Avinash Rajagopal is an inveterate multi-tasker, happiest when juggling lots of things, or considering multiple perspectives. He studied Industrial Design at the National Institute of Design (NID), India, where he was a Research Associate over the past year. Since graduating from NID he has worked as a design consultant on Industrial Design, Graphic Design and Visual Merchandising projects and has been on the visiting faculty at NID, teaching courses that have a strong liberal arts component. He is fascinated by social history, mythology, religion and culture studies.

Any reading is grist to his mill, but he reads far more fiction than non-fiction. Historical fiction is a happy compromise that can keep him engrossed for hours, and he also has a not-so-secret soft spot for fantasy and science fiction. He loves South Indian Classical music, mainly due to the few singing lessons he took as a child. He also loves to cook, preferably elaborate meals for large groups of friends—though his repertoire is unfortunately limited to vegetarian Indian food.

The application of critical thinking in design education and practice remains his primary professional interest, placed against the backdrop of overarching concerns such as social equity and sustainability. His political views are liberal and left-leaning, though he daily comes face to face with inconsistencies in his own thought and action. He firmly believes, however, that the conservation and nurturing of diversity in all areas of life is the way to an inclusive, sustainable future.

• Websites
• The Hooked Nose
• Des in the City