Jury
THE SHAKTI DESIGN RESIDENCY DESIGNERS ARE SELECTED BY A CHANGING PANEL OF WORLD LEADING DESIGNERS, CURATORS, EDUCATORS AND ENTREPRENEURS.
EACH YEAR, OUR JURY MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE FRESH PERSPECTIVES AND A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE, CAREFULLY SELECTING GLOBAL DESIGN TALENT TO COLLABORATE WITH EXCEPTIONAL INDIAN ATELIERS AND CRAFTSPEOPLE.
KARISHMA SWALI
CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF CHANAKYA INTERNATIONAL AND FOUNDER OF THE CHANAKYA SCHOOL OF CRAFTCREATIVE DIRECTOR OF CHANAKYA INTERNATIONAL AND FOUNDER OF THE CHANAKYA SCHOOL OF CRAFT
chanakya.school
Karishma Swali has devoted her career to the preservation, revival, and contemporary reimagining of India's intangible cultural heritage. Since 1998, she has led Chanakya International, a globally renowned textile house founded in 1984. In 2015, she founded the Chanakya Foundation, followed in 2016 by the Chanakya School of Craft, a non-profit empowering women through craft education and cultural engagement.
Over the past 25 years, Swali has shaped a distinct interdisciplinary language at the intersection of craft and contemporary art, collaborating with leading international artists including Judy Chicago, Eva Jospin, Mickalene Thomas, and Madhvi and Manu Parekh, whose Cosmic Garden was a collateral event at the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024. Most recently, En Route, an artistic dialogue with Maria Grazia Chiuri, debuted at the Vatican Apostolic Library in 2025.She has received the Grazia Millennial Award for Contemporary Craftsmanship (2022), the Badass Art Woman Award (2024), the Chevalier de l'Ordre national du Mérite (2024), the Officier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2025), and the Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia (2025).
chanakya.school
Karishma Swali has devoted her career to the preservation, revival, and contemporary reimagining of India's intangible cultural heritage. Since 1998, she has led Chanakya International, a globally renowned textile house founded in 1984. In 2015, she founded the Chanakya Foundation, followed in 2016 by the Chanakya School of Craft, a non-profit empowering women through craft education and cultural engagement.
Over the past 25 years, Swali has shaped a distinct interdisciplinary language at the intersection of craft and contemporary art, collaborating with leading international artists including Judy Chicago, Eva Jospin, Mickalene Thomas, and Madhvi and Manu Parekh, whose Cosmic Garden was a collateral event at the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024. Most recently, En Route, an artistic dialogue with Maria Grazia Chiuri, debuted at the Vatican Apostolic Library in 2025.She has received the Grazia Millennial Award for Contemporary Craftsmanship (2022), the Badass Art Woman Award (2024), the Chevalier de l'Ordre national du Mérite (2024), the Officier dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2025), and the Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia (2025).
SUCHI REDDY
ARCHITECT & DESIGNER
reddymade-design
Suchi Reddy, FAIA, is an architect and designer whose work bridges contemporary design innovation with deep cultural and material awareness. Based in New York but born and raised in India, she draws ongoing inspiration from the country's rich craft traditions and the enduring intelligence embedded in its artisanal practices.
As founder of Reddymade, she explores neuroaesthetics - the impact of design on perception and well-being - integrating insights from neuroscience to create environments that are empathetic, enriching, and human-centered. Guided by her philosophy, "form follows feeling", her work spans public art, healthcare, retail, commercial, and residential projects, with a growing focus on designing for neurodiversity. A committed advocate for cross-cultural exchange and the future of craft, she is a frequent lecturer and teaches at Columbia University's GSAPP and The Cooper Union.
reddymade-design
Suchi Reddy, FAIA, is an architect and designer whose work bridges contemporary design innovation with deep cultural and material awareness. Based in New York but born and raised in India, she draws ongoing inspiration from the country's rich craft traditions and the enduring intelligence embedded in its artisanal practices.
