Furgonomics: Indian elegance meets futuristic design

Good design that is rooted in traditional craftsmanship while integrating futuristic technology and modern silhouettes is rare to come by. However, product design brand Furgonomics does exactly that. Committed to delivering handcrafted luxury for urban spaces made by local artisans, Furgonomics has firmly cemented a place for itself in the Indian market. They primarily cater to residential, commercial and hospitality projects, and boast a collaborative practice that isn’t limited to craft in its purest form, but also embraces an amalgamation of different art forms. For this, they work with a number of artists, weavers, and craftspeople who are adept at combining their expertise with cutting-edge technology.
Furgonomics is an offshoot of Untitled Design, a New Delhi-based award-winning multidisciplinary design practice in the sphere of architecture and interior design. It was founded by Amrita Guha and Joya Nandurdikar in 2022. “The name represents the firm’s ethos – integrating artistry with ergonomic principles to deliver unparalleled product design solutions,” share the founders.
Guha began her design journey after completing a degree in interior design at Vaastu Kala Academy, New Delhi. She also earned a Diploma in advanced interior design from Rachna Sansad Academy of Architecture, Mumbai. Nandurdikar has a Diploma in interior design from Delhi Administration, which she believes has been instrumental in shaping her career. She also holds a BA (Hons) degree from Delhi University.
“Research is at the core of Furgonomics’ design philosophy. The process involves a three-way collaboration between the clients, the team, and the artisans, ensuring that every piece aligns perfectly with the client’s design sensibilities and vision. All our furniture pieces celebrate innovative design, quality craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for the maker’s touch. Our team includes stone specialists and other artisans, making every initiative a truly collaborative one,” explains Guha.
To this, Nandurdikar adds, “Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of Furgonomics’ ethos, with a focus on using local materials while making a nuanced and thoughtful impact through design. These age-old, small-batch craft techniques produce low carbon emissions, and the zero-waste approach supports local economies while reducing the environmental footprint, reflecting our commitment to ecological responsibility.”
Sunday Guardian recently caught up with the founders for an exclusive chat. Excerpts from an edited interview:
Q. Why did you begin this brand?
A: Furgonomics was launched as a natural extension of our design philosophy at Untitled Design, our award-winning multidisciplinary practice. The idea behind the brand was to create handcrafted luxury for urban spaces that reflect Indian sensibilities while celebrating the artistry of local craftspeople. Our vision was to go beyond the traditional boundaries of craft by encouraging collaborations with diverse artists, weavers, and artisans, blending their expertise with modern techniques to create timeless pieces.
We have always been guided by the motto ‘design-driven luxury for urban residences’, so our furniture brand stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. By blending various art forms, embracing technology, and focusing on sustainability, our studio creates functional and classic furniture. Our commitment to local sourcing and dedication to craftsmanship ensures that every piece created isn’t just a product but a work of art that narrates a compelling story.
Q. What is the idea behind your diverse product range?
A: Our product range includes furniture, doors, shutters, and bespoke installations designed to serve as functional pieces of art. The core idea is to promote traditional crafts through innovative products that seamlessly blend utility with artistic expression. We take a unique approach by exploring lesser-known crafts and incorporating them into our designs. Through annual workshops, we collaborate with artisans to discover and reinterpret traditional techniques into pieces that tell a story.
Our process is not bound by any specific material or style. We experiment with diverse mediums like ceramics, stone, semi-precious stones, fabric, or papier-mâché. By fostering collaborations with artists and craftsmen, we push boundaries, constantly innovating through the integration of art, materials, and craftsmanship.
Q. How do you combine traditional craft with futuristic technology?
A: Our approach involves reviving traditional Indian crafts by reimagining them in a contemporary context. We start by identifying timeless crafts like Tarkashi, Koftgiri, Sanjhi, Mata ni Pachedi, or Dokra and drawing inspiration from their exquisite artistry. Using advanced technology, we integrate these traditional techniques into modern designs for products such as coffee tables, tall units, doors, or shutters. The goal is to create pieces that are sleek and modern while honouring their traditional roots. We also experiment with unexpected materials, such as semi-precious stones to add a unique edge to the design.
Q. What are you working on next?
A: We are working on a few exciting projects, including developing products in papier-mâché. We are also deeply excited about a series of totems crafted from varied sustainable materials infused with painted forms of crafts. These totems are designed as sculptural pieces intended to add a unique artistic dimension to any space while promoting sustainability and craftsmanship.
Noor Anand Chawla pens lifestyle articles for various publications and her blog www.nooranandchawla.com.