Arya is from India and is a final year student on BA (Hons) Product and Industrial Design at Central Saint Martins.
Why did you choose to study your course and why Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
I did my foundation at Camberwell in 2021, where I was quite unsure of what degree I wanted to pursue, but then chose the product design course at CSM because it allows me to merge design, technology, and material exploration in a way that challenges traditional approaches. I’ve always been fascinated by how objects shape human interaction, and this course provides the perfect space to experiment with form, function, and emerging technologies. The course itself is structured in a way that’s about rethinking systems and questioning norms, not just making products.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far? What made it so interesting to work on?
One of the most interesting, but challenging projects that I have worked on was my self-led project in my final year. 'Impermanence' - a solid perfume that explores the relationship between scent, memory, and materiality. Rather than just creating a fragrance, I focused on how form, texture, and composition influence the way we experience scent. How the passage of time can be visually shown whilst interacting with a product and being mindful of what the world produces and why. The most interesting thing that was encouraged was seeing it not just as an act of making, but as a way to provoke thought, emotion, and change.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
Be prepared to question everything, as this course isn’t about following a fixed process; it’s about developing your own way of thinking and making. Stay open to unexpected directions. Some of the most valuable ideas come from embracing failure and iteration. Using CSM’s resources and people is something that everyone should take advantage of. The workshops, technicians, and tutors are invaluable, which is why it's important to come in as much as you can. This course is all about building connections and finding people and interests that excite you.
What has been the highlight of your CSM experience so far?
For me, the highlight has been the freedom to experiment across disciplines. Whether it’s working with casting, electronics, or speculative design, there’s always room to push boundaries. Beyond projects, the community at CSM is something special. Being surrounded by people who challenge ideas and bring unexpected perspectives keeps things constantly inspiring.
What are your career aspirations? Where would you like to be in five years time?
In five years, I see myself at the intersection of industrial design, speculative technology, and sustainability, developing products and systems that challenge how we interact with energy and materials. I’d love to work on future-focused design, whether it's in material innovation, wearables, or energy autonomy. Ideally, I’d be in a studio where design, technology, and material experimentation come together to create objects that aren’t just functional but also provoke thought and change.
What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?
That design is never just about objects, it’s also about systems, interactions, and behaviours. I’ve learned to see beyond the physical form and understand how materials, technology, and user engagement shape experiences. The most valuable insight has been realising that design is a tool to reimagine the world, not just respond to it.