As founder of Reddymade, she explores neuroaesthetics - the impact of design on perception and well-being - integrating insights from neuroscience to create environments that are empathetic, enriching, and human-centered. Guided by her philosophy, "form follows feeling", her work spans public art, healthcare, retail, commercial, and residential projects, with a growing focus on designing for neurodiversity. A committed advocate for cross-cultural exchange and the future of craft, she is a frequent lecturer and teaches at Columbia University's GSAPP and The Cooper Union.
ARIC CHEN
CURATOR, WRITER AND DIRECTOR OF THE ZAHA HADID FOUNDATION
zhfoundation.com
Aric Chen is a curator, writer and Director of the Zaha Hadid Foundation, the London-based cultural foundation established by the late architect Dame Zaha Hadid.
American-born, Chen previously served as General and Artistic Director of the Nieuwe Instituut, the Netherlands’ national museum and institute for architecture, design and digital culture; Professor and founding Director of the Curatorial Lab at the College of Design & Innovation at Tongji University in Shanghai; Curatorial Director of the Design Miami fairs in Miami Beach and Basel; and Lead Curator for Design and Architecture at M+ Hong Kong, where he oversaw the formation of that new museum’s design and architecture collection and program.
zhfoundation.com
Aric Chen is a curator, writer and Director of the Zaha Hadid Foundation, the London-based cultural foundation established by the late architect Dame Zaha Hadid.
American-born, Chen previously served as General and Artistic Director of the Nieuwe Instituut, the Netherlands’ national museum and institute for architecture, design and digital culture; Professor and founding Director of the Curatorial Lab at the College of Design & Innovation at Tongji University in Shanghai; Curatorial Director of the Design Miami fairs in Miami Beach and Basel; and Lead Curator for Design and Architecture at M+ Hong Kong, where he oversaw the formation of that new museum’s design and architecture collection and program.
RODMAN PRIMACK
FOUNDER OF AGO INTERIORS & CO-FOUNDER OF AGO PROJECTS
ago-projects.com
Rodman Primack is the founder of AD100 design firm AGO Interiors and co-founder of collectible design gallery AGO Projects. His practice is defined by storytelling, comfort, and connection, championing local makers and a relaxed maximalist aesthetic he describes as a punk take on prep.
Previously the longtime Executive Director of Design Miami, Rodman worked with Simon de Pury, Larry Gagosian and Peter Marino before moving to Mexico City in 2019 with his partner Rudy Weissenberg to launch AGO Projects, representing talent including Pedro Reyes and Fernando Laposse.
In 2024 Monacelli released Love How You Live: Adventures in Interior Design, by Rodman Primack with Rudy Weissenberg. Rodman also curates the Apple-supported Designers of Tomorrow platform, which debuted at Design Miami Paris in October 2025.
ago-projects.com
Rodman Primack is the founder of AD100 design firm AGO Interiors and co-founder of collectible design gallery AGO Projects. His practice is defined by storytelling, comfort, and connection, championing local makers and a relaxed maximalist aesthetic he describes as a punk take on prep.
Previously the longtime Executive Director of Design Miami, Rodman worked with Simon de Pury, Larry Gagosian and Peter Marino before moving to Mexico City in 2019 with his partner Rudy Weissenberg to launch AGO Projects, representing talent including Pedro Reyes and Fernando Laposse.
In 2024 Monacelli released Love How You Live: Adventures in Interior Design, by Rodman Primack with Rudy Weissenberg. Rodman also curates the Apple-supported Designers of Tomorrow platform, which debuted at Design Miami Paris in October 2025.
NADA DEBS
DESIGNER
nadadebs.com
Nada Debs is a Levantine designer living and working in Beirut. Her work spans scale and discipline: from product and furniture design to one-off commissions across craft, art, fashion and interiors.
