Interviews with Priyam Doshi
Designer profileDesign Interview
8 June 2024 · Caterpillar Bar Unit
The idea was to design a quirky and fun product The inspiration for the design was a caterpillar.
The idea was to create a "fun-ctional" product—a statement piece of furniture that is fun yet highly functional.
The future plan is to sell the design internationally.
It took me about a week to complete the design. Research, development, and production took about 4-6 weeks.
After designing hundreds of products for various clients, I finally had the opportunity to choose my own brief and inspiration. I decided to embrace my natural style of creating quirky products.
I am open to all opportunities.
Designer Interview
22 May 2024
By education, I have studied Engineering - Production Technology & Lifestyle Product Design. Since childhood, I had a habit/knack of making things out of waste and whatever was available around me. I have always loved creating objects.
Yes I have always wanted to be a designer.
Yes I have always wanted to be a designer.
Name Place Animal Thing is a Mumbai-based design studio that specializes in furniture, lights, installations, and decor. We draw inspiration from people, places, animals, and all things that exist in the world around us. We cherish experimenting with materials, processes, and techniques, from new to natural to recycled, to create products with an element of intrigue or play. Our meticulously designed products are carefully crafted and manufactured in India. We like to call our products FUN-ctional, products that are both fun and functional at their core. Along with designing our own products, we collaborate with architects, interior designers & manufacturers on custom projects.
Design is common Sense exectued well.
Design should be honest.
Design shuld bring a smile to the people seeing/using it.
Design can be FUN-ctional.
Design should be honest.
Design shuld bring a smile to the people seeing/using it.
Design can be FUN-ctional.
I like designing lights, furniture and decor.
I love to design products which are FUNctional - Super fun and highly functional.
I love to design products which are FUNctional - Super fun and highly functional.
One of my favourite designs are Ribbon chair & 88 Secrets Cabinet by Nika Zupnac
Form my own designs its the Caterpillar Bar Unit
Form my own designs its the Caterpillar Bar Unit
The first thing I designed for a company was a spatial installation for a high-end jewelry exhibition.
I don’t have favorites; I like being versatile and exploring different materials, right from fabric to wood to metal to paper to terrazzo to clay/ceramics.
I get most random ideas when I am actually not thinking about design, especially when I go for a walk or when I am in the shower.
The practicality of bringing a product to life, ensuring the product is not only aesthetically appealing but also good with functionality
Feeling of Joy
Feeling oh focus
Feeling of Passion
Feeling of Energy
Feeling oh focus
Feeling of Passion
Feeling of Energy
I feel super happy, yet always critical about the final outcome, constantly trying to think of ways to better the designs.
A product which solves all three - need + problem + desire. To me a successful design is something which is a design which is liked by the user and the non-user too.
Form + Functionality + Finishing
Reduce wastage, reuse whenever feasible. Be conscious about not harming the environment
Design itself is the future. It is evelving vastly. Ai will also change a lot of things. I feel liek how its imporatnt to know accounts/ fiannace for all, simiralry design will have to be a skill that every one will need to learn.
The last exhibition was at Ambeinte Fair in Jaunary in Germany organisd by Messse Frankfurt. Next exhibtion should be iin India in 2024
My inspiration comes from nature and from daily life. There are no specific sources of inspiration - It can be any object, nature, geometry, observations of daily life and things around us.
My natural design style is Quirky. Designs that spark joy.
Love making FUn-ctioanl product - Super fun yet super functiaonl products.
Love making FUn-ctioanl product - Super fun yet super functiaonl products.
I live in Mumbai india. Ofcourse the country where you are born does affect the designs. Pros are getting the opportunity to design versatile products for user of such diverse demographic and having the skillsset, machinery , know how of innovating.
I do design collaborations with different companies. I understand the brief and design as per the requirements, limitations, must haves, the intent and design products which sell well.
Have clarity of thoughts and good design brief which cover the requirements/ limitations and expectations well. The intent should be made clear from day one.
I don’t have any specific design process. It varies from project to project depending on the requirement But in short its inspiration - sketch - 3 d model – Drawing, but juggling between them.
A felt coaster for Hot vessels that I recently brought from a local store at DEnmark
A Chest of Dawers made out of Acacia Wood
A beautiful pendant lamp - Qucorr that I made in college out of corrguated boxes, which doesnt look like it made from waste.
An adjustable side table which doubles up as a seating too.
A Chest of Dawers made out of Acacia Wood
A beautiful pendant lamp - Qucorr that I made in college out of corrguated boxes, which doesnt look like it made from waste.
