About - I'm The Centre For applied arts

a dot

a line

a form

the space within

art & design

unique

Brand Story

I’m – The Centre for Applied Arts is a design studio based in New Delhi, specializing in bespoke interiors, furniture and accessories.

Established in 1994, it started as a first of its kind in India product design center. The concepts and designs introduced, were modern, postmodern, playful, fun and highly stylized, immediately taking the city by a storm. This was the time ‘identical looking furniture’ was spread across the country. I’m held regular exhibitions, exposing the viewer to the various possibilities of creativity and experimentation, initiating the trend of Bespoke nationally.

We follow a limited-edition, sensorial approach as an antidote to the passive, mass-produced world we live in. We promote design for design’s sake, to overcome the uninspired, dullness of the prevalent ordinariness, and its lack of innovation. Our emphasis has always been to create the perfect ambiance, with a combination of art and design.

We have been working on a broad spectrum of innovative projects and products, for various architects, designers, brands, developers and entrepreneurs. Our work varies in scale from busy public spaces to the simplest of day-to-day products. Our extensive knowledge, use of innovative materials, detailed technical capability and zeal to continuously revolutionize design, has established us as a forerunner in this field.

Our studio, today, believes in designing with a strong blend of artistic and functional detailing and hence caters to a niche clientele. Over the years, we have had extensive media coverage in both print and electronic for our trend blazing products and conceptually groundbreaking interior collaborations. We try and provide complete solutions in terms of main line furniture, soft furnishings, accessories (like table tops or floor standing), coordinated carpets and conceptual lights (on special request).

Over the years I’m has been able to build an impressive portfolio of work that shares a strong narrative, aesthetic sensibility and demonstrates an innovative attitude. Our USP is Custom and Bespoke designing, thus, our work displays a broad spectrum of styles- straight lined, contemporary, classical, fusion and at times OTT as well. As of now, our projects cover a diverse range – private residences, sample villas and apartments, offices, commercial spaces, hospitality boutique retail and restaurants, both in India and globally.

Materials and compositions have never been a constraint. In fact, we have worked with a diverse range of materials and unusual combinations to develop state-of-the-art designs in furniture and accessories, the medium ranging from wood to unconventional materials like brass, copper and mild steel. Added to that is experimentation with engravings and embossing and calligraphy as a way of meaningful embellishment in some of our unique pieces.

We collaborate with various artists, commissioned to create installations, sculptures and paintings, revolving around vivid thematic concepts. We also bring to you a modern interpretation and innovative approach for incorporating vernacular techniques, like inlays and use of semi-precious stones, to create truly exclusive statement pieces with a quintessential uniqueness and persona.

Being equipped with our own design studios and in-house manufacturing facilities it has been possible to ensure an impeccable quality of goods, high standards of production and full confidentiality of the project. We are passionate about our work and extremely versatile in the use of materials, technology and combinations. A lot of our products are specially hand sculpted and handcrafted.

The Brains behind

Punam Kalra, (Founder)

As a designer my constant endeavor has been to use various materials in their pure forms or in combination & create interesting outcomes.

Today, the look and feel is creativity at its best. The language chosen is modern but with a lot of detailing and dressiness. The movement is from modern to fusion and in its wake all the experimentation & creativity that is possible. The emphasis is also on the functionality of a design. The objects are not only conversational but also immensely practical. It is only rarely that function is compromised and that too when design is meant to have only a sculpturous presence.

Lately, there has been a revolution in the variety available, new materials and technology accessible. Solid maintainable surfaces, steel in various finishes, faux stone surfaces, finishes like never before, variety of wall papers, experimental leathers, plush fabrics and acrylics.

Today , the challenge is to achieve A UNIQUE LOOK with such an immense wealth of possibilities yet knowing where to draw the line –SIGNATURE WITH A FLOURISH.

Shifaa Kalra, (Creative Head)

I like to work with an intricate awareness of spatial, textural and chromatic interactions with the human senses, and strive to not limit myself to the conventional. My design expression is through creating individualistic and intriguing designs elevate our daily experiences.

A good design should go beyond its aesthetics, and be functional with a strong narrative to add depth and meaning to our life. It should be contextual, free flowing, vibrant, visually comforting, and be an intersection of engineering, design and making.

The ordinary can be deconstructed into its elemental simplicity, enabling an innovative fusion of elements. A play of clean elegant forms and materials, along with an assortment of fluid lines, traditional knowledge set, and exploration of new surface treatments; can create bold spaces, innovative interiors, chic furniture and quirky products.

It’s stimulating to explore the changing scale of details and silhouettes, expression of colours and arts, and the rhythmic interaction between static and dynamic forms, to keep pushing the boundaries of design.