Nada grew up in Japan, studied design at Rhode Island School of Design in the United States and has spent time living and travelling the world, finding connections between different cultures. What ties her work together is her ability to distil culture and craftsmanship to create pieces of emotional resonance. She believes design can cross time and border and touch us on a primal level. She calls her approach: handmade and heartmade.
nadadebs.com
Nada Debs is a Levantine designer living and working in Beirut. Her work spans scale and discipline: from product and furniture design to one-off commissions across craft, art, fashion and interiors.
Nada grew up in Japan, studied design at Rhode Island School of Design in the United States and has spent time living and travelling the world, finding connections between different cultures. What ties her work together is her ability to distil culture and craftsmanship to create pieces of emotional resonance. She believes design can cross time and border and touch us on a primal level. She calls her approach: handmade and heartmade.
Kulapat Yantrasast
FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF WHY
why-site.com
Kulapat is one of the art world’s most visionary architects. Originally from Bangkok, he received a Master’s and Ph.D. in Architecture at the University of Tokyo on a prestigious Japanese Government Scholarship. He worked closely with Tadao Ando for many years, helping lead transformative museum and cultural projects before establishing WHY 20 years ago.
WHY has become a trailblazer in designing spaces that integrate art, culture and community. Kulapat reimagines how architecture shapes human experience, centering on art’s power to inspire and elevate. Projects include the Rockefeller Wing at the Metropolitan Museum and the new transformation project at Louvre Museum.
why-site.com
Kulapat is one of the art world’s most visionary architects. Originally from Bangkok, he received a Master’s and Ph.D. in Architecture at the University of Tokyo on a prestigious Japanese Government Scholarship. He worked closely with Tadao Ando for many years, helping lead transformative museum and cultural projects before establishing WHY 20 years ago.
WHY has become a trailblazer in designing spaces that integrate art, culture and community. Kulapat reimagines how architecture shapes human experience, centering on art’s power to inspire and elevate. Projects include the Rockefeller Wing at the Metropolitan Museum and the new transformation project at Louvre Museum.
Jen Roberts
CEO OF DESIGN MIAMI
designmiami.com
As CEO of Design Miami, Jen oversees the expansion of the brand including its exhibition program, digital presence, design commissions and collaborations. Since being appointed in 2015, she has introduced new verticals including Design Miami Curatorial Lab, a strategic consultancy to help businesses build cultural capital, and Podium - a new event format with international touring capabilities.
Jen was previously Co-Executive Director of Salon Art + Design and founding publisher of MODERN magazine. She is a member of the Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy. Until recently, she served as a member of the City of Miami Beach’s Mayors Panel for Ocean Drive and the Arts & Entertainment District, as well as a Managing Member of Woodstock Ventures.
designmiami.com
As CEO of Design Miami, Jen oversees the expansion of the brand including its exhibition program, digital presence, design commissions and collaborations. Since being appointed in 2015, she has introduced new verticals including Design Miami Curatorial Lab, a strategic consultancy to help businesses build cultural capital, and Podium - a new event format with international touring capabilities.
Jen was previously Co-Executive Director of Salon Art + Design and founding publisher of MODERN magazine. She is a member of the Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy. Until recently, she served as a member of the City of Miami Beach’s Mayors Panel for Ocean Drive and the Arts & Entertainment District, as well as a Managing Member of Woodstock Ventures.
Oliver Jahn
CEO AND CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER OF HOUSE OF MANUS
houseofmanus.ch
Oliver has been CEO and Chief Creative Officer of House of Manus since 2024. The Swiss based company is globally investing in the future of craftsmanship in different areas, from equity and consulting to education.
He earned his merits as a thought-leading design and culture journalist, consultant and curator. From 2007 to 2023, Oliver held various positions at the media brand Architectural Digest and spent 2011 to 2020 as Editor-in-Chief. Most recently he co-led the brand internationally as Deputy Global Editorial Director. Oliver studied linguistics, literature and philosophy.
houseofmanus.ch
Oliver has been CEO and Chief Creative Officer of House of Manus since 2024. The Swiss based company is globally investing in the future of craftsmanship in different areas, from equity and consulting to education.
