Creative Teesside University academic Kirath Ghundoo is using her own design expertise to bring an artistic edge to the campus – and social media.
Kirath, a part-time lecturer on the BA (Hons) Textile Design course, runs her own award-winning surface pattern design brand company KG Wallpaper & Surface Design.
One of her wallpapers, a geometric monochrome design, is to be used to decorate the reception area of the University’s School of Science, Engineering & Design in the University’s Stephenson Building.
Kirath licenses her designs to companies worldwide and for the last two years she has worked with a design company in Los Angeles. Her most recent project with the firm in America has involved designing for the social media giant Snapchat offices in LA.
She was recently a finalist in the Design Maker category of the Northern Design Awards 2017, held in Manchester last month, in recognition of her brand.
Since launching her first collection in 2011, Kirath has worked with clients worldwide, including Mexico, Italy, France and America. Her bespoke wallpaper designs have featured in UK and international design press.
She also has award recognition from the likes of Elle Decoration and Homes and Garden magazines and has exhibited at numerous trade shows in London, Paris and Milan. Next year she plans to exhibit at London Design Festival’s Decorex trade show.
Kirath said: “The main inspiration for my designs is travel, capturing inspiration through photography which I translate into digital designs.
“I recently visited Columbia and Cuba which provided inspiration for my latest collection. I love handmade print processes and would love to incorporate these into forthcoming collections.”
She added: “Having my own business means I can remain current and bring professional experience to my work with students, which helps to inform my teaching.
“Students from the textile design degree go on to have varied careers within print designs for interiors, fashion and gift, buying, styling, trend researchers and some go onto further study with and MA or teaching. Students can set up their own businesses and we encourage enterprise on the course.”