Meet Tanuvi Hegde | Architect and Furniture Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tanuvi Hegde and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tanuvi, what do you attribute your success to?
There are many factors that have contributed to my success. I design by observing the world around me, paying close attention to the way people interact—not just with objects, but also with each other. I’m fascinated by the things people might not even notice they’re doing, like the way they fidget with a chair leg during a conversation or stack objects absentmindedly. These small, often overlooked details reveal so much about how we engage with our surroundings, which in turn informs how I approach design.

I begin each project with a feeling I want to capture. Sometimes it’s a sense of calm, other times it’s joy, curiosity, or even release. I experiment endlessly—adjusting forms, materials, and interactions—until I feel that the design embodies the emotion I’m chasing. It’s not always a linear process; I explore, play, and pivot as needed, following that feeling to the very end. For me, this pursuit is what gives a piece its soul, making it more than just a functional object.

The most important factor behind my success has been to just have fun with it. My designs are often infused with elements that make me smile, whether it’s an inside joke that only a handful of people would understand, or a secret message scribbled in a hidden corner of the piece. These moments of whimsy might never be noticed, but they imbue my work with a sense of personal connection and joy. I’ve found that when I truly enjoy what I’m creating, that energy becomes part of the design. People seem to feel it and respond to it, almost as if they’re picking up on the happiness woven into the piece. And that’s been the most rewarding part—seeing others connect with my work in ways I never expected, finding their own joy or meaning in it.

Ultimately, design, for me, is about crafting experiences. It’s not just about solving problems or meeting practical needs—it’s about how a piece makes someone feel. The balance of intention, experimentation, empathy, and playfulness is what drives me forward and has been the most important factor behind my success. Each piece is a reflection of who I am, what I value, and how I see the world, and I hope that those who encounter my work can feel that connection.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work as a designer is deeply personal and rooted in exploring the emotional connections people have with the objects and spaces around them. What sets my designs apart is their focus on creating meaningful, sensory-driven interactions. I’m fascinated by the way we engage with furniture—not just functionally, but emotionally—and I strive to craft pieces that resonate on a deeper level. Many of my designs incorporate playful, unexpected elements: hidden messages, inside jokes, or subtle details that invite curiosity and create moments of joy for those who interact with them.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is my MFA thesis collection, which addresses the theme of anxiety through therapeutic design. The collection represents a journey of managing anxious thoughts, with each piece focusing on a different stage in regulating our anxiety and grounding us in the present moment. The process of creating this collection was both challenging and cathartic—it allowed me to channel my personal experiences into something tangible that could also serve others. I love the idea that furniture can be more than just functional—they can be tools for living mindfully.

Getting to where I am today has been a journey of growth, resilience, and constant learning. There were moments of doubt, countless late nights, and the inevitable trial and error that comes with being a designer. One of my biggest challenges was trusting my voice and pushing past the fear of not being ‘good enough’. Over time, I’ve realized that authenticity is my greatest strength—when I create work that truly reflects who I am, it resonates with others in ways I could never predict.

I’ve learned so many lessons along the way, but one of the most important is to embrace experimentation and failure as part of the process. Design is rarely linear, and some of my best work has come out of ideas that didn’t initially go as planned. Another lesson is the importance of community. Whether it’s the support of mentors, collaboration with peers, or feedback from users, every voice has helped shape my perspective and refine my work.

My work is a reflection of who I am—intentional, playful, and designed to make people feel something, whether it’s comfort, relief, curiosity, or joy. I believe that design can offer solace and create connections, and I hope my work continues to inspire people to look at the objects around them a little differently. For me, the ultimate goal is to create designs that not only serve a purpose but also add a little magic to everyday life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Savannah is a charming, historic town brimming with character, inviting you to slow down and savor every moment.

One of my favorite spots is Forsyth Park, with its oak-lined paths and iconic fountain. It’s the perfect place to people-watch, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax under the shade of the trees. But the best way to experience Savannah is on a bike. Riding through the city’s historic districts, past centuries-old buildings and picturesque squares, you’ll notice the little details that make this place so special—Savannah was meant to be explored slowly. As evening approaches, the rooftop bars along River Street offer stunning views of the city and the river, where massive ships drift by against the backdrop of a glowing sunset.

For art and culture, the SCAD Museum of Art is a must. The curators bring in incredible contemporary artists, and the museum itself is housed in a beautifully restored historic building. Savannah’s galleries and boutiques are equally worth exploring, each offering a glimpse into the city’s creative spirit

With its hidden speakeasies, storied cemeteries, and famously haunted buildings, Savannah has a way of blending history with mystery. It’s a place where you can spend your days exploring its rich history and vibrant art scene, or simply relaxing in a backyard, soaking in the Southern hospitality.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey has been shaped by countless incredible people and experiences, making it difficult to highlight just one. First and foremost, my family has been my unwavering foundation, offering endless encouragement and support as I pursued my passions. Their belief in me instilled the confidence to chase my dreams, even when the path was uncertain.

A significant chapter in my career was my time working as an Interior Architect under the mentorship of Shruti Jaipuria. Her keen eye for design and meticulous attention to detail left a lasting imprint on me. Shruti entrusted me with the responsibility of managing projects from start to finish, which gave me the confidence to approach challenges with assurance and clarity.

My time at SCAD played a huge part in finding my voice as a designer. It was a transformative experience in every sense. My professors—Frederick Spector, Aaron Heisler, and Sheila Edwards—pushed me to explore the limits of my creativity, urging me to refine my designs until they became the best versions of themselves. SCAD provided an environment rich with resources, from state-of-the-art digital labs to a fully equipped workshop, and a studio space that became my sanctuary for experimentation and risk-taking. This combination of support and opportunity helped me fully realize the kind of work I wanted to create. I now stand capable of things I couldn’t even imagine before starting the program, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

A big part of my inspiration also stems from the creative communities I’ve been fortunate to be a part of. Whether it’s fellow students, colleagues, or the wider network of designers and artists I admire, their passion and innovation constantly motivate me to grow and evolve.

Lastly, I want to highlight the influence of the Cooper Hewitt Museum’s exhibition ‘The Senses: Design Beyond Vision’, which profoundly impacted how I think about design. The exhibition delved into the power of sensory engagement—how we experience objects, spaces, and interactions through touch, sight, sound, and smell. This perspective deeply resonated with my own interest in creating designs that foster meaningful connections. It encouraged me to think more holistically, considering how my work could extend beyond function to create moments of genuine engagement.

Every step of my journey has been shaped by the love, mentorship, and collaboration of so many incredible individuals and experiences. I’m deeply grateful for each of these influences and the role they’ve played in my growth as a designer.

Instagram: https://tan.hegde