Designing for Life, Not Likes | Finding Your Own Design Voice | FOAID 2025

In Designing for Life, Not Likes, leading architects and designers come together at FOAID to unpack the growing influence of Instagram, Pinterest and social media on architecture and interior design. The conversation asks an important question for the next generation: How do you find your own design voice when inspiration is everywhere? The panel discusses why young designers shouldn't blindly follow trends, how social media can become a powerful professional tool when used correctly, and why good design needs to feel and function well—not simply look good online. The discussion also moves beyond social media into the realities of beginning a design career: choosing your first internship, finding the right mentor, learning collaboration, developing communication skills, working on site, embracing technology and giving yourself enough time to actually learn the profession. Featuring: Thomas Parambil — Thomas Parambil Architects Jugal Mistri — JMA Mumbai Ali Baldiwala — Baldiwala Edge Zoish Contractor — Architect Hafeez Contractor Darshini Shah — Design by Darshini Rohini Bagla — Studio Rohini Bagla Manish Dikshit — Aum Architects If you're an architecture or interior design student, young professional, or designer trying to find your own voice in a world of endless references, this conversation is worth watching. Watch the full episode and ask yourself: are you designing for life—or for likes? 00:00 – Designing for life, not likes 02:39 – Social media & finding your design voice 05:20 – Is Instagram a portfolio or a distraction? 07:00 – Design should feel good, not just look good 10:30 – Choosing your first internship & mentor 14:20 – Why collaboration matters in design 16:30 – Early career mistakes young designers make 18:40 – Advice for the next generation 23:55 – What should your first job actually teach you? 26:00 – Instagram, Pinterest & the copy vs inspiration debate #FOAID #DesigningForLifeNotLikes #Architecture #InteriorDesign #DesignCommunity #YoungArchitects #YoungDesigners #ArchitectureStudents #InteriorDesignStudents #DesignThinking #DesignInspiration #ArchitectureIndia #DesignEducation #DesignCareer #FOAID2025