Arch. Ayush Kasliwal

Ayush Kasliwal, an alumnus of the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, is one of India’s leading design thinkers, practitioners and advocates for artisans. Ayush with his architect wife Geetanjali, is Creative Director and Co founder of AKFD & ANANTAYA, interdisciplinary design companies based in Jaipur, India. All aspects of the business practices of AKFD and AnanTaya reflect social consciousness, sustainability. Ayush’s work is informed by traditional crafts and artisans and it reflects a deep understanding of mythology, architecture and culture through a contemporary aesthetic. He believes that “Objects are messages in physical form”.

His design versatility is expressed in the extensive projects undertaken, including the VIP lounges and the Mudra’, Suryanamaskar installationsat the T3 Delhi International Airport, New Delhi, Kiosks at theT2 international Terminal, Mumbai,’ Handmade in Rajasthan’ Logo for the Government of Rajasthan launched at the 2016 Rajasthan Heritage Week, Pink City E-Rickshaw Designing Rajasthan, Retail spaces, Restaurants& prestigious Hospitality projects like Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner.

He has been a Panelist, Speaker, Faculty, Jury member, at prestigious national and international forums including ICFF at New York. Named 100 most Influential Design firms in the Indian Subcontinent 2018 by Architectural Digest, He’s won the Lexus Design Award India 2019, EDIDA India Designer of the year 2013. Finalist of CII design award 2015, they won Interior Lifestyle Award 2015 by Messe Frankfurt., POOL Best Furniture Design Studio of India 2016. The UNESCO Award of Excellence recognized his designs in 2017, 2007 and 2006. Edition Nouveau Objet (ENO), France, launched him as a designer. Showcased in the Talents à la Carte section of ‘Maison ét Object 2008’ in Paris and a finalist in the British Council’s Young Creative Entrepreneur Awards, he has licensed products to MATER, a Danish ethical design house and collaborated with many architects on projects and installations.

His work has been featured on worldwide media like BBC Arts Hour 2016, New York Times, Financial Times, Condenast Traveller, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Wallpaper, Architectural Digest amongst others.
Through inclusive business practices, he redefines ancient local craft traditions and artisan communities by providing design, technology, capital, and creative collaboration.