Redefining furniture

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As the Indian Design 2013 brought together many renowned designers under one roof at NSIC Exhibition Ground, Okhla architect and designer Pinakin Patel says that Delhi is bustling with opportunities for designers from all across the world.
The designer who was in the city to attend the India Design 2013, says that Mumbai designers look forward to exhibiting in Delhi. “Many opportunities are waiting for architects and interior designers in Delhi. There are so many seasons in a year, which improves the scope of experimentation,” says Pinakin, who graduated in Chemistry but realised that he was more inclined towards designing.
He has travelled all over the world to understand various aspects of design. In 1984, he opened his first store, Etcetra. Since then he has been a part of several projects including Mumbai penthouses, rooftop offices, hillside estates and corporate towers.
Pinakin believes that India has a long way to go before design can develop as a trade here. “Though things are changing, many Indian consumers think that design is just a job and do not understand its creative aspects. They want a house that looks like the one they have seen either in Dubai or New York. And many designers end up becoming copycats in the process,” says Pinakin.
He continues, “These influences also affect India’s identity in architecture and designing. Earlier, Mughals and then British, we have been influenced by several outside forces that carving our own identity has become difficult,” he says.
Pinakin decided to move to Alibag to stay away from the mindless consumerism and seek some inspiration. “As a designer, you need to look at things differently. You need to be away from the madness of big cities. Furniture is not just about materials, there is a lot more to it and people are slowly realising that,” he says .
In Alibag, Pinakin learnt Hindustani classical music and read Indian philosophers. “To add creative aspects to design, it is important for a designer to find new inspirations,” he says.
These days Pinakin is busy bringing designers and manufacturing units closer and has signed new contracts with two manufacturing units and is hoping to start a new venture.