Interview with Deval Ambani

Let me start by sharing why the name Obliq. The word itself means doing things differently — not the straightforward or conventional way. It reflects the spirit of creativity, of looking at things from a new perspective.
Obliq is a multidisciplinary design studio with two main verticals — brand design and art for interiors. Whether it’s crafting a visual identity or creating art pieces that transform spaces, Obliq is about bringing imagination, emotion, and originality into every project.

For me, design is a form of meditation — a space where intuition meets intention and ideas take shape. It’s about creating an emotion, a connection, and adding value to one’s life in a meaningful way. Design is freedom — the freedom to express, explore, and transform feelings into something tangible and alive.

I love working on decorative lights because they have the power to transform the mood of both spaces and people. I’m also deeply drawn to creating artworks where materials are explored in unexpected ways — where texture, form, and light come together to reveal something new and expressive.

It’s difficult to choose, as every creation feels like a part of me — each one has something special. But if I had to pick, I’d say the Silver Lining Chandelier is very close to my heart. It carries a concept of positivity and hope — a reminder to find light even in challenging times. I love it for its lightness, simplicity, and understated elegance, yet it has a very clean and sharp presence that makes it stand out.

The first thing I designed for a company was a brand identity project. It was a small assignment, but it taught me a lot about understanding a brand’s essence and translating that into visual language. Seeing the concept come to life and connect with people was a moment of clarity — it made me realize how powerful design can be when it carries meaning.

I don’t think I have one single favorite material — I love exploring and experimenting with different ones. Each material has its own personality, texture, and story. But if I had to choose, I’m especially drawn to metal and light — the way they interact to create reflections, depth, and mood fascinates me. I also enjoy working with mixed media, where materials are used in unconventional ways to bring out new expressions and experiences.

I feel the most creative when I’m in a calm, quiet space — when my mind is still and I can just be. That’s when ideas flow naturally, almost like meditation.
I also feel deeply creative when I’m faced with a design challenge — when I’m searching for a solution that hasn’t been done before. That moment of struggle, of pushing boundaries and exploring the unknown, often leads to the most meaningful and exciting outcomes.

While designing, I focus most on emotion, balance, and clarity. Form, design, and purpose are always at the core — I like to keep in mind who will be using or experiencing it, and how it will make them feel.
For me, a design should evoke emotion and create a quiet sense of connection. I pay attention to proportion, material, and detail, ensuring everything feels intentional and harmonious. Simplicity, when guided by purpose, often leads to the most timeless and meaningful results.

When I design, I feel a deep sense of calm and freedom — it’s almost meditative. There’s excitement in the process of discovery, but also peace in seeing ideas take form. It’s a mix of joy, curiosity, and stillness — a feeling of being completely present in the moment.

When a design is realized, I feel a deep sense of joy and gratitude. Seeing an idea that once lived only in my mind take physical form is incredibly fulfilling. It feels like a quiet moment of connection — between thought, material, and emotion. There’s also a sense of calm pride, knowing that something created with intention can now touch and inspire others.

A design is successful when it creates an emotional connection and serves its purpose with clarity and intention. It should feel effortless — balanced in form and function — while leaving a lasting impression on the person experiencing it. For me, success lies in how deeply a design resonates, not just how it looks.

For me, a good design must first connect — it should evoke an emotion or response. Secondly, it should fit seamlessly within its surroundings. Above all, it needs clarity, purpose, and a sense of harmony that feels intentional and alive.

A designer’s responsibility is to create with awareness and intention. While some materials I use, like acrylic, may not be fully sustainable, I try to use them thoughtfully — minimizing waste and creating pieces meant to last. For me, it’s about designing with consciousness and adding lasting value to both people and spaces.

The design field is evolving rapidly, and there’s incredible work happening all around. People have become much more aware of the importance of good design and how it makes them feel — it’s wonderful to see design being embraced at a larger scale.
I believe the future of design lies in balance — between technology and emotion, innovation and intuition. The most meaningful designs will be those that connect deeply, uplift, and leave a positive impact on both people and the planet.

My last exhibition was in Jan 2025, Nehru Center, Worli, Mumbai, India.
Next exhibition will be in 2027.

My inspiration comes from nature, emotions, and everyday life. I’m drawn to the way light, form, and texture exist so effortlessly around us. Creativity for me is like meditation — it flows when I’m calm and connected. I feed it by staying curious, experimenting with materials, and finding beauty in simple moments

My design style is minimalistic yet luxurious. I believe style isn’t something you consciously create — it evolves naturally over time, as an extension of who you are and how you express yourself.
My approach to design is very simple: it should speak, connect, and serve its purpose. Every piece should have meaning and clarity — a quiet strength that draws you in without trying too hard.

