Interview by Yash Panchal

INIFD

Mrs. Jane Pereira is the Center Head of INIFD, MG ROAD Bangalore. She is a veteran in the industry of design. She is a catalyst in establishing strong industry connects and ensuring alignment of the academic vision and standardization of design education.

Mrs. Pereira’s experience in the education industry

Teaching is the most illuminating profession to be a part of.

“Education has no age limit”

 this statement is most befitting to encapsulate my experience in this field. Although, I am in a sphere that allows me to help mold minds that are the future. I am learning from them, I am developing with them. Their raw and nonconformist energy allows me to lend a hand in driving their ideas through the shell of the outer world.

The leadership style of the Centre Head of INIFD

Aim, Venture, Work. All of these words are synonymous with one thought, i.e. to strive. With a world that is developing as fast as ours, so do the minds of its citizens. We aim to create a platform where individuals are able to express themselves as they see fit, in their own space. Never be afraid to venture into uncharted waters because no one achieved anything by being mundane. And lastly work, because that's how you make your dreams a reality.

The reasons for the sudden growth of students pursuing design

The sudden uproar of students finding an interest in the design spectrum is because now there is more diversity in the concept that is design. The field has opened up so vastly that it has become something that the youth are able to contribute to almost instantly. To be present in a domain like this also helps in a sense of individuality by creating your own style and being free to pursue it.  

Additional pedagogy offered in INIFD’s curriculum

INIFD has been in association with a number of events that allow students to participate and gauge the industry with a more hands-on involvement. The events range from ‘INIFD Presents Gen Next’ show at Lakmé Fashion Week at Main Show Area to encourage upcoming Gen Next Designers at Lakmé Fashion Week – the premium platform for all budding designers. To be the official knowledge partner to Femina Miss India, India’s biggest pageant. Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID) – India’s only premier body of Interior Designers that offers specialization in Interior Design. Creating collaboration with Duravit, a leading European and German sanitary ware brand for conducting factory visits, workshops, and professional training. And being the first institute in the world to completely digitize education which changed the learning landscape for thousands of students across INIFD centers.

An open relation with the students and availability

Since the beginning of my career, I have aimed to maintain an openly communicative stance with students. They are free to approach me with any qualms they may have or even for a simple chat. We aren’t bound by the four walls of a cabin or the existence of a door - literally or metaphorically- to limit interactions with students. Even our faculty shares the same sentiment and that has come to be the best approach with students.

Ideal school environment for designers

Designers, according to me can excel in any space as long as they have people to guide and mold them

A safe and supportive environment where they are able to work towards a goal and achieve it. As I have observed, from various institutes around the world, the faculty is equally as important as the infrastructure.

Skills that an aspiring Designer must possess

Sincerity and Perseverance.

An individual’s candor must never diminish in any way while they are working towards the endgame

They must be accepting of critical appraisal but at the same time be able to defend their work. Students are slowly acquainted with this balance through their coursework. Be tenacious and you will prosper.

Suggestions for the current youth

“Aspire for the stars and you’ll reach the moon”. Ambition, it is the base of any growth. Ambition is the best motivator for any individual stepping out in the world. Youth need to expose themselves to thinking out of the confines/norms of society and find a career in something they love. A job isn’t a job if you love what you’re doing.