Harsha Ambady

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Harsha Ambady ("HA") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

HA : I knew I was good with handmaking miniature products and dreamt of studying jewelry design at NIFT or NID that had introduced a new product-accessory design programme. I took the entrance tests but unfortunately didn’t get through and my dream of becoming a jewelry designer was shattered. Architecture was Plan B. I studied at the University School of Design, Mysore University. The course helped me broaden her perspective as a designer. I fell in love with geometry and realized I had a strong affinity towards it, while studying the course. I worked for a year with an architecture firm in Ahmedabad, but my desire to lean into jewelry design grew stronger by the day. I, then, did a one-year diploma at the Indian Institute of Jewellery, in Mumbai. The course took us through design, 3D creation and the manufacturing process. The thesis was designed and manufactured by the students themselves. And I had finally become what I had dreamt of becoming.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

HA : It just struck me one day in school that I should take up Jewelry design. And well, after a long journey, here I'm.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

HA : I chose to become one.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

HA : I like to design styles that are modern and geometric. I wish to design more along those lines.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

HA : I'm not a legend! As you create more, you learn more. That is all.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

HA : I guess it is just the timing and your stars.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

HA : Aesthetic and originality combined with functionality.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

HA : The effort that goes behind it and each process that brings it to life. I think everyone should invest in good design because of it's authenticity.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

HA : Designs for my brand

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

HA : I did begin my dream project last year, my brand. It took me years to finally take the plunge.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

HA : Originality, ethics, understanding and focus

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

HA : Mejuri Missoma Monica Vinader Love the aesthetic and simplicity

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

HA : You have to be open to learning and working hard

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

HA : To build my brand

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

HA : CorelDraw

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

HA : It is hard to be recognized, especially coming from a small town in Kerala, India

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

HA : Not at all. I never really did anything out of the way creative.