‘I love the idea of creating things that are both functional and emotionally appealing’

Veer Suri, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Design at Apeejay Institute of Design (AID), has always been drawn to creativity — whether it was sketching, experimenting with colours, or observing how things are made and styled. For Veer, design felt like the perfect way to combine imagination with real-world purpose. The foundation year at AID has been really eye-opening so far. “The programme has been helping him to understand that design isn’t just about making things look good — it’s about problem-solving, communication, and thinking differently.”   

What made you choose Apeejay Institute of Design? How are the teachers shaping your skills?

I chose Apeejay Institute of Design because of its strong reputation and focus on nurturing creativity through hands-on learning. The environment here is very inspiring — teachers are not just instructors but mentors who constantly encourage us to explore, experiment, and push our limits. They help us understand design thinking in a very practical way, which is helping me grow both as a designer and as an individual.                                                                      

The foundation programme covers diverse areas of design — from sketching and materials to digital tools. Which aspect do you enjoy the most, and why? 

I enjoy sketching and exploring forms the most because it gives me the freedom to express ideas directly from my imagination. It’s the most personal and satisfying part of the process for me — starting from a blank page and seeing an idea take shape through lines, tones, and composition. I also love experimenting with materials, as it helps me understand textures and how different mediums behave.

Can you share a memorable classroom project or assignment that challenged your creativity or taught you something new? 

One of my favourite assignments was creating an object entirely from waste materials. It really pushed me to think outside the box and look at ordinary discarded items in a new way. It taught me that design doesn’t always start with expensive tools or perfect materials — creativity often comes from limitations and resourcefulness. That project truly changed how I approach problem-solving.

How has studying design changed the way you observe or interpret things around you in daily life?

Design has completely changed my perspective. I’ve started noticing details I used to ignore — shapes, colours, typography, layouts, and even how products are ergonomically made. Now, I look at everyday objects and think about the intention behind them. It’s made me more curious and analytical about how design influences our emotions and experiences.

Looking ahead, what area of design would you like to specialise in after your foundation year, and what excites you most about building a career in this field?

I’m really interested in visual communication and product design. I love the idea of creating things that are both functional and emotionally appealing. The thought that a design can impact how people feel, think, or interact with something really excites me. I want to build a career where creativity meets practicality — where I can make designs that truly connect with people.