DR. KISHORI

DALWADI

Architect
Sustainability & Wellbeing
Interior Planning
HoD @ UID

My journey’s been a colorful mix of ‍designing resorts for Gujarat Tourism, researching new & not so new materials, and inspiring students every day. I’m passionate about turning spaces into stories and believe every detail counts. From webinars to workshops, I’m all in for pushing design boundaries and having fun while doing it!

Academia in Design

… gets dusty sometimes, because lectures alone won't build a designer

Design education, to me, thrives beyond classrooms — in the dust, heat, and energy of site visits where ideas meet reality. My approach is hands-on: engaging with craftsmen, exploring materiality, and reimagining India’s heritage through a contemporary lens. When paired with modern thinking, heritage becomes timeless, and sustainability forms the foundation of responsible design and the future we shape.

These values have guided two decades in academia — as HoD of Interior and Spatial Design at UID, Karnavati University, and through roles at Amor Design Institute, CEPT University, and Government Polytechnic for Girls — while mentoring students across all levels and contributing as an external juror at leading design schools.

Research in Design

… because good design starts with better questions

My research is rooted in curiosity — exploring how materials, environments, and human experiences intersect. It bridges disciplines, drawing from tradition and science to inform sustainable, responsible design. From studying formaldehyde emissions in pressed wood to examining how indoor plants improve air quality, my work connects material research with spatial wellbeing and real-world application.

Projects like Eminence of Material Understanding in Design and contributions to Futuring Design Education (Springer Nature) reflect my ongoing pursuit of innovative, human-centric, and sustainable design practices.

Design in Practice

… because spaces we design speak before we do

Design, for me, is about creating spaces that are functional, sustainable, human-centered, and rooted in heritage — shaped by context, craft, and a budget-conscious approach. Each project seeks to balance material efficiency and adaptive reuse with warmth and purpose.

My work includes institutional and heritage projects at IIM Ahmedabad, Toran Restaurant, Gandhi Ashram, and Bhungra Tourist Resort, reflecting Gujarat’s cultural and tourism identity. It also spans commercial interiors — from salons, factories, and offices to designer boutiques — and residential projects ranging from bungalows and farmhouses to apartments across Ahmedabad.