Mr. Ravinder Kumar is a multidisciplinary design professional, educator, and researcher with expertise in textile, accessory, ceramic, and glass design. His practice integrates industry experience, craft traditions, and academic research through a material-driven and hands-on approach that bridges traditional knowledge systems with contemporary design thinking.

He holds an M.Des in Industrial Design with specialization in Ceramic and Glass Design from National Institute of Design and a B.Des in Fashion and Lifestyle Accessory Design from National Institute of Fashion Technology. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Design at Banasthali Vidyapith, where his research focuses on traditional craft practices, systemic design thinking, and the glass bangle community of Firozabad. His long-standing engagement with glass as a material began during his studies at NID and continues through his independent studio practice in flame working.

Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, where he developed and taught a research-led pedagogy centered on learning through making. He has also conducted expert sessions and workshops on materials, industrial processes, and foundation design at several institutions, including IIT Kanpur ( RSK), Chitkara University, Banasthali Vidyapith, Manipal University Jaipur, and National Institute of Fashion Technology Kangra, among others.

With nearly seven years of combined experience in academia and industry, his expertise includes product and form design, technical drawing, manufacturing processes, digital tools, and practice-based research. He has worked extensively with craft clusters across India, contributing to artisan skill development, cluster training programs, and the advancement of traditional craft practices for future sustainability. In addition, Mr. Kumar holds a registered design in his name, reflecting his commitment to innovation and design development. His work is dedicated to advancing craft and design while fostering innovation, sustainability, and cultural continuity.

Professional Education

• Ph.D (Banasthali Vidyapith, Jaipur ) - Indian Craft (Pursuing)
• M.Des ( National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad), 2015
• B.Des ( National Institute of Fashion Technology, Hyderabad), 2010

Teaching Courses

• Material Handling
• Surface Decoration / Treatments
• Technical drawing
• Physical prototyping
• Form Generation

Research Interests

• Craft research
• Industrial processes
• Design, Craft and culture

Research Projects Undertaken

• Cocoboro design studio - focusing on the ceramic and the glass work
• Paper Mache, Kashmir (USTTAD Project – Ministry of Minority Affairs)
• Blue pottery of Jaipur - Self study
• Nonstick Terracotta Cookware, Chhota Udaipur, Gujarat
• Cluster development program in Bithoor, Kanpur- with IITK
• Paper thin potter in Ramgadh Alwar – self study
• Glass bangle join maker in Firozabad, UP – self study