At Future Varsity, we constantly strive to bridge the gap between interior design education and real-world design practice. And recently, NAFDI – School of Interior Design  had the privilege of hosting a truly special event: a two-day workshop on Design Thinking and Concept Building led by the celebrated architect, Por Samrej, who came all the way from Bangkok. The workshop titled “Beyond Designers’ Desk,” was not just another lecture series; it was an immersive journey that pushed us to think, create and innovate.

Day 1: Insights and Inspiration

Architect Samrej kicked things off by delving into the core of his professional philosophy of Design Thinking: a structured yet flexible problem-solving approach driven by creativity, innovation and empathy. He emphasised that every project starts with an idea and it is concept building that gives this idea structure and direction.

To make the session engaging, Por shared his own design projects, explaining how client requirements, cultural context and functionality influence design outcomes. Using his iPad, he demonstrated design ideas visually, making abstract concepts more relatable.

was a hands-on design activity. Students were asked to transform an empty kitchen-sized room into either a restaurant design or a café interior design based on their interests. Por explained practical differences like how dining restaurant tables are usually broad rectangular ones to accommodate larger portions, while café tables are smaller and round for lighter meals. He also highlighted cultural design elements, eg: a Chinese restaurant often uses dark interiors with red accents, while a South Indian café would draw on traditional regional aesthetics. 

Working in 27 groups of 6-7 people, the students poured over the floor plan, brainstorming themes, layouts and mood boards. The room was a hive of activity, with sketches and ideas flying. The first day concluded with a flurry of creative energy, as the students worked to bring their concepts to life.

Day 2: Presentations and Recognition

Students presented their restaurant and café design concepts. Out of 27 groups, 10 were shortlisted to showcase their design layouts and mood boards. The projects ranged from thematic cafés to concept-driven restaurants, reflecting a deep understanding of user-centered design. 

Por’s feedback focused on refining details, encouraging students to consider not just visuals but also user experience and cultural relevance. The top 3 design projects were rewarded with gifts, adding a sense of achievement and motivation for the participants.

Key Takeaways for Students

• Design Thinking Methodology: Creativity, empathy and innovation as the core of design.
  
• Concept Development:Turning ideas into structured and practical designs.
  
• Exposure to Professional Practice: Learning from real-world design workflows.
  
• Practical Design Application: Working on layouts, themes and mood boards.
• Creative Confidence: Encouragement to develop unique interior design styles.

A Lasting Impact

The Design Thinking workshop with Ar. Por Samrej was more than an academic exercise,it was a powerful reminder that design is a blend of art, science and empathy. The workshop encouraged students to push boundaries, take ownership of ideas and develop their own designs. By blending theory with practice, the workshop prepared students for the challenges of interior design careers with confidence and creativity. 

The workshop was a turning point in the students’ journey to becoming thoughtful, innovative and future-ready designers.

🌟 Learning made lively! Our workshop combined creativity with practical insights. Be a part of our upcoming sessions where ideas turn into action and skills into confidence. Join us for hands-on training sessions designed to inspire, connect and build real-world skills.