The art of emotive design: Vritima Wadhwa’s 810 / TWO showcases her mastery in creating sensory experiences through design

The design world, as we know it, often teeters between the extremes of tradition and modernity. But, there exists a rare visionary who dances effortlessly on this tightrope, weaving a web of innovation that’s as rooted in cultural heritage as it is forward-thinking. Enter Vritima Wadhwa, the alchemist behind Project 810, who doesn’t just create spaces and objects—she crafts experiences that challenge our perceptions and redefine our relationship with the environment around us. Imagine a realm where furniture breathes with life, where interiors whisper stories of centuries past while boldly stepping into the future, and where every curve, texture, and shadow is a deliberate brushstroke on the canvas of human experience. This is the world Vritima Wadhwa has been sculpting since 2013-14, a world where the boundaries between art, functionality, and emotion blur into a seamless continuum of design excellence.

As we peer into the mind of one of India’s most sought-after design mavens— a name that resonates in the ateliers of fashion icons like Rahul Mishra and Anamika Khanna—we’re compelled to ask: What is this science that transforms mere spaces into sanctuaries of the soul? How does one distill the essence of contemporary India into forms that speak a global language? And perhaps most intriguingly, how does Vritima consistently manage to stay several steps ahead in a field where innovation is the only constant? Prepare to embark on a journey that transcends the conventional notions of interior and product design. This is not just an interview; it’s an exploration of a philosophy that’s reshaping the very fabric of Indian aesthetics, one groundbreaking project at a time. Welcome to the world of Vritima Wadhwa and Project 810 – where every design is a revolution, and every space is a revelation.

Kashish Kaushal (KK): Can you share a bit about your journey into the field of furniture and interior design? What motivated you to start Project 810 in 2013? How has your vision for the practice evolved over the years?

Vritima Wadhwa (Vritima): Project 810 began as an exploration to create memorable spatial experiences, rooted in the contemporary Indian context and inspired by the world. I commenced my independent practice following an immersive education in furniture design at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, and in the early years of my professional career, collaborated with leading design professionals in Delhi and Ahmedabad. Project 810’s vision has always been tethered to creating designs of emotive value and contextual appropriateness. Our repertoire across interior and spatial experiences is built on a strong, process driven approach of research, exploration, and iteration to bring human-centered designs to life. Over the past ten years, Project 810’s approach to spaces and furniture has become more refined and holistic. We believe that the underlying aesthetic that flows through all our projects has a stronger voice today.

KK: As both an interior designer and a product/furniture designer, how do you navigate between designing spaces and individual pieces? How does one discipline inform and enhance the other in your practice?

Vritima: For us, the approach to both: interior space as well as a furniture or interior element is rooted in the following fundamentals: Questioning the purpose, identifying the function, determining the form, and implementing the correct technique – these dictums hold true across all scales. Experimenting with materials and focusing on meticulous detailing are our studio signatures — with a quest for all designs to remain timeless.

KK: Project 810 spans various domains like retail, hospitality, workspaces, and residences. How do you adapt your design approach to meet the unique needs of these different types of projects? Quote with an example.

Vritima: We believe in using local resources, complemented with the sensibilities of quality craftsmanship, to create distinct experiences. Through a collaborative approach, we work closely with master craftspeople and makers in various materials, to achieve a synergy between the project brief and the inherent design ethos. Our team of interior designers, furniture designers and architects seek perfection in their ardent love for details.

KK: What inspired the creation of the 810 / TWO collection? Could you share the story behind its development and the themes you wanted to explore through this collection?

Vritima: 810/Two is inspired by the integration of natural and restrained forms, focusing on tranquility and fluidity. When we embarked on the journey for 810/two, our vision was to create a collection that is humble and rooted in contemporary India. As we delved deeper into the design process, we discovered new possibilities, techniques of craft and a combination of materials that felt refreshed. These discoveries led to subtle adjustments in design, ultimately enhancing the overall concept and bringing it closer to its intended essence.

KK: There’s a strong sensory element in the 810 / TWO collection. How do you approach designing furniture that evokes specific emotions or sensory experiences? Can you give an example from the collection?

Vritima: Our exploration was centered around empathising with the user, engaging on a sensorial and behavioral level with its materiality and form. We created design details that read as quintessentially Indian with a modern perspective of fluidity and balance. Its drape-like outlines emerge in unmissable silhouettes that appear deceptively malleable, creating a sense of movement. The use of woven rattan creates a feeling of openness, inviting the user to lay in its restful embrace. The collection also sees the timeless craft of stone etching that has a grounding presence

KK: The collection uses a variety of materials such as rattan, wood, and steel. How do you select materials for your designs, and what role do they play in the overall narrative of your work?

Vritima: The collection embraces a contemporary Indian aesthetic, fusing clean forms with an Indian flair. We intended for the materiality to engage with the user on a sensory level, and instill a sense of nostalgic kinship with the collection. The specific techniques employed in the crafting process include intricate weaving, woodworking, metal fabrication, and stone craft. 810/two pays homage to the country’s handcrafted tradition in viewing its materials with a fresh and modern perspective.

KK: The pieces in 810 / TWO are described as interchangeably compatible. How important is functionality and flexibility in your furniture design, and how do you incorporate these aspects into your work?

Vritima: We practice a research-driven iterative process in design decision-making. As mentioned earlier, our exploration is centered around empathizing with the user to derive detailed prompts to translate the needs and requirements into design details. This allows us to craft an experience in tangible forms that is the right balance of function and aesthetic. Our furniture design studio interfaces product design workflow with traditional craftsmanship and experience driven sensibilities

KK: Based on your extensive experience, what advice would you give to aspiring interior and furniture designers? What should they focus on to build a successful and fulfilling career?

Vritima: Work with your hands and learn the versatility of materials. Take on challenges across various scales and briefs to become flexible with your expertise. Most importantly, be true to yourself and your process. Lastly, follow your own path, as each individual has their own journey.

KK: What are your future aspirations for Project 810? Are there any upcoming projects or collections that you are particularly excited about?

Vritima: The studio is currently researching and working on the fusion of unconventional materials to create novel results. Inspired by the elements of the earth, this capsule collection is in its exploratory phase. As for interiors, 2024-25 is primarily focused on residential projects. Projects for us in their completion stage include a home inspired by Dawn, Dusk, and Night for a New Delhi-based fashion designer, an adaptive reuse residential project in Lutyens Delhi, FCML’s new store in Bangalore, and an Asian restaurant in Delhi, to name a few.

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