Circular Design, which is at the intersection of design and ecology, explores the possibilities of not only building products and services that are regenerative for the planet but also reinventing waste as a resource.
Arvind Bhallamudi, our next pathbreaker, works as Design Strategist at Big Dreams Studio (Rhode Island, United States), an experience design agency, with practices encompassing qualitative research, digital design, communication strategy, consulting with clean energy startups, small businesses, and non-profits.
Arvind talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his master’s thesis project at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), ‘Fungi in Flux’, which focused on using mycelium products and fungi-based materials for circular product design.
For students, the world of design is vast, and the boundaries between disciplines are becoming porous; use that to your advantage by combining skills from different domains.
Arvind, can you share your background with our young readers?
My parents’ backgrounds in engineering and biochemistry, and my sister’s in sociology, have greatly shaped my interests, exposing me to a unique mix of technological and human-centered thinking. I grew up in Mumbai, in close proximity to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and I spent countless hours hiking and camping to photograph nature and wildlife. Over time, I observed the extreme duality between natural and industrial systems, and I strived to balance the influence of both. As a kid, I also remember tinkering frequently, taking apart old machines to build contraptions. I believe all of these experiences have shaped my personal and professional journey as a designer working for healthcare and climate action.
What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?
For my undergraduate studies, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Symbiosis Institute of Technology, which provided a foundation in technical principles and analytical thinking. During these years, I leaned toward projects in medical device innovation and 3D printing. It broadened my circle of competence and showed me new approaches that blurred traditional disciplinary boundaries.
To further explore the design, I pursued a Master’s degree in Industrial Design (MID’23) at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in the United States. My time at RISD felt transformative. Surrounded by a global cohort of designers, artists, and thinkers, I was encouraged to question conventions and push boundaries of what design could make and accomplish. I focused on electives, projects, and assistantships that were related to sustainability and biodesign, exploring how working with nature can contribute to circular economies. My thesis focused on the development of fungi-based materials, exploring how local waste streams could be transformed into healthy, carbon-capturing materials and products through biological processes.
What drove you to choose such an offbeat, unconventional and cool career in Sustainable Design?
My decision to pursue a career in design and strategy was shaped by a series of pivotal experiences. Two early internships at IIT Bombay exposed me to the design and engineering of physical products. As a summer intern at the IDC School of Design, I worked on a Cane Palkhi, a sustainable and lightweight alternative for pilgrim porters to carry passengers to holy sites such as Vishnu Devi and Elephanta Caves. In my third year, I interned for six months at the Biomedical Engineering and Technology Innovation Center (BETIC) where I collaborated with doctors, engineers, and manufacturing specialists on three medical devices: a glaucoma screener (Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve), a lower-limb prosthesis and a heart surgery tool. All of these products were tested on patients in clinical trials. I took the glaucoma device forward as my final year project, to develop its accuracy and usability, and worked with my advisors and a lawyer to file a patent, which was recently granted in 2025. I plan to bring the glaucoma screener to market in the near future. This was a valuable period of learning, and I saw the potential of design to create innovative, impactful solutions. It’s around this time that I realized that I was interested in industrial and product design.
After joining RISD, support from mentors and peers played a crucial role in my trajectory. Here, I was fortunate to work with faculty and advisors who encouraged me to approach design as an integrative practice—drawing on science, art, and culture. They challenged me to interrogate every design decision, to consider the broader implications of my work. As someone who loves spending time in nature, I was certain to focus these two years on learning about environmental issues and solutions. And these projects and experiences solidified my conviction that good design can help us build a sustainable and equitable future.
Ultimately, what drew me to a career where I can work across climate, health, and education was the idea that design and strategy can act as tools for change and a means to address pressing challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequity. The prospect of working on meaningful problems, collaborating with people from around the world, and continually learning new things is what motivates me.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted?
My career path has been anything but linear, echoing the reality for many designers and strategists today. After my undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering, I was eager to experiment beyond the confines of my discipline. My background provided me with a solid foundation in mechanical design, computer-aided design (CAD), problem-solving, and technical analysis.
After graduating, I worked as a Lead Designer at Curiosity Gym, an ed-tech startup in Mumbai. I created and conducted semester-long product design courses, workshops, and mentorships for K-12 students, undergraduates, and post-graduates at prestigious schools in Mumbai. My responsibilities also included designing and maintaining the company website, learning management system (LMS), robotics kits, and science exhibits.
