The Dwell 24: Stem Design

For partners in life and work Sugandhi Mehrotra and Aman Bhayana, emotion is an essential part of the design process. "We strongly feel that things that are mass manufactured lack an emotional aspect," says Bhayana. "They don’t end up inspiring you, and you don’t develop that kind of bond, so eventually you get tired of them." Their Noida, India–based studio, Stem, works with local craftspeople to create "living" objects that connect, grow, and change with you over time.

Nearly 2,000 fine cotton threads hang from the handcrafted brass frame of their Ito floor lamp, which stands nearly six feet tall. Light from a concealed source shines down through the pillar, animating a lifelike form that flows and sways with each passing breeze. "It creates an experience—we felt so happy, because it was literally like capturing the light," says Mehrotra. "You want to play with it, you want to feel it."

Read the full Q&A with Sugandhi Mehrotra and Aman Bhayana below.

Hometown: Noida, India.

Describe what you make in 140 characters... Stem is a design studio engaging in one-of-a-kind lighting and homeware products handcrafted by highly skilled craftsman in India.

What’s the last thing you designed? Sugandhi: An accent chair with two human-like forms sharing a moment. Aman: A sculptural wall light casted in brass and aluminum showcasing metal as a soft hand sculpted form.

Do you have a daily creative ritual? Sugandhi: I like to enjoy my breakfast and get some time for myself in the morning. It sets my mood for the day where I have the headspace to align my thoughts. The first thing I am cultivating as a habit over the past few months is to give myself half an hour to set agendas for the day. It gives me a lot of clarity on what I need to accomplish and helps me set achievable targets. At bedtime, I make sure to read, even if it's two pages. It helps me feel balanced. Aman: Taking some time off everyday really helps me gain clarity. I enjoy going for a run in the morning. It help me re-energize and prepare myself for the day.

How do you procrastinate? Sugandhi: I start de-cluttering the space around me. On somedays, I just like to sit in the balcony, have my coffee and watch a sunset. Aman: I land up on various websites, where I read and scroll through different interior and product design projects, hoping to find inspiration for the next line of products.

What everyday object would you like to redesign? Why? Sugandhi: I would love to design indoor planter trays. I often find myself struggling with the excess water that leaks and I hate having to place it somewhere else till it dries off. Aman: I would like to redesign the torch light. Mostly kept hidden inside drawers or shelves, It can be an accent piece that adds value in a space even when it is not in use.

Who are your heroes (in design, in life, in both)? Sugandhi: Being an Interior Designer, I always felt the gap to get into products. Reading Steve Jobs’s autobiography gave me the confidence to dive into it and give myself a chance. Aman:  I find inspiration in various individuals, each with their own unique qualities, and I strive to integrate those qualities into my own personal growth.

What skill would you most like to learn? Sugandhi: Research. Aman: I'd like to learn how to sell better. As much as we make good products, at the end of the day, we do need to sell them.

What is your most treasured possession? Sugandhi: The one-line drawing illustrations I made during my stay in Auroville. It captures my experience of being by myself so vividly and honestly. Every time I look at it, it reminds me to stay with a free spirit and not get carried away by mundane social norms. Aman: I love collecting well designed stationary. I have some pencils, fountain pens and paint brushes that I have had for more years than I can count.

What’s your earliest memory of an encounter with design? Sugandhi: When I was 11 years old, my parents were getting a room built for my brother and me. I still remember the excitement I felt as I imagined the space I was about to be in—how the windows would be, where I would place my stereo, and the way the room was between a courtyard and a verandah on one side, with a small garden on the other. The idea that a physical space could make me feel emotional got me. I held onto that fascination and have been working to create meaningful experiences ever since. Aman: I still remember the first day I stepped in my design school. It felt like I was going to have fun here. I have only enjoyed it more ever since.

What contemporary design trend do you despise? Sugandhi: Overuse of materials in a product. I find it hard to connect when so many ornamental details come into play without conscious reasoning. Aman: The use of glossy finishes on beautiful natural materials.

Finish this statement: All design should... Sugandhi: Make you feel something. Aman: Embrace cultural diversity, respect traditions, and celebrate individuality.

What’s in your dream house? Sugandhi: Everything that I have been collecting over time, with memories that they bring along. What I long for is a photo of my courtyard house with my mother and I laying on the terrazzo floor enjoying the wind crossing by in our verandah on a summer afternoon. Aman: A forest and lots of art.

How can the design world be more inclusive? Aman: Introduce design thinking as a subject in high school. In India, people are still struggling to understand the importance of design. If kids are educated from early on, they can make more informed decisions and parents can be more confident to have their kids pursue design as a career option.

What do you wish non-designers understood about the design industry? Sugandhi: The poetry behind it all. Design is often not recognized as an independent subject but rather seen as part of a process. There lies a delicate balance between emotion and function, and with me, design is predominantly an emotional experience. It offers a clear slate to express, and as much as it is challenging and thought-provoking to create, it also carries the responsibility to communicate. If we become more sensitive to design, I believe we become more aware of what is important to us and why. Aman: Design is more than aesthetics. Design goes beyond making things look visually appealing. It involves problem-solving, strategic thinking, and considering the user experience.

You can learn more about Stem Design on Instagram.

View the 2023 Dwell 24!

—

Head back to the September/October 2023 issue homepage