Parman Designs’ give us insights into their philosophy of work, from nature to local, we cover it in Abir Pothi’s latest D-talk interview
In conversation with the visionary minds at Parman Designs, D-Talks uncovers a practice that honours India’s artisanal heritage while reimagining it for a contemporary world. From terrazzo bathtubs to sculptural benches, every creation is a bridge between past and future, nature and form.
For Parman Designs, the design journey begins with reverence for beauty, nature, and craft. By repurposing waste and celebrating imperfections, they redefine luxury as thoughtful, local, and lasting. Innovations include slip-resistant textural finishes tailored to India’s climate, form meeting function with care.
Q: How would you describe your signature design aesthetic, and how has it evolved while working in the Indian context?
At Parman Designs, we are passionate creators, explorers, and lovers of everything beautiful. Each piece we craft of terrazzo and concrete is a reflection of our deep connection to nature and personal narratives. India, with its vast history of art, architecture, and traditional techniques encourages us to celebrate the artisanal traditions that are integral to our work. We are committed to weaving local skills into our designs. By continuing to work with and learn from regional artisans, we not only preserve these techniques but also evolve them in a way that resonates with contemporary tastes.
Q: What influences and inspires your current work? Could you share some movements, designers, or elements of Indian culture that have shaped your practice?
Nature is a constant muse. The colours, textures, and forms of the natural world around us influence the aesthetic language we speak through our designs. India’s rich legacy of handcraftsmanship is at the heart of our design ethos. We honour the craft techniques, such as incorporating brass metalwork of Moradabad into our terrazzo and concrete products passed down through generations, ensuring that each piece we create carries the soul of Indian craftsmanship while being adapted for modern sensibilities. One of the standout elements in our recent designs is our exploration of Indian Ikat weaving for new tile patterns.
Q: Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you transition from the initial concept to the final execution?
Our creative process begins with drawing inspiration from nature and stories that resonate with us. Once we have a concept, we create mood boards to visualise the tone, textures, colours, and finishes. From there, we translate these ideas into initial sketches, exploring multiple iterations and refining the design. After finalising the concept, we build prototypes and adjust details like texture, colour balance, and ergonomics. Throughout this process, we constantly revisit the narrative to ensure the design tells the intended story. Finally, we collaborate closely with our artisans to ensure that every detail is meticulously crafted and executed.
Q: How do you balance client requirements with your creative vision? Could you share an example of a project where this balance was particularly challenging?
Our approach is collaborative—we work closely with our clients to understand their functional and aesthetic goals, while also guiding them through our vision to ensure the final design aligns with both their expectations and our design ethos. Sometimes, this requires compromises, but we always aim to create a design that feels authentic to both the client’s vision and our own. The Aquant Global Project with Muse Lab was particularly challenging because it involved a lot of time and was laborious. The client’s site had a pre-existing circular SS installation, and we adjusted the stone cutting roundly. Overall, it was a new experience for us.
Q: How do collaborations with artisans, craftspeople, or other creative professionals factor into your work? How do these partnerships enrich your design practice?
It adds layers of depth, authenticity, and expertise to our work. These collaborations help us achieve a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring that each piece we create is not only beautifully designed but also a testament to the skilled hands that brought it to life. By working together, we can continually push the boundaries of what’s possible, bringing unique, culturally rich designs to life that resonate with people and spaces.
Q: What role do you see designers playing in addressing India’s unique social, cultural, and environmental challenges?
India’s diversity is both a treasure and a challenge. Designers can help preserve by serving as cultural translators between the past and future. Design today is about creating impact at the intersection of empathy, culture, and sustainability.
Image Courtesy- Parman Designs
Q: Looking back at your portfolio, which project represents a significant turning point in your career, and why?
Our turning point was during the first lockdown when the world was suffering, and it was a very emotional and difficult phase of everyone’s life. Parman Designs executed two challenging projects which are very close to us. One was an award-winning project, which was The Shanti Bench, Shantiniketan, Delhi, which was designed by the very talented Kunal Maniar and Associates’ firm from Mumbai. And another one was Tin-Tin, The Toy Hotel, Chandigarh, which was a restaurant project of 5000 sq ft for Renesa Architects, Delhi.
