Today we’d like to introduce you to Asmita Kerkar.
Hi Asmita, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into the world of design began with a visit to a stunning stone house in my hometown of Belgaum in India. The discovery of hidden Architectural gems amidst the new urban development shifted my focus from Fashion design to Space design. At the time, I had no experience with still life drawing or perspective sketching and my sketchbooks were filled with cartoons. However, my mentor recognized my innate passion for learning and encouraged me to pursue a degree in Architecture.
My five years at KLS Gogte Institute of Technology were filled with invaluable exposure to the design world and lasting friendships that felt like family. As a Junior Architect, I found myself drawn to the intricate design details that affect the inhabitants of a space more than the exterior facades. I wanted to learn the art of storytelling while enhancing spatial experiences, which led me to pursue a Master’s in Spatial Experience at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena.
Leaving my parents in India was a difficult decision, but their unwavering support and encouragement allowed me to pursue my passion. Studying at ArtCenter helped me redefine my core values as a designer, where my elective classes with Designmatters played an important role to help understand the value of designing with people rather than for people, and since then I have been an advocate of participatory design practices.
Currently, I am working with FFEN – Foundation for Essential Needs, where I design food shelves for families facing food insecurity. The layout design we create has a welcoming environment and amplifies the voices of shoppers through design solutions. My contribution as a space planner with FFEN aligns with my values and reinforces my commitment to designing with empathy and inclusivity in mind.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
“Grow through what you go through” is a saying that has truly resonated with me, as I have experienced it firsthand. As an international student, one of the factors that drew me to study in the US was the campus experience and opportunities to network and share knowledge. However, the pandemic brought everything to a standstill, and I found myself navigating the challenges of studying in a virtual realm, having a virtual graduation, and not being able to see my loved ones. Coping with isolation and adapting to the new normal took a toll on my mental health.
But amidst all these challenges, I learned the power of kindness, inner strength, and love. As things started getting back to normal, my school invited alumni who virtually graduated to have an in-person graduation ceremony. However, I couldn’t attend as my mother passed away last year, just a week before the ceremony. Losing a loved one creates an immense void in one’s heart, and I felt like the wings which taught me to fly had been taken away from me.
But my pillar of strength – My Mummy, who worried about my career, my dreams, and my graduation ceremony even while she was recovering, gives me the strength today to pick myself up and live the life she would have wanted me to have while honoring her memory at every step. Life is unpredictable, but I have learned that having the strength to keep fighting, normalizing the feeling of breaking down, building supportive relationships at home and work, and investing time in self-care has helped me grow through the difficult times and stand back stronger every time I fall.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Spatial Experience Designer with a background in Architecture, specializing in space psychology and its impact on human psychology. I am passionate about designing spaces that spark important conversations and raise awareness about societal issues. From creating spatial toolkits for fighting Street Harassment for my Masters Thesis Street Respect to designing spaces that promote the mental well-being of homeless youth, my design proposals advocate for meaningful changes.
During my time at Steelcase.Inc, I advanced my skills in strategizing design solutions to create intentional, focused, and purposeful workplace environments. What sets me apart is my commitment to empathetic design. Understanding and considering the needs, perspectives, and emotions of users is crucial to my design process. By stepping outside my own experiences and biases and truly listening and observing the users I am designing for, I create spaces that meet not only functional requirements but also emotional and psychological needs.
One of my proudest accomplishments is collaborating with FFEN to design food shelves that cater to designing with people. Seeing the smiles on my client’s faces when they witness the design process come to life and make a positive impact on themselves and their community is truly fulfilling.
What’s next?
I am thrilled to be working on a couple of exciting projects currently – one being designing a guidebook for FFEN highlighting best practices to follow while designing spaces for food shelves and the other is curating an Indian food recipes blog that will showcase my Mummy’s delicious recipes along with her tips and tricks. My passion for giving back to the community has inspired me to seek out opportunities to work with social impact design agencies. I am currently open to collaborations and eagerly looking for ways to contribute my skills and creativity to make a positive impact on society.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kerspaces.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/asmita.kerkar.kerspaces?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmitakerkar
Image Credits
McLeod Emergency Food Shelf, Glencoe MN