An adjustable side table which doubles up as a seating too.
Brush-Walk/exercise-plan-work-lunch-work-snacks-work-dinner-me time/ free time- sleep
Be honest to the design and yourself. Understand the requirement and stay relevant. Design products which do good business.
That a diffiuclt one. Pros are having a uniqe perspective on things. COns would late working hours and never knowing when to stop. We tend to give in all our all.
There is no Golden rule as such.
Golden rule is to never copy designs.
Golden rule is to never copy designs.
Communication & presentation
Representation of Ideas - Software
Understanding the brief / intent/ requirements
Representation of Ideas - Software
Understanding the brief / intent/ requirements
Rough Papers + Uniball Air Pen
Rhino+ Keyshot
Rhino+ Keyshot
At times I can manage at times I cant so end putting in extra hours.
Recently I have started palinging and creating a to do list, which is helping
Recently I have started palinging and creating a to do list, which is helping
It can take aywhere between 2 weeks to two months
What inspires you?
All my jobs have taught me a lot. Imporant job experiecne was being a brand manager handing 3 brands, it was a 360 degree leanring in terms a businees. Design being just one part of it.
Furniture OEM/ Tiling & Terrazzo Company, Ecommerce companies into furniture
Architects & Interior designers.
Architects & Interior designers.
I enjoy wokring on design projects which let me add fun/ quirk to the desings
Next is to develop a range of furntiure and lights which are releveant yet timeless.
I want exhbit my products at Milan.
I also intend to have my own workshop so that I can design and devleop more products at faster rate.
I want exhbit my products at Milan.
I also intend to have my own workshop so that I can design and devleop more products at faster rate.
I mostly prefer to deleop designs on my own.
Yes, I am wokring on a variety of clay lamps in collaboration with a freind of mine. It is goign to be a range of all Scones and Pendant lights.
People can reach out ot me on my phone no. +91 9960144136 or email me at priyam@nameplaceanimalthing.com
Grand Interview
15 June 2026 · Mushroom Floor Lamps
The decision to use dual-colored fabric in the Mushroom Floor Lamp came from a desire to explore how light can transform a material and create different visual experiences throughout the day.Traditionally, lamp shades are often made using a single fabric or color, where the focus is primarily on the illuminated effect. I wanted the Mushroom Lamp to have a strong presence even when it is switched off. By combining two complementary fabric tones, the lamp gains a sculptural quality, emphasizing its layered form and drawing attention to its mushroom-inspired silhouette.From an aesthetic perspective, the contrast between the fabrics creates depth, rhythm, and visual interest without relying on excessive ornamentation. It allows the lamp to become a statement piece while remaining soft, timeless, and versatile enough to fit into a variety of interiors.Functionally, the choice of fabrics influences how light is diffused and perceived. The different tones interact with light in unique ways, creating subtle variations in glow, shadow, and warmth. This adds richness to the lighting experience and enhances the lamp's ability to create a comfortable, ambient atmosphere.At Name Place Animal Thing, we are always interested in creating products that are both playful and purposeful. The dual-colored fabric approach reflects that philosophy—it is not merely a decorative choice, but a way of adding character, improving visual engagement, and enriching the overall experience of living with the product.
For me, craftsmanship and technology should work together, not compete with each other. The Mushroom Floor Lamp celebrates traditional fabric craftsmanship through careful hand-stitching, shaping, and detailing, which give each piece warmth and character.At the same time, we integrated modern lighting technology to ensure efficient performance, durability, and a comfortable ambient glow. The challenge was to keep the technology discreet so that the craftsmanship and form remained the focus.The result is a lamp that combines the soul of handmade design with the functionality expected in contemporary living—a balance that lies at the heart of our design philosophy.
Mushrooms have always fascinated me because of their simple yet sculptural form. They are instantly recognizable, soft, organic, and naturally inviting—qualities that I wanted to bring into a lighting product.The initial idea was to capture the essence of a mushroom rather than literally replicate it. During the development process, the design evolved through multiple iterations of proportions, fabric treatments, and lighting effects to create a form that felt elegant, timeless, and functional. The layered fabric shades became an important part of this evolution, helping to emphasize the mushroom-like silhouette while creating a warm, diffused glow.The final design is a balance between nature and design—a familiar organic form reinterpreted into a contemporary floor lamp that brings warmth, character, and a sense of calm to a space.