During this time, I also launched a product design and 3D printing venture called ‘Dimiour Design’ forming a team of 6 over the next two years. We designed custom products, conducted 3D printing workshops (partnering with Imaginarium and Autodesk India) and consulted on mechanical engineering projects. In 2020, we crossed the mark of delivering 600 parts to customers across 10+ cities India. It didn’t take off as I hoped, but it was a crash course in entrepreneurship, teaching me everything from managing projects, developing operational systems, marketing campaigns, and understanding how to turn ideas into functional, viable products.
These couple of years were quite hectic: working full-time, running a venture, and using my free time to build a portfolio and apply to Master’s programs.
Since I had always been interested in working in the climate space, I gravitated towards biomaterials and sustainability during my Master’s degree. The time at RISD pushed me to develop more critical, creative, and narrative-driven approaches to design. I used this time to solidify my past experiences and explore intersections between sustainability and healthcare. Along with coursework, I did assistantships each semester, including as a Biomaterials Instructor at Edna Lawrence Nature Lab, 3D Printing Instructor at CoWorks Lab, and Assistant Curator for the ‘Sustainable Futures Exhibition’ with the RISD x Hyundai Partnership. One of the areas of my research was developing biomaterial formulations for 3D printing, and creating a custom paste extruder for 3D printers, which can enable complex geometries to be made through sustainable additive manufacturing. It was rigorous but exhilarating, marked by long nights in the studio, collaborative projects, and countless rounds of prototyping and critique. Beyond technical skills, RISD helped me in my ability to communicate ideas through storytelling, frame challenges in the context of broader socio-economic systems, and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. These are skills I continue to build and draw upon.
I also did two gigs with Hyundai in 2022: technical assistant for a studio called ‘Tech Landscapes’, and assistant curator for an ‘Sustainable Futures Exhibition’. Then later in my last year in 2023, I was selected as a fellow for the studio ‘Future Spaces and Autonomous Vehicles’. All of these were during the 2 years at RISD.
From there, I moved towards roles that focused more on climate-centered design and strategy; initially volunteering with the Biodesign Challenge, where I helped create climate education resources and secure a STEM grant, then starting a full-time role with Big Dreams Studio in 2023, working on user research, UX design and strategy for startups and nonprofits in climate-tech, ocean science, and clean energy such as Xcimer Energy, Rhode Island Foundation and Possibility Ocean. Looking back, my approach has always been to follow my intrinsic motivation, to learn by doing, and stay open to evolving my career as the world around me changes.
Myco-Type is a educational initiative funded by Somerson Sustainability Innovation Fund. This is a part-time role, where I share open-source resources and conduct workshops to get more people to work with biology and living organisms: particularly fungi.
How did you get your first break?
Defining a “break” is tricky for me, as my career has been shaped by a series of small, significant turning points. One of the most formative experiences was developing my master’s thesis, ‘Fungi in Flux’, which focused on using fungi-based materials for circular product design. This was my thesis work that started before my Hyundai fellowship – the Hyundai work was for 4 months in my last semester, and it included one of many mycelium products (products made from biology and living organisms: particularly fungi ) that I made in my thesis. This project was supported by several grants, including the RISD Somerson Sustainability Innovation Fund and RISD x Hyundai Fellowship. Having that institutional backing not only boosted my confidence but also helped me push my work further—organizing workshops, delivering talks, and building an open-source resource that encouraged others to think differently about materials and objects. This initiative is now called Myco-Type Materials.
It was featured on platforms like Designboom, which brought it to a global audience. I was genuinely surprised by the number of students and creatives interested in learning about biomaterials such as fungi for their ideas and projects. The recognition was gratifying, but more importantly, it shared a sustainable idea with a wider community of designers, scientists, and entrepreneurs working at the intersection of design and ecology, toward the possibilities of growing materials and rethinking waste as a resource. This project feels meaningful because I can see many people taking this idea further and developing new fungi-based biomaterials.
I’ve found that this only happened because I put myself out there—participating in competitions, applying for grants, volunteering at events, and sharing new ideas and work at every stage I was at.
You can learn more about Myco-Type Materials here: https://www.myco-type.com/
What were the challenges?
