#YoungIcons2024 Kirti Dodeja’s namesake design studio in Delhi specialises in interior design, spatial branding and product design

Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, Kirti Dodeja’s namesake design studio in Delhi specialises in interior design, spatial branding and product design. Trained in Milan, Kirti brings a distinctive touch to every project. She is known for its innovative approach, incorporating psychoanalysis to tailor designs specifically to client needs. With over 25 active projects across India, she integrates global perspectives and local sensibilities to create meaningful spaces.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY:

She believes in focusing on the emotions and functionality of a space. Her approach considers how the space should feel and who will use it. Instead of sticking to conventional categories like office, residential or commercial, she explores the underlying functions and purposes. This perspective enables her to envision how an office could transform or how a residential space might better interact with its inhabitants.

BREAKTHROUGH PROJECT:

Kirti Dodeja was appointed by Isprava as an interior design consultant for Dance of Surrealism in Goa. The team collaborated closely with structural engineers, architects, landscape designers, MEP specialists and other consultants. The project aimed to transform the home into a primary residence amidst Goa’s natural surroundings, incorporating work-from-home options into each room. A standout aspect of the project was the creation of the paper-tear effect flooring in the master bedroom using Udaipur Green Marble. Achieving this effect presented a unique challenge, as it involved manipulating a hard material to mimic the appearance of hand-torn paper. Initially, hammering the marble seemed a feasible approach, but it risked uncontrolled cracking. The solution involved grinding the marble partially before hammering to control the cracking pattern. This method was refined by adjusting the blade’s depth and orientation to achieve the desired paper-tear effect on the marble’s surface. The result showcased rectangular, uniformly sized pieces with a paper-torn edge. The flooring was meticulously hand-laid in alignment with the bed’s orientation, followed by the application of a terrazzo mixture. The final polished floor seamlessly integrated both materials, reflecting the project’s commitment to detailed craftsmanship and design.

FUTURE VISION:

“The emphasis on the mindful use of the resources is something that is catching my attention. I had the opportunity to listen to Lionel Jadot, Maison&Objet designer of the year 2024 closely this year and check out his work. His works explored collaboration and relooking at materiality,” says Kirti. For her, it was fascinating to see how Lionel experimented with discarded and upcycled biodegradable materials, as well as non-biodegradable ones. He explored how users responded to these materials, even though they might not be immediately usable in their current form. The prototyping of these skins and surfaces offers a potential avenue for addressing our carbon footprint. “While it is all fancy to talk about it, it is very difficult to execute on the ground. Our small steps at the alarming stage we are in can certainly be part of the solution as global citizens and earthlings, not just as designers,” adds Kirti.

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