Doshi Levien was founded by the designers Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien, who met at the Royal College of Art. The London based studio is internationally renowned for its marriage of culture, technology, industrial design and fine craftsmanship. Nipa grew up in India and studied at the National Institute of Design; Jonathan trained in fine cabinet making followed by industrial design.
Together, they strive to create work that transcends rational and functional qualities, to imbue a sense of true inner beauty in their projects. Nipa’s practice is rooted in her plural upbringing and astute eye for visual culture; and Jonathan’s in industrial precision, combined with the sensibility of a maker’s hand and deep understanding of materials. What makes their work so distinctive is not just their confident relationship to colour, material and form, but the ability to translate meticulous design ideas to the context of production. This has enabled them to work coherently across industries and categories, including lighting and furniture.
The duo have created works for leading manufacturers, for prestigious international museums and cultural institutions. In 2008 Nipa and Jonathan were awarded the prestigious Future Legends of Design by the Cooper Hewitt National Museum of Design in New York. They have been invited to be keynote speakers and lectured internationally, been on important design juries and have taught at the Royal College of Art. Their work is part of the permanent collection at Moma, Cooper Hewitt National Museum of Design and important private collections.