Firstly, transitioning from engineering to design was a steep learning curve. I had to quickly adapt from thinking primarily in terms of technical optimization to embracing more narrative and empathic approaches. Sketching and storytelling became new skills I needed to master. I relied heavily on peer feedback and learned a great deal from classmates who came from liberal arts and design backgrounds. The process was humbling but super rewarding, teaching me the value of multiple viewpoints and collective ideas.
The second challenge was moving to the United States for graduate school. The cultural and financial adjustments were quite significant for me, as I navigated a new academic environment, managed living expenses, and built a network from scratch. Scholarships, graduate assistantships, and the support of peers and faculty at every stage played a crucial role in helping me find a footing. These experiences also taught me the importance of community, which is now central to how I approach both work and life.
Lastly, making my voice heard in the climate-tech and biodesign space was yet another challenge. It is a relatively niche area, and there were no clear entry points. I started by volunteering at non-profits in biotechnology and education, continuing to develop and share my thesis work, and writing articles about topics such as circular design and biodesign. By persistently creating new work over the past 6 years, I was able to build a body of projects and experience that eventually led to a substantial role.
Where do you work now?
Since 2023, I’ve been working as a design strategist at Big Dreams Studio, an experience design agency, where my practice encompasses qualitative research, digital design, and communication strategy, consulting with clean energy startups, small businesses, and non-profits. My day-to-day role involves a mix of conducting interviews and workshops, mapping frameworks and ecosystems, designing digital prototypes, synthesizing insights, and crafting stories and visual assets.
Big Dreams is a consulting company / design agency. We work on experience design – mix of research, website design and development, communications and interactive events – focused on climate and local communities.
What problems do you solve?
A significant aspect of my work is facilitating interdisciplinary workshops that help teams articulate their goals, align on a common vision, and prototype and test solutions. I enjoy guiding teams through the front end of innovation, where asking the right questions is as important as finding the right answers. For instance, in one project, I interviewed pilots and airport coordinators for Collins Aerospace and helped discover insights about new users to help reduce aircraft collisions and improve efficiency. For Xcimer Energy, an inertial fusion energy startup, I collaborated with executives and internal and external teams to conduct competitive research, craft engagement strategies, and design and launch a new website experience. In another project, Ocean Futures Toolkit, I worked with marine biologists, leaders, engineers, and educators to compile an open-source resource for ocean literacy, and co-hosted the Possibility Ocean conference. I also led projects with public sector clients, including the Rhode Island Foundation, where I developed the mission, community frameworks, and engagement plan for convening 50+ nonprofits. I find immense satisfaction in connecting disparate perspectives and data and translating them into outcomes.
What are the skills required for your role? How did you acquire them?
My skills include UX/UI design with Figma, 3D CAD modeling with Fusion360 and Solidworks, and visual design with Adobe Illustrator. I also regularly use Miro, Notion, Google Analytics, and MS Office for research and analysis, copywriting, and project management. More important are soft skills: active listening, systems thinking, presentation skills, and the ability to navigate conflicting priorities within teams. Every project requires balancing creative vision with practical business constraints, and being able to adapt design languages and methods to suit different audiences. The spirit of the team at Big Dreams Studio has been a huge motivator, and I appreciate how much autonomy I have to experiment and explore new approaches.
You can learn more about Big Dreams Studio here: https://www.bigdreams.studio/
How does your work benefit society?
At its core, my work is about creating bridges: between technology and design, nature and people. My goal is to design and develop sustainable and accessible products, services, and experiences. I often see this as translating complex social and environmental needs into actionable, human-centered solutions. Integrating design thinking with scientific rigor, my projects and process aim to address, anticipate, and shape current needs and long-term societal change. I hope the projects I work on, and continue to work on, will have a butterfly effect, enabling more responsible resource sharing, supporting climate literacy, and accelerating greater equity in information and knowledge.
Along with my primary role, I’m continuing to build Myco-Type, encouraging students and professionals to learn about biomaterials (grown using living organisms such as fungi) and circular design principles. My mission is to make circular design more accessible and to foster a culture of science-based learning, ecological awareness, and broader participation in solving ecological problems. One of the most fulfilling aspects of this project was the opportunity to democratize knowledge and tools. Through this venture, I hope to inspire the next generation of designers and makers to approach sustainability in novel ways.