Q: Among your recent works, which project are you most proud of, and what makes it special?
One project we’re especially proud of is the Weavers Ant Table. It’s more than just a functional piece of furniture—it’s a sculptural statement. What makes it truly special is the way it merges material and meaning. We used terrazzo, a medium we’re deeply passionate about, to create a form that is both playful and powerful.
Q: What unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered as a designer in the Indian design industry?
Designers often face hurdles like the undervaluation of design, informal industry practices, conflicting client expectations between tradition and modernity, and a lack of regulation, especially around sustainability and ethics. However, these are matched by rich opportunities: India’s cultural diversity offers endless inspiration, a rising middle class is driving demand for thoughtful design, and there’s growing global recognition for Indian aesthetics and craftsmanship.
Q: How are you navigating between global design trends and local contextual needs in your practice?
We observe global trends, but always filter them through an Indian lens, considering how they fit our users, spaces, and behaviours. It’s about listening to local users, prioritising sustainability, and ensuring the design feels both globally informed and locally relevant.
Q: How do you approach sustainability and eco-friendly practices in your designs, particularly considering India’s traditional wisdom and contemporary environmental challenges?
By reimagining terrazzo—a material historically used for flooring—we’ve expanded its application to walls, furniture, and even bathtubs, showcasing its versatility and eco-friendly nature. We celebrate imperfections and the raw beauty of materials, ensuring that each piece is unique and crafted with care. This approach not only reduces waste but also honours the artisanal traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Q: What technological innovations or new materials are you currently exploring in your work?
We’re experimenting with textural finishes to bring out the raw beauty of the materials while ensuring functional properties like slip resistance or thermal comfort, particularly in outdoor or tropical settings. These innovations allow us to tailor surfaces not just for visual appeal but also for how they feel and perform in real-world Indian environments.
Q: How do you build visibility for your practice and connect with potential clients? What platforms and strategies have worked best for you?
Building visibility and connecting with clients is an ongoing process. It’s about being consistent, staying true to your vision. India Design (ID), Architectural Digest Design Show, to name a few are platforms that bring together leading designers, architects, and artists from around the world. It’s an excellent platform to network and showcase your work.
Q: What are the crucial dos and don’ts for young designers trying to establish themselves in India, and what professional forums or communities would you recommend they join?
The journey of a young designer in India is about finding your voice, embracing failure, staying connected, and continuously learning. Networking and collaborating are essential, as well as seeking mentorship and support from the many design communities available. In the quest for success, it’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing. However, imitating successful designers can only take you so far. Avoid copying trends or following what’s popular. Focus on developing your own identity and style—this will allow you to stand out in a crowded market.
Q: As you look ahead, what new project types or design directions would you like to explore?
One direction we’re excited to pursue is the revival of indigenous craft forms. India has a treasure trove of regional crafts that are not only artistically rich but also deeply connected to local traditions and histories. Whether it’s through reviving traditional weaving patterns or reinterpreting regional architecture, we want to explore how design can be a tool for cultural preservation. This will help us bring these rich stories to life while ensuring the craftsmanship is sustained for future generations.
Q: What do you envision for the future of design in India, and how do you hope to contribute to this evolution?
We’re at a really transformative moment. As we navigate rapid urbanisation and the push for sustainability, design will play a vital role in shaping how we live, work, and connect with our environment. In India, with its rich cultural diversity and craft heritage, there’s a tremendous opportunity to create solutions that not only look good but also do good. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue collaborating with local artisans, tech innovators, and fellow designers to create work that is thoughtful, meaningful, and future-ready.
About DTalks by Abir Pothi
DTalks is a curated interview series spotlighting contemporary voices in Indian design. Through candid conversations and behind-the-scenes insights, it celebrates the ideas and individuals shaping tomorrow’s creative landscape.
Feature Image courtesy- Parman Designs
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