PLATFORM MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2024
Founder and Design Head, Priyam Doshi
One thing that the founder of the design studio, Name Place Animal Thing, does not want is to be confined. Priyam Doshi wants to experiment with his brand in terms of material and process. Originally conceived for a friend's apparel brand, the name Name Place Animal Thing encapsulated his versatile approach to design, incorporating elements of names, places, animals, and things into his creative process. Today, as he makes lighting, installations and furniture with wood, steel, fabric and stone, he is excited for his foray into other materials like glass, paper and brass.
Doshi talks to us about his design philosophy, the trend of minimalism and how he adds fun in functionality.
GENESIS OF A DREAM
Priyam Doshi's foray into the world of design was not merely a career choice but a destiny shaped by early aspirations and love for creativity. Reflecting on his journey, Doshi recalls, 'I did my design course from NID, and NID imbibes a seed in you of wanting to start off on your own." His transition from engineering to design was seamless, driven by a deep-seated passion that found its roots long before he entered college.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF DESIGN
Name Place Animal Thing isn't just a whimsical name; it embodies the brand's philosophy of blending functionality with playfulness. 'I want my products to create that sense of joy,' he expresses passionately. Doshi's designs often feature animal-inspired shapes, a nod to his brand's name. "When I started planning my first collection, Habitat Collection, I aimed to showcase my natural design style,' he recalls. The Moose cabinet, a standout piece, exemplifies this approach. "The cabinet's form can morph into different animals with subtle design tweaks, Doshi explains, underscoring his blend of functionality and whimsy. The collection features four distinct wooden furniture pieces and a floor lamp with inspirations from moose cabinet, alpaca, caterpillar and mushroom. Oakwood serves as the main material for all the furniture, while the floor lamp is meticulously crafted using hand-stitched fabric with different tints.
Discussing the Mushroom Lamp, he elaborates on his design philosophy. 'I wanted a floor lamp that combined functionality with an eye-catching form,' he shares. Inspired by nature, the lamp's dual-colored fabric mimics the vibrant hues of mushrooms. 'It's about creating products that intrigue and delight,' Doshi adds, emphasizing his commitment to innovative yet functional design.
NAVIGATING DESIGN TRENDS: MINIMALISM AND BEYOND
Doshi observes a global shift towards minimalism in design. 'Simplicity is becoming universal and timeless," he notes, reflecting on trends seen both locally and internationally. Despite this trend, he remains dedicated to versatility. 'I aim to create designs that are not only minimal but also playful and functional,' he asserts, outlining his strategy to stand out in a crowded design landscape.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
Looking ahead, Doshi envisions Name Place Animal Thing as a beacon of innovation and versatility. 'I want to explore new materials like ceramics and paper,' he reveals. His goal is to create universally appealing designs that transcend conventional boundaries. 'I aspire to innovate constantly, creating products that evoke joy and intrigue,' Doshi emphasizes, highlighting his commitment to pushing creative boundaries.
Credits:
Publisher - S.K.H. Media Pvt. Ltd.
Editor - Shruti Kapur Malhotra
Art Director - Samiksha Sharma
Marketing Director - Akkshey Gupta
Features Editor - Hansika Lohani
Digital Copy Editor - Paridhi Badgotri
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