Indian Designers at Milan Design Week 2026: Confluence of Cultures

In the seventh episode of the Room for Dreams podcast, recorded live during Milan Design Week 2026 in collaboration with INDX|GLOBAL, a new wave of Indian designers is examined as they transcend Western modernism. Claire Brodkab hosts the discussion, featuring insights from Krish Kothari of KKD Studio, Sara Shah from Magic Houz, Priya Doon of The Picturesque Studio Design, and Karan Desai of Karan Desai Home. The dialogue emphasizes a transition from Bauhaus and classical styles to a design approach that merges global influences with Indian tradition and craftsmanship. Clients are increasingly desiring spaces that reflect their identity, moving away from the generic aesthetics of renowned architects. The episode also explores the impact of artificial intelligence in enhancing non-creative tasks while underscoring the irreplaceable nature of human emotion and tactile intuition. Additionally, creators face the challenges of social media pressures and unrealistic standards, often serving as advisors to maintain the authenticity of physical craftsmanship.