Panel Discussion :- IIID PANEL DISCUSSION FOR ADW @ UID
Brand New World : Gen Z and the world of interior design
Date: 15 February 2025
Time: 03:00 PM to 04:00 PM
Venue: G block- AV Room, Karnavati University Campus, Gandhinagar
Gen Z, the first truly digital native generation, is reshaping the world of interior design. Their upbringing immersed in technology and social media has fostered a unique aesthetic, valuing authenticity, inclusivity, and self-expression. 2 This panel, “Brand New World: Gen Z and the World of Interior Design,” will explore how these values are influencing design trends. We’ll discuss Gen Z’s preference for flexible, multi-functional spaces that cater to their hybrid lifestyles, blending work, leisure, and social interaction. The conversation will delve into the importance of sustainability and ethical sourcing for this generation, as well as their embrace of biophilic design and natural elements. Experts will examine how brands can effectively connect with Gen Z through personalized experiences and digital-first strategies, exploring the role of virtual design tools and the metaverse in shaping the future of interior design. Join us as we decode the design DNA of Gen Z and uncover the trends that will define tomorrow’s interiors.
Moderator:
1) CHIRAG DOSHI – CHAIRPERSON-ELECT (IIID ARC), PARTNER- EGO DESIGNS
Chirag is a true blue designer, who loves to explore design, food & films. After completing his Bachelor’s in Interior Design in 2004, he pursued his Masters in Design from Monash University, Melbourne.
He has also been teaching at CEPT University as visiting faculty. Among his other responsibilities, Chirag is also currently Hon. Secretary at IIID Ahmedabad, after being in the Institute’s service since many years.
2) DEVDATT PANDYA – CHAIRPERSON, (IIID ARC), PARTNER- STUDIO 919
Design is about making people happy, either functionally, aesthetically or emotionally; believes Devdatt. A graduate in Architecture from Institute of Environment Design, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidhyanagar.
His passion for modular building systems gave him the advantage to work with International giants like IKEA.
He is Present Hon. Secretary of IIID Ahmedabad, 2017-19’, thesis guide & jury member to many architecture colleges of Gujarat. Under his guidance, the firm has transformed many significance folds from kiosk designs to the large scale lake front development projects.
3 ) ANKITA JAIN – ADHWA ARCHITECTURE.INTERIORS
Ankita Jain is an architect and interior designer associated with ADHWA Architecture and Interiors. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute, Mumbai, and has worked on diverse projects, from private villas to urban parks. Her design philosophy emphasizes simplicity, practicality, and contextual relevance.
She has worked with international brands like IKEA and served as the Honorary Secretary of IIID Ahmedabad (2017-19). She has also guided thesis projects and been a jury member for architecture colleges in Gujarat. Her expertise spans modular building systems, sustainability, and human-centered design.
4) SHWETA JAIN – SPACE KARMA
Shweta Jain, the founder & principal designer at Space Karma is a qualified designer from Rachana Sansad School of Design, Mumbai. Born and brought up in Mumbai, she kicked off her career in 2008 and worked there as a freelancer for 7 years post which shifted her base to Ahmedabad.
Your true self is depicted when you give a character and personality to your space.
Actively associated with the CEPT University, Ahmedabad. Teaches young designers to look at the world creatively. An ardent art lover Space Karma represents the next big step in her journey from freelancing to setting up an interior design studio. “I believe color speaks louder than words and I make sure to bring out your story through colors. My mantra is Designing, Redefining, Restoration, Preservation, and Conservation… My ultimate style statement is a home that speaks of who you really are and should have a collection of what you really love.”
5 ) NETRA BAFNA – TERRA FIRMA ARCHITECTS
She is a graduate of CEPT university with a degree in Bachelor of Architecture. She is an obsessively organised, artistic and produces her best work under pressure . She loves sketching with charcoal, pen and ink, pastels, watercolors. For her travelling and seeing new places is synonymous with sketching every bit of it. Having studied at ETH university based in Zurich, she learnt how to develop an idea and create complex yet efficient spaces
Further on, she has been awarded the Distinguished Student Award at CEPT University, the International Designing Resilence in Asia award ’18 at National University of Singapore, the Kohler Scholarship for her academic work and a runner up for the Kshitij Jain memorial award
