Kapil Surlakar is the founder of LIGHT@WORK Design Consultants Pvt Ltd, a design-focused firm that has redefined the approach to architectural and urban lighting solutions. With a commitment to ethical design excellence, his work demonstrates the powerful interplay between light and architecture, creating environments that are both functional and aesthetically compelling. In conversation with INSITE, Mr. Surlakar discusses his philosophy of making light work as an imperative visual medium, while balancing economic and ergonomic considerations in every project.

ORI – Folded Dreams, very obviously derived from ‘origami’, the Japanese art of paper folding – is the brand name of the collaborative enterprise between engineers-turned designers Dipen Gada and Manish Maheshwari. A blend of art and engineering, of aesthetic appeal and robust manufacturing processes sees the Baroda-based duo craft beautiful, nature-inspired artefacts and accessories, with a focus on lighting products.

Ankon Mitra, architect and sculptor, has redefined design through the art of folding. A pioneer of ‘Oritecture’—a fusion of origami and architecture—his work explores the transformative potential of folds in space and structure. With accolades including the All-India Gold Medal for Sculpture (2018) and the Lexus Design Award for Craft Design (2020), his sculptures and installations have been showcased in 18 countries and are part of esteemed public and private collections. His vision of a universe continuously forming and dissolving through folding is at the core of his artistic and architectural explorations.

Ar. Abhay Wadhwa found his calling in lighting design, while studying architecture at the Sir JJ College of Architecture in Mumbai, India. He then moved to the USA, to pursue a graduate program in Architecture, followed by a Master’s degree in Lighting from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Eventually he set up AWA Lighting Designers in 2002. Operating out of NYC, AWA handles a gamut of lighting design projects across the world. Working extensively with the world’s leading architecture and design firms in the fields of commercial and mixed use developments, urban planning, transportation, infrastructure, hospitality, and healthcare, Abhay Wadhwa is an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, educator, and author of numerous advanced light engineering and cultural lighting articles.

Mr. Frank Schlöder, based in Mumbai, is the Managing Director at Häfele India Private Limited, with all of South Asia under his purview. Schlöder brings experience from previous roles at Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, BMW Group and BMW Group France. With a 1993 - 1999 Business graduate in International studies of Business Administration from the University of Münster, Schlöeder has hoisted the Häfele flag firmly in the South Asian regions. Here, Mr. Schlöeder discusses issues pertaining to the furniture hardware industry in India, as well as Häfele’s plans for the future.