The collaboration with women artisans played a significant role in shaping the final product. Since the fabric is hand-stitched, the making process itself informed several design decisions, helping us refine details that balanced aesthetics, durability, and manufacturability.One of the biggest challenges was achieving a smooth and consistent fit of the fabric over the curved metal frame. Unlike rigid materials, fabric stretches, folds, and behaves differently depending on its orientation and tension. We went through multiple prototypes to perfect the patterning, stitching techniques, and fabric tension so that the shade maintained its intended form without wrinkles or sagging.The artisans' expertise was invaluable throughout this process. Their understanding of fabric construction helped us solve practical challenges while preserving the softness and handcrafted quality that define the Mushroom Lamp. The result is a product that combines precise design with the warmth and character of handmade craftsmanship.
During our research, we found that while nature-inspired lighting was quite common, very few floor lamps combined organic forms with fabric in a contemporary and sophisticated way. Most fabric floor lamps followed conventional geometries, while sculptural nature-inspired lamps were often made from harder materials.This gap encouraged us to create a product that brought together the warmth of fabric and the familiarity of a natural form. We wanted to offer a floor lamp that functioned not only as a source of light but also as a statement piece that added character to a space, even when switched off.We were addressing a growing demand for products that feel softer, more tactile, and emotionally engaging, while remaining functional and versatile. The Mushroom Floor Lamp was designed to create a warm ambient glow, introduce a sense of nature indoors, and serve as a timeless piece that complements a wide range of interior styles.
From the beginning, we wanted the Mushroom Floor Lamp to be a long-lasting product, not something that would become unusable if a light source failed. Many decorative lamps prioritize aesthetics but overlook maintenance, which can lead to unnecessary waste and frustration for users.Our approach was to design the lamp so that the LED light source could be accessed and replaced easily without compromising the overall form or craftsmanship. The challenge was integrating this functionality discreetly within the structure while maintaining the clean, seamless appearance of the lamp.Through multiple rounds of prototyping, we refined the internal construction to ensure that maintenance remained simple and intuitive. The final solution allows for straightforward servicing, extending the product's lifespan and reinforcing our belief that good design should be both beautiful and practical.
The two height variations were designed to give users greater flexibility in how they use the Mushroom Floor Lamp within different spaces. The taller version acts as a stronger visual anchor, making it ideal for larger living rooms, hospitality spaces, or areas that need a statement piece.The smaller version offers a more intimate scale, making it suitable for bedrooms, reading corners, lounges, and compact interiors where a softer presence is preferred.Together, the two sizes allow the collection to adapt to a variety of spatial requirements while maintaining a consistent design language. They can be used individually or paired together to create layered lighting and visual depth within a space.
The Mushroom Floor Lamp was designed to go beyond being just a light source and become an object that people enjoy living with. We incorporated soft, organic forms inspired by nature, warm fabric shades that diffuse light gently, and carefully balanced proportions that make the lamp feel approachable and inviting.Functionally, it provides comfortable ambient lighting, while aesthetically it serves as a sculptural element that adds character to a space even when switched off. The handcrafted details, layered fabric, and playful mushroom-inspired silhouette create an emotional connection with users and bring a sense of warmth and delight to everyday interiors.Ultimately, our goal was to create a lamp that is both useful and memorable—one that enhances a space through light, form, and a touch of joy.
The metal armature forms the backbone of the Mushroom Floor Lamp and was developed through several rounds of prototyping to achieve the right balance between strength and visual lightness. The challenge was to create a structure that could support the fabric shades while maintaining the soft, organic proportions inspired by mushrooms.We carefully refined the curves, diameters, and junctions of the frame to ensure stability without making the lamp feel heavy or engineered. The powder-coated finish was chosen for its durability and clean appearance, allowing the structure to recede visually and let the form and fabric take center stage.The final armature provides the necessary structural integrity while preserving the fluid, natural silhouette that defines the character of the Mushroom Floor Lamp.
I believe the Mushroom Floor Lamp reflects a broader shift towards interiors that feel warmer, softer, and more connected to nature. As people increasingly seek comfort and emotional connection in their living spaces, we are likely to see more lighting that moves away from rigid geometries and embraces organic forms, tactile materials, and handcrafted details.With the Mushroom Lamp, our intention was to demonstrate that nature-inspired design can be contemporary, functional, and timeless rather than purely decorative. I hope it encourages designers and brands to explore forms drawn from the natural world while creating products that are meaningful, approachable, and designed for longevity.Ultimately, I see the future of lighting becoming more human-centered—where light fixtures are not just functional objects, but pieces that bring warmth, character, and a sense of joy into everyday spaces.
