Crafting tradition with innovation – Harshita Jhamtani Designs

Harshita Jhamtani is bringing Mumbai’s cultural heritage and traditional crafts to the world of product design. With a background in architecture and a passion for creating functional art, she founded Harshita Jhamtani Designs in 2019 to address a gap in the Indian market for unique, eco-conscious, handcrafted products.

Her latest creation, the Rio Floor Lamp, showcased at Dubai Design Week 2024, exemplifies her commitment to innovation, craft, and sustainability. Made from a unique in-house stone-clay paste made from recycled materials, the lamp blends textures with architectural elegance, making a bold yet understated statement.

In this interview, Harshita opens up about her journey, her philosophy of merging tradition with modernity, and her vision for the future of sustainable design. From the intricate handmade fluting on the Rio Lamp’s base to her exploration of forgotten techniques, Harshita’s bespoke approach to design is one to admire for its visual impression and tactility.

Who is Harshita Jhamtani? How did the journey for handcrafted lights and product design begin? 

Harshita Jhamtani:

“I am an architect by education, having graduated from Mumbai University, but I like to think of myself as a designer driven by the intersection of craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability. My journey into handcrafted lights and product design began with a desire to create functional art that resonates with individuality. It wasn’t just about being creative initially—it was about addressing gaps in the Indian market. I saw a demand for unique, locally crafted, sustainable products that were timeless and purposeful. This led to our studio, Harshita Jhamtani Designs in 2019, where material exploration and craftsmanship merge into distinctive, eco-conscious designs.”

What is the purpose you want to convey through your works?

Harshita Jhamtani:

“For me, good design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about telling stories, serving a purpose, and respecting the environment. I want to bridge the gaps between function and art, tradition and modernity, and sustainability and luxury. My ultimate goal is to create pieces that become heirlooms while building a system that values craftsmanship and eco-consciousness. Every creation is meant to add value, whether through its story, its craftsmanship, or its ability to transform a space. I do what I do because I believe good design can make the ordinary extraordinary.”

The new Rio Floor Lamp was part of Dubai DesignWeek 2024, exhibited at Design Next. Can you tell us more about this unique lamp?

Harshita Jhamtani:

“The Rio Floor Lamp is an evolution of our iconic Rio Table Lamp, crafted in stoneware clay. This version, however, uses our unique stone-clay paste, a material made from waste marble powder, waste glass powder, lime plaster, and adhesives. For me, the lamp is a harmony of form, texture, and functionality. The handmade fluted base and curved top create a juxtaposition of organic and architectural elements. It’s a piece that aims to make a statement without overpowering a space.”

You were mentioning that the Rio Floor Lamp uses a stone-clay paste material. Can you explain to us the qualities of this material and how it is used in the lamp?

Harshita Jhamtani:

“Our signature stone-clay paste material is what sets this lamp apart. It’s made in-house using waste marble powder, glass powder, and lime plaster, combined with adhesives for durability. The entire process is painstakingly handmade. We start by creating a base structure from sheet metal, applying the paste layer by layer to achieve the desired texture. While moulds are used for some components, the detailing, like the hand-fluting on the base, is done entirely by hand, making every piece unique. The material is weatherproof and waterproof—we initially tested it as flooring and even inside bathtubs to ensure its durability. The final product is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean with just a damp cloth, designed to last and age beautifully over time.”

There are four key colour options for the Rio Floor Lamp. Is it possible to customize sizes and finishes as well?

Harshita Jhamtani:

“The Rio Floor Lamp is available in four signature colours: egg white, charcoal, blush pink, and nude. However, customization is a cornerstone of our design process. Since each piece is made to order, it’s easy to tailor sizes, finishes, and colours to fit a client’s space. While we do focus on offering a curated palette to maintain the design language of our studio, we also love collaborating with clients to add their personality to each piece. Customization ensures that every lamp feels like it belongs in its space, which is something mass production can’t achieve. It’s this bespoke aspect that makes our work exciting.”

The Rio Floor Lamp’s base showcases handmade fluting, creating a subtle accent. How would you define the style of Harshita Jhamtani Designs?

Harshita Jhamtani:

“Our style can be described as minimal, timeless, and rooted in craftsmanship. We aim to create pieces that are functional yet artistic, blending sustainable materials with thoughtful detailing. What makes our designs unique is the juxtaposition of natural textures with clean, modern forms. The handmade fluting on the Rio Floor Lamp, for instance, is subtle yet intentional, adding a tactile quality that invites interaction. I like to believe our work reflects an understated luxury that doesn’t demand attention but earns it over time.”

Harshita Jhamtani Designs’ embodies craftsmanship and eco-consciousness. What other fields and inputs outside of the design world provide you inspiration? 

Harshita Jhamtani:

“Inspiration often comes from outside the design world—from art, literature, sometimes food and travel to conversations and everyday experiences. Nature is a constant source of influence, especially when working with organic forms and sustainable materials. Mumbai’s vibrant design community also plays a huge role. Interactions with upcoming designers, curators, or artists often spark new ideas. Cultural heritage and traditional crafts inspire me to explore forgotten techniques and reinterpret them in a contemporary way.”

What is the next step for Harshita Jhamtani Designs?

Harshita Jhamtani:

“We’re expanding our collection to include a lot more products and are in the process of revamping our website, introducing a new logo mark—a first for us! I’m particularly excited about launching our range of candle stands next month that we have been working on for a while. We’re also collaborating with other designers and brands for collections, which I think is the only way forward. Brand collaborations not only push our creative boundaries but also connect us to new audiences. On the horizon, we’re preparing for an international showcase next year, more about that soon. It’s an exciting time for our studio as we continue to explore new possibilities.”