Nitya Patel, Dhalaee
In the crowded landscape of Indian design, Nitya Patel’s furniture and lighting studio, Dhalaee, stands apart through its powerful fusion of generational craftsmanship and modern sensibilities. As the third-generation heir to a metal casting business, Nitya has transformed industrial heritage into artistic expression, creating pieces that blur the boundary between functional furniture and collectible art.
The name “Dhalaee”—referring to the casting process perfectly aligns with the studio’s essence: taking fluid material and giving it permanent, meaningful form.
Nitya’s design journey began conventionally enough with an architecture degree, followed by practical experience at her father’s company. However, it was during her studies at the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad, while pursuing the CCBP program, that Dhalaee took shape as a formal brand with a defined philosophy.
Recently recognized as one of DesignXDesign’s 20 under 35 for 2025, Nitya has also exhibited at the Young Designer’s Gallery at Raw Collaborative
What separates Dhalaee from similar studios is its material fluency. Their collection spans from bold statement pieces to subtle accents, each bearing the studio’s signature blend of luxurious materiality and artisanal quality. These aren’t mass-produced items but carefully considered creations that command attention in any space they occupy.
Abir Pothi talks to Nitya Patel
As Part of DTalks series, Nitya Patel shares her experiences and insights on becoming a promising designer in India.
Q. How would you describe your signature design aesthetic, and how has it evolved while working in India?
Nitya Patel: My design aesthetic is rooted in a deep appreciation for materiality, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Dhalaee blends contemporary forms with traditional Indian techniques, creating pieces that feel timeless yet fresh.
Working in India has given me access to artisans and an abundance of cultural narratives, which have shaped my approach to design. Over time, my aesthetic has matured from purely experimental to a more refined balance between form, function, and cultural resonance.
Q. What influences and inspires your current work?
Nitya Patel: Anything and everything. Initially, my approach to designing objects was very manufacturer oriented and casting technique based but now it has evolved and is more experience based. I want the users to connect to my designs emotionally and for them to feel connected to my pieces and hence anything that makes me feel something is an inspiration and that influences my design process.
Q. Could you walk us through your creative process?
Nitya Patel: Every piece begins with an idea—sometimes sparked by emotion, history, material, or texture. I sketch and experiment with proportions, once the concept is clear, I collaborate closely with craftsmen, testing techniques and refining details. Prototyping is a crucial stage, where we assess durability, comfort, and finish before moving to final production.
Q. Your work often involves collaborations with artisans and other creatives. What draws you to these partnerships, and how do these collaborations enrich your design practice?
Nitya Patel: Collaboration is at the heart of Dhalaee. Working with craftsmen allows me to preserve and reinterpret age-old techniques while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. These partnerships bring a richness to the designs—whether it’s the imperfections of hand-cast metal or the warmth of hand-carved wood. Engaging with other creatives adds new perspectives and layers to my work.
Q. Looking back at your portfolio, which project represents a significant turning point in your career, and among your recent works, what project are you most proud of and why?
Nitya Patel: A major turning point was producing our Monolith Console. It gave me confidence in my vision and introduced Dhalaee to a wider audience. More recently, I’m particularly proud of our Dune Lamp which pushed me to explore new forms and techniques.
Q. What unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered as an emerging designer in the Indian design industry, and how are you working to overcome these obstacles?Nitya Patel: One of the biggest challenges is bridging the gap between high-end collectible design and the more price-sensitive Indian market. Many customers are still developing an appreciation for contemporary Indian design, and part of my effort is to educate them through storytelling and material exploration. Additionally, navigating production constraints and ensuring consistent quality while working with handmade processes requires patience and constant adaptation.
Q. How do you approach sustainability and eco-friendly practices in your designs, particularly considering India’s traditional wisdom and contemporary environmental challenges?
Nitya Patel: Sustainability is a core value at Dhalaee. I prioritise using recycled metal or metal scrap, we have an electric furnace instead of the traditional coal based furnace and we prefer long-lasting designs over fast trends. My goal is to create pieces that not only endure but also age beautifully.
Q. What’s your most exciting recent design or art discovery that’s influencing your current thinking?
Nitya Patel: Art Deco has always been an art style that I was fascinated by, and recently I have been exploring it.
Q. How do you build visibility and reach out to potential clients – what platforms and strategies have worked best for you?
Nitya Patel: A mix of digital and physical presence has been the aim. Instagram helps showcase my work visually, while in-person exhibitions and design fairs provide a tactile experience that online platforms can’t.
Q. From your experience, 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?
Nitya Patel: Do’s:
Develop a strong design voice, stick to it and grow with it.
Engage with artisans and understand the production process firsthand.
Be patient and trust yourself.
Talk to other fellow designers and don’t be shy.
Don’ts:
Don’t chase trends, create work that is meaningful to you.
Don’t underestimate the importance of marketing and storytelling.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always test the functionality of your designs.
I highly recommend joining design communities and attending events and exhibitions.
Q. As you look ahead, what kind of projects or directions would you like to explore?
Nitya Patel: I’d love to expand into more experimental, large-scale pieces that blur the line between furniture and art. Exploring materials in unconventional ways and working on site-specific installations is something I’m keen on.
Q. For aspiring designers looking to make their mark in India’s design landscape, what wisdom would you share from your journey?Nitya Patel: Be patient and persistent. Indian design is gaining global recognition, but it’s still a niche industry. Stay true to your craft, build strong relationships, and never stop learning. Most importantly, let your work tell a story—people connect with designs that have depth and authenticity.
Image Courtesy – Dhalaee
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