foundation
THE HOMECOMING OF DESIGN
Uzma Showkat - Managing Director of INDI Design, Srinagar - shares her optimistic views on the bright future of design in Jammu and Kashmir, while banking on her accumulated design experience in different parts of the country. Tell us about your educational background. What inspired you to get into Design? How has the journey been so far? US: I was born and brought up in Srinagar, completing my schooling in the beautiful valley of Kashmir. While growing up in Kashmir, I always used to be in awe of the mesmerizing mix of natural beauty and rich heritage around me as well as the crafts and culture that has shaped up life here for centuries. The heritage buildings and numerous shrines dotting the city have a unique mixture of science and art, such as the intricate lattice designs and the unique khatam-band ceilings. Being an inquisitive kid, I always used to explore and experiment with different things to create newer everyday objects. The same curiosity led me to enroll in a course for Interior and Furniture Design, taking me from the northern part of India to one of the southern most places. I believe, the exposure to such diversity in culture has further aided my learning of design. Further on, NID has given me exposure to multiple schools of thought and abundant inspiration - all of which has helped me become the designer I am today. What kind of projects have you undertaken in the past? US: Soon after completing my degree in Interior and Furniture Design, I started working in Delhi with a design studio which majorly worked on the interior projects for hospitality and residences. Initially, I used to work in a team which helped me develop and understand the design application in the live 4  POOL #41