From India to Milan: Akshay Khandelwal’s Inspiring Design Journey

Growing up in India, Akshay was surrounded by a vibrant culture of creativity and resourcefulness. His natural curiosity as a child led him to take apart objects just to see how they worked. This fascination transitioned into a formal education in product design in Gurgaon, India. During his three years at Whirlpool India, he honed his understanding of product development, realising design’s role as more than aesthetics—it’s about solving real-world problems. “It’s about understanding how products fit into people’s lives,” Akshay shared.

Winning a scholarship to Domus Academy significantly influenced his personal and professional growth, offering him experiences, knowledge, and exposure that fundamentally shaped his journey as a designer. Immersed in a multicultural environment, Akshay collaborated with peers from diverse cultures. One notable project involved envisioning the future of food, a collaborative effort that taught him the importance of teamwork. “You don’t design in silos; it’s a collective effort,” he said. Domus Academy also instilled in him the importance of storytelling and user experience, shaping his holistic approach to design.

After Domus Academy, Akshay faced the decision to stay in Milan or return to India. He chose the latter, accepting a role at Honeywell to explore B2B design. Here, he shifted his focus from aesthetics to functionality and storytelling, designing products like electricity meters and automation units.

Two years later, he moved to Athens as a senior industrial designer for Bic. Here, he balanced innovation and legacy, redesigning iconic products like the Crystal Gel Pen to appeal to younger audiences while maintaining its essence. This experience taught him that design isn’t just about creativity—it must also drive sales and resonate with users.

During the talk, Akshay shared his insights on the evolution of design and future trends for 2025:

1. 1. Monolithic, clean designs: Moving beyond minimalism, these designs emphasise simplicity and seamlessness.
   2. Defined lines: Inspired by automotive design, where lines resolve in a purposeful way.
   3. True sustainability: Designing with genuine environmental impact in mind, not just as a buzzword.
   4. Cradle-to-cradle systems: Creating closed-loop products that minimise waste.
   5. Innovative materials: As leather becomes less sustainable, synthetic alternatives like suede and innovative plastics are gaining traction.

Akshay emphasized the importance of collaboration and holistic thinking. “You’re not just designing a product; you’re designing the entire experience—from unboxing to the product’s lifecycle,” he explained. He also highlighted the growing relevance of CMF (Color, Material, Finish) design and sustainability, encouraging designers to embrace these areas.

For those starting out, he stressed the value of persistence, networking, and staying open to learning. Redesigning flawed products in your portfolio and participating in competitions are excellent ways to hone skills and gain exposure.

From his roots in India to making an impact on a global stage, Akshay’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and collaboration in design. As he reflected on his time at Domus Academy, he called it a “life-changing experience” that shaped both his career and worldview.

For young designers, Akshay’s journey offers inspiration: stay curious, embrace collaboration, and always design with purpose.