Grand Interview
22 October 2025 · Caterpillar Bar Unit
I won’t lie, it was tough! Initially, we tried steam bending wood for the caterpillar modules, but it didn’t yield consistent results, so we pivoted to barrel-making techniques for better precision. The rotating mechanism was another challenge—finding the right hardware, ensuring smooth operation, and designing for easy maintenance took extensive research and testing. Balancing creativity, functionality, and durability made this piece a rewarding challenge.
My natural style is being playful with designs. Whenever I design the intent is to built product which generate curiosity/ intrigue and an element of play. I always want the user to have a sense of joy and fun when using th e product. I wanted to break the boundaries and design something which Fun yet super functional. That let to taking inspiration from nature
My natural design style leans toward being playful and creating products that spark curiosity and intrigue. I always aim to bring a sense of joy and fun to the user experience. With the Caterpillar Bar Unit, I wanted to break away from the predictable, boxy aesthetics of traditional bar furniture and create something that was not only functional but also brought a smile to people's faces. Drawing inspiration from nature's organic forms allowed me to design something that feels alive, playful, and full of character.
As a designer with an engineering background, balancing functionality with beautiful forms comes almost intuitively. For the Caterpillar Bar Unit, I started by measuring the tallest bottle that might be stored and used that as a baseline to determine the height of each module. The module sizes were carefully designed to be sleek yet spacious enough to hold 30-40 bottles. This approach allowed us to maintain the sculptural integrity of the design while ensuring it was practical and functional.
I always start by addressing the needs, problems, or desires that a user might have for a product serving a particular function. With the Caterpillar Bar Unit, the goal was to create something that fulfilled the functional requirements of a bar while doubling as a striking statement piece. Asking the right questions—what would make a bar unit more engaging, how to integrate storage without compromising its sculptural identity—naturally guided the design. From there, it was about finding creative ways to seamlessly implement functionality into the form.
The configuration of four distinct modules working in synchronized pairs was a result of a systematic design process. It began with determining the perfect height for a bar to ensure usability and comfort. Next, I calculated the optimal height for storing alcohol bottles, which led to dividing the unit into four modules. This balance was critical—adding more modules would have made it challenging for an average-height user to interact with the bar effectively. The configuration not only maximizes storage but also enhances the user experience by keeping everything easily accessible and intuitive.
It was quite intuitive, really. The Caterpillar Bar Unit needed legs, and the rotating modules required knobs. Combining the two functions felt like a natural solution, both clever and efficient. This integration not only maintains the sleek, cohesive design but also adds an element of surprise, blending form and function seamlessly.
The Caterpillar Bar Unit challenges traditional furniture design by blending playfulness with high functionality, and I believe it sets a precedent for more dynamic, user-centric pieces. Its success shows a growing demand for multifunctional furniture that’s not just practical but also sparks joy, and I hope it inspires designers to push boundaries and rethink how furniture can engage and delight users.
It was learning process as we were steam bending wood for the first time. We realised that thicker plank slices cannot be used for steam bending, it developed cracks. We are still doing a lot of explorations to get the steam bending right. we will be able to incorporate it in the best possible way, once we get the a perfect steam bending process.
The steam bending process was a valuable learning experience, especially since it was our first time working with it. We quickly realized that thicker plank slices couldn’t be used for steam bending as they developed cracks. This challenge led us to reassess our approach, and we’re still exploring ways to perfect the technique. Once we have the ideal steam bending process, we plan to incorporate it in the best possible way, but for now, it pushed us to think creatively and adapt the design while maintaining its integrity.
Grand Interview
23 November 2024 · Moose Multifunctional Cabinet
The Moose Cabinet was born from a desire to move beyond mundane, boxy storage designs and bring joy to everyday furniture. Inspired by our company (Name Place Animal Thing) logo—a universal animal monogram that transforms when different horns or antlers are added to it. I wanted to create a piece that was both functional and whimsical. The result is a playful, unconventional storage solution that perfectly reflects our studio’s ethos of blending creativity with purpose
The need to have more fun in life was the core inspiration to add unconventional colors for the interiors. The intent was that the furniture should add an element of fun or joy for the users. Actually when people open the shutters for the first time, they are surprised by the green stained internals and they immediately get a smile on their faces.
