Interview with Harsha Ambady
An Architect turned Jewelry designer, Harsha works passionately to create beautiful wearable art that conveys a story through design.
Design Legend Interview
31 December 2024
I knew I was good with handmaking miniature products and dreamt of studying jewelry design at NIFT or NID that had introduced a new product-accessory design programme.
I took the entrance tests but unfortunately didn’t get through and my dream of becoming a jewelry designer was shattered. Architecture was Plan B. I studied at the University School of Design, Mysore University. The course helped me broaden her perspective as a designer.
I fell in love with geometry and realized I had a strong affinity towards it, while studying the course. I worked for a year with an architecture firm in Ahmedabad, but my desire to lean into jewelry design grew stronger by the day.
I, then, did a one-year diploma at the Indian Institute of Jewellery, in Mumbai. The course took us through design, 3D creation and the manufacturing process. The thesis was designed and manufactured by the students themselves. And I had finally become what I had dreamt of becoming.
I took the entrance tests but unfortunately didn’t get through and my dream of becoming a jewelry designer was shattered. Architecture was Plan B. I studied at the University School of Design, Mysore University. The course helped me broaden her perspective as a designer.
I fell in love with geometry and realized I had a strong affinity towards it, while studying the course. I worked for a year with an architecture firm in Ahmedabad, but my desire to lean into jewelry design grew stronger by the day.
I, then, did a one-year diploma at the Indian Institute of Jewellery, in Mumbai. The course took us through design, 3D creation and the manufacturing process. The thesis was designed and manufactured by the students themselves. And I had finally become what I had dreamt of becoming.
It just struck me one day in school that I should take up Jewelry design. And well, after a long journey, here I'm.
I chose to become one.
I like to design styles that are modern and geometric. I wish to design more along those lines.
I'm not a legend! As you create more, you learn more. That is all.
I guess it is just the timing and your stars.
Aesthetic and originality combined with functionality.
The effort that goes behind it and each process that brings it to life. I think everyone should invest in good design because of it's authenticity.
Designs for my brand
I did begin my dream project last year, my brand. It took me years to finally take the plunge.
Originality, ethics, understanding and focus
Mejuri
Missoma
Monica Vinader
Love the aesthetic and simplicity
Missoma
Monica Vinader
Love the aesthetic and simplicity
You have to be open to learning and working hard
To build my brand
CorelDraw
It is hard to be recognized, especially coming from a small town in Kerala, India
Not at all. I never really did anything out of the way creative.
Designer Interview
29 December 2024
I knew I was good with handmaking miniature products and dreamt of studying jewelry design at NIFT or NID that had introduced a new product-accessory design programme.
I took the entrance tests but unfortunately didn’t get through and my dream of becoming a jewelry designer was shattered. Architecture was Plan B. I studied at the University School of Design, Mysore University. The course helped me broaden her perspective as a designer.
I fell in love with geometry and realized I had a strong affinity towards it, while studying the course. I worked for a year with an architecture firm in Ahmedabad, but my desire to lean into jewelry design grew stronger by the day.
I, then, did a one-year diploma at the Indian Institute of Jewellery, in Mumbai. The course took us through design, 3D creation and the manufacturing process. The thesis was designed and manufactured by the students themselves. And I had finally become what I had dreamt of becoming.
I took the entrance tests but unfortunately didn’t get through and my dream of becoming a jewelry designer was shattered. Architecture was Plan B. I studied at the University School of Design, Mysore University. The course helped me broaden her perspective as a designer.
I fell in love with geometry and realized I had a strong affinity towards it, while studying the course. I worked for a year with an architecture firm in Ahmedabad, but my desire to lean into jewelry design grew stronger by the day.
I, then, did a one-year diploma at the Indian Institute of Jewellery, in Mumbai. The course took us through design, 3D creation and the manufacturing process. The thesis was designed and manufactured by the students themselves. And I had finally become what I had dreamt of becoming.
Founded in the cultural tapestry of Kerala in 2023 by Architect turned Jewelry Designer Harsha Ambady, the brand portrays her passion for Geometry, Architecture, and Sculpture, conveyed through modern, sophisticated and contemporary design. The designs are inspired by the deep understanding of architectural principles like geometry, symmetry, form and light which are translated into wearable art. Having collaborated with international brands, Harsha's creations resonate with the global audience. The brand's ethos lies in seamlessly blending tradition with modernity, crafting timeless jewelry that tells a story of cultural richness and contemporary simplicity- much like its audience.
Design for me is as cliche as it sounds, love. It's something that I enjoy doing.
I love geometry and enjoy working on that direction the most.
One of my favorite designs is the bridge hoop I designed for my brand. It is a simple design where the metal bars hold the cylinder shaped stone giving a miniature effect of a bridge.
The very first design I created for a company is the Spatial Structural ring for which I received the Silver A' Design Award Winner for Jewelry Design Category in 2017
Love brass as there is not restriction in terms of costing. I feel i can play around a lot with this metal.
I feel most creative in solitude with some great music.
The originality of the design, the proportion and the aesthetic
It's a calming process overall. I also notice that great ideas just suddenly burst into my head when I'm clam while designing.
It makes my heart full to see my designs manifest into actual products and even fuller to see them being worn and enjoyed by people.
A design is successful when it meets functionality. These days it is also important to note that however great the design is, only if it finds the right audience does it get the deserved appreciation.
I don't think I'm an expert to judge a design. I do have personal likes and dislikes but that doesn't mean that the design I do not prefer is bad or vice versa. In a general perspective, the design should serve the purpose.
The last exhibition was at a store in Singapore. I haven't decided or planned the next exhibition.
My design aesthetic is modern, minimal, and clean. I don’t intend to create pieces that mimic architecture but rather infuse my work with details from art, architecture, and culture — and translate it into modern forms.
I was born and raised in Thrissur (Kerala), a land known for it's historic temple architecture and rich cultural heritage. The cultural heritage might affect one's designs as there could be a lot of influence sub consciously. As my style is more modern and clean I have always felt that it would have been great if I had the opportunity to move and work outside of India.
I work on project basis with companies.
It is all about finding the right person that understands the brand. I feel it is a trial and error process to find that right person.
Originality
I can be contacted at harsha.ambady88@gmail.com
Interview about Spatial Structural Ring Grand Interview
Interview about Forme Truss Hoops Grand Interview