He earned his merits as a thought-leading design and culture journalist, consultant and curator. From 2007 to 2023, Oliver held various positions at the media brand Architectural Digest and spent 2011 to 2020 as Editor-in-Chief. Most recently he co-led the brand internationally as Deputy Global Editorial Director. Oliver studied linguistics, literature and philosophy.
Valentina Ciuffi
CURATOR, ART DIRECTOR, FOUNDER OF STUDIO VEDÈT AND CO-FOUNDER OF ALCOVA
studiovedet.com
Valentina is a creative director, curator and design consultant.
After an early career in journalism - including a role on the editorial team of Abitare and contributions to several leading publications - she founded Studio Vedèt, a Milan-based practice operating across branding, creative direction, graphic design and digital projects.
She is also the co-founder of Alcova, a noted international platform for contemporary design. In addition to her work with Vedèt and Alcova, she advises galleries and companies in the design field. With a background in semiotics, she brings a distinctive perspective to her ongoing research and talent-scouting activities within the design world.
studiovedet.com
Valentina is a creative director, curator and design consultant.
After an early career in journalism - including a role on the editorial team of Abitare and contributions to several leading publications - she founded Studio Vedèt, a Milan-based practice operating across branding, creative direction, graphic design and digital projects.
She is also the co-founder of Alcova, a noted international platform for contemporary design. In addition to her work with Vedèt and Alcova, she advises galleries and companies in the design field. With a background in semiotics, she brings a distinctive perspective to her ongoing research and talent-scouting activities within the design world.
Tarini Jindal Handa
FOUNDER OF ÆQUŌ AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF HAMPI ART LABS
aequo.in
A third generation patron, collecting, supporting craft clusters and commissioning artisans were pillars of Tarini’s upbringing. Her family are noted for their commitment to architectural preservation.
After studying fashion marketing in London, she returned to Mumbai to open the country’s first multi-brand fashion store, Muse. The boutique was known for introducing international labels, as well as incubating local talent.
Tarini joined the family business - JSW - adding residential developer JSW Realty to its portfolio. Fusing her interests in design, craftsmanship and patronage, she founded æquō in 2022.
aequo.in
A third generation patron, collecting, supporting craft clusters and commissioning artisans were pillars of Tarini’s upbringing. Her family are noted for their commitment to architectural preservation.
After studying fashion marketing in London, she returned to Mumbai to open the country’s first multi-brand fashion store, Muse. The boutique was known for introducing international labels, as well as incubating local talent.
Tarini joined the family business - JSW - adding residential developer JSW Realty to its portfolio. Fusing her interests in design, craftsmanship and patronage, she founded æquō in 2022.
NICOLAS BELLAVANCE-LECOMPTE
CO-FOUNDER OF NOMAD & CURATOR
nb-lecompte.com
Nicolas has spent the past 15 years working at the intersection of contemporary design, art and craftsmanship.
His curatorial research focuses on the global south, with a particular emphasis on how traditional craft and cultural heritage can be reinterpreted through contemporary design practices. Through projects and collaborations across Africa and the Middle East, he has established himself as a bridge between emerging creative talent and the global collectible design market.
He is the co-founder of NOMAD, the travelling showcase for collectible design and contemporary art, and continues to work with leading institutions, galleries, and designers worldwide.
nb-lecompte.com
Nicolas has spent the past 15 years working at the intersection of contemporary design, art and craftsmanship.
His curatorial research focuses on the global south, with a particular emphasis on how traditional craft and cultural heritage can be reinterpreted through contemporary design practices. Through projects and collaborations across Africa and the Middle East, he has established himself as a bridge between emerging creative talent and the global collectible design market.
He is the co-founder of NOMAD, the travelling showcase for collectible design and contemporary art, and continues to work with leading institutions, galleries, and designers worldwide.
