today is to “be original and believe in yourself”.
Check out more of Kumar’s creations here and personal blog here

Thanks from the Design Tavern Abhijeet!