The second edition of Design Mumbai returns to Jio World Garden from 26–29 November 2025, expanding on last year’s debut with something significant: the Australian Institute of Architects bringing its annual conference to Mumbai for the first time. Building on momentum from the 2024 edition – 9,000+ visitors, 100 brands and an estimated 200 million combined media reach across international titles – this year’s programme signals a further step up in ambition. The four-day trade event, founded by Ian Rudge (co-founder of 100% Design), Michael Dynan (co-founder of Design Shanghai), and Piyush Suri (designer and BBC presenter), targets professionals across hospitality, retail, workplace and residential sectors.

The Australian architects’ conference delegates will participate in Design Mumbai Exchange, the talks programme, with speakers to be announced this autumn.

What sets this year apart is the programming. The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) collaboration with Indian furniture manufacturer Phantom Hands showcases sculptural furniture in American cherry, maple and red oak – dining tables, benches, wall sconce lamps – designed by Melbourne-based architect Adam Markowitz alongside work by x+l, Chandigarh Collective and Inoda+Sveje. Award-winning Spanish designer Lucas Muñoz Muñoz will design THE Park Hotels Café on site using repurposed materials from the hotel group’s refurbishments. French duo Lux Temporis will present kinetic lighting that merges mechatronics with nature.

Beyond the established names, the new Emerging Designers Pavilion, designed by Mumbai-based interior stylist Jasmine Jhaveri, spotlights Studio Abrash, Wannas Design Atelier, Studio Klay and Trnkts3D among eight brands. Design school Istituto Marangoni returns with five alumni.

International debuts include Natuzzi presenting the Mirai sofa collection inspired by 13th-century Puglian architecture, Swedish brand String with its iconic 1949 modular system and Racconti merging Indian artisanal heritage with Italian design. Returning brands include Infiniti, Poltrona Frau and Hästens.

Related: Foster + Partners exhibition is coming to Sydney

From India, watch for Sarvatva – three women designers creating handcrafted teak furniture blending ancient philosophies with contemporary aesthetics. Sabbi introduces micro-concrete furniture inspired by wabi-sabi and Karkhana unveils collectible art-design pieces.

Hearty Muse Atelier brings luxurious rugs and statement lighting. Decorative interiors includes FAZO Project with rugs using traditional weaving techniques, heritage brand Venjara Carpets debuting sustainable PET rugs from Bhadohi, Threadarte transforming waste materials into experimental textiles and Shaman Ideas with geometric wall sculptures.

Design Mumbai positions itself as bridging India’s creative energy with global innovation – standard fare for design shows, but backed here by institutional support and second-year expansion suggesting the first edition delivered. The organisers hope attendees leave inspired by the collision of international showcases and local craft traditions, connections across sectors and demonstration that India is a design force beyond just being a market to enter.

Tickets are available at designmumbai.com.

Australian Institute of Architects
architecture.com.au

Photography
Courtesy of Design Mumbai and participating brands.