At Design POV, Each Space Is Designed As A Passion Project

In a world overflowing with design fairs and exhibitions, where “art,” “architecture,” and “design” often feel like overused buzzwords, Design POV arrives in Mumbai with something refreshingly different – a new way of looking at interiors, creativity, and collaboration.  Built around the belief that design only has value when it carries a clear point of view, the platform invites designers to express, explore, and experiment freely.

From June 27 to 29, the Jio World Convention Centre will transform into a living lab of design ideas. Design POV brings together 19 of India’s top architecture and design studios, giving each of them 800 sq. ft. of complete creative freedom—no client brief, no rules, just space to build something meaningful. The result? A showcase of spatial storytelling, unexpected collaborations, and deeply personal expressions.

Unlike typical trade shows that chase footfall and flashy displays, Design POV is curated with intention. Only 500 design-literate attendees will experience this show, keeping the focus on depth over crowd. And here’s the best part: the designers are truly at the centre of it all—literally.

“Design POV isn’t just another design show,” the organising team shares. “It’s a space for unfiltered, unapologetic creativity. For the first time, 19 leading studios have been given complete freedom to build without a client brief, to explore ideas they care deeply about, and to express a true point of view.”

At the heart of the layout is The Core—a central hub around which all installations are arranged. This space isn't just symbolic; it reflects the show’s core principle: putting designers at the centre, both physically and ideologically. It also fosters a unique kind of shared energy, as creative perspectives from across the country converge around a common theme.

Image Courtesy: Design POV Website

The Theme

Every edition of Design POV is shaped by a theme that acts not as a limitation but as a catalyst. For 2025, the chosen theme is Echoes of Tomorrow, an exploration of philosophies from the past that remain relevant today and offer direction for the future. Whether reviving forgotten techniques, reinterpreting traditional forms with futuristic materials, or building something entirely new, the theme gives each studio a shared starting point. "Echoes of Tomorrow is not a rulebook but a conversation starter. It invites designers to explore the future through the lens of memory, material, and imagination. We wanted a theme that sparked perspective, not restriction. ‘Echoes of Tomorrow’ is a way to invite different interpretations of the future, whether through form, process, or material. You’ll see 19 distinct takes, but all rooted in the same forward-looking spirit,” they explain.

The theme invites designers to blend memory with modernity, to create spaces that feel rooted yet forward-thinking. For some, this may mean reviving time-honoured crafts. For others, it could involve transforming cultural motifs through cutting-edge materials or digital techniques. But the underlying idea remains the same: to reinterpret what has been passed down through time for a world that’s constantly evolving.

Image Courtesy: Design POV Website

From names like Atrey & Associates, Quirk Studio, Red Architects, Sona Reddy Studio, to Talati & Partners LLP and The BNK Group, the lineup reads like a who’s who of contemporary Indian design. Each studio brings its own signature narrative, crafting immersive, tactile essays filled with memory, imagination, and bold expression.

But Design POV isn’t just for architects. It blends design disciplines seamlessly, bringing in jewellers like Rajiv Popli and artists curated by Art & Soul Gallery to open the conversation across industries. “Design doesn’t exist in silos,” they explain. “That’s why Design POV includes creators from across the spectrum, to show how design thinking can connect beyond its traditional boundaries.” The goal? To bridge the gap between creators and consumers of design. And to do so without diluting intent.

Design POV: What Makes It Different

In most traditional shows, designers are often tucked into corners or overshadowed by commercial partners and branding. Here, they are placed quite literally at the centre—both physically and ideologically. Quality is prioritised over crowd size. Only 500 design-literate, highly engaged visitors will be invited, ensuring intimate conversations, immersive moments, and a deeper appreciation of the work on display. Even the presence of luxury brands is handled with sensitivity—products aren’t displayed in isolation but woven into each designer’s vision, reinforcing the narrative rather than interrupting it.

Most importantly, Design POV has already begun to create real-world impact. Designers are forming new partnerships, building relationships, and even taking on collaborative projects sparked by the platform. This is not a passive trade fair—it’s an active, evolving design movement. With no loud expo-style booths or forced networking zones, Design POV stands out as a space for calm reflection, dialogue, and true celebration of the design process.

Image Courtesy: Design POV

Beyond the installations, Design POV embraces a cross-disciplinary spirit. The show welcomes not just architects, but also jewellery designers like Rajiv Popli and contemporary artists curated by Art & Soul Gallery, weaving their contributions seamlessly into the larger design narrative. “Design doesn’t exist in silos,” the organisers point out. “That’s why Design POV brings together not just architects, but also artists, jewellers, and material innovators, to show how design thinking can connect across industries and mediums.”

This holistic approach to design is reflected in the way art is integrated throughout the event. With over 150 artworks across media—sourced from museums and curated collections—the visual language of the show is elevated, creating a layered, museum-meets-installation experience.

Image Courtesy: Design POV Website

Participating studios include:

A Design Co. (Gowri Adappa), Atrey & Associates (Arun Sharma), Cityspace’ 82 Architects (Sumit Dhawan), Design Doodle (Maha K & Vijay Kumar), Design Studio (Ameet Mirpuri), Gayathri & Namith Architects (Gayathri Shetty & Namith Varma), HPA Design (Hiren Patel), Purple Backyard (Kumpal Vaid), Quirk Studio (Disha Bhavsar & Shivani Ajmera), Red Architects (Rajiv Parekh, Ekta Parekh & Maithili Raut), Rohit Bhoite House of Design (Rohit Bhoite), Sanjyt Syngh (Sanjyt Syngh), Sona Reddy Studio (Sona Reddy), Spaces & Design (Pooja Bihani), Studio Design Inc. (Khushboo Khandelwal & Kunal Khandelwal), Studio Nishita Kamdar (Nishita Kamdar), Sumessh Menon Associates (Sumessh Menon), Talati & Partners LLP (Amit Surve), The BNK Group (Behzad Kharas)

In addition to architectural installations, multimedia artists will contribute immersive art interventions, designed to complement and challenge the boundaries of spatial design. The event will also feature live panels and conversations, engaging thought leaders across design, architecture, curation, and materials