Where Ideas Took Root and Design Found its Voice
Design Perspective 2025 arrived in Kolkata on 23 May with more than just a lineup of renowned speakers — it arrived with intent. With each edition, the platform has evolved, growing beyond a one-off design event into a curated conversation on the future of architecture, creativity, and the built environment in India. And Kolkata, steeped in culture, heritage, and intellectual depth, proved to be the perfect setting for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and momentum.
Held at the atmospheric Taj Taal Kutir, the event welcomed a full house of architects, interior designers, design students, educators, and industry leaders — all eager to connect, learn, and exchange. The energy in the room was palpable. From the first moment, it was clear that this was not just an audience — it was a collective of like-minded individuals ready to explore what design means in today’s changing world.
The Spirit of the Evening: A Shift Toward Meaning
The Kolkata edition of Design Perspective wasn’t about aesthetics alone — it was about intention. In an age when design is often driven by image and trend, the event made a compelling case for design with depth — rooted in context, memory, materiality, and responsibility.
What set this edition apart was its human-centric approach. The event offered more than knowledge — it offered perspective. And each speaker brought a unique layer to the dialogue.
Realrich Sjarief — Listening Before Building
A keynote that left the room in contemplative silence, Indonesian architect Realrich Sjarief, founder of RAW Architecture, shared a deeply personal philosophy of design. With humility and honesty, he challenged the audience to reimagine success — not as scale or spectacle, but as harmony with place and purpose. He was introduced on the stage by JP Agrawal of Agrawal & Agrawal Associates, who is one of the senior-most architects.
His message was clear: design must begin with listening. Listening to nature, to the people who will inhabit the spaces, and to the history embedded in the land. Drawing from vernacular traditions and sustainable practices, he emphasized that architecture should age with dignity — evolving with time, not fighting it.
Realrich’s work, deeply rooted in craftsmanship and community, served as a powerful reminder that design is not just a product — it is a process, an act of care.
Praveen Bavadekar — Embracing Contradictions Gracefully
When Praveen Bavadekar, principal architect at Studio Thirdspace, took the stage, the room shifted into a thoughtful hush. His talk was an exploration of dualities — of how architecture can hold memory and imagination at once, of how structure can be both rigid and fluid. He was introduced on the stage by Abin Choudhuri of Abin Design Studio, who is one of the senior-most architects.
With evocative imagery and sharp clarity, he unpacked projects that navigate contradiction with elegance. His work does not seek to simplify complexity but to make it feel effortless. By embracing the in-between, Bavadekar illustrated how architecture can become a reflection of the human condition — layered, nuanced, and alive.
Conversations That Sparked Possibilities
More than any single talk or moment, the true highlight of the Kolkata edition was the spontaneous, organic dialogue that unfolded throughout the evening. Hallway conversations turned into professional collaborations. Chance meetings over coffee became design debates. Attendees didn’t just network — they connected.
Design Perspective’s greatest success lies in its ability to foster these micro-moments — where people who may never otherwise cross paths come together under a shared love for the built environment.
The Exhibit Zone — Where Design Meets Tech
Beyond the stage, the exhibit area offered a curated peek into the future of design. From sustainable materials and architectural tools to digital workflows and cutting-edge design software, it showcased innovation that isn’t just theoretical — but practical and implementable.
Attendees interacted directly with brands and solutions that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in contemporary practice. The zone was more than a display — it was an experience.
Looking Ahead: Ahmedabad Edition
With the success of Kolkata still echoing, all eyes now turn to the next chapter — Ahmedabad. Known for its architectural legacy, vibrant academic scene, and rich design history, Ahmedabad is the perfect next destination.
If Kolkata was a spark, Ahmedabad is poised to be the blaze. Registrations open now, and seats will be limited.
Kolkata reminded us why we design — not just to build structures, but to build meaning. To those who were in the room — you know the magic that unfolded. To those who missed it — Ahmedabad is calling.
Stay tuned. Stay inspired.