Creative Spark-plug Rajesh Sharma and Baashobe Majumdar

In this episode, we sit down with Jenny Andrews, a national level athlete turned award-winning experiential designer, and founder of Studio.J in Bangalore. Jenny's journey from engineering intern to leading one of Bangalore’s top design studios is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.



Jenny breaks the mold, proving that formal education in a creative field isn't the only path to success. Her journey was far from smooth—she faced numerous obstacles, including losing her job when she became a mother, being passed over for promotions, and having her credibility questioned due to her lack of formal design education. Despite managing 247 stores in a corporate job and facing discrimination, Jenny's resilience and learner's mindset propelled her forward.



Jenny’s ability to navigate tough times, constantly learn, and seek uncomfortable situations sets her apart. She embraces her flaws, continuously works on them, and remains grateful to those who helped her grow.



If you want to get to know the remarkable woman behind the success, this episode is a must-listen. Join us to hear how Jenny Andrews unlocked her potential through self-love and dedication, creating a thriving career in design.

Meet Shailan Parker, one of India's most dedicated and versatile photographers. Based in New Delhi, Shailan has always known that photography was his true calling. With over 30 years of unwavering dedication to his craft, Shailan has captured the essence of the world through his lens.

As a partner at PhotoDesign, Shailan has worked with leading corporate giants like ITC Hotels, Nestle India, the Thapar Group, and NAFED, creating visual narratives that speak volumes. His journey began with formal training in Visual Communication at the prestigious National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, where he mastered design concepts, graphics, and digital technology.

Shailan's expertise goes beyond the camera. As an educator and mentor, he has profoundly influenced countless aspiring photographers. He has served as guest faculty at renowned design institutes including NID, NIFT, and IICD, and conducts immersive photo workshops and treks for students of all ages, sharing his passion and knowledge with the next generation.

Whether you're an amateur photographer or a design enthusiast eager to learn, a professional seeking inspiration, or someone who simply appreciates the art of visual storytelling, this podcast is your gateway to the enchanting world of Shailan and his love for photography. Tune in and let your imagination develop through the magic of the lens.

Welcome to today's episode of our podcast "From Building to Teaching" the 2nd episode of Creative Spark Plug, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of architecture and education with Arun Swaminathan.

Arun is not just an architect; his true passion lies in teaching. Despite receiving a prestigious job offer from the legendary Sir Norman Foster—a titan of high-tech and modernist architecture, Arun chose a different path. He turned down this incredible opportunity to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching design.

In this episode, you'll discover why Arun made this unconventional choice and how it shaped his journey. Arun, a dedicated collector of scaled down models, accurately predicted the transformation of Bangalore's architecture back in the 1990s. Many of his forecasts, including issues like space crunch, water shortages, and traffic congestion, have become realities today.

With over three decades of teaching experience, Arun shares how the dynamics of architecture and education have evolved. Despite his extensive knowledge, he remains humble and believes that continuous learning is key to success. Throughout our conversation, he recounts numerous instances where he learned invaluable lessons from his students, offering us all a chance to gain fresh perspectives.

Join us for an enlightening conversation filled with Arun's insightful observations and much more. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the man himself. Tune in now!

In our first episode, we talk to Deepak Puri, Founder and Principal at his namesake firm. Hear about his journey from an enthusiastic architecture student to a flourishing practice spanning India to Europe, his ideas on learning, holding on to principles in the face of difficulty, and the potential benefits of a drink or two!

"Creative Spark-plug is a show about design for emerging design professionals. We talk to leading architects, designers, creative thinkers form all fields about their work and ideas. We dive deep into their thought process, introducing you to the creative and innovative minds that shape iconic products, buildings, and cities around the world. Hosted by Rajesh Sharma and Baasobe Majumdar  both designers and entrepreneurs themselves, who are curious about bringing design to reality. help shaping of new designers into future design legends, and much, much more. The frequency will be fortnightly every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, looking forward to growing together."