designer gaurav nanda

Gaurav Nanda is an LA-based designer who took the leap from working in the corporate world as a product designer (mostly cars) to launching his own business, Bend. The premier range for the company includes several chairs which are made from a process of shaping, or "bending", and spot welding to not only give them beautiful lines but strength too. Gaurav has taken his inspiration from many areas, including the architecture of primitive Amish barns for the Farmhouse Lounge chair, pictured top.

Which five words best describe you? Full of fun, crazy ideas.

How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? My first job out of college was teaching people how to use Photoshop. It set the foundation that would allow me to express my creativity.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Find a passion, dive in, be patient, and don’t give up.

What’s your proudest career achievement? My proudest career moment is the launch of Bend. Two years of hard work but it really is the culmination of everything I have done the last 16 years in one idea.

What’s been your best decision? To leave my corporate job where I knew I was not going to grow any further.

Who inspires you? Creative people who follow their passion! Mom, dad, sister, other family members, chefs, musicians, explores, athletes, entrepreneurs, artist, designers, underdogs, survivors, friends… Inspiring people are everywhere.

What are you passionate about? Design things, make things. I wish I could do that all day long.

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? My unborn niece and/or nephew.

What dream do you still want to fulfill? Expand my line of products. There are so many ideas I want to explore and bring to market.

What are you reading? Tons of design magazines.

images courtesy of gaurav nanda