WantedDesign Member
Discover the unique stories and creative journeys of our WantedDesign members as they share their inspirations, design philosophies, and standout work.
Ranjan Bordoloi
Amiya Lab and Papow Design
Co-Founder
I am a designer, artist, and educator from Assam, India, with a practice based between Assam and New Delhi. My work at Amiya Lab revolves around exploring craft, materiality, and spatial narratives through an experimental approach. I also serve as the Creative Director at Papow Design, a multi-designer brand fostering collaboration and new design dialogues. As a design educator, I engage in mentorship and knowledge-sharing, shaping emerging perspectives in the field. My practice spans furniture, sculpture, textiles, and jewellery, shaped by material exploration and personal narratives.
amiyalab.com
Design Approach and Inspiration
I see design as an evolving dialogue between form, space, material, and memory. Gardening and spatial design inform my understanding of organic growth and transformation, influencing both objects and the environments they inhabit. By blurring the boundaries between function and artistic expression, I strive to create immersive experiences that spark connection and discovery.
Get to know them better...
What’s the one item in your home that you can’t live without, and why?
RB: A collapsible table we’ve had for as long as I can remember. Made by an Indian manufacturing brand (though I don’t recall the name), it has a lightweight metal structure and a round plastic tabletop—perfectly sized for different needs. We move it around constantly, using it for work, meals, or making things. The simplicity of its design, the perfect height, and its adaptability make it indispensable. It reminds me that good design isn’t just about aesthetics but about objects seamlessly fitting into our lives, evolving with our needs.
What’s your go-to playlist or song when you need a creative boost?
RB: My go-to playlist blends electronic energy, classical depth, and nostalgic melodies. I’m drawn to the fusion of electronic and Indian classical music, as well as jazz-infused electronic and neo-soul for their fluid, improvisational feel. Assamese folk tunes keep me connected to my roots, while high-energy club sounds spark momentum when I need it.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
RB: If I weren’t a designer, I’d be a filmmaker or an architect—still exploring space, form, and the emotions they evoke, just through a different medium. I still hope to experiment with both whenever I can.
My dream
RB: I’m joining this membership to connect with a global community of creatives. Having worked primarily in India, I’m eager to gain international exposure and collaborate on innovative projects. As a designer, educator, and creative director, my work blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Through Papow Design and Amiya Lab, I’ve explored how to merge these sensibilities, focusing on timeless and functional pieces. A key moment in my career was presenting my chair design at Salone del Mobile with Giulio Cappellini, where I collaborated with artisans in India. This experience reinforced my design philosophy of combining craftsmanship with modern forms.
My goal is to establish Amiya Lab as a globally recognized design studio, pushing boundaries in design, while growing Papow as a brand that showcases South Asian craftsmanship on the international stage. I aim to foster meaningful collaborations that leave a lasting impact on the industry.
