In an era where trends often dominate, Nynika Jhaveri of Studio Nyn takes a refreshing approach to design—one that embraces timelessness. For Nynika, timelessness is about crafting. Her work is often informed by contemporary artists whose practices reveal layered meanings over time. She shares her philosophy with us on creating designs that go beyond aesthetics, the importance of collaboration with artists and her ongoing journey to refine her design language. Below, they talk to us about their approach to design.
SEEING OBJECTS BEYOND THEIR FUNCTIONALITY
For me, a chair is a deceptively complex object—it must be structurally sound, ergonomic and expressive. I begin with its function and constraints but ultimately, I see it as a sculptural exercise. Materiality plays a key role; I push materials to reveal their inherent strengths and poetic qualities. It’s about balancing precision and expression, where form, comfort and design integrity come together seamlessly.
A SENSE OF EVOLVING TIMELESSNESS
I lean towards timelessness but not in the sense of resisting change—rather, I see it as designing with intent and depth. Trends can be exciting but I believe the most compelling pieces are those that hold relevance beyond a moment, rooted in strong ideas and material integrity. My work is often informed by contemporary artists whose practices reveal layered meaning over time—like how Zarina Hashmi’s work feels both deeply personal
and universal. I hope to create objects that continue to reveal new nuances, much like great art does.
BUILDING DESIGNS THAT GO BEYOND AESTHETICS
Every piece we create is a response to its context—whether that’s a site, a historical reference or a conceptual inquiry. I spend a lot of time researching—studying spatial compositions, architectural details and artistic movements. Beyond research, it’s about distillation—how to translate these influences into something precise yet evocative. The process is iterative, guided by material and form, ensuring that each object carries a strong conceptual foundation while remaining open to interpretation.
COLLABORATING WITH ARTISTS
I’ve always been drawn to artists whose practices navigate themes of identity, memory and abstraction. Collaborating with Merci and Anikesa felt organic, given they both bring an incredible depth of inquiry into their work. Anikesa’s pop-inspired aesthetic examines the emotional weight of everyday objects, while Merci reimagines familiar forms and motifs from his Naga heritage. Through my design sensibilities, we translated these narratives into objects—imbuing them with presence, nostalgia and meaning.
REFINING DESIGN LANGUAGE
It’s still early days and I’m allowing the studio to evolve naturally—focussing on refining my design language, collaborating with artists and designers and taking on projects that challenge me. I’m especially keen to push the boundaries of furniture as an expressive medium, exploring the intersection of collectible design and contemporary art. I also see spatial projects as an exciting avenue for immersive storytelling, blurring the
lines between exhibition, installation and functional design. The goal is to stay curious, push boundaries and remain deeply engaged with the larger art and design discourse.
Words Paridhi Badgotri
5.07.2025