Professor Daniel Charny
DESIGNER AND EDUCATOR, CO-FOUNDER OF FORTH
wegoforth.org
Daniel is recognised for culturally significant projects from the Power of Making exhibition and The Aram Gallery to the Maker Library Network and the Fixperts learning programme. He is co-founder of Forth, a creative studio and CIC concerned with new models, formats and programmes for engagement and learning in a changing world.
Daniel advocates internationally for design, creativity and making as essential tools to unlock a better future. He is Professor of Design at Kingston University and an expert member of The Design Museum’s Curatorial Committee. He is a recipient of the London Design Innovation Medal and the Sir Misha Black Award for Innovation in Design Education.
wegoforth.org
Daniel is recognised for culturally significant projects from the Power of Making exhibition and The Aram Gallery to the Maker Library Network and the Fixperts learning programme. He is co-founder of Forth, a creative studio and CIC concerned with new models, formats and programmes for engagement and learning in a changing world.
Daniel advocates internationally for design, creativity and making as essential tools to unlock a better future. He is Professor of Design at Kingston University and an expert member of The Design Museum’s Curatorial Committee. He is a recipient of the London Design Innovation Medal and the Sir Misha Black Award for Innovation in Design Education.
Shalini Misra
FOUNDER, SHALINI MISRA DESIGN & CURIO, LONDON
shalinimisra.com
Shalini Misra is an internationally celebrated interior architect, designer and property developer. Her design studio creates elegant, timeless, and sustainable interiors that prioritise wellbeing. In 2022, Shalini launched Curio, an evolving collection of handcrafted objects, art and imaginative design from designers around the world.
shalinimisra.com
Shalini Misra is an internationally celebrated interior architect, designer and property developer. Her design studio creates elegant, timeless, and sustainable interiors that prioritise wellbeing. In 2022, Shalini launched Curio, an evolving collection of handcrafted objects, art and imaginative design from designers around the world.
Jesse Lee
FOUNDER, BASIC.SPACE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DESIGN MIAMI BOARD, LA
basic.space
Transitioning from the music industry into the design world, Jesse Lee founded Basic. Space, a digital marketplace hosting a curated blend of pre-owned and vintage items as well as new, limited editions, and exclusive brand collaborations. In 2023, Basic.Space acquired Design Miami, and Jesse Lee now serves as Chairman of the prestigious global design fair.
basic.space
Transitioning from the music industry into the design world, Jesse Lee founded Basic. Space, a digital marketplace hosting a curated blend of pre-owned and vintage items as well as new, limited editions, and exclusive brand collaborations. In 2023, Basic.Space acquired Design Miami, and Jesse Lee now serves as Chairman of the prestigious global design fair.
David Alhadeff
FOUNDER, THE FUTURE PERFECT, NEW YORK
thefutureperfect.com
David Alhadeff is the visionary Founder of The Future Perfect. Known for his dedication to supporting rising talent and trailblazing contemporary design, Alhadeff has pioneered a new kind of hybrid gallery concept that shifts the borders between gallerist, dealer and merchant, opening up new pathways for artists, collectors and innovators.
thefutureperfect.com
David Alhadeff is the visionary Founder of The Future Perfect. Known for his dedication to supporting rising talent and trailblazing contemporary design, Alhadeff has pioneered a new kind of hybrid gallery concept that shifts the borders between gallerist, dealer and merchant, opening up new pathways for artists, collectors and innovators.
Yves Béhar
FOUNDER, FUSEPROJECT, SAN FRANSICO – LISBON
fuseproject.com
Yves Béhar is a pioneering industrial designer and entrepreneur known for his innovative work in product design and technology. Blending form and function, Béhar’s designs are driven by sustainability, social impact, and functionality. Through his company, fuseproject, Béhar has collaborated with numerous global brands, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in the design industry.
fuseproject.com
Yves Béhar is a pioneering industrial designer and entrepreneur known for his innovative work in product design and technology. Blending form and function, Béhar’s designs are driven by sustainability, social impact, and functionality. Through his company, fuseproject, Béhar has collaborated with numerous global brands, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in the design industry.
