Design aficionados around the country are gearing up for what promises to be a stellar design event.
It’s the third edition of Design Democracy, set to take place from September 5–7, 2025 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad. This one-of-a-kind forum brings together urban studios, artisans, and tech innovators to showcase the best of their work, in collaboration with each other and individually.
As explained by Pallika Sreewastav, co-founder of Design Democracy:
“We are shaping the future of Indian design. In a city known equally for its tech parks and historic monuments, this event aims to spark new directions in architecture and interiors through unusual partnerships.”
Design Democracy was co-founded by Sreewastav, Shailja Patwari, and Arjun Rathi in 2023. This edition brings over 120 curated and innovative Indian brands and design studios across three immersive zones called Atelier, Canvas, and Muse.
One can browse through cutting-edge furniture, lighting, materials, flooring, home furnishings, kitchen and bath, décor accessories, and fine art. Their proprietary symposium, called DD Talks, offers a two-day dialogue with over 80 speakers, exploring the role of design in sparking cultural and social conversations.
There will also be walkthroughs at the Museum of Telangana and exclusive showcases by India’s leading designers that bridge the gap between heritage and modernity. Celebrity participation is also on the cards, with The Charcoal Project and Sussanne Khan leading the way, along with marquee sponsors like West Elm and India Today Home.
Other participating brands include Jaipur Rugs, The Charcoal Project, FAZO Project, Shailesh Rajput, AKFD + Anantaya, Within, Ravish Vohra Homes, Ek Kalakaar, and AMH Singapore, among others.
Patwari shares:
“Hyderabad’s growth, both economic and architectural, makes it the ideal home for a contemporary design forum.”
Rathi adds:
“Design Democracy is a platform created to engage with the design community through showcases, conversations, and collaborations. It is about building connections between creators, users, and the larger ecosystem.”
A week prior to the opening of the exhibition, Sunday Guardian caught up with Sreewastav on everything one can look forward to in this edition of Design Democracy.
Excerpts from an Edited Interview
Q: What was your vision behind the exhibition?
A: Our vision was to create a bold, independent platform that brings together India’s most forward-thinking voices in interior design, architecture, and product design. We wanted to move beyond the format of traditional trade shows and instead build a space where design speaks boldly. A place where emerging and established designers can share not just their work, but also their processes, philosophies, and ideas.
Q: Why did you choose Hyderabad as the destination?
A: Hyderabad offers a unique intersection of heritage and modernity, craft and commerce. It’s a design-conscious city with an evolving creative economy. We wanted to decentralise the design conversation and give Hyderabad the spotlight it truly deserves as a cultural and design destination.
Q: Who would you say are the most prominent exhibitors this year?
A: This year, we are proud to host over 150 design studios and brands from across India. Some of the most prominent names include:
-
The Charcoal Project
-
Anca
-
Ravish Vohra Design
-
Tabula Rasa
-
Purple Turtle
-
Jamun Tree
Each of them brings a unique design voice to the table, ranging from heritage revival to cutting-edge sustainable materials.
Q: What can patrons expect this year that is different from previous years?
A: This edition introduces several new elements:
-
The Museum of Telangana Pavilion – Curated by Supraja Rao, exploring the intersection of local craft, heritage, and contemporary storytelling.
-
DD Talks – Expanded series with over 30 leading voices from design, art, and architecture.
-
DD Focus – In-booth conversations with over 20 influential figures from the design fraternity.
-
FLOW by Nuru Karim – An architectural intervention reimagining the spatial experience of the exhibition.
-
Precious Object Pavilion – Curated by Farah Ahmed, showcasing objects of emotional, material, and cultural significance.
-
Gallery of Sustainability – Led by Abin Choudhury, celebrating designers working with sustainable materials.
-
DD Awards – In collaboration with Design Pataki, honouring excellence and innovation in design across disciplines.
Q: What would you say is the theme of this edition of Design Democracy?
A: “Where Design Speaks Boldly.” This reflects the spirit of the exhibition, where ideas are celebrated not for conformity, but for courage and conviction.
Q: What are some of the highlights to look forward to this year?
A: Patrons can expect immersive pavilions around material, craft, experimentation, and process. Exclusive product launches, collectible design, panel discussions, thought-leader talks, a curated food and beverage experience, and installations will also feature.
Design Democracy is as much about discovery as it is about dialogue. In fact, I would go as far as to say that Design Democracy is a movement, more than an exhibition. It’s a space for collective imagination, curated rigour, and celebrated diversity in Indian design.
We have intentionally kept the tone bold, independent, and culturally rooted. It’s an inclusive, intergenerational space where interior designers, architects, makers, curators, and patrons come together.
Author: Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.
