“The design industry has come a long way. From being overlooked as an artistic space, it has now become a problem solving industry. It has empowered creative minds, and JD School of Design works to train the same mind and make them industry ready,” proclaims Mr. Nealesh Dalal, Managing Trustee, JD. With its cutting edge undergraduate and post graduate courses, JD School of Design is well on its way of realizing its dream as its alumni carve out a niche for themselves in the dynamic design industry. What makes JDSD a sought after destination amongst aspirants from all over the country? Mr. Dalal talks about its pillars of learning and USPs that make it stand out.

Powered by a new age curriculum for the new world

As the pandemic is on the verge of ending, we are on the cusp of a new world with more exciting opportunities for professionals in the design space. Mr. Dalal asserts that JD School of Design is driven by the mission of putting India on the map for its Design education, and it begins with the industry-oriented curriculum. “JDSD is one of a kind design school that has a tech enabled curriculum along with a global pedagogy. Each course is thoughtfully curated with rigorous research and with the help of industry experts. Mentors and educators include a practical approach in their teaching methods to offer a hands-on experience to students,” he explains.

Guided by industry-experienced mentors

Given its growing stature as the leader in design education, JDSD attracts leading professionals and academics from all over the world. They bring their vast experience to the table enabling students to transform into professionals with crucial real-world insights. Mr. Dalal highlights the process of handpicking faculty and their inputs in the courses. “We assess their qualifications, methodology, understanding of the subject, pace with technology, and innovative methods they are looking to explore. They bring practical knowledge, problem solving attitude, and industrial connections to help design enthusiasts establish a strong foothold in the market,” he asserts.

Backed by robust industry-network

It’s not just the faculty members that contribute to the industry connections that JD School of Design has harnessed. The legacy of JD Institute of Fashion Technology has been leveraged to build strong connections that facilitate several platforms for students to get practical exposure. “Industry visits, workshops, seminars, competitions, exhibits are par for the course at JDSD. Their active participation in design expo, fashion shows, design competitions allow them to enter the industry with a portfolio that is unparalleled. Our strong connections and network help them grasp the market and find opportunities to establish a name of their own,” says Mr. Dalal.

Strengthened by International collaborations

JDSD has associations and collaborations with Cumulus, EQAC, Indo French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, EU India Chambers, London College of Fashion, Chelsea College of Art and Design, India Fashion Week London, and KOEFIA. Understanding their role in putting Indian design professionals on the world map Mr. Dalal says, “We collaborate with renowned international bodies and get experts from abroad to offer international exposure to our aspiring designers. Indian Design professionals have the talent, skills, and strong professionalism; we facilitate platforms that put the global spotlight on them.”

What lies ahead for JDSD

Mr. Dalal is aware of the fact that the design industry has transformed, and to stay up-to-date with the current requirement and meet the futuristic needs, the educational approach has to evolve too. He believes today it is on the practical spectrum and multidisciplinary, with snippets of courses like history, art and culture, psychology etc. “In the coming days, design education will take a more technological route with innovative and eco-friendly ways to curate the designs. We will introduce new courses in keeping with the changes and further our international collaborations,” he concludes with a glimpse of a promising future for the institute, its students, and thereby India’s design industry on the whole.