Brooklyn-based designer and architect Archana Menon doesn’t just design furniture and lighting – she creates objects that tell a story, combining structure, texture, and form into pieces that resonate. With her Menon lighting collection for West Elm and participation in global design events like Design Miami / and WantedDesign, Archana’s practice is rooted in the experience of navigating multiple cultural identities. Her work explores materiality, movement, and connection, informed by her perspective as a member of the Indian diaspora. In the interview Archana discusses her process, inspirations, and evolving philosophy on design.
What’s the first thing you do when starting a new project?
Every design begins with something small – a detail in the world around me or an idea that won’t let go. I keep it loose at first, sketching or scribbling notes in my book. Then it’s all about the materials – experimenting, testing, and letting them guide me. The process is rarely linear, and it’s often the unexpected turns that end up defining the final piece.
How does your perspective as part of the Indian diaspora influence your work?
It’s less about referencing specific motifs and more about a sense of hybridity. Growing up immersed in multiple cultures, I’ve learned to appreciate contrasts and fluidity – how disparate influences can come together to create something cohesive. That’s reflected in my work, whether it’s combining organic textures with clean lines or using materials in unconventional ways. I’m interested in the tension between rootedness and adaptability, and how design can reflect that balance.
You’ve showcased your work Primal Forms at some of the biggest design events, including Design Miami and New York Design Week. What do these opportunities mean to you as a designer?
Participating in these events is a chance to connect with a broader audience and engage in conversations about design on a global scale. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how people respond to my work in different contexts and to meet other designers who are pushing boundaries in their own ways. These platforms also challenge me to continuously refine my vision and think critically about what I want my work to contribute to the design world.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere. It could be the rhythm of a staircase, the grain of a piece of wood, or even the way light filters through a curtain. I’m fascinated by contrasts – rigid structures softened by organic elements. I also find a lot of inspiration in modern sculpture. There’s something about the way sculptors like Barbara Hepworth or Richard Serra work with space and material that feels very connected to what I want to do.
What inspires your design philosophy?
My work is inspired by the challenge of embracing cultural identity and personal expression in design. When I moved to New York, I noticed a focus on uniformity and Eurocentric ideals that often erased cultural nuances. This led me to explore how design can celebrate diversity, identity, and ambiguity without falling into stereotypes.
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How do you balance tradition with innovation in your designs?
My approach honors the origins of the motifs I draw from while offering a fresh perspective on how cultural memory can inform contemporary design. This allows the work to resonate with its historical roots while remaining relevant and engaging in today’s design landscape. For example, in Lighting I and Lighting II, I was inspired by ancient Indian architectural monoliths. By simplifying these forms into clean geometries, I created sculptures that honor their origins while feeling fresh and contemporary.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in design?
Stay curious and be patient with yourself. Design is a process, and not every idea will work – and that’s okay. Experimentation is where the magic happens. Also, don’t be afraid to share your work. Feedback, even when it’s critical, can be invaluable.
Archana Menon’s work reminds us that design is as much about discovery as it is about precision. Follow her latest projects on Instagram @_primalforms and stay tuned for her upcoming work.
