Harpreet Padam and Lavanya Asthana: Name to know

“We wanted to design something that was quick for the user to assemble by themselves in their house. It is something that fits into the fast urban lifestyle,” explain Harpreet Padam and Lavanya Asthana, one of the eight Godrej Design Lab 2015 winners. Godrej Design Lab 2015 was a product design contest held by Godrej in association with ELLE DECOR India. The duo won the competition for their wall hung unit called Kvikk that serves as a shelf and mirror.
“We had an idea initially but while working with Godrej we elaborated it so that it could fit in more ring spaces for the slots. Earlier it was meant only for a home’s entryway, but now it can be used in a variety of areas,” they explain.
While Harpreet is a lifestyle and fashion accessory designer from NIFT in New Delhi, Lavanya is a graphic designer from NID, Ahmedabad and together they co-founded Unlike Design Co. in New Delhi. How do they reconcile their creative differences, given the disparity of their backgrounds?  “It comes together eventually. There are often arguments, but eventually we are working towards things that are contemporary, useful and enjoyable for users,” says Harpreet.
Not only do they enjoy working with wood, they also harbour a profound love for paper and cardboard. They work closely with the fashion industry by designing labels and tags for the garment companies. “We’d love to design the Indian national passport and stamps too,” chimes in Lavanya.
Currently, their plate is full with an annual report for an NGO, several book covers and even a cookbook. Website: www.unlike.inFor more details about Godrej Design Lab, visit www.godrejdesignlab.com

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