Ayush Kasliwal, an alumnus of the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, is one of India’s leading design thinkers, practitioners and advocates for artisans. Ayush is Creative Director and Co-founder of AKFD & AnanTaya – interdisciplinary design companies based in Jaipur, India with business practices that reflect social consciousness, sustainability. His design versatility is expressed in the extensive projects undertaken including the VIP lounges and the Mudra installation at the T3 Delhi International Airport, New Delhi, Kiosks at theT2 international Terminal, Mumbai, Handmade in Rajasthan logo for the Government of Rajasthan, various retail spaces and restaurants and hospitality projects such as Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner. He has been a recipient of numerous domestic and international awards such as winner of first Messe Frankfurt, India 2015, EDIDA India Designer of the Year 2013 etc. The UNESCO Award of Excellence has also recognised his designs in 2007 and 2008 and 2016. His work is informed by traditional crafts and artisans and it reflects a deep understanding of mythology, architecture and culture through a contemporary aesthetic. He believes that “Objects are messages in physical form”. He in collaboration with his wife, entrepreneur and architect, Geetanjali Kasliwal provide a sustainable livelihood to 4000 artisans and their communities.