Alexis Georgacopoulos
DIRECTOR, ECAL – LAUSANNE
ecal.ch
Alexis Georgacopoulos serves as the Director of ECAL (École cantonale d’art de Lausanne) in Lausanne, Switzerland. With a deep passion for nurturing emerging talent and pushing the boundaries of design education, Georgacopoulos plays a pivotal role in shaping ECAL into one of the leading art and design schools globally.
ecal.ch
Alexis Georgacopoulos serves as the Director of ECAL (École cantonale d’art de Lausanne) in Lausanne, Switzerland. With a deep passion for nurturing emerging talent and pushing the boundaries of design education, Georgacopoulos plays a pivotal role in shaping ECAL into one of the leading art and design schools globally.
Benjamin Paulin
FOUNDER OF PAULIN, PAULIN, PAULIN, PARIS
paulinpaulinpaulin.com
Paulin, Paulin, Paulin is a family business that circulates, develops and preserves the works of Pierre Paulin. It aims to offer a heightened panorama of the designer’s oeuvre to bring to light the amazing modernity of a creator who was constantly researching new concepts and ideas. Paulin, Paulin, Paulin produces and sells rare pieces from the work of Pierre Paulin. The company’s vocation is to bring into existence or prolong some of Pierre Paulin’s most cherished dreams.
paulinpaulinpaulin.com
Paulin, Paulin, Paulin is a family business that circulates, develops and preserves the works of Pierre Paulin. It aims to offer a heightened panorama of the designer’s oeuvre to bring to light the amazing modernity of a creator who was constantly researching new concepts and ideas. Paulin, Paulin, Paulin produces and sells rare pieces from the work of Pierre Paulin. The company’s vocation is to bring into existence or prolong some of Pierre Paulin’s most cherished dreams.
Sonali Rastogi
ARCHITECT, MORPHOGENESIS, NEW DELHI
morphogenesis.org
Sonali Rastogi is a highly acclaimed architect and urban designer, praised for her leadership as the Founder Partner of Morphogenesis, one of India’s most respected architecture firms. Sonali has established herself as an expert in her field through a strong educational background from institutions including School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi and The Architectural Association in London.
morphogenesis.org
Sonali Rastogi is a highly acclaimed architect and urban designer, praised for her leadership as the Founder Partner of Morphogenesis, one of India’s most respected architecture firms. Sonali has established herself as an expert in her field through a strong educational background from institutions including School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi and The Architectural Association in London.
Marcin Rusak
DESIGNER, WARSAW–LONDON
marcinrusak.com
A prominent figure in contemporary design, Marcin Rusak is a groundbreaking designer known for his interdisciplinary approach. By merging traditional craftsmanship with experimental techniques, Rusak creates thought-provoking pieces that explore themes of nature, decay, and sustainability.
marcinrusak.com
A prominent figure in contemporary design, Marcin Rusak is a groundbreaking designer known for his interdisciplinary approach. By merging traditional craftsmanship with experimental techniques, Rusak creates thought-provoking pieces that explore themes of nature, decay, and sustainability.
Nina Yashar
OWNER, NILUFAR GALLERY AND NILUFAR DEPOT, MILAN
nilufar.com
Nina Yashar is a prominent designer and the Founder of Nilufar Gallery, based in Milan. With a keen eye for the avant-garde, a dedication to promoting innovative craftsmanship and a passion for fostering new talent, Yashar has curated a collection of furniture, lighting, and decorative arts that defies the boundaries between art and design.
nilufar.com
Nina Yashar is a prominent designer and the Founder of Nilufar Gallery, based in Milan. With a keen eye for the avant-garde, a dedication to promoting innovative craftsmanship and a passion for fostering new talent, Yashar has curated a collection of furniture, lighting, and decorative arts that defies the boundaries between art and design.