#YoungIcons2024 Murubi specialises in creating exceptional furniture and products, guided by the belief that good design can enhance quality of life

Young Icons is a bridge connecting established professionals with emerging talent, fostering a community that thrives on shared knowledge and mutual inspiration. And we couldn’t have missed out on Murubi, a contemporary design-driven brand based in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, led by Shwetha Iyengar and Jaymin Panchasara. The company specialises in creating exceptional furniture and products, guided by the belief that good design can enhance quality of life. Rebranded from Skai in late 2023, Murubi reflects the founders’ evolving vision. Both Shwetha & Jaymin are experienced industrial designers with backgrounds from prestigious design institutes in India. The name Murubi combines “Mulu/Muru” (meaning complete and wholesome in Tamil) with “bi” (derived from “be”), signifying living and feeling.

INSPIRATION:

“We appreciate thoughtful and well-designed objects. As designers, we have the power to make everyday life better and that’s what pushes us to create. We draw our inspiration from daily observations and relationships between people and products. We streamline our thoughts and ideas to create simple utilitarian objects that can become a delightful part of people’s lives,” shares Shwetha.

PROJECT FOR THE GODREJ DESIGN LAB (GDL) FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM:

“Our passion for working with natural fibres has led us to explore the potential of water hyacinth, an invasive species that chokes freshwater sources such as rivers and lakes, rendering them unsuitable for commercial use. Through this fellowship, we aim to shine a spotlight on water hyacinth and unlock its creative possibilities. We are excited to introduce a new collection of furniture made from water hyacinth, including benches, stools, and room dividers, set to be launched at the Conscious Collective in December. This collection will feature beautiful weave patterns and colours, and our commitment to environmental sustainability,” reveals Jaymin.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE DESIGN COMMUNITY?

We believe this fellowship program will inspire a community of like-minded designers to rally around a meaningful cause. It will motivate more people to pursue positive evolution in design. We hope that the products we develop through this fellowship will serve as a lasting reminder to the design community to prioritize our planet and consider the future impact their work. By embracing this approach, we can ensure that our designs not only meet current needs but also contribute to a sustainable and responsible future.

FUTURE VISION:

For Murubi, we see a future where our commitment to circularity in design becomes even more integral to our brand identity. We plan to expand our range of products and explore new materials and techniques that align with our values of durability, creativity, and aesthetic excellence. Our goal is to lead by example in creating designs that not only meet contemporary needs but also anticipate future challenges.

Also Read: #YoungIcons2024 Anomalia works towards making a positive impact on both people and the built environment through thoughtful design