The green-stained interiors of the Moose Multifunctional Cabinet are my way of injecting an unexpected sense of joy into the design. I believe furniture should do more than serve a function—it should spark emotions. The vibrant green is deliberately unconventional, designed to surprise users when they open the shutters. That moment of discovery, where the unexpected color brings a smile or even a laugh, transforms a routine interaction into something memorable. It’s about creating a playful experience that leaves a lasting impression, aligning with our philosophy of designing with personality and purpose.
The distinctive antlers - actual function as holder for your key rings, hats, caps and scarves.The accessories bowl is very useful and can be used for storing your small knick-knacks that usually get lost in a storage drawers.
The antler-shaped hooks were designed to serve both form and function, acting as holders for everyday essentials like key rings, hats, caps, and scarves. They add a playful yet practical touch, making the cabinet more interactive. Similarly, the accessory bowls were developed with usability in mind—they're perfect for storing small, easy-to-misplace items like loose change, jewelry, or other knick-knacks that often disappear in traditional storage drawers. These elements not only enhance the cabinet’s functionality but also make it a more intuitive and user-friendly piece for daily life.
The eye-shaped knob was a simple yet intuitive solution that emerged naturally during the design process. Since the Moose’s head doubles as storage, it needed both an eye for the aesthetic and a knob for functionality—combining the two felt like an obvious choice. Initially, the eye-knob was placed on the extreme end of the head, with the hinge on the opposite side. However, during prototyping, we realized it would be more convenient for users if the knob and hinge positions were swapped. This small adjustment not only enhanced usability but also ensured the design remained cohesive and thoughtful.
The Moose Multifunctional Cabinet perfectly embodies our studio’s philosophy of creating 'FUN-ctional' pieces by blending playful aesthetics with practical design. Its whimsical form, inspired by our animal monogram, invites curiosity and joy, while its functional elements—like the antler hooks, accessory bowl, mirror and the tray for books and the eye-shaped knob—seamlessly integrate utility into the playful concept.This project reaffirmed the importance of balancing creativity with usability. Playful designs can capture attention, but their true value lies in how they fit into everyday life. With the Moose Cabinet, every design choice—whether aesthetic or functional—was made with the user in mind, ensuring the piece not only stands out but also serves a meaningful purpose. It’s taught us that joy and functionality aren’t mutually exclusive—they can coexist to elevate the user experience."
The Moose Multifunctional Cabinet’s design was deeply informed by extensive research into storage solutions and user behavior. We conducted both online and offline studies, analyzing furniture marketplaces, retail stores, and even homes within our personal network to gather insights. Observations from the Indian context revealed a strong preference for a mix of closed and open storage—closed storage for functionality and open spaces to display artifacts, miniatures, or books.A key insight was that the space above cabinets often remains underutilized, typically becoming a cluttered spot for daily knick-knacks and books. This realization inspired the addition of plug-and-play accessories to the Moose Cabinet, allowing users to creatively and effectively utilize this space. By balancing functionality with flexibility, we ensured the cabinet meets practical needs while offering a playful and customizable design experience.
Winning the Silver A' Design Award for the Moose Multifunctional Cabinet has been an incredible milestone, not just for the piece but for our studio as well. The recognition has brought global visibility to the design, sparking conversations around its playful yet practical approach. The market response has been overwhelmingly positive, with users appreciating its unique personality and multifunctional features.This feedback has encouraged me to refine the design further, exploring new materials, finishes, and modular elements to enhance its versatility. It has also inspired a broader vision for future pieces in the collection. We’re looking at ways to expand the concept of 'FUN-ctionality' across other furniture categories, creating designs that surprise, delight, and add value to everyday living. The award has reaffirmed our belief in pushing boundaries and has set the tone for an even more ambitious approach to our future work.
My vision for the Moose Multifunctional Cabinet is to inspire a shift in furniture design that goes beyond mere functionality, integrating personality and playfulness into everyday storage solutions. Furniture should not only solve a purpose but also spark joy and create an emotional connection with its users. The Moose Cabinet achieves this through its whimsical animal-inspired form and thoughtfully designed multifunctional elements like antler hooks and accessory bowls, which bring both personality and utility to the piece.I hope it encourages designers to think creatively about how furniture can engage users on multiple levels—practically, emotionally, and aesthetically. By challenging traditional norms and exploring the untapped potential of elements like the space above cabinets, we can create pieces that are not only versatile and functional but also delightful and memorable. This approach has the potential to redefine how we interact with furniture in our daily lives, making it an integral part of our personal expression and lifestyle.