I live in India, and yes, the cultural essence of the country often finds its way into my work — sometimes subtly, sometimes more directly. The biggest advantage of living here is the constant inspiration around you. India is incredibly diverse — in its culture, colours, materials, history, and energy. There’s beauty and uniqueness in every corner.
The only challenge, perhaps, is the abundance itself — there’s so much to draw from that choosing what to focus on can be overwhelming at times. But overall, it’s a wonderful place to be creatively rooted.

When I work with companies, I like to build a collaborative and transparent relationship. I spend time understanding their vision, values, and what they truly want to communicate through design. Once that foundation is clear, the process flows naturally — through dialogue, exploration, and creative experimentation.
For me, it’s important that the outcome not only meets the brief but also connects emotionally and reflects authenticity.

Companies should choose designers whose values and vision align with theirs, not just based on portfolios. Trust their process, communicate openly, and allow creative freedom — the best results come from collaboration built on mutual respect and shared purpose.

My design process is intuitive yet structured. I start by understanding the brief — its purpose, audience, and emotion. Then I sketch concepts, refine, and rework until the form and feeling align perfectly. It’s a balance of logic and intuition until it simply feels right.

Five of my favorite design items at home- My cup, my note holder, my 1 hammer-screwdriver, my graphite paper weight, a spintop

My day begins with a calm morning routine and some exercise to clear the mind. The day often starts with small distractions, but the moment I pick up a pen and start doodling, everything quiets down. That’s when I slip into a meditative flow — sketching, exploring ideas, and designing for hours, completely immersed in the process.

I would tell young designers to travel, spend time in nature, and experience life beyond screens and trends. Don’t get caught up in the rat race. Stay curious, stay connected with yourself — because when you’re grounded, creativity flows effortlessly and authentically.

The positive is that you get to do what you love and express yourself freely — there’s nothing more fulfilling. The downside is that not everyone may understand your vision or see its value, which can be challenging at times.

Always think beyond the obvious. True design happens when you step out of the box and let intuition lead the way

The most important skills for a designer are the ability to be with oneself, to truly listen to your gut, to others, and to the world around you. That’s where honest and meaningful design begins.

My best tool is my pencil — it’s where every idea begins. I always keep a measuring tape in my toolbox. But beyond tools, my greatest sources of inspiration are nature, moments of observation, and books that have nothing to do with design — they help me see life from new perspectives.

That’s true — designing can take a lot of time. I usually plan backwards, keeping enough room for exploration, prototyping, and execution. Good planning helps creativity flow without unnecessary pressure.

It usually takes anywhere between 4 to 8 weeks from concept to completion, depending on the complexity of the design.

The question I’m asked most often is, “How do you do this?” — and honestly, even I don’t always have an answer. It just flows.

Every project has been a learning experience, but two that truly shaped me were creating my Silver Lining Chandelier and my first large-scale art installation. Both pushed me to think beyond materials and technique — to understand how design can transform a space and evoke emotion. They reaffirmed my belief that design is not just about what you see, but what you feel.

Most of my clients are homeowners and interior designers who are looking for something bespoke and meaningful.

I enjoy creating sculptural lights and art installations the most — they allow me to blend form, emotion, and material in unexpected ways. I love how light can transform a space and a person’s mood, making the invisible — emotion and energy — visible.

I plan to continue exploring and going deeper into the materials I’ve been working with, discovering new possibilities within them. My vision is to create larger installations and evolve my sculptural lights into more expressive, immersive forms.

I develop most of my designs myself, but the process naturally evolves through collaboration. When I share ideas with clients or vendors, their inputs often bring fresh perspectives — and together, the design grows into a better version of itself.

I’m currently working on a wall installation inspired by the Mughal era — exploring its intricate details, balance, and timeless elegance, while interpreting in a contemporary way. It’s about capturing the spirit of that era while giving it a modern soul.

People can reach me through Instagram at @obliqdesigns
by email at info@obliqdesigns.com
or on WhatsApp at +91 99670 13844

I think we’ve covered most of it. I’d just like to add that for me, art and design are deeply personal — they’re my way of meditating, expressing, and connecting with the world. Every piece I create is part of that inner journey — an attempt to bring stillness, emotion, and meaning into people’s spaces and lives.