In my free time, I volunteer as a researcher and citizen scientist for nonprofits such as Biodesign Challenge and EarthwiseAware, collecting and curating data around biodiversity, ecological shifts, and nature-tech solutions. I’m certain that being involved with grassroots organizations and hyperlocal communities is one of the most impactful things one can do to safeguard humanity’s future, which is almost entirely dependent on the health of our natural systems.
Balancing consultancy work with powerful levers such as educational initiatives and volunteering allows me to stay rooted in practice and pedagogy, continuously learning and giving back. I believe design’s capability in collective decision-making and change-making can make the world a better place. Centering empathy and ecological awareness, my hope is to help communities and broader societies navigate the uncertainties of our time and co-create systems that benefit socio-economic and environmental futures.
A memorable project?
One project that remains especially close to my heart is one that I worked on during my time at Curiosity Gym in Mumbai. Two months into my role, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The hospitals across the city, country, and the world were overwhelmed by the surge. I knew I wanted to do something to help, so I researched personal protective equipment (PPE) designs and spent a week developing face shields and mask adjusters when supply chains were breaking. These were designed to be lightweight and ergonomic, stackable to reduce printing time, and open-source to enable other 3D printing enthusiasts and companies to join the mission. Our team sourced what we could, adapted local materials and tools, fabricated and assembled 150 units, implemented quick quality control/packaging, and donated this equipment to KEM Hospital. Clinicians gave us real-time feedback on fit and comfort; we iterated overnight and delivered a second batch. It was urgent and scrappy. We were reducing exposure risk for nurses, doctors, drivers, and patient families. This is memorable because the impact was so immediate and human.
Your advice to students?
If there’s one thing I would tell students aspiring to enter design or any creative field, it’s to embrace exploration and change. Don’t wait for a perfect path or a grand opportunity, because there isn’t any. Build side projects, experiment with different media, and treat “failure” as a chance to learn and refine your approach. It sounds cliché, but some of my most valuable lessons came from ventures that didn’t work out, and each one nudged me closer to clarity about my interests and strengths.
The world of design is vast, and the boundaries between disciplines are becoming porous; use that to your advantage by combining skills from different domains. I’ve taken advantage of several online courses (on YouTube, Coursera, EdX, LinkedIn) and fellowships (Terra.do) to supplement my knowledge in areas such as climate science, design approaches, business strategy, and digital marketing.
I also encourage students to reach out to people they admire, even if it feels intimidating. You would be surprised how many professionals are happy to share their thoughts, especially if you approach them with genuine interest and questions.
Quick portfolio tip: Document your process as much as your outcomes. Your portfolio should reflect not just what you created, but how you arrived there. Be clear and consistent. This transparency helps others understand your thinking and shows your capacity for growth and self-awareness.
Over time, I realized the value of actively seeking mentors and peers who could provide new perspectives and point to new opportunities. These relationships, both formal and informal, have been instrumental in my journey. Sharing experiences, giving and receiving feedback, and engaging in reflection have all contributed to my growth. I’m a strong believer that design is a continually evolving field, and staying relevant means being open to new tools, methods, and ways of thinking. That mindset of lifelong learning, combined with curiosity and optimism, is key.
Future plans?
Looking ahead, I am committed to deepening my work at the intersection of design and strategy, across climate-tech and healthcare. I want to continue helping individuals, groups, and organizations imagine and implement sustainable and healthy futures across scales. I am particularly inclined toward projects that empower people to become active participants in shaping their environments, developing innovative products, designing for public health and ecological risk, and fostering community-driven engagement.
Ultimately, my mission is to build products and services that prove regenerative for the planet, with values rooted in simplicity, stability, and synergy. As the challenges facing our world become complex and entangled, I believe design and strategy grounded in planetary growth will play an increasingly vital role in creating positive impact.
Long-term, I aspire to expand my educational initiatives. I see immense value in building platforms where students, professionals, and communities can collaborate on pressing challenges and blend scientific knowledge, creative work, and local wisdom. Teaching and mentorship are natural extensions of my practice, and I hope to invest more time in nurturing multidisciplinary talent and advocating for strategic design’s role in social and ecological justice.
You can learn more about my work here: https://www.arvindbhallamudi.com/