Interview with Manish Maheshwari

In 1999 I established my company RACHAITA CREATIVE SOLUTIONS; in Hindu mythology ‘rachaita’ means the creator of the universe (Lord Brahma) which is fondly known as RCS, presently RCS is an umbrella company for SITE art space (an art gallery) MODULAR SWING (acknowledges the rich presence of the swing in the Indian culture and explores its evaluation through time). And the latest endeavor of RCS is 99Chronicles, which will celebrate the idea of collaboration with various designers.

For me, design is answers to one or several requirements/questions.

I enjoy designing anything to my capabilities.

Swan tissue paper holder. Swan is made of metal using the technique of origami partially. What I enjoy most in this design is the tissue paper themselves become the feathers for the swan.

Corporate souvenirs, tabletop souvenirs with usability was made from a scrap of the same industry.

My favorite material is metal, and I combine it with various other materials to enhance its aesthetics.

When I am super relaxed with no distractions and disturbance.

Technical aspects i.e. Ease of making the product and achieve the best outcomes without compromises.
Technical Aspects of production. Choosing the right approach to achieve the best outcome, wherein the technical aspect incorporated in the design is seen as an important part of the design may be sharing a 50:50 ratio with the aesthetics.

While designing, I feel the rise in my energy level as I find answers to my questions that come to my mind. And the peak in energy level wants to complete the prototyping as soon as possible.

Once the design is realized, there is happiness and excitement; simultaneously, I engage with the product to check for aspects that I had considered while sketching to see the possibility of enhancing the development from the energy that I get from the outcome.

If my design can connect itself with the youngest and the eldest of the age group, it's the most successful.

I look for wow factor, overall aesthetics, soft edges, functionality, ergonomics, modularity, and most importantly sustainable materials.

A design should fulfill the requirements of the present by taking testimonials from the past and bearing in mind the design's (product's) sustainable role in the future when it will become debris.

For most, it is a fashion; for some, it is a responsibility. It is our responsibility to carve the path for the future and take it towards a sustainable model.

In 2019 at RAW COLLABORATIVE (Ahmedabad, India). Whenever I get a good platform for better visibility.

Nature, nature, and nature. It plays a significant role for me may it be for design or structural stability.

Solid surfaces with thin connecting lines. Solid surfaces hold the color well, and lines play a significant role in highlighting the product at times. It also makes the design looks light.

India. Yes, to a reasonable extent. I enjoy the rich heritage of our country. It is best to design, keeping in mind the materials and process in one's vicinity.

Keep raising why's and keep finding answers to them.

The inlay on the floor ( Parchin Kari), a large mirror frame, brass dining table, the house's elevation facade, and the swing.

I start my day watering the plants, make masala tea, be a small help in the kitchen, freshen up, do a little prayer to focus on my concentration, take breakfast and leave for the studio by 9:30 – 10:00 AM. In no time, the clock turns 6:00 PM which is our standard closing time.

Be true to your design and pursue an ethical practice.

Use wood as a highlighting element, and you can never go wrong.

To be able to think and see the design through sections thoroughly. In and out with an honest approach.

Grid pad, pencil eraser, sharpener, and color pencil.

If there is proper planning and clarity in mind, designing doesn't take time.

A couple of hours to conclude on its feasibility.

What's new that you have created recently.

Architects, artists, designers, corporates, and individuals.

Converting a scrap of any industry into souvenirs and art for them, which as an outcome and is more relatable for them.

Either make my company very big or join a big company, I can target more enormous design challenges.

To date, I design myself; soon, we will have many collaborations to work as a team.

Yes, we collaborated with two other designers to make a series of furniture using terrazzo terracotta/metal and wood.

Email: 778gidc@gmail.com
Instagram: @manishmaheshwari779